James Lilla

 

 

“Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.”

I realized my dream of traveling the world solo for a year after walking away from my 15-year Advertising Sales career that spanned from New York to Chicago. What started as one year turned into two, and what started as a passion turned into a career.

So far, I visited over 25 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and South America and have no plans to stop! While traveling, I love finding off-the beaten-path restaurants and bars to mix with the locals.

My specialization is in Beach & Sun; Food & Wine and LGBTQ travel, both for individual travelers and groups. Most of my clients are successful professionals – gay and straight – who entrust me with making the most of their vacation time, as they have the means, but not necessarily the time or expertise, to plan their travels.

Favorite Travel Memories

• Visiting Greece and yachting off Mykonos with six of my best friends. I love all the different beaches and beach clubs that Mykonos has to offer. I must go at least once every summer.
• Cliff diving off Hvar, Croatia with friends while chartering a “James Bond”-style cigarette boat.
• Spending a summer in Europe, including getting to know all the ins and outs of Ibiza, Spain.
• A South African safari through Kruger National Park, including a too-close-for-comfort encounter with a young aggressive elephant!
• Paragliding off Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Exploring the Stellenbosch wine region in South Africa, including the most beautiful stargazing I have ever seen.
• Eating cockroaches on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.
• Relaxing on car-less Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand, in time for the most amazing sunset in the world, while taking in a Muay-Thai kickboxing match.
• Feeding and bathing elephants at a sanctuary in Thailand
• Renting a villa in Palm Springs, California with a group of friends once a year. I love relaxing by the pool and taking in the mountain views and charm of Palm Springs’ “Old Hollywood” feel.
• 4-wheeling through the Arabian Desert sand dunes outside of Dubai.

My Most Recent Travels

• Fulfilling a childhood dream: watching the early morning fog lift off Machu Picchu!
• Taking in the famous Nazca Line drawings in Peru via private plane.
• Enjoying the food, wine and people of Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Contact James Lilla via e-mail or by phone 646-354-3370.

Out and About Holidays LLC is an Independent Affilliate of Q Cruise + Travel, a Virtuoso Member Agency.