I take the stress. You take the photos.
Standout hotels with VIP perks. Adults-only Virgin Voyages. Explora Journeys, Scenic river cruises and Ritz-Carlton yachts. A private yacht through Croatia. Trips with personality, planned by one real person who answers his phone, so the only thing left for you to do is show up and enjoy it.
Questions? Text or call 202-802-0990
Hi, I'm Derek.I'll handle it.
Travel should feel exciting, not exhausting.
At Ease is for people who love standout hotels, design-forward spaces and experiences with personality, but want the planning off their plate.
The logistics happen behind the scenes with trusted partners and careful timing. The heavy lifting is done before you leave, so when you arrive, the only thing left to do is enjoy it.
And just as important as the destination is the feeling of checking in. Every property and partner is chosen so you can show up as yourself, travel with the people you love and feel completely at ease.
What are you planning?
Pick the one that fits. Not sure? Just start with the trip form and I'll point you in the right direction.
Book a hotel with perks
Breakfast for two, resort perks and upgrades when available at partner hotels around the world, many I've stayed at myself.
Book a hotel → CruisesFind the right cruise
Virgin Voyages, Celebrity suites, Explora, Scenic river cruises and more. I'll match you to the ship that fits your vibe.
Compare cruises → LGBTQ+ travelTravel as yourself
Welcoming hotels, Pride trips and full-ship LGBTQ+ charters like VACAYA and Atlantis.
See LGBTQ+ trips → Groups & soloPlan a group or solo trip
Milestone birthdays, family trips and friend getaways, or a solo adventure with trusted local guides. I handle the details.
Start planning → Tours & excursionsAdd unforgettable experiences
Private cooking classes, expert-led treks and shore days that aren't in the standard brochure.
Explore experiences → Featured tripAt Ease in the Adriatic
Seven nights on a private yacht from Šibenik to Dubrovnik. Fewer than 40 guests. Limited cabins.
See the yacht trip →
Sail Virgin with a Top 100 First Mate.
Adults only. Tips, Wi-Fi and every restaurant included. Drag brunch, Scarlet Night and a red hammock with your name on it. Book through my First Mate link and you pay Virgin's published fare, with me in your corner from booking to disembarkation.
Same trip. Better everything.
Perks you can't get alone
Through Fora and leading hotel brands: VIP status, upgrades when available, resort perks and breakfast at partner properties.
Front of the line
Priority boarding and onboard perks when available, plus the tricky logistics handled before you sail.
One real human
You talk to me, not a call center, from the first question until you're back home.
Welcoming by design
As a veteran and an LGBTQ+ traveler, I vet the culture of every place I send you, not just the thread count.
Steal my favorite spots.
My guides on the Fora Journal, written from places I've been and hotels I'd book again.
Best Hotels in Miami
Where to stay for beach days, rooftop nights and everything between.
Read the guide → GuideBest Hotels in Costa Rica
Rainforest lodges, beach retreats and the stays worth the drive.
Read the guide → GuideVirgin Voyages: Why I'm Obsessed
The cruise line that converts people who swore they'd never cruise.
Read the guide → Guide6 Splendid Hotels in Athens
Acropolis views, rooftop pools and the best bases in the city.
Read the guide → GuideInsider's Guide to Hawaii
Where to eat, stay and play across the islands.
Read the guide → All of itMy Fora advisor profile
Every guide, plus reviews and how I work.
See my profile →Protect the investment.
Peace of mind is the ultimate luxury. I partner with industry leaders like Faye and Arch RoamRight, so you have direct access to strong trip protection and can travel knowing the inevitable curveballs are covered.
I'm not an insurance advisor, so I'll connect you directly with the provider to choose your coverage.
What sailors say.
5.00 average from 38 client reviews on Fora.
He booked our cruise and handled reservations for all our onboard activities, dinners and shows. From our meals to hotel accommodations, excursions, shopping and sight seeing, he planned it all.
With minimal information, he managed to find the perfect all-inclusive resort that was a match made in heaven. … He even coordinated with the hotel to ensure my birthday was extra special. The champagne, decorations, and room upgrade were all delightful surprises.
He offered the best incentives (better than any offers made through cruisecompete). Didn’t think we needed priority check-in but when we got there and saw the line for regular check-in my partner and I knew we were working with a pro.
Planning a cruise? Start here.
Let's get to work.
Tell me where you're dreaming of going. Exclusive perks, VIP upgrades when available and the small details that turn a trip into a story are on me.
Or reach me directly: derek@ateasetravel.co · 202-802-0990