Karen Stang Hanley

I am a firm believer in traveling early and often with children of all ages. I’ll find destinations and experiences that result in a happy and pleasurable trip – for everyone! 

After decades of travel with my own four children, I specialize in planning trips for families and multi-generational groups, including individuals with disabilities. I enjoy finding the balance between time-saving elements while protecting unscheduled time. So your itinerary might include local guides who can smooth your path, efficient transfers, and private tours such as Abercrombie & Kent’s. As a result, you’ll have time to relax with your travel companions and explore at your own pace.

My clients and I plan strategically for future travel. Understanding each traveler’s interests and aspirations allows me to identify opportunities for exceptional value. I match the ideal mode of travel to both the destination and the goals for the trip – anything from extreme adventure to a totally stress-free escape. Before I entered the travel industry, my background was in editing, writing and children’s literature. My instinct is to craft a narrative out of each itinerary, with smooth transitions, customized experiences and of course, the delight of discovery.

As a college student studying history, I spent a year in Athens and traveled extensively in Greece and the Mediterranean region. I lived in London for several years. That allowed me to explore Great Britain and Europe, from its capitals like Vienna, Budapest and Paris to the countryside. Spanish Catalonia and the Fermanagh Lakelands of Northern Ireland are particular favorites. I still gravitate to European destinations, where I remain current on must-see museum exhibits, classical music events, and all sorts of festivals. Cultural experiences motivate most of my personal travel – with plenty of time for local food and wine specialties!

In addition to family travel, I have planned trips for Girl Scout troops, honeymooners, girlfriend getaways, and safaris. I work with Virtuoso partners in Ecuador, Italy, Botswana and South Africa, and many more. Our network truly spans the globe.

I look forward to putting my expertise and connections to work for you. Please contact me via email or phone at 847-826-4829.

What I love in travel?

• Ireland is one of my favorite – and most requested – destinations. Its blend of traditional culture and progressive outlook, plus unsurpassed natural beauty and thrilling history is universally appealing. Culinary adventures, castle stays and cozy B&B’s can be found both in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
• Virtuoso Preferred Hotels (there are more than a thousand!), such as The Resort at Pelican Hill on Newport Beach, California, offer an array of amenities to help families make the most of their stay.
• Ocean cruise travels have taken me to both ends of the Mediterranean (including a cruise on Silversea‘s Silver Spirit as a Virtuoso Voyages host), Alaska and the Caribbean.
• I’m a huge fan of river cruising, especially Rhine and Danube itineraries.
• I’m not usually a beach person, but I’ll make an exception for Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort. Simply a stunning beachfront location in Los Cabos, Mexico, with villas for families and larger groups!

My Most Recent Travels

• In Singapore, I stayed at the family-friendly Capella on Sentosa Island. Just minutes away from the bustling city, the Capella is a welcome oasis of calm and quiet, with resident peacocks! The Patina, Capitol Singapore hotel wasn’t yet open. It was easy to see during my hardhat tour, though, that this will be a choice luxury destination for clients in the heart of the Lion City. At nearby Raffles Singapore, I inspected guest rooms and the Singapore Slings (still top notch!).
• My visit to the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong was a reminder of this luxury hotel group’s high level of gracious hospitality. On the Kowloon side of the port, guests of The Peninsula Hong Kong are embraced by the city’s colonial past.
• Virtuoso’s 2015 Hotel of the Year, Ashford Castle in Ireland’s County Mayo offers a range of activities for all ages, including archery and horseback riding. Everyone’s favorite? A school of falconry!

Karen’s Qualifications

• Certified Travel Associate
• Silver Ireland specialist certificate
• AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
• Scenic Cruises Specialist
• Viking River Cruises Recognized Travel Agent
• Hong Kong Specialist

 

Contact Karen Stang Hanley via e-mail or by phone 847-826-4829.

Karen Stang Hanley LLC is an Independent Affiliate of Q Cruise + Travel, a Virtuoso Member Agency.