WE ARE TRAVELSTRUCK
After a decade of excelling in corporate marketing for companies such as Gap Inc., Courtney Regan decided to follow her true passion: travel. Thus, in 2012 she became a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and founded Courtney Regan Travel.
In 2015, Courtney joined forces with her lifelong friend, Maybritt Haeling, who also had an illustrious career in retail marketing for Callaway Golf. Maybritt realized that transitioning into the travel industry would allow her to share her love of travel with her family, while helping others do the same.
The friends’ strong bond makes them an even stronger professional team. Together, they are now known as TravelStruck. Collectively, Courtney and Maybritt have 40 years of client services expertise, which provides them the foundation needed to create personalized travel experiences for each individual clients.
As much as Courtney and Maybritt love to travel, witnessing the excitement that their clients have, not only during their trip, but also before and after, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of their job. This is why they do more than simply plan clients’ vacations; instead, they invest in designing unique, transformative luxury adventures.
Meet the Team
COURTNEY REGAN
Luxury Travel Advisor
Courtney’s parents instilled a love of travel in her at an early age, thanks to the family’s annual trips around Europe and the United States. However, it was Courtney’s later exploration of South America that convinced her to dedicate her life to making world travel a tangible reality for others.
MY LUXURY IS: a destination that is remote, quiet and peaceful, with a comfortable and elegant yet understated property. I've found my luxury in many places around the world, including Bhutan, Patagonia, New Zealand and Montana.
MY FAVORITE ADVENTURE SPOT IS: Patagonia! On a recent trip, I was completely taken by this vast land, which is simultaneously peaceful and powerful. Thanks to the colorful valleys, snow-peaked mountains and adventurous people, I'm eager to go back for more.
WHY I LOVE TRAVEL: I find travel to be so expansive, not only as I discover more about the destinations, cultures and people I encounter, but also as I discover more within myself. Traveling makes me a more patient, compassionate person—after all, the more people I meet during my travels, the more I realize that we are all similar. Plus, traveling gives me great stories to share at cocktail parties!
MY OTHER LOVES: I practice yoga regularly when I am at home in San Francisco because it gives me the same expansive results that traveling does. I also love traveling through my stomach, so you can often find me in my kitchen, attempting to replicate the recipes and culinary ideas that I have picked up during my travels.
MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY: Do something outside of your comfort zone. While visiting a familiar place is sometimes necessary, I've found there is no growth in perpetual comfort. Living in Rio for a few months was certainly a challenge, but it was also one of the most special experiences I'll ever hold.
MY BEST TRAVEL ADVICE: Don't pack too much in—in terms of both your luggage and your itinerary. Leave room for souvenirs and opportunities.
MY TRAVEL HAPPY SPACE IS: the bathtub overlooking the valley at Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan.
MAYBRITT HAELING
Luxury Travel Advisor
Travel is in Maybritt’s blood as well. Early in Maybritt’s life, her mother worked as a travel agent with a family friend who owned a travel agency. Thanks to this collaboration, Maybritt was able to cultivate a love of travel from a young age, exploring destinations from Copenhagen to Cape Town, and many places in between.
MY LUXURY IS: seeing the world through my children's eyes. Even old places feel new. I believe travel is one of the greatest gifts I can provide for them.
MY MOST MEMORABLE TRIP: Peru is currently at the top of my list. It has it all: breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, delicious food and an admirable respect for their people, culture and the earth. And, the butterflies that appear to change colors just add to the magic of this beautiful country.
WHY I LOVE TRAVEL: Travel gives you perspective, compassion and respect for all things, different and the same. I love to be pushed out of my comfort zone, learn about new cultures, try new activities and new food. Travel allows me to recharge and rejuvenate.
MY OTHER LOVES: As much as I love to travel, there's nothing like coming home and spending time with family and friends in beautiful San Diego, which is never a bad place to be.
MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY: Slow down. Take a deep breath and enjoy your surroundings. Build in some time for self exploration and be open to what memorable adventures may come your way. Talk with the locals and other travelers.
MY BEST TRAVEL ADVICE: Put down your camera. It's always great to get a few great shots, but then give yourself some time to see the beauty with your own eyes, without the distraction of feeling like you have to capture everything on film.
MY TRAVEL HAPPY SPACE: laughing and sharing stories of the day's adventure over a "sun-downer" drink.
GINA PARIANI
Travel Manager
Gina Pariani was borned and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She attended college at the University of San Diego, during which time she had the opportunity to study abroad through the Semester at Sea program. Gina was fortunate to travel with her family as a child, and visiting 10 countries in 100 days during this abroad experience cemented her love of travel and desire to better understand other cultures. She went on to pursue a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University and chose a career in international adoption. After a decade in the big city, Gina convinced her husband to return to the Bay Area. She now lives in Oakland and feels fortunate to have spent the last several years exploring the world through the eyes of her two young children. Gina is very excited to join her two lifelong friends on the TravelStruck team.
Euripides