Fariza Meyer | CEO, Founder & Global Luxury Travel Advisor

(Patterson, CA)

Caribbean Roots

Fariza’s journey from Trinidad & Tobago to becoming a seasoned traveler and luxury travel expert is truly extraordinary. Her adventurous spirit and passion for exploration have taken her across six continents over 36 years, exposing her to a diverse array of cultures, landscapes, and experiences.

From her early move to the United States at 15 to founding her own travel company, Fariza’s life has been shaped by her love for travel and her desire to share the world’s wonders with others. Her luxury travel adventures, including dancing with The Maasai Tribe in Tanzania, camel-trekking in the Arabian Desert, and dining at a Bedouin Tent in UAE, Dubai, showcase her affinity for immersive and authentic experiences that transcend traditional tourism.

Fariza’s appreciation for eco-tourism and her willingness to embrace the raw luxury of sleeping with open windows exemplify her deep connection to nature and her commitment to sustainable travel practices. Coupled with her enjoyment of five-star accommodations and Michelin-starred dining, Fariza offers her clients a balanced blend of opulence and authenticity, ensuring that every aspect of their journey is tailored to their desires and preferences.

As a luxury travel expert specializing in experiential travel, Fariza’s mission is to help her clients realize their dreams and create lasting memories. She understands that life is a gift meant to be lived to the fullest, and she believes that lesser-visited countries offer some of the most unique and enriching experiences. By encouraging others to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Fariza opens doors to new adventures and opportunities for personal growth and discovery.

Fariza’s expertise, passion, and dedication to providing unparalleled travel experiences make her a true trailblazer in the world of luxury travel. Her ability to curate transformative journeys that leave a lasting impact on her clients is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her belief in the power of travel to enrich and inspire.

Peonca Grier | Travel Advisor (Orlando, Florida)

About Me

Born in Flint, Michigan, I began my love for travel at the age of 14 when I took my first solo plane ride to Atlanta, Georgia. My dream as a child was to be a flight attendant so I could meet people and travel the world…that is until I learned I did not meet the height requirements. I have always had a passion for learning and therefore travel was inevitable in my eyes. I love visiting new places and exploring the history, culture, and customs. I consider myself a “foodie” so finding the best places to eat is one of my many pleasures when traveling.

I love the beach and travel often to nearby Florida beaches and the Caribbean. I have traveled to Jamaica (and all its cities) and Punta Cana on several occasions. I also love visiting Canada when afforded the opportunity. I have traveled within the states to Boston, Atlantic City, Nashville, Huntsville, Birmingham, Charleston, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, Omaha, St. Louis, Tulsa, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Martha’s Vineyard. My favorite trip was through Oregon seeing all the sites the state had to offer such as Cannon Beach, Multnomah Falls, and the Willamette Valley for wine tasting. Most recently, I traveled to Las Vegas to a music festival with friends for a fun girls’ getaway. My bucket list for international travel includes Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Tanzania, and St. Barts.

As I continue to grow my own travel experiences, I love to plan luxury and budget-friendly travel to explore the world and make memories. Life is short and you should relish the time you can spend doing things that bring you joy. It is my belief that the more you travel the more you learn about other people, other cultures, other communities, and you also learn a lot about yourself.  I would love to help you find your next adventure.

Jennylyn Patague | Travel Advisor & Administrative Assistant (Tracy, CA)

I am a Tracy, CA resident currently studying at CSU Stanislaus. I’m majoring in Spanish and Psychology with a Music minor.

I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at the age of 11. Living in California and being exposed to a melting pot of people with diverse backgrounds has made me curious to learn about different cultures and languages. In the summer of 2022, I was able to do a short study abroad trip in Costa Rica. Aside from this, I have traveled all over California and have taken trips back to the Philippines with the last one being the summer of 2023.

These experiences have helped expand and shape my view of what travel means to me.
From experiencing life in other parts of the world, discovering local forests, making memories with strangers, or walking through the busiest cities in the world, travel is something that connects us all and gives us the opportunity to see life in each other’s eyes. 

Farye Nwede | Travel Advisor (Costa Mesa, CA)

Farye is an enthusiastic traveler with a deep-seated passion for exploring diverse cultures around the globe. His adventures began in his early twenties when he set foot in Vietnam, immersing himself in the local traditions and vibrant street food scenes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This initial journey sparked a relentless desire to understand the world in a more intimate manner.

Farye’s travels soon took him to the serene beaches of Tahiti and the bustling markets of Nigeria, each destination offering a new perspective and enriching his appreciation for the complexity of human societies.

As Farye’s passport pages filled, so did his understanding and respect for cultural diversity. His journey through Germany exposed him to the country’s rich historical tapestry and contemporary arts, while his trips across various parts of East Asia allowed him to delve into ancient customs and innovative modern lifestyles. Ireland’s rugged landscapes and warm, welcoming locals left a lasting impact on him, inspiring Farye to share his experiences through blogging. Through his vivid storytelling, Farye continues to educate and inspire others about the beauty of embracing the world’s vast cultural heritage.

Sara Araiza | Travel Advisor (Los Banos, CA)

I am a resident of Los Banos, CA, born and raised in the central valley, the heart of some of the best produce in the nation. I received my undergraduate degree from CSU Stanislaus in Marketing with a minor in Art. I have a passion for combining my artistic creativity with my marketing skills to create visually captivating experiences.

My love for travel began in 2012 when I first visited Italy, where I immediately fell in love with their culture, including their art, history, food, and fashion. From that moment onward, I knew I had to explore as many countries as possible.

So far, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Italy, Iceland, Germany, Spain, France, Canada, and Mexico. I can’t wait to revisit them and continue exploring new countries!

As a California native, my go-to getaway is our lovely Pacific Coast, from the San Francisco coastline all the way down to the coastal area of Pismo. There’s nothing that beats a cool sea breeze on a warm summer day as you watch sea otters and sea lions basking in the sun on the beach, while enjoying a clam chowder sourdough bread bowl from the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, CA.

This photo was captured at my Spring 2023 travel trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Vanessa Lopez Zamarripa | Travel Advisor (Laguna Niguel, CA)

Traveling and exploring different cultures is the most rewarding way to live your life.

I grew up in Southern California, but my parents and my husband are from the beautiful coastal state of Veracruz, Mexico. I can not name what the best experience was for me because I loved everything about Veracruz.

  

My first visit I was like a child amazed by the cultural dancers and the fresh seafood. When I took my son I watched him and his grandmother play together in the ruins of Cempoala. I fell in love with the history and I felt great pride in being part of that beautiful country. 

My trips to Mexico have enormously opened my desire to continue to learn about and explore the rest of the world, but becoming a mother changed the way I see the world. I love to plan experiences that I know will make my children smile. I probably would have never thought of riding a train pulled by a 100 year old steam engine if it weren’t for my son’s love of trains. 

My curiosity into different cultures was awakened during the time I spent living In New York and the San Francisco Bay area. The diversity just in the food itself has turned me into a bit of a foodie. Had I never left Southern California I don’t think I would have enjoyed home made samosas or learned how to prepare falafel and Tahini sauce. 

Recently my travels have consisted of road trips within my beautiful state of California, but we have many exciting destinations in mind for future family vacations. I’m excited about this new journey and I hope to continue to feed my cultural curiosity as a Travel Advisor.

This photo was captured at Seven Magic Mountains, Nevada.

Annette Bui | Travel Advisor (Newport Beach, CA)

My name is Annette, but I go by Bui, like the floaty in the ocean. Growing up in Huntington Beach, Southern California, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the ocean and coastal lifestyle. My love for travel has taken me to vibrant destinations like Vietnam, Cabo, Taipei, Ensenada, New York, and the Big Island of Hawaii, where I adore the local ambiance and culture of the Four Seasons. After spending a year attending school in Boston, I’ve made friends all over the country. With over 12 years in real estate finance, I help clients in states like Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and Hawaii, with a dream to visit all 50 states, especially those with breathtaking waterfalls. Having a background in hospitality and bartending when I was younger means I will always be a wine and foodie at heart. I am Peach Step certified, and I adore oceanfront fitness classes that keep me connected to the sea. My ultimate goals are to further my expertise by getting certified in Thailand and to go on a European cruise to visit Greece, Croatia, and Italy, blending my passion for fitness, travel, and culinary delights into an exciting future.

Maria Resendiz | Travel Advisor (San Pablo, CA)

Hello,

I’m Maria Resendiz, originally from Mexico City, where my passion for travel was sparked by boundless curiosity. As a child, travel seemed like an unattainable dream, glimpsed only through magazines and postcards my parents sent from their work travels to the States. Growing up, the bustling airport terminals filled with diverse languages fascinated me, igniting my determination to learn English.

Today, I call California home, and travel has transformed from a dream into a reality. I’ve explored numerous states across the US, journeyed from the northern to the southern reaches of Mexico, and reveled in the beauty of Hawaii’s islands. 

For me, the greatest joy lies in connecting with people, immersing myself in different cultures, environments, and experiencing unparalleled hospitality. These experiences have gifted me a profound understanding of others.

I am eager to help you realize your childhood dreams of exploration as your trusted travel advisor.

Gracias, Merci, Tanke,Obrigado, xiè xiè, Sukran, Thank you.

Jenna Schultz | Travel Advisor (Turlock, CA)

Hello,

My name is Jenna Schultz, and I’m a healthcare major at Stan State with a deep passion for travel and helping others. I come from a background of hiking and beach adventures, and I’ve always made it a point to visit the beach whenever I travel. To date, I’ve visited 10 states, and each one has taught me something new about myself. I truly believe that travel is a gift, one that brings immense joy and countless opportunities.

One of my favorite quotes is, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I’m thrilled to be joining the Turtle-y Awesome Travel family and to share my love for both travel and helping others, especially with those who aren’t sure where to start on their own journey.

The photo below was taken in Bandon, Oregon, near the coast where my uncle lives.

Diana Coffey | Travel Advisor (Patterson, CA)

I was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. For the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career to property management while also pursuing an associate’s degree in Business Administration. Balancing work and studies has been challenging, but I’m determined to achieve my goals.

I’m happily married to my husband, Jerry, for 16 wonderful years. We share our lives with three beloved cats who bring us so much joy. My passions include diving into a thrilling novel, especially a good murder mystery.

I also enjoy camping under the stars, hitting the beach, and hunting for designer finds at thrift stores and online. Living a little boujee on a budget is my specialty! As a huge Disney fan and a certified Disney Specialist, I love planning magical vacations for anyone interested in experiencing the joy of Disney. Traveling around California is one of my greatest joys. The state is so diverse and beautiful, from stunning beaches and serene lakes to the majestic redwoods and snow-capped mountains. The vibrant nightlife in the cities and the unique charm of the deserts never fail to inspire me. I truly appreciate all that California has to offer. Looking ahead, I dream of adding stamps to my passport, eager to explore the beauty and culture of the world beyond our borders. The adventure awaits!