Travel Advisor

Ronald Balzan
He/Him
Expertise
- Europe,
- Saint Barthélemy,
- Luxury Travel,
- City Travel
Based in
London, England, and Cap Ferret, France
Minimum booking Budget
$500/night
Profile details
About
A worldly lifelong traveler and former COO of a high-end travel management and publishing company. Constantly in search of value and soul because they can make trips memorable and the ordinary extraordinary.
Travel style
In general, I’m a free and independent traveler (or “FIT”). I prefer to be in control of my days rather than stick to someone else’s schedule. When visiting Namibia or Chile, for instance, my partner and I will rent a car and hit the road. Our itineraries planned by me, of course! We rely on guides only when necessary, like on safari or gorilla trekking.
I’m also a worldly, lifelong traveler and the former COO of a high-end travel management and publishing company constantly in search of value and soul as they can make trips memorable and the ordinary, extraordinary. With high standards and an eye for detail, I search for them in everything I do, wherever that may be.
And where I find exceptional value and soul, they are always the places I remember most. I long for, daydream about and often revisit them. For instance, I’ve been staying at the same small hotel in Capri annually for almost 20 years. They are also one of the reasons I love Cap Ferret, France, where we live part of the year.
Originally from Wisconsin, I spent 15 years in New York City after 10 in Dallas. We now live in London and Cap Ferret and have done so for over a decade. So, I know these places exceptionally well. In fact, I know much of Europe well. We go to the Continent regularly and have traveled it extensively. I love Norway (Oslo!), Italy, France, Ireland, Portugal, Finland and Sweden, in particular.
I’ve also seen much of the greater world, from Peru to New Zealand, Chile to Ukraine. I have been to Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan and Argentina often, and I have fallen in love with Namibia too.
Ronald 's travel guides & trip reports

Reid’s Palace, Funchal, Madeira

Capri: How to Do It Right

Venice in January: Magical and Perhaps the Best Time to Visit
Favorite hotels
Ronald 's travel photos




Ronald 's reviews
I found Ron Balzan's service before, during and after the trip fantastic. He suggested a range of hotels and at every single one there was some extra benefit, whether it was getting restaurant credit included, so that I could enjoy the spectacular restaurant, or a room upgrade (I ended up with a stunning view over Nagoya Park at the Tower Hotel), or a delicious welcoming treat waiting in my room (Westin Miyako). Ron's attention to detail meant that when the Tower Hotel requested some information in advance (for example my breakfast preference) he dealt with all of that, and dealt with other enquiries so that my stays at all the hotels were smooth and effortless. One of the most useful things that Ron did, which demonstrated a genuine care for how my trip went, was how he sourced and sent me articles about aspects of my trip, for example an article about Ghibli Park, which really helped me prepare for my visit there. It was reassuring to know that he confirmed all the hotels and room details before I arrived - not only confirming with the hotels, but also providing me with a detailed schedule so I had everything in one place. His advice and support right from the moment I asked him about Japan, were invaluable. The superb Tower Hotel is a fine example of the kind of hidden gem he can find. I would recommend him 100% and can't wait to plan my next trip with his ideas and enthusiasm to guide me.
- Fiona J.
Booked travel to Japan
- March 2025
Ron did an excellent job in finding this hotel! My original plan was to stay a couple nights. He came back with hotel recommendations for that plan, but also suggested staying at the Hotel das Cataratas for one night for the same price, but a 300% better experience. He recommended flying into Iguazu on an early morning flight, and flying out on a late afternoon flight, allowing me to fully experience the falls and the hotel over one night. It was a fantastic recommendation and can't imagine doing it differently! I can't recommend Ron enough!!
- Colleen Z.
Booked travel to Brazil
- February 2025
I highly recommend working with Ronald to anyone seeking expert advice, insightful recommendations, and flawless communication and booking process. Ronald has been amazing at listening to what we need, and recommending a choice of properties that are spot on. Drawing from his rich travel experience, Ron seems to always know the places with character and soul. Very clear on his recommendations, while providing excellent alternatives and highlighting strengths of proposed options. Communication could not have been smoother and more enjoyable. Thank you!
- Dorota S.
Booked travel to Barcelona
- November 2024
Ron went above and beyond in arranging my hotel stay — he not only made the reservation the same day I requested it, he was able to confirm a room upgrade well before my arrival! A few days before my departure he sent a full itinerary, including details of the Fora amenities — airport transfer, F&B credit, daily breakfast, room upgrade, etc.. Ron is extremely knowledgeable about everything London, and will be an asset to anyone planning a trip there!
- Barbara L.
Booked travel to London
- September 2024

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