Travel is real life.

It’s not just something you see other people doing on TV or social media. It’s not a fantasy. It’s your reality. 

Global at Heart exists to help people travel the world mindfully, intentionally, and on their own terms.

As a travel advisor (what they’re calling travel agents now), I’m here to ease the stress of planning, ensuring your experience is a perfect fit, a great value, and utterly unforgettable.

My extensive travel background, attention to detail, commitment to meaningful experiences, and connection to a worldwide community of experts mean that if you can dream it, I can help you make it happen.

  • Independent travel & private guided trips

  • Group tours, cruises, all-inclusives

  • DIY itinerary review, tips, & booking

  • Hotels, rental cars, activities, insurance

  • Groups, retreats, events, & more

Travel planning: Putting the pieces together.

  • Simple Booking icon

    Straightforward Bookings

    Know exactly what you want? I can book hotels, tours, cruises, etc. for you, free of charge, with great rates, and maybe even some extra perks. No ask is too small, even if you just need a hotel for a night or two.

  • Custom Itinerary Icon

    Custom Itinerary Design

    Travel your way, independently or with a guide. Bespoke, comprehensive planning services start at $500 per week of travel and include a 45-minute consultation call, detailed itinerary, and booking.

  • Package Matchmaking icon

    Vacation Package Matchmaking

    Overwhelmed with all the options for all-in-one trips? I’ll match you with the perfect cruise, multi-day tour, or all-inclusive. Matchmaking services start at $100 and include a 25-minute consultation call and booking.

  • Review icon

    DIY Itinerary Review

    Have a few gaps in your DIY travel plan? Get answers to your toughest questions and travel with confidence. Itinerary reviews start at $150 and include a 25-minute consultation call and booking.

  • Other Inquiry icon

    Groups, Events, & More

    Need help planning and booking group travel, retreats, corporate or private events, or something else not covered here? I’ll help you tackle your toughest travel tasks. Just ask!

HOW CAN I HELP?

  • "I never thought that getting a trip planner was worth it since you can search and book everything online… but wow was I wrong! Working with Jean was absolutely worth every penny!"

  • "I have been on several trips organized by Jean at Global at Heart, and they have ALL been the best trips of my life (and I am a big traveller)!"

  • "Jean helped me plan my first 'All Inclusive' hotel. I was leery of the experience with these types of hotels, but Jean worked with me to address all my concerns."

  • "I am a control freak and Jean is the only person I trust to plan a trip for me."

Hi, I’m Jean, founder of Global at Heart.

I’m that friend who travels a lot, loves details and spontaneity, and wants to banish FOMO forever. I'm up for any experience that reveals the soul of a place and its people, whether it's haute or humble, and I encourage others to always keep an open mind. When I’m not on the road, I’m at home in Chicago, but I’m always “global at heart.”

I’ve been planning trips my whole adult life, and I’ve been a travel advisor since 2015.

GTKY: What’s your favorite trip so far?

I love and hate this question because it’s impossible to answer. My favorite trips (plural), in reverse chronological order are road-tripping Iceland with my hockey team, exploring Norway with a ragtag crew, visiting a teacher friend in Tunisia, drinking beer in Belgium with my mom, going solo in Cambodia, and hiking the Inca Trail with my MBA classmates.

Work with me.

So what happens after you send me a message?

  1. I get really excited. Then I’ll send you a short form to fill out about the services you need, who’s traveling, where / when you want to go, travel style, budget, etc. If you want, we can do this together on a short phone call or you can get started straightaway with my Ten Travel Questions.

  2. The ideas start flowing. After I review your answers, I’ll provide a proposal for my nonrefundable planning fee. When I receive your payment, I’ll get to work on preliminary research and planning.

  3. We talk. We’ll mainly communicate by email or text, but after I do some preliminary homework, we’ll talk live via Zoom or phone to discuss details and get a solid plan in place.

  4. The itinerary takes shape. I’ll follow up on any questions from our call, make a detailed itinerary, and submit for your review and approval.

  5. You approve; I book. Once you approve the itinerary details, I’ll make your bookings and organize all the information you’ll need on your trip.

  6. I keep an eye on things. Leading up to your departure, I’ll stay in close contact with you, keeping you updated, sharing tips, and answering your questions.

  7. You have an amazing trip!