A Unique Partnership
- Katie Leavy and Karen Cantwell have complimentary areas of expertise and a shared love of travel and unique experiences.
- Katie has 25 years of experience in design and architecture along with a discriminating eye for luxury hotels. She is a master at logistics and her thoughtful attention to details and experiences provide a first-class level of service to her clientele.
- Karen's experience traveling and living abroad began at age ten with her Air Force family's first move to Europe. Her innate curiosity paired with her desire to help clients experience the world's wonders provide the foundation for client discussions. Karen's resourcefulness and client-focused skills developed in the consulting industry enable her to create multi-faceted itineraries with unique experiences.
- As an affiliate of McCabe World Travel, a 40-year-old travel agency, Ascend Luxury Travel partners with luxury brands as well as boutique hoteliers eager to welcome clients to former monasteries, palaces, castles and hidden city properties across the globe.
- Virtuoso, Ascend's other core partnership, vets hotels, cruise lines and tour operators with expertise on all seven continents.
- Through these partnerships, Ascend has unique access to offer exclusive amenities for clients including room upgrades, ship/hotel credits and transportation.
- Clients can trust that guidance from Ascend Luxury Travel is drawn from ongoing industry education and our own experience visiting 30+ countries. To craft tailored itineraries, Ascend collaborates and shares clients' desired interests and preferences with in-country specialists known for their thoroughness, knowledge and access to VIP experiences.
Your Ascend journey begins with the Initiation Phase, an engaging conversation about your travel goals—exploring the who, when, why, and where you want to go. We will listen closely and offer educated suggestions to help you achieve your travel goals.
Next, we move to the Trip Planning Phase, leveraging our international network of vetted partners to offer stylish accommodations and experiences tailored to your goals. With these options in hand, we will meet again gather your feedback, and refine your trip further.
In the Execution Phase, we finalize every detail of your journey, from thoughtfully planning the pacing of each day to securing accommodations and managing payments. A week or so before your trip, you will receive an app-based itinerary, featuring descriptive content along with logistics details.
The Travel Phase arrives at last! Pack your bags, and get ready to make some new memories! We will be following from afar, available and ready to support you on your Ascend journey!
The Debrief Phase is where we seek your feedback and explore your future destinations to discover!
With client preferences, pace and interests in mind, we design custom itineraries to global destinations.
Imagine yourself immersed in the sights, sounds and flavor of these luxury experiences!
Adventure awaits in the Amazon Rainforest and Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey to lush jungle rivers and volcanic islands teeming with rare species - all seamlessly integrated by Ascend Luxury Travel!
Onboard the world-class S.S. Victoria, sail the legendary Rhine and explore medieval castles, art museums, Gothic cathedrals and charming villages. Savor stunning views and fine cuisine as history comes alive in every port.
Experience Italy’s most glamorous coasts in one unforgettable journey. Unwind at Sardinia’s chic Costa Smeralda to Capri’s glamour and Ischia’s thermal spas. Explore tucked away villages and la dolce vita along the Amalfi Coast.