Email MeLuxury Expert
With more than 39 years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialize in leisure travel planning and customized tour arrangements for solo travelers, couples, families and groups. My highly developed passion for the travel industry began years ago when planning a vacation for my husband, myself and three other couples. To my delight and surprise, I thrived on the intricacies of creating the perfect journey.
Since that fortuitous beginning, I've become an expert in destinations such as Europe, where I've personally traveled extensively. I hold a special affinity for exploring Italy, France, England, Scotland, Berlin, Ireland and the North African country of Morocco. I am also well-versed in charming historical and architectural destinations, such as the medieval city of Brugge in Belgium as well as Prague,“the City of a Hundred Spires," in the Czech Republic.
One of the most interesting projects in my career as a travel consultant was arranging a series of Africa tours for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The journey arrangements covered notable travelers such as Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter; Mr. and Mrs. William Gates, Sr.; the foundation staff and security; Secret Service personnel; and broadcast and print media professionals.
While I do book clients in exclusive resorts, on yachts, and in private planes for customized or escorted tours, the term “luxury” is multi-faceted. I feel that we have the luxury of many good choices, which don't have to be the most expensive ones. But the choices do have to be ones that my clients are comfortable with. The “luxury” is that my clients and I collaborate to produce adventures that enhance the travel experience.
My Areas of Expertise
INTERESTS
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
The best travel agent ever!
Reviewed By Rorie - Potomac, Maryland | Traveled to Czech Republic ~ Europe
I have used Carla's expertise in planning vacations and general travel for approximately 20 years and that alone should be a strong endorsement. Carla is a unique professional in that she not only is an expert in travel arrangements, hotels, transportation, and geographic destinations, but is someone who personally cares about her clients. She is unruffled with a kind and caring quality ensuring that every trip experience is a wonderful memory- numerous trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic and cruises.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
81 of 121 people found this review helpful
The most informative trip of our lives!
Reviewed By Informed traveler - Columbia, MD | Traveled to Sicily ~ Italy ~ Europe
We found her very easy to work with. She answered all our concerns without making us feel that our concerns were not important. We had a meeting before we left for our trip and were able to meet the others on our tour including our tour leader. We were given information about our accommodations, our free time and resources to read before we left.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
71 of 116 people found this review helpful
Carla Koller, Our Travel Guru
Reviewed By Potomac Travelers - Potomac, MD | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Dear Sir or Madam,Simply put, if there were a Hall of Fame for travel agents, Carla Koller would be a unanimous inductee. She has a unique ability to grasp the trips we envision and to transform our conceptions into reality. Her knowledge of transportation, lodging, and fares is encyclopedic, but her imagination and insight -- born of her clear love of travel -- never fails to enrich our experiences in most creative and exciting ways. Carla not only excels in follow-through (enacting our preferred choices), but in follow-up (keeping us fully informed as things fall into place). In the past year alone, she has assisted our travels to Scotland, England, France, and Albania. All were immense successes. Ireland is now in train and we know it will be, too. She is a pleasure to work with. So let's be perfectly clear: we no longer consider going anywhere without the aid and advice of the incomparable Carla Koller.
Sincerely,
Maryruth Coleman and John Withers
Potomac, Maryland
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
70 of 121 people found this review helpful
The best travel agent !
Reviewed By Europe - washington,DC | Traveled to Milan ~ Italy ~ Europe
Working with Carla has always been totally professional !Carla is always has full knowledge of what she is booking in flights,hotels & sights.
She is very much in tune to the needs of the customer & tries to get the best pricing too.
It is a pleasure to work with someone who cares & always is available to talk to you or email you,
All of my trips with Carla have been exceptional in all regards !
I will continue to use Carla & look forward to my next trip !
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
65 of 111 people found this review helpful
Top-Notch Travel Agent
Reviewed By Linda & Jerry - Potomac, MD | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
We have been extremely pleased with the travel services provided by Carla Koller of the Travel Place in Potomac, MD. We have used Carla for numerous trips since 2006. Our most recent trip was to Italy. She did a fabulous job in helping us decide where to visit and what to see; in booking all the hotels, car rentals, tours, and airline tickets; and in providing numerous travel tips to make our trip as pleasant as possible. She was also very mindful of our budget. Over the years, we have been very impressed with Carla’s travel knowledge and competency. Last, but not least, Carla is a delight to work with. She has a very warm personality, and she is a lot of fun. Carla is a top-notch travel agent and we highly recommend her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
64 of 115 people found this review helpful
Talk to Carla First
Reviewed By GSB - Rockville, Md | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Carla has a unique way of matching people with the exact right trip for them. She instinctively knows what would appeal and what you would enjoy!Carla knows the importance of being in a top rated hotel, in the center of a city with access to sights, restaurants and transportation.
I have been on many trips planned by Carla and will continue to do so in the future. She always has my best interests at heart and plans accordingly.
Thank You, Carla!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
62 of 115 people found this review helpful
several excellent trips
Reviewed By Doug - Potomac, MD | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
knowledgeable, friendly, customer-oriented, resourceful, a pleasure to work with, creates great trips.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
61 of 118 people found this review helpful
Outstanding Service
Reviewed By Merida - Maryland | Traveled to Georgia ~ Russia & Northwest Asia
Carla is the quickest, most responsive agent I've ever worked with in over 30 years of world travel, mostly for work. She doesn't shy away from complicated itineraries and is willing to tackle whatever byzantine itinerary I have in mind. She has helped me with trips to Denmark, Repub. of Georgia, Zurich, London, Tajikistan.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This was a great trip.
Reviewed By ADS - MD | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
Carla is very knowledgeable and helpful. She is very pleasant and great to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Use Carla if you want to stay at the best hotels!
Reviewed By KristineG - Falls Church, VA | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Carla provides great advice and service. Best of all, she is the absolute best at finding hotels that are top-notch at reasonable costs. We always use Carla for our international travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
The Best Travel agent does it again!
Reviewed By B&S Goldberg - Bethesda | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Carla has always exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Her travel recommendations have been excellent and completely on point. She listens to us and makes a caring thoughtful itinerary.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A real travel pro!
Reviewed By Jan and Alan K - Potomac, MD | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
With years of experience, Carla is the consummate travel professional. Collaborative and easy to work with; vast knowledge of the best destinations/itineraries/hotels/airlines/tour companies/sightseeing/travel insurance/etc; access to good deals/packages/value; can put together complete travel packages that I couldn’t do myself; always available to solve problems that might arise (essential in today’s uncertain travel environment!). Over the years, Carla (based in Potomac, MD) has helped us plan memorable trips to such destinations as: Italy (6 regions); Costa Rica/Panama/Colombia; Canadian Rockies; Yellowstone/Grand Tetons/Mt. Rushmore national parks; Ireland/Scotland (upcoming); and a European river cruise (upcoming).
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
One of the best, for sure.
Reviewed By Nick - Darnestown, Md | Traveled to Portugal ~ Europe
Carla was fantastic to work with. She listened to our desires and everything went smoothly. Our hotels were top notch and located in the desired areas easily navigated. Our personal drivers she selected were prompt, courteous and very knowledgeable. They were always on time and we never had to wait. All in all a wonderful trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Thanks again CARLA!
Reviewed By Larry - New york city, N.Y. | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
I have used Carla for over 20 years. She is very thorough, knowledgeable, and interested in helping. Carla belongs on the top of my list of travel agents.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Another terrific family trip thanks Carla
Reviewed By Dini - Maryland | Traveled to Israel ~ Middle East
She is terrific very kind and knowledgeable
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Helps before, DURING, and after!
Reviewed By Lyn - Rockville, MD | Traveled to Canada
Besides wonderful travel guidance, she is available before and after the trip. But most importantly, she is by the phone ready to help DURING the trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have Passport (& Carla in my pocket), Will Tra
Reviewed By Deb - Leawood, Kansas | Traveled to Europe
Carla Koller has been my travel agent for 15 years. My wonderful experiences, in 10 countries, were due to her attention to detail, excellent advice, and most importantly, understanding what is important to me when I travel. Under Carla’s superb guidance, I have traveled to Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Austria and three trips to Italy. I am an older single traveler whose hotel choices are key to my sense of security and hospitality and Carla has delivered every single time.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Memorable trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Sandy - Rockville, Maryland | Traveled to USA
My husband and I wanted to plan a memorable dual 50th wedding anniversary and 70th birthday trip to the West Coast. No pressure there!We immediately thought of Carla Koller because we had friends who had experienced her guided tours overseas and they had related her many personal trips as well.
We had very specific "wants" and she listened carefully, asked knowing questions, considered our ages and budget, and then put together an amazing 21 day trip. She saved us money on our flights by researching multiple options and booked us in the most fantastic hotel in San Francisco for an extremely reasonable price.
Carla is knowledgable, efficient, considerate, and reliable. We felt like we were her only clients. Highly recommend her to plan your trips both national and international. Thank you Carla.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
58 of 117 people found this review helpful
HOORAY FOR CARLA!
Reviewed By B & L - New York City, NY | Traveled to China ~ East and Southeast Asia
Carla has sent us on several trips. Her recommendations always match our needs and she manages to make all the details work. That results in wonderful vacations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
terrific advice and reservations
Reviewed By bob - rigefield, CT | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Carla was right on target with the hotels that she reserved for us and advice for sites to see and avoid, and how to plan our itinerary
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 2 people found this review helpful