No guesswork. No stress. Just great travel.
What Working With Me Actually Looks Like
From your first inquiry to the moment you step off the plane, I've thought of everything so you don't have to. Here's exactly what it looks like to work together.
Before Lilac Passports, I spent years planning corporate events and meetings, which means I came to travel planning with an obsession for logistics, an unhealthy love of spreadsheets, and a genuine belief that a well-executed plan is an artform. When you work with me, you're not getting a booking link and a follow-up email. You're getting a partner who has thought through every detail, anticipated every question, and built an experience around exactly what your family needs.
My process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and as stress-free as the trip itself. From our first conversation to your final day of travel, I'm here. You focus on getting excited. I'll handle everything else.
Planning Is My Thing. Literally.
Step One: Let's Connect
It starts with a conversation. You tell me where you want to go, what you are dreaming of, and I listen. Whether you have a destination in mind or just a feeling you want to chase, we will figure it out together. No cookie-cutter packages, no generic itineraries. Just a real conversation about what your ideal trip looks like.
Step Two: I Get to Work
This is where the magic happens behind the scenes. I tap into my Virtuoso network, trusted DMC partners, and on-the-ground concierge contacts around the world to curate options that are a genuine fit for you. I research, I make calls, I ask questions. You just wait for the good stuff.
Step Three: Your Custom Proposal
I present you with a thoughtfully crafted itinerary complete with hand-selected hotels, curated experiences, dining recommendations, and all the logistics handled. We refine it together until it feels exactly right. Not close enough. Exactly right.
Step Four: Seamless Booking
Once you approve the plan, I handle everything. Reservations, confirmations, special room requests, upgrades, pre-tour hotel arrangements, transfer coordination, and all the details you should never have to think about. If a supplier needs something, they come to me, not you.
Step Five: Pre-Departure Support
Before you leave, you will receive a complete digital itinerary with everything you need at your fingertips, travel documents, insurance information, U.S. Embassy contacts, packing tips tailored to your destination, and reminders for anything time-sensitive like excursion selections or entry requirements. I make sure you leave home feeling completely prepared and completely excited.
Step Six: I'm With You Every Step
Before you depart, I make sure you are fully equipped with everything you need for a smooth, supported trip. The preparation we do together means you can travel with confidence, knowing the details have been handled.
Ready to Start Planning?
You deserve a trip that feels as good as it looks on paper. If you are ready for a travel experience that is thoughtfully planned, expertly managed, and completely tailored to you, I would love to be your advisor.
"It was a fantastic trip that we will never forget."
We traveled with five kids, ages 5-15, including a disabled child, and three grandmothers. Her help removed the stress and work that goes into planning a long trip to multiple destinations with a large group. It was a fantastic trip that we will never forget. We will definitely be going back to Marili and recommending her to all of our friends and family!
"When we ask the kids their favorite part, it changes every time."
Marili knocked it out of the park as she always has for us! From helping us pick the perfect family resort to dinner reservations and the right room accommodations, every detail was handled. When we ask the kids their favorite part, it changes every time. Marili even called to check on us during a stressful moment on our last day — this is a person who truly cares.
"I felt so taken care of from start to finish."
She made the entire travel planning process so easy, stress-free, and exciting. She was attentive, organized, and truly cared about making our trip special. Everything was perfectly planned, and I felt so taken care of from start to finish.
FAQs
What is the first step?
Just reach out! Fill out my inquiry form and I will be in touch to schedule a time to connect. From there, the planning begins.
Do you book flights?
Rarely, but it depends on the trip. For some itineraries I coordinate airfare, and for others I focus on land and sea arrangements. We will discuss what makes the most sense for your specific trip during our initial consultation.
How do you handle things if something goes wrong while I'm traveling?
Before you leave, I make sure you are fully prepared with everything you need for a smooth trip. Depending on your destination and itinerary, additional on-the-ground support may also be in place. If something comes up that needs my attention, I am reachable.
How do I know what travel insurance I need?
I recommend travel protection on every trip and will connect you with the right options for your specific itinerary. For detailed coverage questions, I work directly with licensed insurance providers so you always get accurate answers.
What does being a Virtuoso advisor mean for me?
It means you get more. Virtuoso is an invitation-only global network of the top luxury travel advisors and suppliers in the world. Because of my membership, I can offer my clients perks, upgrades, and amenities at some of the world's finest hotels and cruise lines that you simply cannot get by booking on your own. Think complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, spa credits, and early check-in. Same rate, better experience.
What kinds of trips do you specialize in?
My sweet spot is luxury cruising and group travel, from intimate river voyages through Europe to bucket-list ocean sailings on lines like Silversea, Regent, Virgin Voyages, AmaWaterways, and Disney Cruise Line. I also plan curated land itineraries, family and multi-generational trips, and bespoke experiences for clients who want every detail handled with care. If it involves exceptional experiences, meaningful moments, and people you love, it is probably right up my alley.
How far in advance should I book?
The earlier the better, especially for luxury travel, peak seasons, river cruises, and group trips. Some sailings and properties book out a year or more in advance. That said, I am happy to work with tighter timelines whenever possible. Reach out and let's see what we can do.
Do you charge a planning fee?
Yes. As a luxury travel advisor, my expertise, time, and access to exclusive supplier relationships are part of the service. Planning fees vary depending on the complexity of your trip and will be discussed upfront before we begin.
