Meet your Travel Curator

Woman sitting at a bar with a glass of cocktail, surrounded by hanging wine glasses and bottles in the background.

Melissa Franco

Founder, Savour The Journey

I’m Melissa—founder of Savour The Journey, cultural explorer, and curator of immersive travel.

I believe travel is about more than getting away. It’s about connection—to culture, to place, and to how we see the world.

With roots in both Mexico and Canada, a degree in art history and Italian, and over a decade of experience coordinating international travel at one of Canada’s top universities, I bring a thoughtful, creative lens to every journey I design.

The kinds of experiences I plan aren’t found on checklists or crowded “must-see” tours. They live in the quiet moments: stepping into a centuries-old workshop in Oltrarno, wandering through a sun-drenched vineyard in Alentejo, or losing track of time over a long lunch in a quiet Andalusian village.

If you're drawn to travel that’s meaningful, intentional, and crafted around you, you're in the right place. I work with clients who value culture, depth, and connection—and want every trip to feel like a story worth telling.

Designing Travel with Intention

I design thoughtful, culturally rich travel experiences for people who want more than the usual itinerary.

A private sail along the Dalmatian Coast.
A hidden-door culinary tour in Trastevere.
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Marrakech.

These are the kinds of moments that stay with you—not because they’re extravagant, but because they’re yours.

You enjoy the journey while I take care of everything behind the scenes—refining the details, anticipating your needs, and making sure everything flows seamlessly.

Travel that’s personal, meaningful, and designed to stay with you.

Inviting outdoor cafe tables and chairs on a city sidewalk with a potted olive tree nearby.

How I wander the world

For me, travel isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about settling into the rhythm of a place.

It’s the leisurely espresso at my favourite caffè in Monti. The detour that leads somewhere unexpected. The meal too good—and too long—to rush.

I don’t believe in tight schedules or whirlwind itineraries. I believe in slow travel, thoughtful pacing, and the art of letting a destination unfold in its own time.

That’s how I like to travel—deeply, deliberately, and with room for wonder.

A Few of My Favourites

A multi-level outdoor terrace with terracotta walls, stairs, potted plants, and warm yellow-orange hanging lanterns, set against a mountainous backdrop at dusk, in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Eden Boutique Hotel, Dades Valley, Morocco

Traditional Berber architecture set against the dramatic High Atlas mountains, where ancient building techniques meet contemporary luxury. The terraced gardens cascade down to the valley floor while local artisans' handwork fills every corner. It's the kind of place where you lose track of time watching the light change across thousand-year-old peaks.

Exterior view of a backyard with a swimming pool, trees, a stone house, and outdoor seating in the late afternoon sunlight, at Riva Lofts in Florence, Italy.

Riva Lofts, Florence, Italy

Industrial-chic suites along the Arno River where contemporary Italian design meets Renaissance views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Oltrarno's artisan workshops, while the minimalist interiors let Florence's timeless beauty take center stage. Walking distance to hidden trattorias that locals actually frequent.

Living room with two upholstered armchairs in front of a fireplace, a wooden coffee table, built-in bookshelves, a wall-mounted TV, a chandelier, patterned curtains, and various decorative items and plants.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A collection of colonial mansions turned intimate retreat in Mexico's most cultured town. Courtyards filled with jacaranda blooms, rooftop terraces overlooking cobblestone streets, and that perfect balance of authentic Mexican character with refined comfort. The spa treatments incorporate local healing traditions that feel genuinely restorative.

Venetian canal with pink building, brown shutters, balcony with flowers, laundry hanging, and a green boat.

What a thoughtfully planned trip feels like

A seamless trip isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how everything flows. When we work together, here’s what you can expect:

  • Every detail is curated with care—from iconic landmarks to tucked-away gems—so you can simply arrive, settle in, and savour the experience.

  • From the perfect table to private guides and behind-the-scenes experiences, my trusted network opens doors to moments most travellers miss.

  • Room upgrades, spa and dining credits, early check-in, late check-out—these benefits are just the beginning. As a preferred partner with top hotels, your stay is anything but ordinary.

  • From first draft to final flight, I’m there behind the scenes—coordinating the moving parts so you can travel with clarity and confidence. And if anything unexpected comes up? It’s handled.

    Because the best travel feels effortless—and stays with you long after you return.

Because travel should be effortless, immersive, and extraordinary.
Let’s work together.