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.
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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?
9 Ways to See D.C. Like a Local
4 Gays with 8 Days in Morocco
Favorite hotels
Michael 's travel photos
Michael 's reviews
Michael is the consummate professional. He is on top of every detail, confirms every reservation well ahead of time, communicates seamlessly, and anticipates problems. We simply would have struggled without Michael support for a very complicated trip. And above all, he is simply a joy to work with. Thank you, Michael!
- George C.
Booked travel to Berlin
- March 2025
No major problems. clear communication. Check-in was a good, though initially the Hotel was confused about my "extra day" added to the general block booking. But it worked out.
- Rey L.
Booked travel to Munich
- February 2025
Michael was a great travel advisor and coordinator, and juggled the complicated task of herding a large group through various phases of public and private travel abroad. He thoughtfully helped meet individual needs and preferences for each person. And I personally witnessed him calmly solving problems and adapting arrangements on the fly as group members' needs changed.
- Isaac K.
Booked travel to Berlin
- February 2025
MCS did an incredible job! He took our criteria into account and found the perfect places to meet them. Moreover, the amount of stuff we did not have to worry about re: logistics, schedules, details, thanks to his consummate professionalism was an amazing luxury and a huge relief compared to past travel experiences I have had. I would definitely work with MCS again!
- Colin C.
Booked travel to Berlin
- February 2025
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).