Summertime is often seen as “vacation time” because children are out of school for several months, parents take time off for work to enjoy the weather, and work usually (but not always) slows down until the fall. Once fall hits, it becomes an optimal time to start thinking about where to travel to next. It could range from a family destination trip to a romantic weekend getaway. The choices are only limited by one’s imagination.
Erica Davies of the North Kingstown-based A Well Traveled Soul provides clients with memorable experiences and a smooth process in which to plan their trip.
Davies established her business in June 2022. She enjoyed traveling, growing up, and has made it her purpose in her professional endeavors.
“In my early twenties, I learned a valuable life lesson: life is short, and we should fill every day with experiences that nourish the soul,” she said. “That’s how The Well Traveled Soul got its name—born from the idea that everyone deserves those soul-filling moments, especially through travel. The world is vast, and life is fleeting, so let’s make the most of it!”
The Well Traveled Soul offers full-service, concierge-level travel planning for busy professionals and families. Clients turn to Davies because they’re short on time and need help creating the perfect family adventure, romantic getaway, girls’ trip, or multi-generation vacation.
She believes that planning a trip should be as enjoyable as the trip itself. She ensures to infuse a healthy dose of fun into every step of the process. Whether it’s brainstorming unique destinations, curating personalized itineraries, or perfecting the tiniest details, Davies aims to make the journey of planning, just as exciting as the adventure that awaits.
“I’m fortunate to collaborate with some of the best travel partners across the globe, through my affiliation with Gifted Travel Network – A Virtuoso Member + Endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide. Through these affiliates, I have access to the best and most trusted experts, whom I collaborate with, to help craft extraordinary travel experiences, ensuring that every trip designed is nothing short of exceptional,” Davies said.
“My goal is to take the stress out of planning, while delivering a level of personalized service and attention to detail that exceeds expectations,” she continued.
The Well Traveled Soul, also has preferred partner relationships with some of the best hoteliers in the world. Through these partnerships, she can provide clients with extra VIP perks, such as resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, and other pleasant surprises.
A custom-designed itinerary from The Well Traveled Soul begins with a personalized “Discovery Consultation.” This 30-minute call is all about you—your travel preferences, your style, and the meaningful experiences you’re dreaming of in your ideal destination. She takes the time to truly understand how you like to travel, what excites you, and what you hope to gain from your journey. “It’s our opportunity to get to know the client, so we can craft a trip that’s perfectly tailored to them,” Davies explained.
After the Discovery Consultation, Davies sifts through the vast sea of information available online and through her partners, to create a vacation that’s not just good, but exceptional. She focuses on the experiences that matter most to you, curating every detail to ensure your trip is everything you imagined, and more. From hidden gems to must-see highlights, she is dedicated to turning your travel dreams into reality, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming adventure.
Davies said that Italy is “hands-down” the most requested destination. Additionally, people are inquiring about trips to Portugal, Spain, Paris, Antigua, Grenada, and cruises through the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Even lesser thought of countries are getting noticed, such as Slovenia, Croatia, Japan, South Africa, and Colombia. River cruises and small ship sailings are becoming major trends, too. These options offer a more intimate way to explore unique destinations around the globe, taking you where those massive cruise ships simply can’t reach.
“Approximately 90% of our business is dedicated to international destinations. Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more eager than ever to explore beyond their ‘backyard.’ This renewed sense of adventure is driving travelers to tick off bucket-list destinations. As global travel resumes, we’re seeing a surge in demand for unique and immersive experiences and a desire to embrace new cultures and destinations,” Davies said.
Her advice for those looking to book a trip is that it’s never too early to start planning. The more advance notice she has, especially for highly sought-after destinations, the more she can secure your preferred suite at the best properties and best location in destination! Early planning also allows her to navigate the complexities of booking to ensure you have access to exclusive options and availability that might otherwise be missed.
Davies noted her unwavering commitment to personalized service and attention to detail. We understand that every traveler has unique preferences and needs, and pride ourselves on crafting bespoke travel experiences that exceed expectations. She is also committed and passionate about staying ahead of travel trends and continuously improving services to ensure each journey is not just a trip, but a memorable adventure tailored just for you.
“I was born and raised in Cranston, a place I consider the “center of the universe.” Growing up there holds a special place in my heart. I’m now married, have a teenage daughter and two dogs, and we call North Kingstown home. While North Kingstown is a fantastic place to live – minutes away from beautiful beaches and Newport-it will always fall short of my beloved Crrannnsssttton (IYKYK).”
The best way to get in touch and start planning your next dream vacation is completing the “Start Planning” form on their website by following this link:
(www.thewelltraveledsoul.com/contact)
Once the inquiry is received, she will set up a time to connect virtually (or over coffee or wine!) for a Discovery Consultation.
If you are not ready to book a trip just yet, but want travel inspiration to hit your inbox each Tuesday, you can sign up for their e-newsletter by following this link:
(www.thewelltraveledsoul.com/newsletter)
Lastly, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at the following handle: @thewelltraveledsoul