Travel Advisor
Michael Cole-Schwartz
He/Him
Expertise
- Europe,
- Washington DC,
- Sober Travel,
- City Travel,
- LGBTQ+ Travel
Based in
Seattle (less rainy than you think)
Languages spoken
English, enough French to get by
Profile details
About
With a 20+ year career in nonprofit strategic communications, I know a thing or two about planning. And messaging (but that’s less relevant to you). What I bring to my work in travel advising is curiosity (about the world and about you), fastidiousness (detail-oriented is an understatement) and a belief in the power of strong relationships (that are marked by clear communication, rigorous honesty and trust).
I’ve seen my share of the world (40 countries and 49 US states)—but more importantly, I get just as excited helping my clients journey hither and yon as I do in creating my own trips. Let’s plan something fantastic together.
Travel style
I love mixing tourist sites (could one ever tire of the Eiffel Tower?) with experiencing slices of life (seeing a soccer match with locals is always on my list) with the spontaneous (like the impromptu 3:00am kayak tour we did to catch a lunar eclipse). No matter if it’s your first time in a destination or you’re a repeat visitor, I’ll make sure you have the chance to see the “can’t miss” sights, plus set you up for the quirky, “when in Rome” experiences.
My motto is “just enough planning” so that trips flow without headaches but also offer enough flexibility to wander through that curious market or say yes to the cool hike you heard people talking about. Just like in my career as a strategic communication professional, I know how to plan for the unexpected.
But the more important question is, how do you like to travel?
Michael 's travel guides & trip reports
Is a Virgin Voyages Repositioning Cruise Right for Me?
4 Gays with 8 Days in Morocco
9 Ways to See D.C. Like a Local
Favorite hotels
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
This recently renovated icon, with a full-service spa, has been a Vancouver mainstay since 1939.
Fora Perks
- ★
Hotel / resort credit.
- ★
VIP welcome & amenity.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The hip pick on the strip, with an artsy vibe in the refurbished rooms, and a must-visit beach pool.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Hotel Central
A design hotel in the heart of Barcelona offering fantastic views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral from its rooftop infinity pool.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage or spa credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Bell Pool Villa Resort Phuket
The Bell Pool Villa Resort in Phuket is a tropical haven offering a blend of luxury and tranquility. Nestled in the lush landscape of Kamala Beach, this resort features private pool villas with modern amenities and stylish decor. Each villa is designed for utmost privacy, creating an intimate escape for couples and families. Guests can bask in the serenity of their own pool, indulge in spa treatments, and savor delectable cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With attentive service and a serene ambiance, The Bell Pool Villa Resort promises an idyllic retreat for those seeking a peaceful and luxurious Phuket experience.
Michael 's travel photos
Michael 's reviews
Michael always does a fabulous job with my travel arrangements. Great communication so I never worry if things have been taken care of. Very personalized service. Thank you, Michael!
- Jeanne S.
Booked travel to Wisconsin
- August 2024
I cannot say enough about our wonderful experience working with Michael of Argyle Experiences. Our family of four – two kids and two adults – traveled to Greece and Spain and had the adventure of a lifetime, thanks largely to Michael’s wise guidance, hands-on support, and wonderful communication. We loved working with Michael and will – without question – work with him in the future. Michael listened to our many (collective and individual) interests, struck the balance between activities and meandering time, and booked us with tours and in locations that felt just right for what we had envisioned. What’s more, the process was seamless and Michael double and triple checked with us to make sure we had everything we needed for a fun and smooth trip. What’s more, Michael was patient and accessible.
- Tracy F.
Booked travel to Greece
- August 2024
Michael was an excellent travel advisor! We were trying to plan a trip while navigating a particularly busy time in our lives. He was so patient and regularly checked in to give us the push we needed to make decisions! Planning trips in cities you've never been to can be overwhelming, but Michael helped to reduce that stress! Thanks for making our trip wonderful!
- Sean B.
Booked travel to London
- August 2024
Our recent trip to Greece was absolutely amazing, and we have Michael to thank for that. Planning a trip with my husband, in-laws, and nephew to celebrate our nephew's graduation could have been a lot to handle, especially since my husband has a demanding job and I run a kitchenware startup. But Michael was a total lifesaver! From the start, Michael made everything so easy for us. He took the time to ask the right questions and really got to know what was important to us for this particular trip. His attention to detail and genuine care for our experience made all the difference. Michael went above and beyond in planning every aspect of our vacation. From finding unique places to stay to organizing fun outings, he made sure everything was just right. We felt like he had thought of everything, which let us relax and enjoy every moment. There was the perfect mix of relaxing, exploring, and soaking in the local culture, making it an unforgettable trip for all of us. Thanks to Michael, we didn't have to stress about planning or coordinating anything. We could focus on having a great time and celebrating the time together as a family. If you want a travel advisor who’s friendly, attentive, and makes sure you have the best trip ever, Michael is your person. He truly made our Greece vacation a dream come true, and we can't thank him enough!
- Michael C.
Booked travel to Athens
- July 2024
Get in touch with Michael
Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Michael within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).