How Travel Changed My Life…
How Travel Changed My Life…
Hello I am Saraya, founder of LuxPrima Travel!
In 2012 I planned a vacation for my family that changed my life and my relationship with my husband and children. Like many people, I was caught in my career and found my standard answers to my children's requests for my attention were "Not right now, mommy is on the phone" and "In a minute" (which always seemed to extend to hours), only to come to find them sleeping or onto something else when I was ready. The guilt was intense but I could not seem to get off the treadmill. All that changed in 2012 when I committed to unplug for an entire month and reset my priorities. I engaged the services of a luxury travel agent who planned the most fabulous trip to Italy. Having been raised in Rome for the first 12 years of my life and having returned there to live for a year in my 20s, I was not looking for your typical touristy itinerary. I wanted to indulge in the warm welcome of the Italian people and the authentic culture, food, wine, and local places off the beaten track while learning about the ancient history & culture of this beautiful country.
It was on this trip that I had one of my best mommy moments. While watching the most beautiful sunset from our beach cabana in Forte Dei Marmi, my then 8-year-old leaned over to me and said "Mommy, this is so amazing" I replied, "I know baby it is". He followed with "No Mommy, I mean this is SO AMAZING and I know practically no one else will ever experience this in their lifetime" I began to tear up. He was right and from that day forward I committed to annual trips like this, so every year since then we have taken the time out of our busy lives to unplug, and reconnect with loved ones in a meaningful way while creating lifelong memories and experiences like no other. We traveled back to Italy annually after that and now that the kids have left home my husband and I split our time between our home in Tuscany and our home in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have traveled to Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and throughout Europe. It has brought me great joy to watch my children develop a passion for travel, something my parents did for me through our extensive travel and by giving us the privilege of living abroad in Rome, Italy, and Geneva, Switzerland, which afforded us the opportunity to venture throughout most of Europe.
Prior to founding LuxPrima Travel, I spent 20 years running a successful Real Estate business, so I understand the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships and providing ongoing value. My clients have come to appreciate the personal touch. We share precious moments together and they have told me how much value I bring to their lives. It means the world to me that they entrust me with their most valuable nonrenewable asset… their time. That trust is why my business is 90% referral and repeat client.
If you are interested in designing an unforgettable travel experience, let's chat! Please let me know about your travel style and interests in depth so I can understand more about you and the vision of your next beautiful trip to a destination of your choice. I assure you that as we work together, the final itinerary product will be the trip of your dreams, whether you are up for a family adventure, a wellness experience, a romantic escape, a girl's getaway, a destination wedding, or a multi-gen trip of a lifetime! I would love to help you have the same experience of connecting with your loved ones and building your life memories.
work with me
My Why
We know time is your most valuable nonrenewable asset and we find purpose in helping you plan how to spend your leisure time in a meaningful way that your deepens relationships with your loved ones by building memories that last a lifetime.
In her bio Saraya Motley, the founder of LuxPrima Travel, shares her heartening personal experiences of being a workaholic, the impact that had on her family, and the changes she made to live the life she wanted to live and deepen her relationships with her family, and friends.. She finds meaning in helping her clients do the same. In her words, “My clients have become my friends. We share precious moments together and they have told me how much value I bring to their lives. It means the world to me that they entrust me with their most valuable nonrenewable asset… their time. That trust is why my business is 90% referral and repeat client.”
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current obsession
I am currently obsessed with personally experiencing every 5-star partner hotel throughout Italy so that I can best advise my clients on which one is the perfect fit for them.
favorite Destination
While I love Italy to the core and have chosen to make it my home, I have to say that my experience on safari in Africa was life-changing. The raw beauty, natural surroundings, and wildlife encounters have become unforgettable memories that touched me deeply.
best piece of travel advice
GET TO THE AIRPORT WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE
Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. For international flights, that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan two hours in advance. Lines are going to be very long at the ticket counters, baggage check and security, so if you cut it too close, you run the risk of missing your flight. Also, remember to take advantage of any frequent-flier status you have on the airline to check in using the preferred or first-class line.
PREPARE FOR FLIGHT DELAYS
If you must change planes to get to your destination, schedule a longer connection time than you would normally. Even if you think you have plenty of time, a crowded airport means it'll take you longer to make your way to another gate or terminal. Additionally, try to book the first flight of the day as they are much less likely to experience delays. Likewise, don't book the last flight of the day, as that limits your options.
USE CARRY-ON BAGS INSTEAD OF CHECKED BAGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
This way, if there's a delay or cancellation, you won't have to wait for your luggage to be pulled or be without your bags if you miss your connection. Consider traveling lighter for greater ease and peace of mind!
BE PREPARED FOR DELAYED CHECKED BAGS
If you do check your bags, make sure you take your electronic devices and chargers, a change of clothes, and any needed medications in your carry-on. In the event of a long delay, you'll be glad you have them with you. Many travelers have found that placing a digital tracker, such as an Apple AirTag, in their luggage gives them peace of mind in knowing where their bags are at all times.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
If you're a member of an airline club lounge, utilize the staff at the service desk to make any changes caused by flight delays or disruptions. They will frequently go the extra mile for members. Also, take advantage of club-use privileges that come with credit cards you may have, such as American Express Platinum or CapitalOne Venture X. Some clubs have limited admission to cope with overcrowding at peak times. Before leaving the club to head to your gate, double-check to make sure there are no potential delays. Once you leave the club, you may have to get back in line to re-enter.
favorite travel memory
While watching the most beautiful sunset from our beach cabana in Forte Dei Marmi, my then 8-year-old leaned over to me and said "Mommy, this is so amazing" I replied, "I know baby it is". He followed with "No Mommy, I mean this is SO AMAZING and I know practically no one else will ever experience this in their lifetime". This is when I understood that travel has a profound effect on the soul.
