Angela Adto Tepper is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in adventure and over-the-top trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tepper by contacting her at ​​angela@azaluxurytravel.com.

It is a "just-in-case" mindset, according to Angela Adto Tepper, travel expert and founder of AZA Luxury Travel. In June 2025, Tepper told the Washington Post: "American travelers, in general, tend to pack for comfort and 'just-in-case' scenarios, regardless of their generation."

Fall lovers, assemble! The 2025 fall foliage prediction map — or as we call it, the most helpful tool for planning your autumnal adventures — has arrived. But before you decide when to take your trip, you’ll have to pick where to go. Here are some suggestions.

Walland, Tennessee

Like many travel experts who work with well-heeled clients, Angela Adto Tepper of AZA Luxury Travel recommends a fall trip near Knoxville to one of the Blackberry properties: Blackberry Farm, a 4,200-acre luxury resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, or Blackberry Mountain, its newer, more rural sister property located on 5,200 acres. Tepper says both provide “top-tier service” as well as “stunning rooms with panoramic views.” During the fall — or, more specifically per the map, Oct, 20-31 — those views include rolling hills of gold and orange foliage.

Angela Adto Tepper, a travel adviser with AZA Luxury Travel, based in Scarsdale, N.Y., counsels clients to look for plans with emergency coverage; evacuation and repatriation; pre-existing-condition waivers, if applicable; and a 24/7 assistance hotline.

“I always recommend travelers carry dedicated travel medical insurance, especially when heading to remote areas or places with less-developed health care,” Ms. Adto Tepper said.

"Sardinia is where Italians go to escape the hustle and bustle, and it’s easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and wild landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard. Big luxury resorts are just starting to appear, so travelers should experience the island's laid-back charm before it gets too crowded." — Angela Adto Tepper, AZA Luxury Travel

By Angela Adto Tepper

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is no easy feat, but with ample planning and the guidance of an experienced travel advisor, you will be well-prepared for a seamless and unforgettable adventure. As someone who has personally reached the peak and planned numerous trips for clients, I can attest to the importance of having a well-organized itinerary. So whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-time backpacker, here are some tips to ensure a flawless hike to Kilimanjaro.

Angela Adto Tepper, founder of AZA Luxury Travel, doesn’t see a clear generational divide. She’s seen overpacking offenders in every age group and gender.

“It’s more about mindset than age,” she said. “American travelers, in general, tend to pack for comfort and ‘just-in-case’ scenarios, regardless of their generation.”

Adto Tepper, who says she hasn’t checked a bag in over a decade, said she’s developed a personal packing strategy that consists of neutral layers, versatile footwear and laundry days.

“Travel is simply smoother — and more enjoyable — when you’re not weighed down by excess baggage,” she said.

In the 23rd annual A-List, presented is a directory of the most influential trip specialists in the world, vetted by the editors at Travel + Leisure. “A travel advisor can turn your trip into a seamless, tailored experience. With insider knowledge and trusted contacts, they craft itineraries that match your interests and handle all logistics, saving you time and stress. From exclusive perks to real-time problem-solving, they ensure your journey is smooth and memorable, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure.” - Angela Adto Tepper, Founder of AZA Luxury Travel

When it comes to luxury travel, my go-to piece of luggage is the Rimowa Original Cabin – a flawless blend of style, durability, and functionality for carry-on essentials. For longer journeys, I trust the Rimowa Aluminum Trunk for checked luggage – offering unmatched protection, expansive space, and a timelessly sophisticated aesthetic. I also adore my Cuyana Leather Weekender Bag, which only gets more beautiful with age, effortlessly combining minimalist elegance with spacious functionality. – Angela Adto Tepper, Founder, AZA Luxury Travel

Build Personal Relationships - One key thing a new grad or job seeker should know about the Travel and Hospitality industry is that it’s deeply rooted in personal relationships and emotional intelligence. It’s not just about the logistics of booking flights or managing hotel reservations—it’s about understanding the needs and desires of clients and creating experiences that resonate on a personal level. The industry thrives on exceptional customer service, and those who succeed are often the ones who can anticipate client needs, think on their feet, and adapt to changing circumstances with a positive, can-do attitude. So, beyond any technical skills or qualifications, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, a passion for travel, and a willingness to go above and beyond for clients will set you apart when applying for roles in this space. – Angela Adto Tepper, Founder, AZA Luxury Travel

Gold Medal Travel - Angela Adto Tepper is the founder of New York-based AZA Luxury Travel specializing in France, Italy, and Portugal. Want a two-month vacation across seven European countries with private wine tours, helicopter transfers, yacht charters, a balloon ride, and a Sting concert? She’s your gal. This summer she’s designed a program for a family coming to Paris from Hawaii for the Olympics that will include Michelin-starred restaurants, carefully curated shopping guides in the fashion districts, and private tours of the Louvre. The family will also be attending basketball, wrestling, and volleyball games at the Olympics. “Planning for the Paris 2024 Olympics has been an exhilarating experience,” says Adto Tepper. “Paris presents a wealth of opportunities for luxury travelers to indulge in during the Olympics. The energy and excitement surrounding the Games make this a truly unique and special event to be a part of.” The booking process starts by discussing a client’s preferences and requirements to create a tailored itinerary.

A week-long trip during the Olympics—similar to her Hawaiian client’s plans—starts at about $100,000.

Tailoring business models for unique industry needs involves understanding and anticipating client preferences, and offering personalized and bespoke services that cater to individual tastes. At my boutique luxury travel agency, I prioritize building strong relationships with premium partners to ensure exclusive access and VIP experiences for clients. Leveraging technology for seamless booking processes and personalized itineraries enhances the client experience. Additionally, continuous training and development of staff ensure that they remain knowledgeable about the latest luxury trends and destinations. – Angela Tepper, Luxury Travel Consultant, Travel Edge

If you're ready to move into the industry, it's worth taking stock of your skills first. For example, Tepper said people with event-planning experience might transition well into travel advising since itinerary planning and familiarity with booking platforms are part of the job. She added that soft skills, like interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, would also come in handy.

Tepper recommended contacting an advisor before switching over. "If you're considering the career change, one of the best things you can do is secure a reputable mentor," she said. "A mentor can offer invaluable guidance, accelerating professional growth and enhancing skill development, leading to greater success and higher earnings."

"To maintain the quality of our personalized work, we occasionally have to turn away a client," Tepper said. "Not every client is the right fit for our service. This selectivity ensures that we can devote the necessary time and attention to crafting great experiences for everyone while upholding the high standards we have put in place."

"[Music] is such a joyful, exciting thing for people to plan travel around so I'm not surprised by it," Angela Adto Tepper, of AZA Luxury Travel in New York, part of Travel Edge Network, told TMR. "Song is transcendent and can transport you back to a certain time in your life, so people get nostalgic about that."

AZA Luxury Travel’s Angela Adto Tepper says her company has designed a whole Paris program for a family of financiers from Oahu, Hawaii, who are coming specifically to watch basketball and wrestling. “Paris presents a wealth of opportunities for luxury travelers to indulge in during the Olympics,” Adto Tepper says. “I have tailored an itinerary that includes Michelin-starred restaurants, guided curated shopping excursions in Parisian fashion districts and private tours to iconic sights like the Louvre.”

AZA Luxury Travel’s Angela Adto Tepper says her company has designed a whole Paris program for a family of financiers from Oahu, Hawaii, who are coming specifically to watch basketball and wrestling. “Paris presents a wealth of opportunities for luxury travelers to indulge in during the Olympics,” Adto Tepper says. “I have tailored an itinerary that includes Michelin-starred restaurants, guided curated shopping excursions in Parisian fashion districts and private tours to iconic sights like the Louvre.”

“I can’t recommend Singita enough, having just visited three of their outstanding properties recently in Zimbabwe, Sabi Sands, and Kruger National Park,” Tepper said. “While this is a family-friendly property, it’s a popular safari experience for our honeymooners. At Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda, they too accept families at the lodge, but the minimum age to trek with the gorillas is 15 years old.”

Angela Adto Tepper of AZA Luxury Travel creates highly produced Instagram video posts that include information about a destination or property with a compilation of pictures and videos, voiceover with subtitles and background music. The response from these posts has translated into a steady stream of travel itinerary requests and bookings.

When one of her clients came down with COVID in France during the height of the pandemic when policies were constantly changing, Angela Adto Tepper of AZA Luxury Travel helped arrange a long car ride to Paris for her client with a contact with whom the advisor had previously worked. “The fact that neither of my clients spoke French complicated the situation,” she says. “But I was able to keep the lines of communication open with everyone involved until my client arrived back in Seattle.”