David Petlin Preferred Destination

David Petlin

Managing Director & Vacation Concierge

David Petlin

About

Award-winning travel advisor, cruise expert, and passionate traveler dedicated to creating extraordinary journeys around the world.

TRAVEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERSONAL TO ME

Travel has played an integral role in my life. I've spent more than 150 days at sea, visited more than 25 countries, and still have a very long list of places I want to experience.

I've snuggled a koala in Sydney, fallen in love with family recipes at a restaurant in a rural village in Mexico, off-roaded through the Croatian countryside, and stood in front of what remains of the Berlin Wall, finally understanding that piece of history in a way I never had before.

It's an extraordinary world, and I've been fortunate to explore so much of it. I'm always planning my next trip. 

For me, travel is about much more than the perfect Instagram shot. It's about connecting with new places and people, experiencing different cultures, trying unfamiliar food, and sometimes learning a little more about yourself along the way.

EXPERIENCE THAT GOES BEYOND THE ITINERARY

I have spent approximately a decade in the travel industry, backed by more than 30 years of customer service leadership. That background has shaped the way I built Flair Travel and the way I work with my clients today.

Great service starts with listening. I want to understand not only where you want to go, but how you like to travel, what you value, and what will make a trip feel exceptional to you.

Over the years, I've sailed extensively, experienced and inspected cruise ships, stayed at hotels and resorts around the world, developed relationships throughout the travel industry, and continued to learn firsthand what separates a good travel experience from an extraordinary one.

That experience allows me to help clients cut through the endless choices and make confident decisions about where to stay, how to travel, and which experiences are truly worth their time.

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN TRAVEL

WHERE MY EXPERIENCE CAN TAKE YOU

Ocean & River Cruising

Cruising represents a significant part of my business and personal travel experience. I’ve spent more than 150 days at sea, sailed and inspected ships across numerous cruise lines, and regularly participate in cruise industry events and education. I am also a Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC).

Exceptional Hotels & Resorts

I spend a great deal of time experiencing hotels and resorts firsthand and developing relationships with hotel teams around the world. Through Flair Travel's preferred hotel relationships and programs, I can also help clients receive additional recognition, benefits, and VIP treatment at many exceptional properties.

Europe & Custom Journeys

From individual hotel stays to complex multi-city itineraries combining trains, private transfers, touring, cruises and unique experiences, I enjoy bringing all of the pieces together into one seamless journey.

Resort & Island Escapes

From Hawaii and Mexico to the Caribbean and South Pacific, sometimes the perfect trip is simply finding the right resort, the right room, and the right experience for the way you want to vacation.

WHY I DO THIS

My goal, and the reason I founded Flair Travel, is to help people explore the world, experience unfamiliar cultures, taste new food, and discover what life is like beyond their own backyard, all while feeling cared for on a journey designed especially for them.

For me, the best part of this business is helping someone turn an idea into an experience they'll remember for years, and then hearing the question I love most when they return home:

“Where should we go next?”

I'm always planning my next trip. I'd love to help you plan yours.
 

Reviews (28)

See All Testimonials
"David is helpful, responsive, and creative." - He pushes us to think about travel we never would have considered. This is the kind of travel thought partner I think is awesome.
Sarah K
"David takes the time to understand our family’s travel and accommodation preferences so that each trip is exactly what we’re looking for." - He ensures every aspect is buttoned up, so when we arrive, we’re already in vacation mode.
Jeremy M
"David is on top of every aspect of the adventure." - From the ‘talking about a trip’ phase to the actual trip, David is on top of every aspect of the adventure.
Ann P
"David is always on top of every little detail to ensure that every trip goes well." - I have lost count of the number of trips he has done for me!
Gayle I
"David was responsive, knowledgeable, and always answered our many questions." -  He found us a great deal and made the entire planning process stress-free.
Fernando R
"David is a pleasure to work with." - He is informative and detailed. I always feel confident that my trip will go smoothly when he is doing the research and planning.
Stacy N
Luxury Travel

Where Will Your Dreams Take You?®

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or you’re still deciding what’s next, every extraordinary journey starts with a conversation.