Know where you want to go.
I know how to get you there.
SmartFlyer Affiliate · Virtuoso Member · Nashville, TN
Why Work With Me
Five ways I
connect you.
I do not book travel. I connect people to the right place, the right experience, and the right support — before, during, and after every trip.
01 Connection to Place
Authentic local experiences. Insider access. VIP treatment from real relationships — not a booking engine.
02 Connection to People
Local guides. Hotel managers. 15+ years of relationships built one trip at a time.
03 Peace of Mind
One person handles everything. Reachable before, during, and after your trip.
04 Connection to Luxury
SmartFlyer affiliate and Virtuoso member. Breakfast, upgrades, credits, priority reservations.
05 Connection to Values
LGBTQ+-inclusive travel. When I say a property is welcoming, I am speaking from experience — not a checklist.
What I Specialize In
The right trip for the right traveler.
I focus on experiences that match who you are, not just where you want to go.
Inclusive & LGBTQ+ Travel
Safe, affirming destinations and properties where every traveler is genuinely welcomed. I travel within this community and know the difference.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Virtuoso amenities at thousands of properties worldwide. I match travelers to the right property — then unlock perks direct booking cannot offer.
Ocean & River Cruises
From expedition ships to ultra-luxury lines, I know which vessels, itineraries, and cabin categories deliver value worth the investment.
Honeymoons & Celebrations
Milestone travel demands more than a good deal. It demands a perfect experience. I create trips people talk about for years.
Custom FIT Itineraries
Fully independent travel built around your preferences. Not a package. Not a template. Your trip, designed from scratch.
Group Travel
Family reunions, friend groups, corporate retreats. Managing the logistics so everyone can actually enjoy the trip.
How It Works
Simple from the start.
You tell me where you want to go. I handle everything else.
01
Tell Me Where
Fill out a quick inquiry form. Tell me your travel style, budget, and what matters most.
02
We Build It Together
I design options based on your preferences. We refine until it is exactly right.
03
I Handle Everything
Bookings, confirmations, and real support before, during, and after your trip.
ABOUT JOE
I am a connector.
I connect people to place. To peace of mind. To luxury that is earned and meaningful. To other people. To travel that reflects their values. That is how I think about this work.
I founded joe.travel in 2024 after 15+ years working across tourism, destination marketing, and public advocacy. Before travel, I served as CEO of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, growing membership by 44%.
I am a SmartFlyer affiliate and Virtuoso member — both by invitation only. My clients get complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, property credits, and priority reservations at more than 2,000 properties worldwide.
I am based in Nashville, TN. I am openly gay and specialize in LGBTQ+-friendly travel. When I say a property is welcoming, I am speaking from experience.
I started my career in journalism at Belmont University, was selected as an IRTS Fellow in New York City, and worked at The Daily Show and CBS News. My work has been covered by CNN, MSNBC, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. I live in Nashville with my husband Jim Schmidt and our dog Spooner.
Trusted Affiliations
Access you cannot book yourself.
My SmartFlyer and Virtuoso affiliations unlock exclusive amenities — complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, and priority reservations — at thousands of properties worldwide.
Your connection to extraordinary.
Ready to go?
Tell me where you want to go. I will take it from there.