About Us
What sets Valise apart?
Each Valise journey is designed to introduce you to your destination in a unique and personal way. This includes opportunities for exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences developed for Valise travelers. In each destination, local experts are selected for their intimate knowledge of the natural environment, culture, cuisine and history. Just as important is their personality, life philosophy, and ability to make your journey enjoyable. Our local guides are an integral part of the Valise community: our long-term relationships can best be described as friendships. Each Valise expert is eager to share not only their knowledge of your destination, but also their favorite local spots.
Whether you are traveling with one of our organized groups, or you are traveling on a customized, independent Private Journey, Valise wants to make your next travel experience completely unique, completely memorable and completely stress free.
About Elaine
For me, travel has been a lifelong passion: when I’m not traveling, I’m either planning a trip, or thinking about traveling.
I come by this passion naturally: my maternal grandmother was a world traveler in a time when international travel wasn’t as accessible as it is today. ‘Valise’ is the French word for suitcase, and is also the term my grandmother used for her traveling case, the small rectangular suitcase that she took with her around the world.
Since founding Valise in 2011, I’ve also had the opportunity to travel the globe. In those years, I’ve developed a network of personable, knowledgeable and service oriented partners. I’ve discovered some spectacular natural landscapes and created some unique, one-of-a-kind experiences. My goal with Valise Travel Concierge is to expand your access to these people, places and experiences.
Outside of travel, my life is also filled with the joy of giving back to the community where I live. I bring this love of community with me in my travels by seeking opportunities to serve the areas we visit.
My intent with each travel experience is to help you get to new places– physically, intellectually and emotionally. To put you in new surroundings where you may gain understanding and perspective about what’s important and meaningful in your life and in the lives of those who share our world. I believe that travel has the potential to greatly enhance our outlook, our health, our confidence and our engagement with the world around us.
The mission of Valise Travel Concierge is to encourage a deeper understanding of the world through travel; to connect travelers to their destination through cultural and natural discovery; and to enhance the personal wellbeing of each client.