We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanda Daly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the biggest trends in luxury travel right now is the shift toward “transformational travel”—trips designed to foster personal growth, deeper connections, and a sense of purpose. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond indulgence, focusing on cultural immersion and creating lasting memories. This trend opens up exciting opportunities for advisors like me to design bespoke journeys that align with these deeper values, but it also comes with challenges.

The opportunity here is enormous. By curating trips that resonate emotionally, we create loyalty and establish ourselves as trusted advisors. However, this trend requires us to rethink the way we work and balance clients’ high expectations for luxury with principles of cultural sensitivity. Luxury can no longer mean excess; it must evolve into thoughtful indulgence, where every detail reflects care for the destination and its people.

Ultimately, this trend is reshaping the industry in powerful ways, offering those of us who adapt the chance to create richer, more meaningful travel experiences. And isn’t that what travel is really about?

My trip to Sicily stands out as a perfect example. One unforgettable evening, I was welcomed into the home of a Sicilian chef who prepared an authentic meal from scratch. Each dish was a celebration of tradition, from the freshly made pasta to the perfectly seasoned caponata. Her husband, a local winemaker, paired each course with his exquisite wines, sharing not only their flavors but also the stories of his family’s vineyard and life in Sicily. As we ate, they spoke of their childhoods, their love for their land, and the deep pride they took in their heritage. It felt less like a dinner and more like being embraced by Sicily itself.
The days were just as magical. Private tours of historic churches and ancient cities offered a rare intimacy, where guides tailored every detail to my interests and shared stories that brought these centuries-old sites to life. Unlike the busy, impersonal nature of group tours—or the uncertainty of exploring alone—these private experiences allowed me to ask questions, linger in moments, and truly absorb the history around me. This trip redefined how I see travel, inspiring me to create these transformative moments for my clients.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After spending decades in IT and Program Management, I made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and follow my passion for travel. Today, I own and operate Enriched Escapes, a luxury travel company that specializes in creating custom, immersive travel experiences designed to connect clients with the heart and soul of their destinations.

At Enriched Escapes, we go beyond simply booking trips—we craft personalized journeys that transform vacations into unforgettable stories. We provide access to exclusive perks at luxury hotels, such as room upgrades, resort credits, and VIP treatment. Our expert flight desk ensures clients get the best routes and offers invaluable 24/7 support during flight disruptions. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime private tour or a thoughtfully designed itinerary, we take care of every detail, so clients can focus on enjoying their experience.

What sets Enriched Escapes apart is the level of care and customization we bring to every trip. I take the time to understand each client’s unique preferences and aspirations, crafting travel experiences that reflect their style and desires. From securing exclusive experiences to offering detailed itineraries, my goal is to make every trip seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.

Ultimately, I want my clients to feel inspired, cared for, and connected to the world in ways they never imagined. At Enriched Escapes, travel isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about experiencing it in a way that leaves lasting memories and brings people closer to the stories, culture, and beauty that make every destination special.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started my travel business, I was eager to gain momentum and attract clients, so I said yes to every inquiry. I even offered to plan custom trips with no planning fee in some cases, believing this was the best way to get my business off the ground. While I did gain valuable experience, I quickly realized I was often working with clients who didn’t truly value my services as a travel advisor and was not being compensated for my time.

Some clients were focused solely on finding the cheapest deals, often preferring 3- to low 4-star accommodations that didn’t offer the perks and upgrades available through travel advisors. Others wanted free advice or simple inquiries answered, only to book their trips on third-party sites to save a few dollars. In the end, I often found myself spending hours—sometimes up to 10 or more—researching and planning, only to walk away with zero compensation.

This approach became unsustainable and frustrating. I loved crafting amazing trips, but I was undervaluing my time and expertise. That’s when I realized I needed to pivot. I took a step back, refined my business strategy, and decided to focus on the clients and services where I could offer the most value and expertise: luxury travel and curated custom trips.

I now work with clients who appreciate the unique benefits of working with a travel advisor—those seeking 4- to 5-star accommodations, with access to exclusive perks like room upgrades, resort credits, and VIP treatment. These perks often come at no additional cost and elevate their travel experience in ways they can’t achieve booking on their own. I also specialize in creating tailored, immersive experiences, from private tours and hidden gems to authentic local dining.

Travel advisors dedicate their careers to understanding destinations, building relationships with trusted partners, and curating truly unique trips. We don’t rely on online reviews; we rely on personal connections with hotels, tour operators, and guides who treat our clients like family. The value we bring goes beyond logistics—it’s about creating memories that clients cherish for a lifetime.

To ensure this level of quality and customization, I now charge a planning fee for custom trips. Crafting these experiences often requires 10-40+ hours of work, from detailed consultations, hours of research to match clients desires, to seamless itinerary planning. This fee reflects the expertise, care, and time I dedicate to ensuring each trip is exceptional.

Looking back, this pivot was essential not only for my business but for my clients. By focusing on those who value my expertise, I’ve been able to build a business that aligns with my passion and provides the transformative travel experiences my clients deserve.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started building my audience on social media, I knew it would be a challenge. I created Instagram and Facebook accounts for my travel company, starting completely from scratch with zero followers. There were moments when I considered shortcuts, like buying followers to boost my numbers quickly. But that just didn’t align with who I am. Authenticity is a cornerstone of both my personal and professional life, so I committed to growing my audience the natural way—no matter how long it took.

Early on, progress was slow. I focused on creating content that reflected my love for luxury travel, sharing tips, stories, and visuals to inspire my audience. Then one day, something unexpected happened—one of my silly travel reels went viral, and within a month, I gained over 1,500 new followers. It was a surreal moment that showed me the power of authentic connection.

At the time of writing this, I have a little over 2,000 followers. Compared to others in the industry, it might seem modest, but I’m proud of it. Every single follower has come from genuine interest, and that’s the kind of community I want to build.

Initially, I worried that posting lighthearted, humorous reels might clash with my goal of attracting luxury travelers. But then I realized something important: people who appreciate luxury also appreciate a good laugh. Luxury isn’t just about elegance—it’s about joy, and my personality brings a mix of both. I’m a Type A, detail-obsessed lover of all things luxury, but I’m also a big goofball. My content reflects that balance, and it resonates with people who value both sophistication and fun.

Ultimately, my approach to social media has been about showing up authentically, whether through a stunning travel post or a silly reel. It’s not just about growing numbers; it’s about building a community of like-minded travelers who appreciate the value of curated, unforgettable experiences—and a little humor along the way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://enrichedescapes.travel/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enrichedescapes.travel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enrichedescapes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanda-daly-6a51061b/

Image Credits

All photos were taken by me.