Richard Strulson

Richard Strulson

Travel Specialist

Biography

Travel has been the lens through which I’ve experienced the world for as long as I can remember. My parents instilled in me an early appreciation for exploration, believing that experiencing new cultures firsthand was one of life’s most profound educations. Our family adventures began in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Barbados and Antigua, before expanding to Europe when I was in fifth grade to visit my sister during her semester abroad in Italy. Those journeys ignited a curiosity that has grown into a lifelong passion: seeking out authentic experiences, unexpected destinations, and the stories that make each place unforgettable.

That curiosity guided my professional path as well. Over decades as a senior executive in international legal affairs, I traveled extensively for work, venturing to destinations that were far from the conventional tourist map, like Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Bolivia, and beyond. Leading global legal teams across Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Italy, Russia, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom, I gained an intimate understanding of diverse cultures, business practices, and ways of life. These experiences sharpened not only my adaptability and insight but also my ability to see the nuances that transform ordinary trips into deeply meaningful journeys.

Since retiring from my corporate career, I have embraced travel as both passion and purpose. Having visited 135 countries and all 50 U.S. states, I continue to explore familiar favorites while seeking new destinations that expand my perspective. Each journey reinforces what I’ve always valued most: the art of thoughtful planning. Researching exceptional hotels, uncovering local gems, curating experiences, and weaving it all into a seamless itinerary is where the magic happens. The process itself is as rewarding as the journey, allowing me to bring a level of care, precision, and creativity to each adventure that ensures it is uniquely personal and unforgettable.

Every trip is an opportunity to share knowledge, insights, and enthusiasm, helping others see the world with fresh eyes, experience it fully, and return home with memories that linger. My approach blends the rigor of global experience with the joy of discovery, ensuring that each client’s journey is meticulously crafted, effortless, and rich with meaning.

Favorite Part of Travel Planning

The planning itself. There’s something incredibly rewarding about diving into a destination, researching hotels, discovering restaurants, identifying experiences, and understanding what truly makes a place special. I enjoy speaking with others who have traveled there, reading deeply, and piecing everything together into a journey that feels seamless and intentional from beginning to end.

Travel Philosophy

The most meaningful journeys are built with intention. When travel is thoughtfully planned, grounded in knowledge, curiosity, and attention to detail, it allows you to experience a destination not just as a visitor, but with a deeper sense of understanding and connection.

Areas of Expertise

  • The Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia)
  • Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Czechia)
  • Australia
  • Morocco
  • Rwanda & East Africa
  • West Africa
  • Western Europe
  • Brazil, Argentina & Colombia

Favorite Destinations

Choosing favorites after visiting so much of the world is no small task, but there are certain places that continue to draw me back. These are destinations where culture, energy, and experience come together in a way that resonates.

Buenos Aires: A city that feels effortlessly alive, where European elegance meets Latin passion. From late-night dinners to vibrant neighborhoods filled with music and movement, Buenos Aires offers an energy that is both sophisticated and deeply authentic.

Morocco: A place of striking contrasts and sensory richness, from the intricate beauty of Marrakech’s riads to the vast stillness of the desert. The colors, textures, and traditions create an experience that is both immersive and unforgettable.

Sydney: A seamless blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan ease. Whether it’s the iconic harbor, world-class dining, or the laid-back coastal lifestyle, Sydney offers a balance that is both energizing and refined.

Singapore: A city that feels like a glimpse into the future, impeccably designed, culturally diverse, and incredibly dynamic. The culinary scene alone makes it a destination worth returning to again and again.

Paris: Timeless for a reason. There’s an elegance to Paris that never fades, from its architecture and art to its cafés and quiet moments along the Seine.

Romania & Bulgaria: Often overlooked, yet incredibly rich in history, culture, and authenticity. These destinations offer depth, character, and a sense of discovery that is increasingly rare.

The Balkans: A region I’ve come to know particularly well, where dramatic landscapes, layered histories, and warm hospitality create a travel experience that feels both grounding and inspiring.

Dream Trip I Can’t Wait To Take

Bhutan: A destination that feels entirely unique in its philosophy and approach to life. Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is known for its emphasis on happiness, cultural preservation, and connection to nature. The opportunity to explore its monasteries, landscapes, and way of life is something I greatly look forward to experiencing.