Mike DiCarlo
Boston, Massachusetts Travel Agent
DISTINCTE LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Authentic, inspiring, & unique journeys since 1996
I joined Distincte after playing over 250 rounds of golf on the Old Course at St Andrews and have decades of experience as a marketing, strategy, financial, and business development executive. Along with my expertise as an executive, I love luxury, experiential travel and have logged over 2 million miles in the air to every corner of the world. My first travel experience was aboard the USS United States for the 1-week journey from New York to Southhampton, England when I was 5 years old. One of my favorite travel memories dates back to the 1997 Ryder Cup in Valderrama, Spain when I was one of the 100 passengers aboard the Concorde with the USA team. (The ride over was far more jovial than the return!) Also, for 15 years, I owned a successful home letting business (Monarchs House) in St Andrews facilitating golf and lifestyle experiences for well over 1,500 happy clients. Also, I was a consultant with St Andrews Grand, an iconic, luxury residential property located overlooking the Old Course’s 18th green. Besides Scotland, I have extensively traveled to Italy & Portugal. I have developed unique & authentic experiences to both countries for an extensive list of clients. This summer, 2023, I visited country 106 & 107.
The Prestige Tour/Scotland
A round for my mates at the St Andrews Golf Club
In 2023, I am journeying to Scotland with 16 like-minded people to play golf at Scotland's 10 most prestigious courses. We will stay at 5-star accommodations and dine on the HRH Royal Yacht Britannia. More information upon request.
My Areas of Expertise
LANGUAGES
English
English
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
My Travel Stories
The Prestige Tour - Scotland Awaits
Corfu - Greece’s Emerald Island
When Christine and I were planning our summer holiday, the conversation centered around whether to go back to Italy or not. Finally, we pivoted and decided that we should try somewhere new. We looked at Croatia, Malta, Montenegro, the Peloponnese region of Greece and Corfu. Some good choices certainly but Corfu ... Read more from my Corfu - Greece’s Emerald Island story.
What You Need to Know for a Buddy Trip to Scotland
Buddy trips are a wonderful way to have both a great time and get some economies of scale on the cost side. The only issue with this type of trip is in the details and the details are what makes a trip marginal or fantastic. The first and most important decision ... Read more from my What You Need to Know for a Buddy Trip to Scotland story.
Roma!
Roma, Rome, the Eternal City. Whatever you call it, Rome is a most fascinating place. It goes without saying that it is a living, breathing museum with new discoveries around every corner but it is so much more than that. It is frenetic, it is loud, it has a similar energy ... Read more from my Roma! story.
A Perfect European Honeymoon
Reviewed By Mike - Philadelphia, PA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike is fantastic to work with and went above and beyond to make sure our honeymoon to Italy and Greece was perfect. Given his extensive travel experiences, for most destinations, Mike is able to give recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, activities, etc based on places he has actually been (and for places he has not been, based on significant research). He was very mindful of both our budget and optimal travel logistics, providing multiple lodging options at various price points for each location and putting together a trip that minimized any potential inter-destination stress. Mike checked in multiple times as we were traveling to ensure that everything was going seamlessly and was in direct dialogue with our hotels and car service companies to make sure that we had everything that we needed. Would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a perfectly-curated trip to Europe (or elsewhere!) based on a travel lover’s personal experience, with exceptional customer service!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Thank you very much, Mike. I was delighted to put this trip together for you and your new bride. Even though it was delayed because of Covid, it seems to have worked out perfectly. Glad to be of help. All the best to you.
Thank you very much, Mike. I was delighted to put this trip together for you and your new bride. Even though it was delayed because of Covid, it seems to have worked out perfectly. Glad to be of help. All the best to you.
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
An Amalfi Trip for the Ages!
Reviewed By Ted G - Boston, MA | Traveled to Positano ~ Italy ~ Europe
Mike was a fantastic "consigliere" for our recent trip to Capri and Positano. Mike took time to understand our goals on the trip, our general budget, and what we would enjoy. From connecting us to our hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and transportation in the native language to providing helpful hints about how to navigate the scene as a local would, Mike's assistance was invaluable. Mike monitored the trip from afar, and when a beach club unexpectedly closed early for the season, Mike made us aware of it and helped come up with an alternate activity. He balanced providing us with just enough guidance to head in the right direction while leaving us to our own devices to explore and enjoy. Our trip was immeasurably better because we had Mike's sage advice based on experience. I can't recommend him highly enough, and am quite thankful for his help in crafting a top trip or our lifetimes so far.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
It was my pleasure to work with you and your wife to curate a unique to you experience. Thank you for your kind words and I look forward to planning the next amazing holiday with you. My best, Mike
It was my pleasure to work with you and your wife to curate a unique to you experience. Thank you for your kind words and I look forward to planning the next amazing holiday with you. My best, Mike
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Unforgettable trip with Mike's input
Reviewed By Rob H. - Shelburne, VT | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Working with Mike on our trip to Italy was instrumental to us having a great time. From recommending hotels that were all outstanding (including one booked day-of because of a missed flight) to booking lunches and dinners at fabulous restaurants to booking a once-in-a-lifetime tour or Rome; it all added immensely to our trip. My wife and I would recommend him to anyone looking to plan an unforgettable trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Missing flights shouldn't mean that your entire holiday goes up in smoke. Glad we could help you plan a once in a lifetime trip. All the best, Mike
Missing flights shouldn't mean that your entire holiday goes up in smoke. Glad we could help you plan a once in a lifetime trip. All the best, Mike
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Extraordinary Italian Experience
Reviewed By The Andos - Boston, MA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
After spending time understanding our expectations, travel preferences, and budget, Mike curated the perfect Italian trip with extraordinary service. Every detail was cared for, and when we needed to make changes to our itinerary, Mike was gracious and attentive to our requests. Mike listens, understands, and provides suggestions, and ultimately translates everything into memorable excursions, meals, and experiences. As frequent ravelers, our incredibly personalized trip to Italy rivaled our experiences with travel companies like Ker and Downey and Inspirato. We will definitely connected with Mike for our travel in the future.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
A Legendary Italian Odyssey
Reviewed By Patrick - Milford, CT | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike is a joy to work with and is extremely knowledgeable on European travel. In the planning stage, he took the time to learn my personal interests and gave great suggestions on food and attractions as I went from Rome to Florence and Venice. Mike secured reservations at stellar hotels at shockingly reasonable rates with a focus on pleasant, central, and walkable neighborhoods with easy access to transportation. He followed up while I was abroad to ensure all was well and offer some more friendly suggestions and reached out one last time to ask after my trip once I was back in the USA. Mike is clearly passionate about Italy, and he works hard to ensure his clients are equipped to have a fantastic vacation. I would work with him again in a heartbeat and hope that he'll be helping me with my next European excursion some time soon!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Patrick, Thank you very much for your review. It truly was a pleasure working with you to make certain that we could do everything possible to ensure that you experience the lifetime memory that you expect when taking a wonderful trip like this. I'd be honored to help you with any of your further travel needs. All the best, Mike
Patrick, Thank you very much for your review. It truly was a pleasure working with you to make certain that we could do everything possible to ensure that you experience the lifetime memory that you expect when taking a wonderful trip like this. I'd be honored to help you with any of your further travel needs. All the best, Mike
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Dazzled by our trip to Italy
Reviewed By Samantha - Boston, MA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike did an incredible job helping plan our trip to Capri and Amalfi Coast. His guidance, suggestions, and ability to secure such a custom experience was priceless. He helped us find the best restaurants and secured us impossible reservations for restaurants, beach clubs, travel and more. This allowed us to truly enjoy every moment of our trip and not be chasing down ideas/plans last minute. Mike’s communication and tools made it so easy for us to navigate every element of our trip. I would highly recommend working with Mike on your next trip to Italy or beyond
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Z’s Take Scotland and Lisbon too!
Reviewed By Rich Z. - Wethersfield, CT | Traveled to Edinburgh ~ Scotland ~ Europe
We were planning a trip to Scotland but Mike’s personal knowledge and experience of traveling in that area encouraged us to include Lisbon. We couldn’t have been happier. His hotel choices were excellent, taking into consideration our preferences for location and cost. He had great choices for restaurants, culture and activities in both areas. We did some of our own planning but would be completely comfortable with Mike planning an entire trip for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Italy Gems, trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Chris Towers - San Juan, PR | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike gives an extraordinary personal touch to any trip. He first likes to learn about the travelers, interests , food choices and Budget. He delivered a unique experience for us as travelers not tourist. Superb restaurant and hotel choices . It was a trip of a lifetime!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Thank you, Christine. It was my pleasure to introduce you to Italy for your maiden voyage. On to Barcelona!
Thank you, Christine. It was my pleasure to introduce you to Italy for your maiden voyage. On to Barcelona!
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
A very memorable trip to Roma with the Mrs.
Reviewed By GL - Boston | Traveled to Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
Was wonderful, professional, and very knowledgeable ~, especially about the restaurants.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Italy Trip
Reviewed By Tim - New York, NY | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike helped me on a covert mission to plan/coordinate some surprise events as a gift to one of his existing clients he was planning a trip for. Mike got into the spirit of it and helped plan two separate events and kept them a total secret. The recipients were so happy with how their trip and surprise events turned out!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
40th and Fantastic!
Reviewed By Rich - Wethersfield, CT | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Mike always has great suggestions for the trip being planned - hotels, restaurants, activities. But he leaves things flexible so we can enjoy a place on our own.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Gopsill’s take Southern Italy
Reviewed By Big E - Scottsdale, AZ | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Seamless. His planning and taking the time to understand what we were looking for made out trip. Will not plan a trip without him!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Like Virgil, only for trips through Heaven
Reviewed By BIll M - Newton | Traveled to Europe
Mike did an amazing job of really working WITH us to understand what we wanted from this trip, and made relevant (and universally amazing) suggestions that helped us marry our vision with his expertise to create a remarkably special family vacation. If you can imagine it, Mike can execute it.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
An Amazing Travel Guru and Partner - Mike DiCarlo
Reviewed By Dan - Boston, MA | Traveled to Iceland ~ Europe
Mike is the consummate professional travel arranger and guru. Having visited over 125 countries around the globe, he has built a network of top tier country experts who constantly update him on the best restaurants, lodging, and sightseeing spots in each country to bring to his clientele. Mike listens to clients, asks the right questions, and builds very personalized, attractive, and on-budget travel packages. He presents several offerings that can build a true flexible partnership with his clients.He has constructed multiple outstanding golf tours for our friend group to Scotland, England, Portugal, and multiple US locations that have been incredibly fun, memorable, and on budget.Mike recently put together a marvelous trip for our family to Sweden and Iceland with outstanding restaurant and hotel choices, a totally engaging tour guide, and amazing natural sites.Fantastic attention to detail and follow up shows up in his trip itineraries/service he provides. We recommend Mike highly!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
It's truly a pleasure to help you with all of the magical trips that you have been on. Thank you for allowing me to help guide the process. Mike
It's truly a pleasure to help you with all of the magical trips that you have been on. Thank you for allowing me to help guide the process. Mike
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Italy Journey
Reviewed By LB - Avon, CT | Traveled to Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
Mike was an invaluable resource for our first Italy trip. Hotels, transportation, guided tours, etc., all planned to make our trip much easier and enjoyable. Leave the stress of trip planning to this expert!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Thank you, Leo. It's always a pleasure to work with you. All the best, Mike
Thank you, Leo. It's always a pleasure to work with you. All the best, Mike
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Amazing trip without the hassle of planning it
Reviewed By Mike - Vienna, VA | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Mike has tremendous experience traveling all over the world which he shared with me as we were planning our trip. We went to London and Mike chose the perfect location for us to stay. It was close to all of the things we were interested in. The restaurants he recommended, based on his personal experience, were excellent. We have been so happy working with Mike that we started working with him on our next trip before we even left on this one.From the first time I spoke with Mike to when the bulk of the planning was done was less than a week. He made it so easy to plan this trip because he did all of the coordination from hotel to airfare to airport transfer in London.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Yes, use a travel agent
Reviewed By Bobbie - Portsmouth, NH | Traveled to Portugal ~ Europe
Mike showed me the reason it is better to have a travel agent assist with travel planning. He knew a lot more than we did and gave us great recommendations and suggestions that were awesome. We had one snag which he resolved immediately. Will use him for future travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gang of 7 Take on Scotland
Reviewed By Scottish Lass - Bass Harbor, Maine | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Mike was informative, responsive, patient and very fun to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The honeymoon of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Robbie - Dover, New Hampshire | Traveled to Europe
Mike was very easy to work with, especially considering it was our first time using a travel agent. We told him some ideas we had for our European honeymoon, but we weren't sure what we could afford. After putting down a reasonable deposit, he came back to us with a proposal that included all of the places we wanted to go, and at a price WAY below what we expected, and below what we would have spent if we booked the trip on our own. He even put together the list of all the flights we needed to book as well, and he took care of booking all the ground travel. He was very responsive, professional, and outgoing. He even checked in on us during the trip to make sure all was going to plan. It was the easiest travel process we've ever experienced and made it so we'll be certain to use a travel agent for any big trips going forward, and that agent will be Mike!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
10 out of 10
Reviewed By Cynthia - Cambridge, MA | Traveled to Lisbon ~ Portugal ~ Europe
Mike took great care of us saving us time trip planning and recommending a hotel, restaurants and a tour that perfectly hit the mark. Mike is super accessible and listened to our interests and tailored a plan that suited exactly what we were looking for in our first trip to Lisbon. We will be back --and will work with Mike and recommend him to our friends, too!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Mike DiCarlo responded:
Thank you very much for the kind words. Lisbon is such a special place and it was my privilege to help you with your first visit. All the best, Mike
Thank you very much for the kind words. Lisbon is such a special place and it was my privilege to help you with your first visit. All the best, Mike
1 of 5 people found this review helpful