Stay Connected +1 631 440 3050
Art in Voyage
Art in Voyage

Why Traveling with a Host Makes a Difference

The luxury of being free from decisions

“Decision detox” — you might not have heard the term before, but odds are it sounds pretty enticing. Freya Bromley recently wrote an article in Condé Nast Traveler exploring the concept. She explains it like this: “A quieter, more radical form of luxury is emerging — a travel trend… slowly gaining traction among travel-loving women.

We’ve termed it the ‘Great Decision Detox’ — a response to the pent-up expectation of pressure felt by many women on a daily basis. Increasingly, women are seeking out holidays where all the decision-making is done for you — this choice has less to do with location and more to do with lightening the cognitive load.”

We understand this very well at Art In Voyage, and though women are often the ones planning holidays , handing the decision wheel over to someone else — an expert, of course — is something all of our guests (regardless of how they identify) enjoy when traveling with our hosts.

But what’s so special about having a host? How does it lighten the decision load when traveling? Is it worth it? We got the lowdown from our very own Art In Voyage experts and the people who’ve experienced it first-hand — our guests.

First things first, what is a host?

Part travel concierge, part guide, part storyteller, Art In Voyage hosts accompany you on your journey. They introduce you to the people and places you’d never find on your own and make all those micro-decisions that keep a journey flowing beautifully, drawing on their expertise so you don’t have to do anything but be in the present moment. They keep things on track and bring everyone together — not as a guide from a distance, but as a genuine travel companion who’s there with you every step of the way.

Crystal Hochman - Art In Voyage Business Development Director and Wellness Host

As a host, I don’t see my role as guiding you — I see it as freeing you. Freeing you from decisions, delays, and distractions. At Art In Voyage, I take care of the details, smooth the edges, and ensure that every moment is yours to enjoy.

Join Crystal in Andalusia, Spain for a Journey of Renewal in May 2026, where she’ll be hosting you with her signature “I got you” style.

Roberta Vose - Art In Voyage Guest

We cannot share enough accolades about the incredible experience with Mikael and Kevin in Provence, France recently. Not one detail was overlooked! I do not make my statement lightly: their expertise and sincere care working with our group of travelers brought out the very best qualities of humans: we learned, we were inquisitive, and more importantly, as a group, we became friends! This is what traveling the world is all about… this is what keeps our Blue Marble spinning.” Roberta Vose

Experience the magic of having Mikael and Kevin as your hosts; join us in for Taste of Provence: Lavender Season Edition in May 2026.

Mikael Audebert - Art in Voyage CEO, Creative Director, and Host

Traveling with a host transforms a trip from a simple getaway into an immersive, worry-free experience. As someone who’s spent years designing and leading journeys, I know that a host anticipates needs guests didn’t even know they had — whether it’s smoothing out logistics, unlocking exclusive experiences, or connecting travelers with local personalities.

When we “play” host, we’re not just there to hold your hand; we’re there to open doors and create moments you’ll remember long after you return home.

I am sometimes asked about the cost of having a host versus not having one.

Independent travel has its charms, but with a host, you gain depth and peace of mind. We curate experiences that go beyond guidebooks — think private tastings, unique and private historical tours, or spontaneous detours that only a well-connected host can arrange. Plus, if anything unexpected comes up, you have someone on-site to resolve it instantly, so your only job is to relax and enjoy.

For our guests, that means seamless transitions, insider access, and a sense of security — knowing someone is always there to advocate for you, adapt plans if needed, and elevate every aspect of the journey. It’s like having a concierge, a travel expert, and a friend all rolled into one.

So, what’s in for me, you ask? Nothing brings me more joy than personally taking care of our guests on the ground. It’s not just a chance to reflect, care for, and share, but also an opportunity to truly shine — a challenge I genuinely look forward to and one that perfectly suits my personality.

Oh, and by the way, at Art In Voyage, we’ve made hosted travel our signature. Every Curated Journey includes a host — and many of our private trips do too, even with just two guests.

Interested in a private hosted journey? Click here to inquire or view our hosted Curated Journeys here.

Mikael will also be hosting Christmas Markets of Europe (December 2025), Jetsetting Asia (March 2026), Roadsters of Europe (September 2026), and Spirit of Indonesia (November 2026).

FAQS

What is the difference between escorted and guided tours?
Escorted and guided tours are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Guided tours typically involve a local expert leading you through a specific site or activity, while escorted tours usually involve someone managing the entire trip — from logistics to group coordination. At Art In Voyage, we take it further. Our journeys are hosted. That means you travel with a dedicated expert who not only handles the logistics, but also opens doors to private experiences, introduces you to locals, and fine-tunes the trip as it unfolds. It’s more personal, more flexible, and designed around you.
What are the advantages of going on a guided tour vs. traveling independently?
With a guided trip, you skip the stress of planning, navigating, and problem-solving. Instead, you focus on enjoying the experience. You gain local insight, access to exclusive activities, and the freedom to fully switch off. Art In Voyage hosts are your inside guides. They take care of the logistical details — where to go, when to go, how to make it special. They smooth the path so your only job is to enjoy the journey.
Is guided travel worth it?
If you want a stress-free, enriching experience where everything runs smoothly and you get access to things most travelers miss — then yes, guided travel is worth it. With Art In Voyage hosts, you have someone at your side who knows the region intimately, anticipates your needs, and helps turn a great trip into an exceptional one.

Chef Kevin Fonzo - Art In Voyage Host

As a chef, I’ve always believed that the most unforgettable experiences happen when you bring people together around something special — great food, a beautiful setting, and a genuine connection. Traveling with an Art In Voyage host is a bit like having your own personal concierge, storyteller, and local insider all in one. We’re there to open doors you wouldn’t even know existed, whether that’s a private kitchen tour, a behind-the-scenes tasting, or an introduction to a hidden gem you’d never find on your own. Our job is to sweat the small stuff so you can focus on the joy of discovery — and to make sure every moment feels personal, effortless, and truly unique. With Art In Voyage, you’re not just seeing a destination; you’re living it with a host who’s as passionate about the journey as you are.

Join Chef Kevin for a tasty time in Italy for Cook Nice: Rome this August/September (2025), or in the USA for Food & Foliage in Maine this October (2025).

Stacy Luks - Art In Voyage Guest

“Taste of South Africa” was my first trip with Art In Voyage. I'm in the luxury leisure travel business, so I know a quality product when I experience it, and THIS is THAT in spades! The destination speaks for itself, but the secret sauce is the guides that Mikael brings to the experience — Chef Kevin Fonzo and Wine Fairy Katie Barratt elevate the experience with their engaging personalities and depth of knowledge, which they are so passionate about sharing.

Our guide at Kruger National Park, Hali, must be one of South Africa's national treasures. What an amazing three days exploring the park and seeing the Big Five with his experienced tracking and huge contagious smile. A highlight of this trip was the Ithemba Youth Choir performing for us at our Cape Town seaside villa on our final night there. Such a special experience. Art in Voyage staff are exemplary in their attention to every detail. Highly recommend for a unique small group experience of superb quality.

Try the journey Stacy loved — Click here and let us know.

Eric Daniels - Art In Voyage Guest

Once again, AIV made our vacation a fantastic one with a great list of activities for our family group. My wife and I, along with her parents who are 79 and 82, had an amazing week. We did everything from seeing the humpback whales and Icelandic horses to exploring glacier ice caves and gushing geysers. We even had my in-laws on an ATV excursion, a first for them that they loved!

One important thing to highlight was the white-out snow conditions that closed the Iceland Ring Road the day that we arrived. This was no problem for our fantastic guide, Crystal, as she was able to rearrange our schedule, including excursions, hotels, and food, without a second thought or worry on our part. In fact, I think our trip was even better for it, as we were able to explore further into the southern coast area and find some unique spots that were not on our original list of to-dos.

AIV top tip: Iceland can be complex to navigate without a guide, especially the roads. Crystal knows this destination like the back of her hand and handles weather changes like she’s seen it all before (because she has!)

So, why not join her in Iceland in March 2026 for Iceland at a Glance?

Ready for more?

Ready for a journey where you’re free to be in the moment and sit back and relax? Browse our Curated Journeys here. (they all feature hosts), or inquire about a private hosted journey.

Let's get started

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form