Meet your Travel Curator
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 16 years in the international office of a top Canadian university, managing complex travel logistics and high-level relationships, I bring a thoughtful, creative lens to every journey I design.
The moments I plan for clients aren't the ones on a checklist: a private workshop tucked into Oltrarno, an unhurried wine tasting in Portugal's Douro Valley, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Marrakech before the city wakes up. If that's the kind of travel you're after, 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.
How I wander the world
For me, travel isn't about checking boxes, it's about settling into the rhythm of a place: the espresso at my favourite caffè in Monti, the detour that leads somewhere unexpected, the meal too good 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.
A Few of My Favourites
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.
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.
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.
What working with me feels like
There's no call centre here, no template, no line pulled from a brochure. Just me, personally involved from your first idea to your final flight home, because I've travelled this way myself and know what makes it worth it.
Training & Credentials
TICO Registered Ontario government-mandated regulation of travel agencies — registration means consumer compensation, complaint resolution, and set financial standards for how agencies operate.
Virtuoso Member A by-invitation-only global network of luxury travel agencies offering complimentary perks and exclusive experiences not available through standard booking channels.
Air Canada Certified Expert (ACE)
Virgin Voyages — Gold Tier Certified