Heather Wassel
Luxe Travel Specialist to Europe, Hawaii, Fiji +
Brooklyn Bridge
I am an experienced travel designer with over two decades of travel planning experience, I have planned unforgettable luxe European vacations, exotic vacations (including Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Bali), ocean cruises, All-Inclusive vacations, and European river cruises as well as vacations within the continental United States for my clients.
I have a passion for immersive experiences and create highly detailed and bespoke travel itineraries aligned to my client’s travel interests and style. I have helped countless travelers make the most of their vacation time which enables my clients to focus on making special memories with those with whom they travel – families, friends or groups.
My expertise lies in creating custom travel plans that cater to the unique interests and preferences of each individual or group. I understand that time is often in short supply, which is why I make it my mission to pack as many authentic and memorable experiences into each trip as possible.
Whether it's exploring the hidden gems of a European city, embarking on a luxury cruise adventure, or immersing oneself in the magic of Disney, I work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the journey is perfectly planned.
I pride myself on being a detail-oriented and relationship-focused travel designer. From start to finish, I am fully committed to providing personalized service and support to each of my clients.
I take the time to get to know their needs, preferences, and budgets, and I use this information to create tailored itineraries that exceed expectations.
Hawaiian Vacation Specialist
Aloha! I fell in love with the Hawaiian islands when I honeymooned there in the 1990's. I love designing Hawaiian vacation planning experience aligned with my clients interests and desires.
I have extensive knowledge of each of the Hawaiian islands. The islands are similar, but have very different landscapes, activities and atmospheres.
My approach to vacation planning is focused on culture immersion, uncovering hidden gems, and aligning each island experience with the traveler's interests. This unique destination has a rich culture with diverse landscapes. Exploring these aspects of the islands is essential for a truly authentic experience.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Related Travel Stories
Croatia:An Alternative to Italy's Allure
Italy, with its rich history, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking an authentic European experience. However, nestled along the Adriatic Sea lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored - Croatia.
Often overshadowed by its neighboring tourist giant, Croatia offers a delightful alternative, promising equally ... Read more from my Croatia:An Alternative to Italy's Allure story.
Outlander and Castles in Scotland
I believe connecting with the local people to be an essential part of meaningful travel. The locals of Scotland are so incredibly friendly!
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the breathtaking castles that dot the Scottish landscape. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle, with its imposing medieval architecture and panoramic views of ... Read more from my Outlander and Castles in Scotland story.
Greece Honeymoon
Easiest Family Vacation Planning Ever!
Christmas in Nashville!
Amazing Road Trip - Winter Getaway
Yosemite with Wine Country
Heather planned my recent trip to California . I wanted
to see both the wine country and Yosemite. It was just what I needed as an extended weekend getaway. Heather worked out all of the details and presented it on an easy to use app making managing my trip a breeze. I just showed up and enjoyed the experience!
Hudson Valley Group
The highly personalized itinerary that Heather provided had something for everyone, and highlighted not only the
"must sees" but also some quieter finds that I was personally not aware of. I highly recommend Heather for an excellent travel experience!
Best trip of our lives!! And I mean it!!
Hudson Valley West Point Moms Trip
Honeymoon to Sicily
Hawaiian Vacation
Family Trip to Europe
Our dream trip to Scotland
BEST trip EVER!!
If you have ever been to a 5 star hotel and a 3 star, you know the difference! That was my experience with Heather from Merge Travel!! 5 star rating and FOR SURE THE BEST traval agent I have EVER worked with!!! Attention to detail and I mean EVERY LITTLE THING! Lists of things to bring, at least a half dozen phone calls to the All Inclusive Majestic Mirage on our behalf, follow up phone calls from Heather with answers to questions we had and NO misguiding from Heather. The list goes on and on!!!
Thank you Heather for THE BEST TRIP WE EVER HAD!!! From soup to nuts, EVERYTHING was maticulously planned out! From getting us the BEST price to helping with special needs, there wasn't a thing needed and our trip was a huge success!!
Thank you Heather!!!
Bermuda Getaway
Well-planned and fun trip!
Big Apple Christmas Memories
Sand-sational Voyage: No Business, Just Beachiness
Once we arrived in Turks and Caicos, everything went smoothly thanks to Heather's careful planning and attention to detail. The accommodations that she booked for us were top-notch and exceeded our expectations. We loved exploring the island and experiencing all that it had to offer, and we were grateful to have Heather's expert guidance throughout our trip.
Overall, our experience with Merge Travel Co and Heather was exceptional, and we would not hesitate to book another trip with them in the future. We highly recommend Merge Travel Co to anyone looking to plan a hassle-free, enjoyable vacation.
New York Getaways
Dream Trip to Scotland
Heather arranged for 4 and 5 star hotels with an excellent level of service in interesting locations (e.g. castles)
Dinner recommendations became delicious dining opportunities and were conveniently located to our hotels. We dined gourmet, locally sourced cuisine as well as some pub style fare.
Some beautiful hikes were recommended on the Isle of Skye so we could explore “off the beaten path.”
I was able to explore the Wild Atlantic and the ruggedly beautiful Highlands in addition to intriguingly-storied castles (including Balmoral!). Mostly, I enjoyed following in Jamie and Claire’s footsteps reliving some of my favorite Outlander moments!
It was the perfect trip, and I am grateful for Heather as they were able to take my travel dream and turn dream and turn it some beautiful travel memories!!!