Julia Shore has been an advisor with Reid Travel, based in Boca Raton, FL, since 2007, but her passion for travel developed over a lifetime, thanks to living in a number of cities throughout the world. This trendsetter is originally from Croatia; she grew up in Frankfurt, Germany; moved with her husband to New York City and Milan and then settled in Boca Raton, FL, her home for the past 29 years.
Shore tells us she is most attracted to experiential travel, and in 2004, she spent six months volunteering and trekking through India, Bhutan and Nepal. After taking an adventure cruise to the Arctic last year in search of polar bears, her focus became expeditions. She enjoys planning vacations based on her own travel experiences, which she calls her “tried-and-true trips.” “These are itineraries that I’ve created with my interests in mind. Trips for all senses, so to speak. I go out of my way for UNESCO sites, food, natural sites and the arts. I have several clients who follow in my footsteps,” she says.
Because Shore isn’t afraid to plan a range of getaways, she attracts a variety of clients, including “matures,” experienced trekkers, multigenerational groups, honeymooners and novice travelers. She gives each client special attention and helps them make those difficult travel decisions by talking them through all the options. She also uses the art of conversation to help put them at ease.
Putting an emphasis on luxury travel is her main strategy. Part of this includes explaining to her clients how certain luxury products, like private jets and barge charters, can enhance the overall itinerary. Her clients also benefit from the Reid Travel support network.
“The knowledgeable staff, from back office to airline expertise, direct mail marketing and destination specialists, enable me to provide a seamless package — before, during and after the trip,” she says. “What I love about Reid Travel are its ethics, the beautiful work environment, the stability, the wonderful blend of personalities that manage to work well as a unit and a boss who allows individuality,” she continues.
We say Shore is a trendsetter because she constantly brainstorms ways to enhance the travel experience for Reid clients and many of those suggestions are born out of her own first-hand travel adventures.
Need tips for traveling to Turkey? Shore recently visited and stayed at the Raffles in Istanbul (the spa was amazing, she says). In Cappadocia, she opted to stay at the boutique hotel, Esbelli Evi. Shore reports the best parts of this stay were the spacious suites, excellent location and the authentic Anatolian décor of the hotel. “In Konya, a suite at Hich Hotel was perfect for an overnight stay as it overlooks the Mevlana Museum,” says Shore. “On this trip, I tried two tour operators — Travel Atelier and Turkey Tour Organizer. They were different, but both provided a seamless service and amazing guides.”
Shore has already booked a return trip to Turkey for 2017. Then she plans to continue to Uzbekistan and possibly the Black Sea region. “I believe my journeys will stimulate others with ideas for destinations to visit, and places to stay and experience,” says Shore.