About Derek · Founder, At Ease Travel Co.

Luxury isn't the thread count. It's the weight off your shoulders.

I'm Derek: veteran, LGBTQ+ traveler, Top 100 Virgin Voyages First Mate and the person who makes the complicated parts of your trip feel simple.

Plan a trip with me →See what I book →
U.S. military veteranWhere the travel bug started
Top 100 First MateVirgin Voyages, 2024 & 2025
IGLTA memberLGBTQ+ travel expertise
GSTC certificateSustainable tourism
Derek, founder of At Ease Travel Co. and Virgin Voyages Top 100 First MateComfortable.
Confident. Welcome.
Why "At Ease"

Built for people who want to see more and feel good doing it.

I built At Ease for people who want to see more of the world and feel genuinely comfortable doing it. I especially love serving fellow veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and travelers who want experiences that feel personal, welcoming and thoughtfully planned.

My years in military service took me to places, cultures and perspectives I may never have found otherwise. That chapter started my love of travel and still shapes how I see the world.

"At Ease" is a quiet nod to that part of my life. It's also exactly how I want you to feel when you travel.

Comfortable. Confident. Welcome. Free to actually enjoy where you are.

How I work

Personal, not packaged.

I started as The Bespoke Travel Dude, built on the belief that travel should feel personal rather than packaged. At Ease Travel Co. is the evolution of that idea.

01

I go first

I spend time in the destinations I recommend, test hotels and travel products firsthand, ask the awkward questions and build relationships with the people who know each place best.

02

Trusted partners fill the gaps

When I haven't experienced something personally, I lean on partners whose expertise I respect, and I'll always tell you which is which.

03

Travel that gives back

Seeing the world comes with a responsibility to care for it. Responsible tourism shapes the partners I choose and the experiences I recommend. My approach →

Credentials

The fine print, in bold.

Top 100 First MateVirgin Voyages Top 100 travel advisor, North America, 2024 & 2025
Fora TravelIndependent Agent of Fora Travel, Inc., with VIP hotel and cruise partner perks
IGLTAMember of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association
GSTCProfessional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
Washington, DC areaBased near DC, booking travelers nationwide
@bespoketraveldudeWhere it started. Follow along →
VeteranU.S. military service is where my love of travel began
LGBTQ+Experience with VACAYA, Atlantis Events and Virgin Voyages

I take your travel seriously. I just don't think travel itself should feel that serious. You bring the vibe. I'll handle the rest.

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Plan with DerekTop 100 First Mate · Fora Travel advisor
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