Viviana Franco
She/Her
Based in Chicago, IL
Speaks English, Spanish
Viviana Franco
Ask me about
My Story
Hi! I’m Viviana—born in Colombia, raised in Chicago, and endlessly inspired by the world. My love for travel started early and hasn’t stopped since. I’ve explored all seven of the original wonders and spent the last 25+ years discovering new corners of the world, always chasing that feeling of awe. But what moves me most isn’t just the landmarks—it’s the moments of true cultural connection. From savoring street food in Thailand to celebrating Día de Los Muertos in Mexico, spotting lions in South Africa, and tracing my roots across Latin America, those experiences shape how I see the world. I craft journeys that are seamless, meaningful, and full of soul—so you can focus on what matters most: connection, culture, and unforgettable moments you’ll carry with you forever.
Discover more about my love for travel and the stories behind my journeys on my website linked below.
My Travel Style
I design curated journeys for:
*Heritage Seekers: Reconnect with your roots through immersive cultural experiences across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
*Cultural Enthusiasts: Go beyond museums with hands-on experiences like cooking classes, private artist visits, and local festivals.
*Multigenerational Families: Bring 2–4 generations together through meaningful shared adventures that celebrate your story.
*Busy Professionals: Enjoy transformative travel without the planning stress—perfect for those who value their time and want an effortless, enriching escape.
Stay connected
My reviews (9)
Rachel W.
a month ago
Huge shout-out to Vivi, who helped plan our Guadalajara trip. She’s the kind of travel planner who really loves what she does — it shows in every detail. Her enthusiasm is contagious and you can tell she genuinely enjoys exploring the world herself, which makes her recommendations feel thoughtful and real, not cookie-cutter.
Everything was smooth, stress-free, and perfectly curated. From hotel suggestions to little tips that only someone who truly knows travel would think of, Vivi handled it all with excitement and care.
If you want someone who’s not only organized and knowledgeable, but also makes the planning process fun, Vivi is your girl. Can’t wait to work with her again on our next adventure!
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana’s recommendation for either Alma Lusa or Moxy hotel were great. Having seen both, both are in great locations for me, but very different vibe of neighborhoods. She provided names of the neighborhoods to visit and they are all very different from one another. Lisbon was a perfect city to wander, shop, stop for pastries, and try a variety of cuisine. Great city to explore and again friendly people throughout. Felt very safe even though in a big city. Appreciated Viviana’s help in some last minute changes we needed to make and her quick response to all the changes. This really helped me relax and enjoy the trip. Also details on car rental and return were very helpful. Thank you!
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana provided us a wonderful coastal drive from Lagos to Troia highlighting beaches and their unique features. These beaches were breathtaking and the Praia de Monte Clérigo is probably the most unique beach I have visited due to the rock formations and tide pools. Absolutely loved this beach. The recommendations provided were fabulous, easy to follow, and was a highlight of the trip! And I didn’t have to spend time researching. I would consider staying by the Monte clerigo or Comporta beaches on a future trip so I could spend the day at each.
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana planned a perfect trip. This resort was exactly what I was looking for- relaxation, comfort, close to beach, luxury. I loved Lagos and am so glad I stayed here rather than other cities in Algarve. With car it was easy to explore the surrounding areas.
Miriam S.
5 months ago
Viviana was amazing! Her recommendations were on point and she was very patient, attentive and went over and above to make sure that we booked the best possible experience within our budget. Her passion for travel truly shows and her attention to detail and customer service is top notch. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to plan their travel adventure.
Rachel W.
a month ago
Huge shout-out to Vivi, who helped plan our Guadalajara trip. She’s the kind of travel planner who really loves what she does — it shows in every detail. Her enthusiasm is contagious and you can tell she genuinely enjoys exploring the world herself, which makes her recommendations feel thoughtful and real, not cookie-cutter.
Everything was smooth, stress-free, and perfectly curated. From hotel suggestions to little tips that only someone who truly knows travel would think of, Vivi handled it all with excitement and care.
If you want someone who’s not only organized and knowledgeable, but also makes the planning process fun, Vivi is your girl. Can’t wait to work with her again on our next adventure!
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana’s recommendation for either Alma Lusa or Moxy hotel were great. Having seen both, both are in great locations for me, but very different vibe of neighborhoods. She provided names of the neighborhoods to visit and they are all very different from one another. Lisbon was a perfect city to wander, shop, stop for pastries, and try a variety of cuisine. Great city to explore and again friendly people throughout. Felt very safe even though in a big city. Appreciated Viviana’s help in some last minute changes we needed to make and her quick response to all the changes. This really helped me relax and enjoy the trip. Also details on car rental and return were very helpful. Thank you!
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana provided us a wonderful coastal drive from Lagos to Troia highlighting beaches and their unique features. These beaches were breathtaking and the Praia de Monte Clérigo is probably the most unique beach I have visited due to the rock formations and tide pools. Absolutely loved this beach. The recommendations provided were fabulous, easy to follow, and was a highlight of the trip! And I didn’t have to spend time researching. I would consider staying by the Monte clerigo or Comporta beaches on a future trip so I could spend the day at each.
Alicia J.
3 months ago
Viviana planned a perfect trip. This resort was exactly what I was looking for- relaxation, comfort, close to beach, luxury. I loved Lagos and am so glad I stayed here rather than other cities in Algarve. With car it was easy to explore the surrounding areas.
My travel ideas (1)
From Craters to Coasts: 12 Days in El Salvador
El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a vibrant mix of adventure, culture and natural beauty. From hiking active volcanoes and soaking in hot springs to exploring mural-covered towns, the country has something to inspire every type of traveler. For my family, this upcoming trip is especially meaningful — a way for my sister and father to reconnect with their Salvadoran roots, and for my two wonderful nieces to experience the richness of their heritage firsthand. More than a vacation, it’s a celebration of identity, culture and shared discovery. This itinerary is designed around my family stay in Playa San Diego, La Libertad, with four adults and two kids (ages nine and 16), traveling in late June through early July.
From Craters to Coasts: 12 Days in El Salvador
El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a vibrant mix of adventure, culture and natural beauty. From hiking active volcanoes and soaking in hot springs to exploring mural-covered towns, the country has something to inspire every type of traveler. For my family, this upcoming trip is especially meaningful — a way for my sister and father to reconnect with their Salvadoran roots, and for my two wonderful nieces to experience the richness of their heritage firsthand. More than a vacation, it’s a celebration of identity, culture and shared discovery. This itinerary is designed around my family stay in Playa San Diego, La Libertad, with four adults and two kids (ages nine and 16), traveling in late June through early July.
From Craters to Coasts: 12 Days in El Salvador
El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a vibrant mix of adventure, culture and natural beauty. From hiking active volcanoes and soaking in hot springs to exploring mural-covered towns, the country has something to inspire every type of traveler. For my family, this upcoming trip is especially meaningful — a way for my sister and father to reconnect with their Salvadoran roots, and for my two wonderful nieces to experience the richness of their heritage firsthand. More than a vacation, it’s a celebration of identity, culture and shared discovery. This itinerary is designed around my family stay in Playa San Diego, La Libertad, with four adults and two kids (ages nine and 16), traveling in late June through early July.
From Craters to Coasts: 12 Days in El Salvador
El Salvador is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a vibrant mix of adventure, culture and natural beauty. From hiking active volcanoes and soaking in hot springs to exploring mural-covered towns, the country has something to inspire every type of traveler. For my family, this upcoming trip is especially meaningful — a way for my sister and father to reconnect with their Salvadoran roots, and for my two wonderful nieces to experience the richness of their heritage firsthand. More than a vacation, it’s a celebration of identity, culture and shared discovery. This itinerary is designed around my family stay in Playa San Diego, La Libertad, with four adults and two kids (ages nine and 16), traveling in late June through early July.
My travel photos
