Jenn Thomas, Founder
My love of travel began in college when I studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand. It was the first time I truly understood how big and diverse the world is—and how many incredible places and perspectives there are to experience. Since then, I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries, and my approach to travel has evolved alongside my life.
What started as a passion became a full-time business in 2022 when I launched Take Your Own Trip. Over the past four years, I’ve built a trusted network of partners around the world, allowing me to design thoughtful, well-executed trips with the right people behind them. I believe deeply that travel isn’t just a luxury - it’s essential to how we grow, connect, and reset.
Before this, I spent 15 years managing complex global projects in the corporate world. That experience shapes how I plan travel today: highly organized, detail-oriented, and designed to feel seamless from start to finish. I created Take Your Own Trip to help busy couples and families plan better - without the stress, overwhelm, or endless hours of research.
As an independent affiliate of Tafari Travel NYC / Coastline Travel Group and a member of the Virtuoso network, I combine personalized service with access to a global network of trusted partners, preferred hotels, and on-the-ground experts.
My Approach to Travel
My travel style is high-energy and experience-driven, with a strong focus on culture, natural beauty, and adventure. I’m a firm believer that how you experience a destination matters just as much as where you go.
We’re constantly inundated with images telling us where to travel, but the reality is that the ideal trip looks different for everyone. I specialize in curating trips that reflect your personal travel style - whether that means fully customized, start-to-finish planning or simply securing the right hotels and framework so you can explore with flexibility.
I spent 12 years living in New York City, which shaped how I travel. I naturally look beyond the obvious, avoid the crowds, and prioritize experiences that feel authentic. Finding the balance between iconic highlights and lesser-known moments is where I do my best work.
I’m especially drawn to boutique hotels in the right locations, shoulder-season travel, and destinations just before they reach peak popularity. It’s about being in the right place, at the right time, in a way that feels intentional and well-paced.
Traveling as a Family
Travel has taken on a new dimension as a parent. My husband and I have two elementary-aged daughters, and we’ve been traveling with them since they were babies. Experiencing the world through their eyes has added a completely different perspective - and a deeper appreciation for slowing down and enjoying the small moments.
Travel with children looks different in every season, and I’ve learned firsthand how to adapt trips as kids grow. It requires more planning and coordination, but it also creates some of the most meaningful and lasting memories.
This perspective is something I bring to my clients - helping families design trips that feel both manageable and memorable, without sacrificing quality or experience.
Why "Take Your Own Trip"
There’s never a perfect time. There’s always a reason to wait - for schedules to align, for prices to drop, for life to slow down. But the reality is, time moves quickly.
Take. The. Trip.
Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, you never regret going. You come back with something - whether it’s a new perspective, a new favorite place, or the inspiration for where to go next.
That’s what Take Your Own Trip is all about.
Booking your trip is a dream
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