Countess Jacques

Growing up, my sister and I were exposed to many cultures and foods at an early age. I grew up in the kitchen under my aunts, my grandmother and even my father was an avid cook. Before the likes of reality cooking shows, there were PBS cooking shows, and this is what I enjoyed most. Justin – from New Orleans (Nawlins), making a roux for his seafood jambalaya. Lydia Bastianich cooking an Italian masterpiece for her family. Or even The Barefoot Contessa grilling pineapples to go with her poundcake. So, in 2008, when I was awarded a scholarship to attend a cooking school in Florence, IT for a hospitality and abroad program, I was elated. For me, food is culture and language, and this experience planted a seed that I would continue to water repeatedly every trip I took. I couldn’t always afford the most luxurious experiences or trips, but I always made a point to create memories and experiences that would last a lifetime. And I established my own version of All-Inclusive -- on a dime. All the fun, exciting and splurge-worthy things for less cost or an added benefit. The more I traveled, the more I wanted to share these memories and experiences with others, and I soon became an advocate for high school and college students to travel and study abroad. In 2023, I lost my job without warning — one week before my 39th birthday trip I had planned. On a search for what to do next, I found FORA Travel, or maybe they found me — either way, I couldn’t have planned it better. FORA is a technology/marketing forward company designed with the travel advisor in mind and helping make what they do for others easier. Now that I'm a licensed insurance agent and travel advisor, let's plan and insure your next best experience!