Travel Advisor
![Advisor - Ronald Balzan](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711122264/contentful-migration/advisors/image/ronald-balzan.jpg)
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
Venice in January: Magical and Perhaps the Best Time to Visit
Capri: How to Do It Right
Reid’s Palace, Funchal, Madeira
Favorite hotels
Hiiragiya
Hiiragiya is a historic ryokan in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its exquisite traditional Japanese architecture, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional hospitality, offering an authentic and unforgettable cultural experience.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has 156 elegant guest rooms and suites, all with heart-stopping views of the lake or the charming village center.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
This stylish seaside stay embodies the glamor of France’s sparkling Côte d’Azur. Expect sophisticated accommodations, locally sourced food (including a lovely juice and ice cream bar) and flawless service.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade whenever possible.
- ★
Priority access to courtesy car, where applicable.
Hotel La Minerva
Nestled in the enchanting island of Capri, Hotel La Minerva embodies the essence of luxury and tranquility. The refined rooms and suites are adorned with elegant decor, ensuring a seamless blend of modern amenities and classic charm.
Fora Perks
- ★
Breakfast daily.
Ronald 's travel photos
Ronald 's reviews
Ron was the perfect travel advisor for my family. He listened to our thoughts and really incorporated our ideas into the perfect itinerary. It was so helpful that he had first hand experience with hotels, restaurants and excursions that were recommended. His timely attention to detail and follow through was excellent.
- Martha P.
Booked travel to Hawai'i
- August 2024
Ronald was quick to jump in and help my family finish planning our trip to Kyoto, Japan. We had underestimated the time and energy it would take to find good hotels and compile an itinerary, and Ronald saved us both time and money! He diligently gathered our requests, budgets, and interests, and we were beyond pleased with the results. Not only did he find us an amazing accommodation in Kyoto, but he also added complimentary breakfasts and transportation from the train station. His detailed lists of local temples, restaurants, and activities came with vibrant descriptions so my family and I could easily determine what was of interest.
- Tatyana H.
Booked travel to Kyoto
- July 2024
Ronald was a dream to work with on our trip to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Ischia! His depth of knowledge of the region, his rapport with each hotel’s reservations and concierge teams, and his organizational skills were invaluable in creating a memorable trip. We were treated as the most valued clients everywhere we stayed and the concierge staff made sure every detail Ronald requested for us was met. We could not have asked for a more responsible and responsive travel expert. Fabulous!
- Kathy M.
Booked travel to Positano
- April 2024
Get in touch with Ronald
Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Ronald within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
![Advisor - Ronald Balzan](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711122264/contentful-migration/advisors/image/ronald-balzan.jpg)