Does “luxury travel advisor” sound like the title of your dream job?
Kristina Raykinstein confirms that it is, indeed, a dream. She is the founder of KVR Travel Group in West Bloomfield, a boutique travel agency specializing in custom, high-touch itineraries around the globe, and the wife and mom to two teenage sons who benefit from her passion — her own passport is covered with stamps from 68 countries (and counting).
As a luxury FIT (flexible independent travel) agent, Raykinstein designs and arranges bespoke, high-end travel experiences for individuals and groups, often focusing on personalized itineraries and exclusive access to luxury accommodations, activities and services. From multi-generational adventures through Europe to romantic escapes in the South Pacific and celebratory yacht charters in Croatia, Raykinstein designs trips that are inspiring and deeply personal. Through global relationships with top hotels, guides and experiences, she thrills in catering to clients seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path excursions, prioritizing a seamless, stress-free travel experience.
Here, she gives us a peek into what it’s like to be her.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE: How did you get started in this industry?
KRISTINA RAYKINSTEIN: I hold a BBA and an MBA with a concentration in finance and originally worked in banking for many years, most recently at Comerica Bank. Travel has always been a passion — something I inherited from my father — but I never imagined it would become my career.
Years ago, I planned trips for my family, and soon friends began asking me to help with theirs, just for fun. But in late 2014, with my youngest starting kindergarten the following fall, I found myself brainstorming what to do next. Surrounded by friends and fueled by curiosity, the idea of becoming a travel advisor came up — and I ran with it. I bought an e-book on ‘How to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent’ that same night.
BCL: Tell us about your company.
KR: To name my company, I put together my initials — KVR (pronounced ‘caviar’) — I knew it was meant to be. I threw myself into learning, found a host agency so I could attend in-person training and haven’t looked back. More than a decade later, KVR Travel Group continues to design exceptional journeys for clients around the world.
Whether planning a milestone celebration, a family adventure or a multi-country escape, I take care of every detail — hotels, transfers, guides, flights, train tickets and special experiences. My role is to make your travel effortless and unforgettable, so you can focus on making memories.
But more than that — I really listen. Every trip I plan is personal. I don’t use pre-set packages or templates. I create meaningful, one-of-a-kind itineraries that reflect your style and your story. I’m also here for you before, during and after the trip — a real person who knows what’s happening and who genuinely cares.
BCL: What do you offer?
KR: My travelers don’t board big buses — I focus on private or small-group experiences with elevated service and curated details. Europe is a major niche for me, but truly, the world is my playground. A few recent favorite itineraries include a 40-day journey through Australia; an epic French Polynesia escape; a multigenerational family trip across Scotland staying in castles; and custom African safaris for extended families.
I truly love what I do. Planning meaningful, personalized travel experiences isn’t just a job — it’s a privilege. My clients trust me with their most valuable possession: time. And I don’t take that lightly. I’ll make sure it’s seamless, special and better than you imagined.
BCL: Do you have any favorite destinations?
KR: I always struggle with this question — I love it all: beaches and mountains, cities and deserts. This world is stunning, and I feel like I’ve only just begun to explore it [see Tips: Raykinstein's Top Hidden Gems, below].
Some standouts? Visiting Peru — Machu Picchu and exploring Lake Titicaca. Antarctica, Italy (I’ve been 12 times and counting), Kenya and Tanzania. I recently returned from Croatia where I experienced a private yacht charter for island-hopping — and I might just have a new favorite.
As of now, I’ve visited 68 countries — and still so many more I want to see. This year, I hope to add at least two new countries and finally check off my last continent. I’m planning a work trip to Morocco in September and a long-awaited family adventure to Australia over the holidays.
I truly believe that to be a great travel advisor, you have to love to travel yourself. Nothing replaces the insight and inspiration that comes from firsthand experience. It’s not always easy to work while I’m traveling, but every trip I take helps me design even better journeys for my clients. And that makes it all worth it.
TIPS: RAYKINSTEIN’S PRO TIPS:
1. Don’t Chase Every Landmark — Create Moments Instead
You don’t have to ‘do it all’” You’re not collecting checkmarks — you’re collecting memories. Slow down, savor a long lunch, sit at the café where locals linger and give yourself time to fall in love with the place.
2. Book the Private Guide — Always
A well-connected local guide will elevate your experience more than any 5-star hotel ever could. They bring places to life, open doors you didn’t know existed and help you feel the heartbeat of a destination in a way no app ever will.
3. Your Time Is Your Most Valuable Currency
Flights can be rebooked. Luggage can be replaced. But your time? That’s non-refundable. Don’t waste it on logistics, lineups or mediocre experiences. Let someone who does this for a living handle it.
4. The Best Tables Aren’t on Google
They’re held by hotel concierges, unlocked by relationships and reserved weeks in advance. If you want magic — think private terraces in Santorini or hidden wine cellars in Tuscany — ask your advisor. We know people who know people.
5. Leave Room for Magic
Not every hour of your itinerary needs to be scheduled. The most unforgettable travel moments are often unplanned: a sunset you didn’t expect, a local festival you stumble upon or a shop owner who invites you in for coffee. Build in time for the magic to find you.
6. Always Upgrade the Transfer
It sounds silly — until it isn’t. After a long flight, nothing feels better than being met at the airport by a professional driver with cold water, a clean car and zero stress. You’re worth the ease.
7. Luxury Isn’t Always What You Think
Sometimes it’s a private rooftop breakfast, a sunrise over Machu Picchu with no one around or knowing your entire trip is seamlessly handled before you pack a single bag. True luxury is peace of mind and meaningful experience.
8. Support Local in a Thoughtful Way
Choose experiences that are ethical, immersive and community-based. Dine at locally owned restaurants. Shop at artisan cooperatives. Travel isn’t just about what you take away — it’s about what you leave behind.
9. You Can’t VIP Yourself — But I Can
Perks like room upgrades, early check-in, resort credits and behind-the-scenes access don’t come from booking direct. They come from relationships — and that’s why working with a trusted advisor makes all the difference.
10. Photos Fade. The Feeling Doesn’t.
The goal isn't Instagram. It’s how you felt when you watched the Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic sky. That moment lives forever.
TIPS: TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:
- Noise-canceling headphones (a game-changer for flights)
- A lightweight cashmere wrap — works for the plane, chilly restaurants or a glam layer
- Packing cubes (I don’t know how I lived without them)
- A great crossbody bag that zips (a must!)
- An international phone plan — makes life so much easier
-Travel-size steamer
- A power bank and universal adapter (never forget it!)
- I love the app I use for most of my clients (and myself) for the full itinerary, with all the docs attached electronically. Saving this planet one trip at a time!
- Airtags! These have been a game changer in tracking your luggage.
- And of course — champagne for the room
TIPS: RAYKINSTEIN’S TOP HIDDEN GEMS
- Naxos, Greece: Skip crowded Santorini and Mykonos. Naxos has charming villages, golden beaches, authentic tavernas and barely any cruise ships.
- Umbria, Italy: Tuscany’s quieter (and more soulful) neighbor. Medieval hill towns, truffle hunts and vineyards with zero crowds.
- Ischia, Italy: The under-the-radar sister to Capri. Gorgeous thermal spas, lush garden and chic seaside hotels — at a fraction of the price.
- The Azores, Portugal: Think Iceland-meets-Hawaii. Volcanoes, waterfalls, whale watching and surreal green cliffs — a paradise for nature lovers.
- Lofoten Islands, Norway: Picture-postcard fishing villages, dramatic fjords and midnight sun magic. Great for adventure seekers or photographers.
- Menorca, Spain: Quieter and more refined than Ibiza or Mallorca. Turquoise coves, elegant boutique hotels and a strong slow-travel vibe.
- Šibenik, Croatia: A coastal gem with Venetian charm, close to Krka waterfalls and great sailing access — without Dubrovnik’s crowds.
- Hokkaido, Japan (in summer): While everyone heads to Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido is stunning in the summer — wildflowers, hiking, seafood and cool weather.
- Puglia, Italy: Think whitewashed villages, olive groves, cliffside beaches and incredible food — all without the Tuscany price tag. Stay in a masseria and explore from Bari to Ostuni to Lecce.