(105 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI

Well-traveled Expert in many destinations!

Luxury is truly my thing, but it has to be coupled with a unique and immersive experience. I do not do budget travel, but promise value that will make you happy with every penny you spend. Using finely honed research skills, I collaborate with you to create the essence of your personalized experience. I enjoy making travel dreams and wishes come true! I bring solid experience, tips that may not be obvious, and advice for planning family and group trips! Having a keen eye on history, I've also been an amateur genealogist since I was at my grandma's knee. Tell me where you want to go... I'll make a way to get you there!

My Travel Specialties

Areas of Expertise...current favs!

Areas of expertise -

  • South Africa- Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park, Zambezi River, Capetown, Cape of Good Hope, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch (wine country), Mala Mala Game Reserve
  • Italy - Pompeii, Rome, Florence, Amalfi, Salerno, Liguria 
  • Sicily...
    Read more from my Areas of Expertise...current favs! bio.
Elephants at MalaMala Game Reserve and Camp.

All Six Hawaiian Islands!

There isn't much I don't love about Hawaii. Each island is so unique and I have been lucky to spend time on all of them.

Oahu - Melting pot of cultures, history, incredible beaches and Waikiki is like Vegas on the beach, minus the casinos.

Maui - "If you're lucky enough to be on Maui,...
Read more from my All Six Hawaiian Islands! bio.

Trilogy Sail to Lanai Island with snorkeling!!!

French and Italian Riviera changed my life!

Imagine floating into ports where Michelangelo designed the port entry and his art dominates the culture. Imagine arriving into ports where going to have a meal at a farm in Tuscany where they make their own pasta, truffle honey, and wine. Imagine lunch at Cafe Paris in Monte Carlo/Monaco and then...
Read more from my French and Italian Riviera changed my life! bio.

Antigua Resort Reviews & Adults Only Relaxation

Who was lucky enough to visit Antigua for the first time this July? Me! Our first stay was the Pineapple Beach Resort and I had a Garden View on the second level, but I was able to see the ocean from my balcony. The beach there was great, the food was incredible, the entertainment at night was stellar,...
Read more from my Antigua Resort Reviews & Adults Only Relaxation bio.

Ready to spend the day looking at amazing resorts!

Paris, Giverny, Beaches of Normandy, and St. Malo

France is personal to me. My grandpa was in WWI in No Man's Land and brought his medals and his injuries back when he returned. A visit to France also means the shining lights of Paris, the Louvre, the street cafes, and a no nonsense culture that captures romance, history, revolution, and unparalleled cuisine....
Read more from my Paris, Giverny, Beaches of Normandy, and St. Malo bio.

Mont St. Michel at low tide and on a rainy day.

My Travel Albums

Rome Florence Sicily Pompeii
In the Hall of Prisoners, on my way to adore David
African Safari 2023
Brothers strolling along after breakfast.
French and Itlaian Riviera
In the shadow of the Colosseum, what a fun day!
Alaska and the Yukon with Holland America!
Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center
The Netherlands Tulip Time Cruise and Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum Museum Park Amsterdam
Maui Nui Trip June 2017
Hitting the beach on the north side of Maui.
St. Croix - Heaven on earth...
Gears for sugar mill - Buccaneer

My Travel Stories

Alaska & The Yukon with Holland America

From the posh city of Vancouver, BC to the quirky outpost of Dawson City, Holland America delivers a unique experience for those seeking adventure, culture, food and fun in Alaska!

Highlights- The narrow gauge White Pass Railway that took us from Skagway to the Yukon

Pulling into our...Read more.

Customer Testimonials

Italian & French Riviera Celebrity Cruise Sep 23

Gail, Everything on our trip was great!! The ship was nice and our room was great. You were right, we didn’t feel claustrophobic at all not having a balcony/veranda so I’m glad we didn’t pay more for a room with one. Our excursions were fun too, but I think we did too many! We ended up canceling one because we just wanted to explore ourselves, and it ended up being a really fun day. Thanks for all of your help with this trip!! It was a fun first cruise and first trip to Europe! :)
Emily S Madison WI

Scandinavia September 2023

Hi Gail, Feedback, sure. The hotels were all great. Go Hotel Ansgar in Copenhagen was perfectly located, a block from Central Station. Within walking distance to Nyhavn. Tivoli was right there also. The room was totally updated and clean. There was no bar/restaurant but they sold snacks, beer & bottles of wine at the concierge you could take out into their lovely courtyard to enjoy. Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz in Oslo was quite nice, walking distance from the train station. Getting a 24 hour tram pass was cheap and a good idea. Hotel Oleana in Bergen was quirky & nice. Again, great location. Could walk anywhere. May have been my favorite place. Zoku Copenhagen was unique & had a beautiful rooftop garden, restaurant & bar that could be a definite draw for returning. All the hotels had excellent breakfasts and, in my opinion, a definite must to include in your bookings. I wish the US had such an efficient and organized train transit system. The train from Oslo to Bergen was a beautiful trip.
Larry B. Madison WI

My Reviews

33 of 52 people found this review helpful
10 Year Anniversary Trip to Ireland
Working with Gail was BEYOND incredible! Her knowledge and expertise was extremely helpful, plus when we had a few glitches with our tour, she went above and beyond to get us satisfaction for our troubles. Burkhalter needs to give this woman a raise!!!! The term "dog with a bone" comes to mind. When we were having troubles with some of the companies we were staying with Gail went to bat and didn't back down! I would whole-heartedly recommend Gail to anyone needing assistance with their travel plans! We won't hesitate to use her for our next adventure!
By  Schluter's  from  Sauk City, WI
Traveled to  Ireland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Your praise is so appreciated and I enjoyed working with you and your family. I wish things had gone more smoothly, but your ability to adapt and be creative saved the day! Where to next?

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27 of 41 people found this review helpful
Beyond the Call of Duty
Gail was terrific in helping us plan an Alaskan adventure and then super in addressing the pandemic disruptions. We highly recommend her.
By  Mike and Kathleen  from  Madison, WI
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Mike, It was a pleasure working with your group and a disappointment when we had to shut it down due to Covid-19. However, when the time is right, the adventure still awaits and it will be a go! Thank you for your kind words. Gail

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33 of 53 people found this review helpful
Amazing Trip!
Gail is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.
By  Mary & Todd  from  Middleton, WI
Traveled to  Thailand ~ East and Southeast Asia
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Mary & Todd, There were a lot of moving pieces and it was fun and challenging to create the perfect Thailand trip. Where to next? I appreciate your business! Gail

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33 of 54 people found this review helpful
Wonderful, care free Jamaican vacation
Gail made booking our trip so easy and worry free! Plus she added in a bunch of extra tips that helped make our the trip the best we've ever had, and we like to travel a lot. We had a cancelled flight on the way home, and with two small kids traveling internationally that was not good news. Before we could even get to the front of the customer service line Gail had us booked on a different flight just a few hours later. We will definitely be using Gail for our next vacation!
By  Happy traveler  from  Verona, WI
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
It was my pleasure working with you and your family! I am at your service when you're ready for your next trip! Gail

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22 of 33 people found this review helpful
Best trip
Gail was awesome. Always answered my questions and was very patient and thorough.
By  John  from  Madison Wisconsin
Traveled to  Riviera Nayarit ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Hi John! I'm so glad you got your trip in before the world stopped traveling due to covid-19. Things will open back up and I look forward to working with you and your family when they do. Gail

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Destination Expert:

  • South Africa
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • France
  • Italy
  • Kauai Island
  • Hawaii
  • Lanai Island
  • Maui Island
  • Hawaii Island
  • Oahu Island
  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Adult Only
  • Adventure
  • Arts & Culture
  • Luxury Cruises
  • Safari
  • All Inclusive
  • Beach Vacations
  • Bespoke Travel
  • Couples & Romance
  • Historical Sites
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • European Culture
  • Honeymoons
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Family Vacations
  • Independent Travel
  • Castles & Cathedrals
  • Luxury
  • River Cruises

Top Travel Partners:

  • Alexander & Roberts
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Delta Vacations
  • Tauck
  • Kensington
  • Silversea
  • Small Luxury Hotels
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Star Clippers
  • Abercrombie & Kent
  • Funjet Vacations
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • BedsOnline
  • Seabourn

Industry Affiliations:

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