(105 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI
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 - ...
    Learn more about me.

Areas of Expertise...current favs!

Elephants at MalaMala Game Reserve and Camp.
Elephants at MalaMala Game Reserve and Camp.

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 - Messina Taormina Mt. Etna

  • Florence - Ponte Vecchio Duomo 

  • France -Beaches of Normandy, Giverny, St. Malo, Paris, Rouen, Seine River, Honfleur, Marseilles, Nice, St. Paul de Vence 

  • Monaco - the cars!

  • Hawaii - let me help create the memories you are now dreaming of:

  • Oahu - Pearl Harbor, Pali Pass, Waimea Botanical Gardens & Jump Rock

  • Maui - Bamboo Forest, Dragon's Teeth, Banyan Tree Park, Kaanapali Beach

  • Kauai- Waimea Canyon, Naplili cliffs, Hanalei town, Poipu Beach, Tunnels Beach

  • Big Island - Snow covered mountains, horse ranches, volcanoes and lava

  • Lanai - former pineapple plantation, now has two Four Seasons Resorts with luxury golfing, world famous Lanai Cat Sanctuary, not one stoplight

  • Molokai - true Hawaiian culture, unspoiled, Father Damien site, sacred valleys and unspoiled beaches

  • Antigua and its 365 beaches

  • Turks and Caicos


A recent return from Africa has me wanting to share the excitement of this diverse destination. I experienced everything the Cape has to offer, then went on Safari in MalaMala, a private game reserve. This trip ended with two nights at a tented camp on the Zambezi River, which included a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, or Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means the Smoke That thunders. And it does. 


 I also spent a week in Antigua this summer, 365 beaches! Staying and playing on this beautiful island was such an experience. The unique culture offered so much and the variety of lodging was impressive. 


I offer a deep dive into destinations- history, culture, and more... I will create an itinerary that makes you savor every memory and fills you with a longing to return. With destination expertise in all of the Hawaiian Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Panama,The French and Italian Riviera, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, I strive to bring you an unforgettable experience in each destination.


I specialize in custom European trips and river cruising. If you're looking for a unique Netherlands experience, I have river cruised and spent time in Amsterdam gazing at the Dutch Masters, pondering Van Gogh paintings, eating too many Dutch Pannekoekens, and all varieties of cheese. My experience in Italy has me longing to return again and again.


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!

Luxury, history, great food, unique experiences

When I travel I want to do the heavy hitter touristy things right off, but then... I am off to what makes a destination truly unique. Food, art, cultural intricacies that bind lives and the roots of history together, this is what pulls me. I will show up for what everyone else wants to see, but I am always looking for the story behind the story.

My Travel Albums

Maui Nui Trip June 2017
Hitting the beach on the north side of Maui.
The Netherlands Tulip Time Cruise and Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum Museum Park Amsterdam
Alaska and the Yukon with Holland America!
Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center
African Safari 2023
Brothers strolling along after breakfast.

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.

See more travel stories

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?

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
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

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • South Africa
  • Hawaii
  • Italy
  • France
  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Safari
  • Historical Sites
  • Honeymoons
  • Bespoke Travel
  • River Cruises

Top Travel Partners:

  • Alexander & Roberts
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Silversea
  • Kensington

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group