Hi! I’m Rene, founder of Grand Explorations.

But before I tell you more about me, let’s talk about you ...
You believe Italy is more than the Coliseum, France is more than the Eiffel Tower, and India is more than the Taj Mahal. 
You believe just “winging it” is a waste of your vacation investment. 
You believe a vacation isn’t just a chance to escape, but an opportunity to expand your worldview. ​
You’re my kind of traveler. ​
I started Grand Explorations in 2015 to help travelers like you explore more deeply on their vacations. It’s how I prefer to travel, too—but I didn’t always get the chance to. In my previous career in technology sales, business trips were frequent. But I was racking up points at big chain hotels, where the lobby looked like it could be plopped down anywhere in the world.
Now when I travel, I seek out properties with a strong sense of place, restaurants that serve up local favorites, and experiences that challenge my perceptions and assumptions about the world.
These are the travel experiences that stick with me. Experiences like seeing where my father grew up in India, and noticing how the contrasts between colorful, cacophonic Delhi (cars honk all day and night) and the lush, tranquil countryside just beyond it couldn’t be starker. Or staying at a family-run inn outside Cortona, Italy—a property that has been in the same family for seven generations—and feeling how time slows when you become attuned to the rhythm of the land.
You deserve the same type of eye-opening adventures, imbued with authenticity and just the right touch of luxury. Of course, it takes time (and the right, trusted connections) to plan an immersive escape. That’s where I come in. I’ve got the industry relationships and extensive personal travel experience to craft something spectacular for you—and I’ll support you every step of the way.
From a romantic resort honeymoon to an intrepid safari, a grand European adventure to a long-weekend getaway, let me design a custom-crafted itinerary that gets you discovering the very best of your destination. 

Start Your Grand Adventure

Click below to book your complimentary planning session with Grand Explorations:
More About Me: 10 Fast Facts
  1. I'm originally from Chicago but I call Connecticut home now.  Go Cubs!
  2. I'm the oldest of four girls.  My dad is a VERY lucky guy...with selective hearing.
  3. i've been to 33 countries - and counting!
  4. I have a beautiful daughter, Sabrina.  She's always been one of my favorite travel partners, other than for a few years when she was between 15-18.  Moms of teenage daughters will totally understand.​
  5. I've got an incredibly understanding husband, Ralph, who doesn't bat an eye when I tell him I've decided to go to China for a quick trip...by myself.  Although we are newly married, we've been together for 16 years now. 
  6. My goal is to visit all 50 states.  I've only got seven left and plan to cross off at least two more this year - Vermont and Delaware.  I am open to suggestions on what to see in either of these states although I'm pretty sure the Ben & Jerry's factory is on the list.
  7. I love great food and wine, which I indulge in as much as possible, and I love to cook and bake as well.  My food doesn't look pretty - I'm terrible at plating and decorate cakes and cookies like a small child - but it all tastes pretty good!
  8. I love the idea of yoga.  I mean, I love doing yoga, just lately it's been more in my head than in real life.   I really like yoga clothes, well mainly yoga pants.
  9. Next on my bucket list: Australia in 2022 (fingers crossed!) and Antarctica in 2023. My goal is to visit all seven continents before I turn 50.
  10. I love reading cheesy romance novels.  And I'm so glad that because now that I read mainly on a Kindle, I don't have to be embarrassed about strangers seeing the cover of my book.  Now there's a chance that they think I'm reading something intellectual! ​