Maria Mastromatteo, Travel Advisor
Customized & Luxury Travel | LGBTQ+ Travel | Europe, Italy & England Specialist | Ocean & River Cruising | Women’s & Group Travel
Travel has always been a passion of mine and one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to more than 60 countries and have lived in NY, Rome, and London, which has given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, cuisine, history, and the experiences that make each destination unique. With a background in fashion, sales, event planning, and customer service, I bring a personal and creative approach to designing customized travel experiences, with a particular love for Europe, Italy, and England, as well as LGBTQ+ travel, cruises, and women’s group travel. My goal is to truly understand each client’s travel style and create a seamless, personalized journey filled with beautiful destinations, meaningful experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Get To Know Maria
What are your top 3 favorite destinations and why?
Rome – Rome is one of my favorite cities because it offers the perfect combination of history, culture, incredible food, fashion, and la dolce vita. There is something magical about walking through Rome’s streets, discovering ancient history around every corner while enjoying the energy of a vibrant, modern city. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to charming piazzas, beautiful fountains, wonderful restaurants, and lively cafés, Rome makes every moment feel special. I love the Italian philosophy of “Il dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothing—slowing down, enjoying a delicious meal, sipping an espresso, and simply taking in the beauty around you. I’m always happy when my travels lead me back to beautiful Rome.
New York City – As a native New Yorker, New York City will always hold a very special place in my heart. There is simply nothing like the energy and excitement of New York, the incredible restaurants, shopping, fashion, Broadway, museums, and endless things to see and do. Every visit feels exciting, and there is always something new to discover. I’m fortunate to return about once a month, and no matter how many times I visit, it never loses its magic. New York City is truly my happy place.
London – London has always felt like a second home to me because I lived there and had the opportunity to experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions. I love its rich history, beautiful architecture, theater, fashion, incredible restaurants, and the wonderful diversity of its neighborhoods and experiences. London always feels both familiar and exciting, with something new to discover around every corner. I make it a tradition to return every year during the holiday season to celebrate with my family. London is a city I will always cherish and look forward to returning to.
What is your most memorable experience?
My most memorable travel experience was visiting Thailand, especially Bangkok. I absolutely loved Bangkok—the energy, vibrant culture, incredible food, beautiful temples, shopping, and the wonderful blend of old and new. I loved getting out and exploring the city, experiencing the local culture, and taking in everything Bangkok had to offer. It was an unforgettable experience and one of the many trips that reminded me why I’m so passionate about travel and discovering new destinations.
What is your top travel tip?
Packing light makes getting around easier and lets you spend less time worrying about your luggage and more time enjoying your destination. I also encourage travelers to truly immerse themselves in the local culture, the food, explore the neighborhoods, meet the people, and experience the destination like a local. Some of the best travel memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing everything a new culture offers.
