Tamara Golden, founder of Golden Journeys Travel and Journeywork Retreats, can help you plan and organize your next trip, but she doesn’t consider herself a travel agent.
“I don’t just book flights, hotels, and tours,” she explains. “When I work with clients, I view it as a partnership. We work together to craft their dream itinerary. It’s their trip, not mine.”
Golden not only plans bespoke itineraries according to clients’ personal tastes and desires but also makes all the necessary reservations and bookings that make trips and retreats unfold without a hitch. In addition, she leads trips herself and organizes life-transforming retreats for leaders in the personal growth and wellness spaces.
Golden Journeys Travel creates dream vacations
Golden got her start in the travel industry in a strange way. She had been working in a university’s graduate program in international affairs when an alumna contacted their office looking for an Italian speaker to lead a group through northern Italy. Her boss knew she had lived in Bologna for many years and spoke fluent Italian, so she passed the tip on.
After taking a week’s vacation to lead the trip, Golden thought that was the end of her travel career. But two years later, that same alumna recruited and hired her as an Independent Contractor in her own travel company. “It was then that I started Golden Journeys Travel,” Golden says.
The secret to Golden’s success has been the level of personalization she offers, in addition to her extensive contacts on the ground at the destinations themselves. “When planning custom trips, it’s important to be able to rely on local providers who can help book airport transfers, arrange for guided tours, recommend hotels and other activities, etc.,” she explains.
Her favorite part of the work is planning one-of-a-kind itineraries and then witnessing them come to fruition. “That takes creativity, problem-solving, research skills, and a knack for building relationships, as well as a kind of sixth sense for choosing the right venues,” she says.
Her initial consultation call with prospective clients is always free. If it isn’t a good fit, she will often refer people to other agents or third-party travel groups.
If the client moves forward with Golden, they pay the fee in two easy installments. Half is due before she begins work; the other half after a final review of their itinerary and supporting documents.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventures, Anyone?
Through Golden Journeys Travel, Golden also annually designs and leads once-in-a-lifetime adventures to Mexico, Europe, and beyond.
In May, Golden will lead a group of lucky travelers to the delightful Italian island of Sicily. Stops are planned for multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, including Monreale Cathedral, which gleams with gold mosaics from the Byzantine era; the Valley of the Temples, a collection of some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples anywhere; and the Villa Romana del Casale, home to the most stunning in-situ ancient Roman mosaics in the world.
Golden personally designs the itinerary for these trips. Notably, this will be her second time leading a trip to Sicily.
“Fun fact: we’ve never repeated any of the escorted trips we’ve offered before,” she says. “This is the very first time. That’s how much we enjoyed Sicily!”
This trip will also feature gorgeous beaches and hilltop fortresses. Participants can also expect amazing food and drink, including an experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Golden also builds blocks of downtime into the schedule so people can explore the destination on their own, but that’s not all! She has also begun partnering with other entrepreneurs in the coaching and transformation space to offer overseas retreats.
Journeywork Retreats creates sacred spaces
Golden’s second business, Journeywork Retreats, plans life-changing experiences that entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals of all kinds can offer to their clients and community members. In this capacity, she supports transformational leaders who help others grow.
“I’m very service and mission-driven,” she explains. “That’s ultimately what fuels my flame, creating containers for people to do the deep work. These sacred spaces make a positive impact in their lives, as well as in the lives of all those they touch.”
No matter where an entrepreneur, leader, coach, healer, or artist would like to hold their retreat, domestically or overseas, Golden can make it happen. She can also connect you to the exact right venues, caterers, excursions, and activities that align with your message. What’s more, as the retreat leader, you won’t have to pay your own travel expenses — the group will cover these.
Golden can also travel to your retreat herself and provide the kind of expert hands-on assistance that ensures everything will go as smoothly as possible.
Have the time of your life with Golden Journeys Travel and Journeywork Retreats
When the time comes that you would like to turn your travel dreams into reality, consider contacting Golden Journeys Travel or Journeywork Retreats. With Golden’s support and expertise, you won’t have to worry about the work. All you’ll have to do is show up at the airport ready to have the time of your life.
