How Living Across Europe Changed the Way I Design Journeys

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How Living Across Europe Shaped My Travel Philosophy

“Buongiorno my friend, what time is your flight?”
That was the first thing my driver asked me as I stepped into the parking lot, heading to the airport for one of my solo recitals — this time from Milan to Málaga.
“In two hours,” I replied in polite Italian.
“Plenty of time, amico. Let's have a coffee — my treat.”

One of those moments you can never plan for. These are the experiences that linger. For me, Italy has always been a country of those unexpected, beautiful gestures. And after five years of living in Turin as a Dutchman, it changed how I understood living altogether.

‍ Living as a Temporary Local, Not Just a Tourist

There’s no better way to describe the essence of (Italian) travel than in James Boswell’s words to Jean-Jacques Rousseau in 1765:

“Nine months in this delicious country have done more for me than all the sage lessons which books, or men formed by books, could have taught me. It was my imagination that needed correction, and nothing but travel could have produced this effect.”

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For the past two decades, I have lived much of my life on the road as a professional musician — learning how to move through cultures not just as a visitor, but as a temporary resident and a colleague.

I’ve lived in six European countries, and spent over two years in New York — where I built lasting friendships across all of the East Coast. I now bring that unique experience to you as a certified travel advisor as I deeply understand what an American traveler is hoping for. Affiliated with Virtuoso, the world’s leading network for luxury and experiential travel.

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The Meaning Behind Authentic Travel Experiences

My goal is to help you see Europe not just as a destination, but as a layered, lived-in experience. I design trips that take into account the unspoken rhythms — like how dinner in Spain begins when a German kitchen is already closing, or where a local artisan in Provence may offer you a private workshop, shaping clay or preparing wild herbs.

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Avoiding Common Travel Pitfalls with Expert Guidance

Of course, even the most charming regions come with their quirks. Without guidance, it’s easy to miss those details that make or break a trip: a restaurant that falls short of local standards, a misread train connection, or a hotel that looks far better in pictures than in person. When you book with DeSalvio Travel, we help you avoid those moments and instead fill your journey with genuine encounters and cultural insight.

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Combining Iconic Sights with Hidden Gems

We combine the beauty of must-see icons — yes, you should visit the Alhambra or the Duomo — with local moments you won’t find in guidebooks. Because when you travel with us, you get access to the wonders everyone knows about and the gems only local insiders can share.

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Curated Local Experiences for the Senses

And if you're the type who loves books, history, art, or music, we provide curated suggestions that turn your trip into an all-sensory experience.

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Personalized Journeys Designed for You

Because travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you feel when you’re there.

Let’s design a journey that goes far beyond the standard itinerary.
Schedule a free consultation with DeSalvio Travel and let’s create your European story — with all the elegance, joy, and authenticity it deserves.

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Robert Poortinga  
Travel Booking Assistant  
River cruise & Europe destination expert  
Culinary and art travel specialist

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