Ryan Cowden, Travel Agent in Chicago, IL

Ryan Cowden

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Ryan Cowden

Chicago, IL · 8 Years of Experience

Avid Nomad Travel, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(48)
100% Recommended
Ryan helped us plan for a 10 day trip to Colombia where we visited three cities in September 2025. The thought of having to plan multiple... Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Asia, Europe, South America, Spain, Brazil

Interests:

Architecture, Castles & Cathedrals, Global Travel, Historical Sites, River Cruises

About Me

Customized Travel Planning

I started Avid Nomad Travel to help travelers step out of their comfort zones by introducing them to new landscapes, cultures, and experiences. I work hard to create truly unique travel experiences for clients from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQ travelers. While my specialty is planning a unique itinerary for you in Europe or South America, I can craft a plan that will take you wherever you want to go and for most experiences, styles and interests. So whether you’re a novice adventurer, a seasoned jet-setter or you just need to escape, I will work with you to create a personalized itinerary that will fuel your own passions, desires, and curiosities.
Additional Languages
Portuguese,
Spanish

My Travel Specialties

Travel Agent for Europe

Travel Agent for Europe
As European Destination Specialist I'll craft a particular itinerary to best suit your travel style and your interests. Starting with a period as a resident of London for nearly 4 years in the early 2000's, I have explored and continue to explore this amazing continent whenever I can.  Wit...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for South America

Travel Agent for South America
Brasil was my first foreign destination as an 18 year old, I fell in love with the country, people and exuberant energy.  I've been back at least 14 times, for as long as two months and as little as a long weekend.  There is always something new to discover, another natural wonder to visit, an ar...Read More ▶

Europe, South America, River Cruise Travel Agent

Europe, South America, River Cruise Travel Agent
Hi there, my name is Ryan Cowden and I am the founder and owner of Avid Nomad Travel. I’ve always looked at the world a bit differently, from a young age. When I was 7 years old, my grandparents gifted me a Jr. Almanac, igniting my curiosity for life beyond the threshold of my childhood ho...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Premium Ocean & River Cruises

Travel Agent for Premium Ocean & River Cruises
As a river cruise expert, I’ve sailed two premier cruise lines across four rivers, gaining firsthand knowledge of the unique experiences each offers. I specialize in pairing clients with the perfect destination, cruise line, and itinerary, ensuring your river cruise is best suited to your interes...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Spain and Portugal

Travel Agent for Spain and Portugal
The Iberian Peninsula is another destination I know well.  Most visitors want to visit Barcelona, and for good reason.  Stunning architecture, beaches and nearby beach towns, the mountains forming a backdrop...  there are not shortage of reason. But there is so much more to Spain and Portu...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Chile

Travel Agent for Chile
Chile is a spectacular destination.  Spanning from the desert in the tropics of the north all the way to the sub-Antarctic, this country offers something for every visitor. While Santiago is highly underrated by itself, my favorite urban destination, and a must do, is Valparaiso.  This por...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Colombia

Travel Agent for Colombia
Colombia is another special place to me.  I began spending the bulk of the North American winters here in 2018-19 and have been coming back year since then, exploring more bits and pieces as I go and getting to know favorites, such as Santa Marta or the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis) better each time...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Brazil

Travel Agent for Brazil
To me, Brasil is a special destination and one that I am passionate about.  It was my first destination outside of the US as an 18 year old that had just graduated from high school.  I spent a month with one of my best friends who had been an exchange student for 2 years in our school. I c...Read More ▶

Travel Agent for Asia, Australia, and Africa

Travel Agent for Asia, Australia, and Africa
While my specialty is European and South American travel, I have also travelled to, or booked, Tanzania/Kenya, Egypt, Japan, China, Australia, India, Thailand/Cambodia, Indonesia, Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, Morocco, Hawaii and French Polynesia. Wherever you want to go, I have the back...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
48 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 48 reviews

A lot for 10 days and loved it!
Reviewed By Alex - Washington, DC | Traveled to Colombia | South America
Ryan helped us plan for a 10 day trip to Colombia where we visited three cities in September 2025. The thought of having to plan multiple flights, hotel stays, eateries AND tours felt daunting for us. I mean we could have done it, but we knew that Ryan has been there many times and so we wanted to take advantage of that experience. He was amazing with the hotel selections and tour experiences. I'm not sure I would have found those eclectic boutique hotels myself; it felt special. All the tour guides were smart, friendly, funny, helpful and a pleasure to tour with. We had one mix-up with a full day city tour, but Ryan was very helpful in resolving it - quick to reply to our messages and sort out alternative options. I think it's important to have someone who knows how to handle the bumpy parts of travel, too. We still made it to the tour, happily! I feel like I experienced a great vacation with Ryan's help. Thank you, thank you!
Ryan Cowden responded
"I'm so glad you loved your time in Colombia, it really is a great destination! Thanks again for getting in touch, I can't wait to see where you'll go next!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Perfect Trip to Italy
Reviewed By Dan - Columbus, OH | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Ryan and Avid Nomad Travel helped us plan a trip of a lifetime to Italy and Spain. Twice-postponed due to the pandemic, Ryan was extremely communicative throughout the process and even helped us make some last minute adjustments. The hotels, the tours, and the transfers we had were all spectacular and definitely not something we could have pieced together ourselves in such a perfect way. Thanks, Ryan!
Ryan Cowden responded
"Thanks Dan! Glad you were finally able to get there and enjoyed your time exploring! Looking forward to the next adventure!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Making Lifetime Memories
Reviewed By Kate - Columbus Ohio | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Ryan did an amazing job planning and assisting my family through our trip to Italy. He was able to plan an itinerary for my family to keep everyone happy, which is no small feat.

Not only was the planning a smooth process, Ryan made himself available throughout our trip to help when we encountered snafu’s, like our connecting flight being cancelled the morning we were to leave for our trip. Ryan was on the ball and had us re-routed in no time.

Thankfully once we arrived in Italy everything went off without a hitch. The directions were detailed and accurate and we were able to spend time together and make memories of a lifetime.
Ryan Cowden responded
"Thanks so much Kate! Glad everyone enjoyed their time in Italy, I'm looking forward to your next adventure!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Portugal
Reviewed By MegNRick - Pittsburgh, PA | Traveled to Portugal | Europe
We would highly recommend working with Ryan Cowden! Our trip to Portugal with our family of five was seamless and amazing. We had perfectly located accommodations and unique tours and experiences. It was easy and stress free to work with Ryan, who made sure to arrange our trip based on our needs. This won’t be our last trip working with Ryan!
Ryan Cowden responded
"Thanks again for the opportunity to plan a trip for all of you! I'm glad you enjoyed Portugal, it really is a wonderful destination, I'm looking forward to the next one already."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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An Unforgettable Trip Thanks to Avid Nomad Travel!
Reviewed By MelanieKidder - Malvern, OH | Traveled to France | Europe
From start to finish, my experience with Avid Nomad Travel was absolutely exceptional. I recently took a dream trip to Paris, Nice, and Barcelona, and I can honestly say it wouldn’t have been nearly as magical without their expert planning. From the very first consultation, he truly listened to what I was hoping for—my interests, my travel style, and even the pace I wanted for the trip. His attention to detail and clear communication throughout the entire process gave me complete peace of mind. ? The hotels were top-notch, located in vibrant, convenient neighborhoods that allowed me to explore with ease. Every tour was perfectly curated, blending iconic must-sees with hidden gems I never would’ve discovered on my own. His off-the-beaten-path recommendations added so much richness to the experience. One of my favorite parts? Everything was organized in an easy-to-use app—daily itineraries, tickets, confirmations—all in one place. No printing, no digging through emails. Just show up and enjoy. I would have been totally overwhelmed trying to plan this trip myself, but Avid Nomad Travel made it seamless, exciting, and stress-free. I honestly can’t say enough good things about working with them. If you’re dreaming of your next getaway, do yourself a favor and let Avid Nomad Travel make it a reality. You won’t regret it!
Ryan Cowden responded
"Thank you so much for the opportunity to plan such a special trip for you! I'm looking forward to where your next adventure takes you! "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Expert on Spain
Aussie Specialist Agent
Avalon River Cruise Specialist
Ama Waterways River Cruise Specialist

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Italy
View Album
Go dune buggy riding in Jericoacoara, Brasil

My Travel Stories

Entrance the historic Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamami

Essential Experience in Istanbul: Visit a Hammam

An essential experience in Istanbul for many travelers is a visit to a Hammam. I've been to a few former historic buildings that were hammams in other parts of Eastern Europe that were under Ottoman rule. Budapest has a few of the most well-known, but I hadn't actually been to a hammam for the full scrub. The Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamam, on the ...
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Tatami flooring, futon, zataku table

Experience a Ryokan in Japan

One of the must do highlights during a visit to Japan is to fully experience an overnight stay at a traditional inn called a Ryokan. On my recent trip to Japan, I stayed in two of them, one modern multi-floor building in Kanazawa and another, a single level historic inn centered on a garden in Kyoto's super atmospheric Gion district. ...
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