Extended Stay & Remote Work Travel

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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:

Lisbon, Costa Rica, Bali, Barcelona, Buenos Aires

Interests:

International Business Travel Specialist, Business Travel, Villas, City Breaks, Executive Corporate and Luxury Travel

About Me

Work from anywhere with verified high-speed Wi-Fi
Work from anywhere with verified high-speed Wi-Fi

The line between living and traveling has blurred. You no longer have to quit your job to see the world. I specialize in planning extended stay luxury travel for professionals who need to remain connected. Whether you want to spend a month in a Buenos Aires apartment or six weeks in a staffed villa in Bali, I handle the logistics. My goal is to set you up with the infrastructure you need to work effectively, so you can spend your evenings and weekends immersing yourself in a new culture.

Infrastructure is everything
For a working vacation the most critical amenity is not the pool, it's the internet. A "Digital Nomad" might be fine with a cafe signal. My clients are not. I vet properties specifically for their connectivity. I look for luxury vacation rentals with fiber optic internet and dedicated workspaces. I ensure the villa has backup generators in regions like Costa Rica or Bali where power can be inconsistent. I verify the upload speeds so you can run your Zoom board meeting from the tropics without anxiety.

The Americas: Argentina and Costa Rica
For Chicago-based professionals, remaining in a friendly time zone is crucial. Working from Argentina or Costa Rica allows you to keep your normal office hours.

In Costa Rica, you wake up, work a full day, and by 5:00 PM you are surfing in the Pacific. I secure private estates in Guanacaste that offer total seclusion but enterprise-grade connectivity.

In Argentina, you get the culture of Europe with the convenience of the Americas. I find high-end apartments in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires or private vineyard estates in Mendoza. You enjoy world-class steak and wine without the jet lag.

Europe: The "Morning Shift" advantage
Working from Europe offers a unique lifestyle benefit. The six or seven-hour time difference means your Chicago morning starts in the European afternoon. You can spend your mornings exploring Roman ruins or hiking the Alps, then log on in the late afternoon to sync with your U.S. team. I recommend Portugal and Spain for remote work because of their excellent infrastructure. I find apartments in Lisbon or fincas in Mallorca that feel like homes, not hotels.

Asia: Bali and Japan
For those who need deep focus or restoration, Asia is unmatched.

Bali is the ultimate location for wellness, but quality varies. I avoid the crowded tourist zones. Instead, I secure luxury private villas in Bali near Ubud or Uluwatu. These properties come with full staff, including private chefs. You work in a dedicated office overlooking the jungle, and your household needs are managed for you.

Japan offers high-efficiency work environments. I can position you in a Tokyo serviced apartment for a week of high-intensity business, followed by a quiet Ryokan in the mountains to decompress.

Concierge support for long stays
Living in a foreign country for a month involves different logistics than a week-long vacation. I act as your local fixer. I arrange housekeeping, grocery stocking services, and private drivers. If you need a doctor or a dry cleaner, my local partners handle it. I remove the friction of daily life so you can focus on your work and your downtime.

Q: How do I plan a month-long trip while working?
A: The key is "Slow Travel." Do not try to move every two days. I recommend a "Basecamp" strategy. We choose one or two primary locations to minimize checking in and out of hotels. This gives you a stable routine. We then schedule your adventures for the weekends, just like you would at home, but with much better scenery.

Sabbaticals and career breaks
If you are taking a true break from work, the pacing changes. A sabbatical travel planner looks for transformation, not just relaxation. I build itineraries that allow you to learn a new skill, like cooking in Bologna or surfing in Bali. We pace the trip to prevent burnout. You return to your career refreshed and with a new perspective.

Additional Languages
Greek

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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