(Especially if you’re into adventure, hobbies, and travel that feels like you.)
When most people picture using a travel agent, they think cruises and hotel deals. But if you’re someone who loves adventure travel, creative hobbies, or deep cultural experiences in Europe or Asia, you’re missing out on the best part:
I design custom travel itineraries built around you. Whether you want to learn something new, eat everything in sight, or hike across a border with a sketchbook in your pack — I’ve got you covered.
So here are 10 things you didn’t know you could ask your travel agent for (or at least this travel agent — hi, I’m Jen.):
1. Can I take a watercolor class in Tuscany… taught in English?
YES!! Do you love to paint, cook, or photograph? I specialize in hobby-based travel experiences across Europe and Asia — including classes, workshops, and tours tailored to your interests and language needs.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a total beginner, hobby-based travel lets you slow down, meet locals, and bring home more than souvenirs. I work with local artists, chefs, and guides to build experiences that are meaningful and doable — even if you only have a week.
Top Hobby Travel Inspirations
-
Kayaking the caves and coastline of southern Thailand
-
Watercoloring in Tuscany, Tokyo, or the Cotswolds
-
Birdwatching in Costa Rica or on a river cruise in Portugal
-
Golfing in Scotland, Arizona, or the coast of Vietnam
-
Cycling through the Netherlands, Vietnam, or the Loire Valley
-
Food tours & cooking classes (great in Bologna, Kyoto, Oaxaca)
-
Dancing (flamenco in Spain, salsa in Colombia, ballroom cruises)
-
Writing retreats or bookshop-based itineraries (Paris, Edinburgh, etc.)
-
Photography-focused itineraries with epic landscapes and local markets
-
Music travel (concert series in Vienna, music-themed river cruises, etc.)
I love interesting rock formations and to bicycle, so this easy ride through the karst mountains of Yangshuo, China was a dream come true.
2. I want to go hiking in the Dolomites… but not too hard.
Let’s talk about soft hiking—the kind that gets you gorgeous views, immersive cultural moments, and a good night’s sleep without needing crampons. The Dolomites are a dream for this: you can hike from village to village, stop at mountain rifugios for apple strudel and Aperol spritzes, and stay in cozy inns. Most routes can be tailored to your comfort level, whether you want to walk two miles or ten. I’m personally dreaming of doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain next year. It’s not about bragging rights—it’s about soaking in the world one step at a time.
Not all hikes are created equal, and you don’t need to figure it out alone. I’m not a hiking guide myself, but I work with incredible companies that offer guided or self-guided experiences around the world. Whether you’re into glamping under the stars in Chile, hiking inn-to-inn in Switzerland, or staying in eco retreats with treehouse vibes in Costa Rica, I’ll match you to the vibe that feels right. Hiking is better with good snacks, a soft bed, and no stress about logistics.
Top Hiking Destinations:
- Camino de Santiago (Spain)
- Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
- Kumano Kodo (Japan)
- Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
- The Inca Trail (Peru)
- Tiger’s Nest Trek (Bhutan)
- The Dolomites (Italy)
3. Can you help me plan a multi-city train trip in Europe?
Absolutely, but did you know that a EuroRail pass is often more expensive than just booking regional tickets—or even flying? Trains aren’t always the deal people think they are, but when they’re good, they’re magic. Train travel is one of my favorite ways to see a country. I specialize in FIT (fully independent travel) bookings and am very familiar with rail systems across Europe, Japan, Canada, and the U.S.
One of my favorite train itineraries to book is the Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West, where you get sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies while sipping local wines from your seat. It’s not just transit—it’s the highlight. On the flip side, Florida’s Brightline is one of the best new high-speed rail options in the U.S. (Ask me how to get discounted tickets!) I’ll help you figure out when the train is worth it, when to skip it, and how to make the most of a multi-city itinerary without overpacking your schedule.
4. We’re foodies. Can you plan a trip around that?
Yes, please. Food is such a fun way to experience a place. I can help you plan an entire trip around culinary adventures—from Michelin-star meals to farmers markets and night street food tours. Some of my favorite experiences to book include pasta-making classes in Italy, vineyard bike tours in Portugal, and dumpling workshops in Taiwan. There’s something about learning the stories behind a dish that makes every bite more meaningful.
Top Food Travel Ideas:
- Cooking classes in Tuscany or Chiang Mai
- Winery hopping in Portugal’s Douro Valley
- Fresh seafood markets in Japan
- A sake and ramen tour in Tokyo
- Beer Lovers River Cruise on the Danube
- Hungarian Beer Sauna Experience in Budapest
- Food-themed events like Oktoberfest or Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
5. I’m not rich. Can you help me figure out where to splurge vs. save?
This one’s close to my heart. From 2017 to 2022, Josh and I quit our jobs and traveled the world full-time. We made it our goal to live on less than $1000 a month. It wasn’t always easy—we stayed in hostels, did work exchanges, and ate a lot of supermarket dinners. But we still managed to hike some of the best destinations in the world, spend NYE in Dubai, and eat at some of the top-rated restaurants. It’s not about being rich—it’s about being creative.
When you travel, you don’t have to choose between “cheap” and “luxury.” You choose where to spend based on what matters most to you. I’ll help you figure that out and design a trip that fits your vibe and your budget. Want to sleep somewhere cute but don’t care about private bathrooms? Done. Want to spend all your money on food and save on everything else? Let’s do it. I also have a bunch of blog posts with tips on how to travel smart—here are a few of my faves:
6. Can you find a yoga retreat that’s not a cult?
I get it. Instagram is full of dreamy yoga and wellness retreats… but many of them are wildly overpriced, poorly run, or just not grounded in reality. Travel agents aren’t just for cruises and old folks — we’re also here to help regular people find authentic, attainable experiences.
I have access to vetted yoga and wellness retreats in places like Costa Rica, Bali, Greece, and Japan — and I can help you find one that fits your vibe (and your budget).
Instagram-Worthy but Realistic Retreats:
- Eco-lodges in Costa Rica
- Monastery stays in Italy
- Wellness retreats in the Azores
- Women’s surf + yoga trips in Portugal
- Small-group hiking and mindfulness tours in the Himalayas
View this post on Instagram
7. Is this animal encounter ethical?
This is an important question — and one of the best reasons to use a travel agent. I love animal travel, but not all tours treat animals (or people) ethically.
Not all animal experiences are created equal. I’m always happy to chat through this, because I care deeply about animal welfare and sustainable tourism. Personally, I love birding, snorkeling, and the occasional well-managed cat café. But I also steer clear of anything that makes animals feel like props, especially if there’s touching, riding, or performances involved.
When you work with me, I can help vet experiences that meet high standards for both animal and human safety. I’ve talked with many of the vendors personally and ask hard questions about their policies.
Top Animal Experiences (That Meet My Standards):
- Birdwatching tours in Portugal and Panama
- Snorkeling in the Galapagos or Raja Ampat
- Puffin and whale watching in Iceland
- Cat cafes and animal sanctuaries (the good kind!)
- Ethical elephant encounters in Thailand
- Safari experiences that support conservation
8. My travel partner wants X and I want Y. Can you make us both happy?
I love this challenge. Travel planning is a puzzle, and I like puzzles. Recently, I had a couple where the husband wanted active hiking and nature, and the wife wanted culture, shopping, and beautiful places to unwind. I worked with them to design a road trip through southern England—hikes through the moors, coastline walks, and scenic drives paired with overnights in the cutest boutique hotels near bustling little market towns. It was a hit.
You don’t have to choose between “my trip” and “their trip.” The magic happens in the overlap. I can layer activities so you each get what you love without feeling like you’re compromising the whole time. And if you want a day apart mid-trip? That’s totally normal and often rejuvenating. Tell me your vibe and theirs, and I’ll start weaving it together into a trip that hits everyone’s sweet spot.
Recently, I had a couple where the husband wanted hiking, nature, and history. The wife wanted cute towns, shopping, and cozy pubs. Together, we built a custom road trip through southern England that gave them both exactly what they wanted. They explored the White Cliffs of Dover, wandered seaside towns like Rye, stayed in historic inns, and even took a day trip into London for a bit of big-city buzz. Both came home thrilled.
♦♦♦♦♦ The Best Trip of Our Lives (so far). Jen Lowry did an outstanding job setting up our travel across Iceland and the southern UK from October 25th through November 12th, 2024. My request to her for the vacation was extensive and detailed, and included multiple and very specific stops in both countries. Jen rose to the challenge and delivered 100% of what we wanted, including tours (such as the 6-Day Guided tour and a helicopter tour of Volcanoes in Iceland, and site specific tours in the UK such as Stonehenge, London Tower, walking tours in Bath and Chester, and Bletchley Park), hotels, breakfasts, car rental in the UK, transport between airports and hotels as needed, advice on entrance and exit from foreign countries, and more. When we asked for additions or changes to the schedule, Jen adjusted to our requests quickly and made them happen! Everything was well organized and flowed as it was supposed to when we traveled. It was a great trip! We intend to keep working with Jen on future trips. – Review on the Travel Leader’s Website
9. I want to travel for a reason… but I don’t know what yet.
Sometimes, we know we want to go somewhere, but we’re not sure what the “why” is. That’s where inspiration comes in. I love helping people tap into a part of themselves they haven’t traveled with before.
Need a Reason? Here are a Few:
- Chase the Northern Lights
- Celebrate a milestone birthday
- Take a cooking class with your teen
- Learn to surf in your 40s
- Drink wine somewhere new
- Visit the setting of your favorite book
- Write your own book
- Hike the Camino
- Take your mom on her dream trip
10. Can I just run a travel idea past you?
I mean…yes. Always. I love hearing travel ideas. I love talking travel. I love helping people make things real. Let’s chat about your goals and future travel dreams.
There’s a big difference between being a full-service travel agent and a travel consultant though. If you’re planning a complex trip and want my expert help (but plan to book it yourself), I offer one-on-one travel consulting for a small fee.
This includes destination guidance, routing tips, accommodation suggestions, hidden-gem recommendations, and general do’s and don’ts — all tailored to your interests, timeframe, and travel style.
I love geeking out on travel ideas, but this structure ensures my time is respected and you get the best experience possible.
Travel Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — And Neither Am I
I’m a travel agent who loves offbeat adventures, deep dives into local culture, and finding the small moments that make a trip unforgettable. I specialize in Europe, Asia, and custom travel planning for adventurous and creative travelers.
Got a weird, wonderful, or totally random travel idea? Chances are I can help.
Let’s build something that’s so you.
Written by Jen Lowry, LEG Travels
jenlowry@legtravels.com
(208)994-4139
Boise Travel Agent