Deep Relationships, Meaningful Moments: Praise from Our 2023 Family Vacation Planning Clients

As Ciao Bambino celebrates its 20th anniversary this January, our annual article highlighting words of appreciation from our clients is particularly sweet. Our team of Travel Advisors are among the very best professionals in our industry. We run our boutique travel agency with laser-focused intention around how we can consistently deliver tremendous travel experiences to the families who trust us to curate their vacation memories. We’re incredibly proud of the deep partnerships we’ve developed with hoteliers and experience providers across the globe who execute on the high-quality customized itineraries that we design time and time again. The team at Ciao Bambino nurtures deep relationships as the foundation of our agency, and this includes incredible relationships with our clients, as these quotes demonstrate in spades! I’m so proud of the work we’ve done and grateful that we’ve had the opportunity to serve our clients so well.

Praise from our 2023 Ciao Bambino Family Vacation Planning Clients

As for our next trip, who knows? What we know for sure is the value of working with you on these trips is priceless. We love the personal connections we make with guides/drivers that enrich our travel experience. You always recommend quality places to stay, and the tour operators are reliable and offer great hospitality. THANK YOU for treating us to this wonderful Irish plan! — Quiring family trip to Ireland, designed by Susan Robinson

Our family just returned from an incredible one-week adventure in Iceland. We saw whales, dolphins and puffins, hiked to amazing waterfalls and geysers, explored a lava tunnel, soaked in hot springs, including the Blue Lagoon, and saw the Northern Lights!! Our grandchildren had smiles on their faces the whole time! Thank you, Helen, for planning such a memorable trip for our family. We’ll be talking about it for many years to come. — Stone family trip to Iceland, designed by Helen Buckner

Ciao Bambino continues to impress! The vacation was an absolute dream. We were busy — but the experiences were so unique and enjoyable that I wouldn’t have wanted to skip any of them in retrospect. We were blown away by the guides … hospitality and knowledge were wonderful! Thanks again for everything! — Trueblood family trip to Croatia, designed by Melissa Rosdahl

Brendan and Linda are simply the best. We have been blessed to have them guide us on many adventures around the globe, and I always say “This was the best trip ever!” … until the next trip takes the top slot. I can’t imagine traveling without their guidance and vast knowledge. They create a magical experience every time. — Stranahan family trip to Morocco, designed by Brendan Considine

It was the most amazing trip, and I know that just doesn’t happen. You totally got my family and made it so special. Not sure how you could put something together from just what I had said — nice work for sure! — Taylor family trip to Quebec, designed by Katie Stewart

I can’t tell you how many times during the trip my husband would say “Wow, that was a cool thing we did,” or “Great job picking the hotel,” and I would just reply, “It’s all Katie!” From the start of the planning, it was clear that Katie was as invested in us having an amazing trip as I was … Her hotel recommendations were flawless. The activities she suggested and booked were all amazing and enjoyed by all three of us. Katie listened to what was important to us and it clearly guided all of her recommendations. And when something would not go as planned while we were in Europe, she had quick solutions to ensure that our experience was not negatively impacted. Katie seemed to think a step ahead of us about everything. I can’t think of one thing she could have done better. I’m so thankful we got connected with Katie via Ciao Bambino and hope she will work with our family on many more adventures! — Draper family trip to Italy, designed by Katie Brown

We were lucky to work with Lynda to design our four-week trip to Hawaii and California. Thanks to her, we discovered volcanoes, underwater life, beautiful starry skies and magnificent sunsets, and we will have wonderful memories to share and talk about for decades. — Corsilli family trip to Hawaii and California, designed by Lynda Zuber

Another magical vacation by Laurel! You’ve done it again … I can’t wait to see the next adventure you plan for us. — VanderVelde trip to Iceland and France, designed by Laurel Perry

Our trip was amazing! We owe a lot of that success to you for your knowledge, planning and communication. I frankly don’t know how someone going to Italy for their first time can actually see and learn all we covered without your help. The private guides are a must when visiting the historical sites. The private transportation is a must in Europe! The dining recommendations were all A-list. — Van Gundy trip to Italy, designed by Mandy Cecchetto

Our family took an incredible trip to Africa. Our hearts are still there! As a good friend once told us, “It will change you,” and indeed, our adventure through Cape Town, Johannesburg and three thrilling safaris [did]. Above all, the highlights were our adrenaline-pumping animal-spotting expeditions alongside experienced guides who dedicate their lives to protecting these magnificent creatures and the rich history and the message of hope shared by Nelson Mandela. Sharing every moment with our 9-year-old child brought immeasurable joy to our hearts! Thank you, Linda, for planning this for us. — Stagnaro family trip to Africa, designed by Linda Considine

Our trip to London exceeded all our expectations thanks to the incredible planning help we had from Kristen. My husband and I and our two elementary school-aged kids loved every castle, every meal, every site and especially appreciated our terrific guides, who were A+. We loved this trip so much that we asked Kristen to plan our next family adventure in a totally different part of the world … Costa Rica! We cannot wait to have yet another true vacation, one that feels like so much more than a family trip and one that we will all remember for years to come! — Schaefer family trip to London, designed by Kristen Avini

We would absolutely recommend your services to anyone in the market! … Hopefully you can tell that we had a blast on our trip. We’ve been raving about it since we got back. Really, pretty much no major hiccups. Thank you again for all your help making this trip happen! — Woodhouse-Allard family trip to Italy and France, designed by Barbara Weindling

Overall the trip was great. It worked for the 10-year-old. It worked for the 80-year-old. And that’s quite a feat. Kudos to you!! — Sallenave family trip to Costa Rica, designed by Kiki Humes

I told myself the entire two weeks before we departed for Turks and Caicos that I needed to temper my expectations. I repeatedly told everyone in the family, “It won’t be perfect, but it will be fine.” And even, “No matter what, it will be wonderful.” I never dared really, truly believe that our time in the Dream Pavilion on Ambergris Cay could be so absolutely fabulous. The entire family is in your debt for finding it for us, recommending it to us, chasing down every single detail and so totally “getting” us that we found ourselves in a most special place for a most special time …  THANK YOU!!! — Sentilles family trip to Turks and Caicos, designed by Cary Walker

Using you really allowed us to enjoy the trip. According to my husband, you removed every possible area where there could have been friction. I really think that made it so much easier for us (mostly me) and gave us time to focus on the stuff that we wanted to focus on (like finding the best gelato). The app was amazing at keeping all the info together. You recommended things I never would have thought to do on my own. — Dioli-Lake family trip to Italy, designed by Casey Armour

Amy and Bailey: Everything was perfect. We were so impressed with Ciao Bambino! I can’t think of one thing to even slightly improve upon. We have already recommended you to several friends. Keep doing what you are doing. A+++ — Whitt family trip to Croatia, designed by Amy Annis

We truly had the trip of a lifetime. From tours and history to sand and sun to delicious meals and laughter, we had a fantastic time in Greece as a family. Every detail was arranged so we could relax and enjoy ourselves. The transfers made getting around easy, the hotels were perfect for our family setup and all the tour guides were fantastic. Thank you for helping us plan such an amazing experience! — Hansen family trip to Greece, designed by Natalie Ethridge

Relevant Links:

Get our guidance for long-term family travel planning on Ciao Bambino

Family vacation planning simplified: A school year’s worth of travel in 6 easy steps

Pick your passion: Best family vacation spots for every interest

18 summer vacations to take before your kids grow up

10 family vacations that will change kids forever

How, when and why to use a travel agent to book a family vacation

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of the individual families pictured.