Bespoke Travel: Families, Couples & Professionals

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Steven Callas, Travel Agent in NorthBrook, IL

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL · 3 Years of Experience

Gilded Travels LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Worldwide, Europe, South America, East and Southeast Asia, South Pacific

Interests:

Bespoke Travel, Family Vacations, Luxury, Couples & Romance, Executive Corporate and Luxury Travel

About Me

Enjoying a sunset with the Moai on Easter Island
Enjoying a sunset with the Moai on Easter Island

I plan custom international trips for families, couples, and professionals who don't have time to research on their own.

You have a trip in mind and a life that keeps getting in the way of planning it. Between the conflicting reviews on every hotel and the pressure to get the itinerary right on a trip that actually matters to you, the planning starts to feel like its own project. That is where I come in. My job is to take that entire process off your plate so you can focus on the part that matters: being there.

WHY WORK WITH A REAL PERSON?

AI tools and booking sites can assemble an itinerary. What they cannot do is care about whether it actually works for you. That is the difference.

  • I handle the what-ifs: You should not have to worry about how to get from a tiny island ferry to a remote villa. That path is already mapped before you leave.
  • I am your advocate: If a plan changes or a flight is delayed, I am the one on the phone fixing it while you enjoy your lunch.
  • I check the details you cannot see online: I do not just hope the hotel is as quiet as the photos look. I verify the things that actually matter to your comfort.
  • I work with people on the ground: I prioritize local guides and locally owned properties. You get a more authentic experience, and your spending stays in the community.

TRIPS I SPECIALIZE IN

  • The "Everyone is Happy" Family Vacation: Planning for a group is a massive task, and the person organizing usually spends the whole trip managing it instead of enjoying it. I design trips where the kids stay engaged and the adults actually get downtime. I handle the friction so you can be part of the group rather than the one running it.
  • Milestone Moments: You have been thinking about this trip for years. Maybe it is an anniversary in the Greek Isles, maybe it is finally getting to Japan. These are the trips that matter most, and they deserve better than a booking engine and crossed fingers.
  • The "Work-From-Anywhere" Escape: If you need to get away but cannot completely unplug, I am your guy. I find those rare spots that offer a true vacation feel but still have the reliable office setup you need to stay productive. I make sure the tech works so you can get your work done quickly and get back to the beach.

PLACES CLOSE TO MY HEART

I base my recommendations on actual experience. I have been to Athens over 30 times, and the list of places I know well runs long enough that I stopped counting countries a while ago:

  • The Mediterranean: Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Malta, Turkey, Monaco, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Morocco, Cyprus, Gibraltar
  • Asia & Pacific: Japan, Bali, French Polynesia, the Maldives, New Zealand
  • Americas: Patagonia (Argentina and Chile), Costa Rica
  • Holy Land: Jordan, Egypt, Israel

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

There is no team behind me fielding your emails. You work directly with me, start to finish.

  • The Call: We start by talking about what you actually want from this trip. High-energy adventure or total silence? One country or three?
  • The Plan: I filter the options and present you with vetted choices that match your standards for location, service, and pace.
  • The Support: I check your hotel arrivals, reconfirm your transfers, and stay available if anything changes on the ground. I act as your advocate from the planning stage until you land back home.

A PERSONAL NOTE

I grew up traveling internationally, and a career in film production taught me how to manage high-stakes logistics under pressure. That background shows up in how I plan trips. Some of my favorite travel moments have nothing to do with work: finding an uninhabited island off the Peloponnese with white sand and crystal water. Dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza before it closed to the public. Planning a surprise proposal for my wife on top of the Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you plan trips for families with young children?
A:
 Yes. As a father of two, I know firsthand what makes or breaks a trip with little ones. I plan around the details that matter: room configurations that give parents privacy, restaurants that welcome kids at the right hour, and pacing that accounts for nap schedules and short attention spans.

Q: What is your role once my journey begins?
A:
I stay with your trip from departure through your return home. If a flight is delayed, I adjust your ground transfers before you land. If a hotel has an issue, I am already on it. My role does not end when the itinerary is confirmed.

Q: Do you prioritize sustainable or local travel?
A:
I prioritize working with local guides and locally owned properties wherever possible. It results in a more authentic experience for you and keeps your spending in the community rather than funneling it to a foreign conglomerate. I focus on the practical side of sustainability, not the marketing side.

Additional Languages
Greek

Testimonials

"My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. we highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!" - Larry B.

"I’ve always wanted to go to Patagonia but didn’t even know where to start. Steven took control and created an itinerary for me that I could've never done myself. We worked together to tweak it a bit and next thing you know I’m climbing a glacier in Argentina!" - Tina K.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 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 18 reviews

A perfect Mallorca experience
Reviewed By Makis S. - Deerfield, IL | Traveled to Balearic Islands ~ Spain ~ Europe
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that had us exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking through rustic mountain villages, and dining at incredible restaurants on the island. No day felt too full or too empty. It was the perfect balance. Neither of us felt like we needed a "vacation from our vacation." I definitely recommend Steven and Gilded Travels and will be using them again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
10/10 recommend- WORTH IT!
Reviewed By Tina K - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Patagonia ~ Argentina ~ South America
Steven was amazing to work with. I’m an anxious traveler and he made the process so easy! I’ve always wanted to go to Patagonia but didn’t even know where to start. Steven took control and created an itinerary for me that I could’ve never done myself. We worked together to tweak it a bit and next thing you know I’m climbing a glacier in Argentina! 10/10 recommend his services- WORTH IT!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream Trip
Reviewed By LBACE - Mishawaka. IN | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. we highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Nancy P. - Arlington Heights, IL | Traveled to Europe
My husband and I planned an ambitious European trip and Steven made it happen. He was able to take our wishes and plan an itinerary which we thoroughly enjoyed. He worked with us as we fine tuned our plans, gave us options to choose from, and answered all of our questions. We were grateful that prior to our trip he checked in to be sure we had taken care of the items we needed to handle. During our trip we experienced a train delay which caused us to miss a connecting train and Steven was able to give us guidance so we could reach our destination. It was a pleasure to work with Steven, he showed real interest in our plans, and checked in once we returned. Thanks Steven!
Steven Callas responded
"It was such a pleasure to help craft this trip for you! Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to planning another trip for you in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Gratitude for an excellent experience
Reviewed By Russ H. - Orlando, FL | Traveled to Jordan | Middle East
The balance was perfect; a fantastic mix of planned activities and personal time to explore. The meetings to pre-plan the trip were concise, helpful and relevant. Lots of great moments. Petra and Bethany by the Jordan were both highlights. It exceeded my expectations.
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

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.

Client Testimonials

Steven is your man for Japan!!
Steven was very professional with a great attention to detail. He carefully listened to what we wanted from our first trip to Japan, and he delivered! There were 3 of us traveling and he was able to plan an itinerary that met all our expectations.
Mario H. - Chicago, IL
Dream trip to Greece
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. We highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
Larry B. - Mishawaka, IN
Patagonia anniversary success
Steve was great to work with. We planned our trip in late January for November, and he guided us through it all and stayed on top of it following up with us in the fall and even checked in on the trip and after. It was great to have an expert who has traveled there really give us his recommendations. He nailed the whole trip out of the park and was one of the best life changing vacations we have taken. It was extra special because we celebrated our 20th anniversary.
Melissa H. - Riverside, IL
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