Luxury Travel Curated Around You
The “r” in the logo is not really an “r”, but a Nordic rune called the raido. Stephanie first came across it and its meaning on a trip to Iceland years ago. While every rune has several different interpretations, the raido is mainly viewed as a travel rune with meanings such as “protection for the traveler” and “the journey is the destination”. The journey is the destination and not merely a means to an end. In the context of Raison d’Être Travel, this simply means that the planning process is not something to be rushed through, procrastinated on, or brushed aside. We truly love every aspect of traveling, including the planning, and our wish is to share that feeling with clients. Our goal is to prolong that initial giddy feeling of deciding to embark on a trip, truly elevating the experience as a whole. Let’s do this together.
Meet the team
meet the team
stephanie williamson
founder & lead travel advisor
My love of hospitality started with a college job working for Hilton hotels – specifically, the front desk at a Hampton Inn. After several years in the hotel industry, I moved out of hospitality and into administrative roles within various companies where I organized and facilitated corporate travel for high-level executives. This is when I realized that the travel organization and logistics piece was what I truly enjoyed and from there, Raison d’Être Travel was born (I’m obviously skipping a few important steps!).
I was born in Arizona and had the privilege of growing up between Switzerland, Arizona, and upstate New York, granting me a deep appreciation and understanding for all things culture, travel, and adventure. I don’t feel right unless I have a trip on the calendar and my love of travel and exploring has only deepened as I’ve started a family of my own.
My favorite destination to plan is anything that’s a bit off the beaten path. I’ve loved planning India, Bhutan, and Colombia – to name a few. My favorite personal trip is a bit harder to pin down. A recent family trip to northern Italy (where my daughter indulged in gelato for the first time) was a highlight and one I relive often. Spending Christmas on a Silversea cruise in the Galapagos was a “pinch me” moment that my husband and I still talk about often – not to mention the friends we made! And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the trip that brought me my logo – a 2-week self-drive adventure around Iceland with my best friend over 10 years ago. I think that’s one we both still remember fondly!
nathalie filliez
finance & operations coordinator
A Parisian native and true global citizen, I have spent over 20 years in the US and Mexico working across diverse industries. This varied corporate background, followed by 13 years in the sustainable forestry sector as an Executive Assistant, makes me somewhat of a master of operational flow. Separately, I’ve never met an Excel spreadsheet I didn’t love! Between weightlifting sessions, playing with the dogs or riding motorcycles, I orchestrate budgets and commissions with absolute rigor ensuring everything works seamlessly behind the scenes.
Favorite destination: my favorites are inspired by raw nature – the vibrant wilderness of Mexico, the lush biodiversity of Costa Rica, and the tropical serenity of Malaysia. These are the ultimate escape for me as they present the perfect balance of serenity and untamed beauty of the natural world.
Fun fact: A lifelong polyglot, I sometimes mix up my languages when I’m tired – much to the delight and amusement of my friends, family, and colleagues!
raghav sharma
social media / video editor
I’m a video editor who believes every trip deserves its own highlight reel. From bumpy bus rides to breathtaking views, I stitch moments together so they sparkle with personality.
Favorite destination: Dubai – make sure to try Luqaimat when you go. It’s delicious!
Fun fact: I’m working toward owning a Shih Tzu – a little travel buddy in the making!
Raghav is part of Apavale.
emily kruger
social media strategy
I’m fascinated by the psychology behind marketing, connecting with people one-on-one instead of just selling an idea. I love starting with new clients, diving into different industries, and figuring out how to adapt what I know to their world and better it.
Favorite destination: In 2025, I spent 6 months traveling through Thailand and Vietnam. Out of everywhere I visited, Da Nang stole a piece of my heart!
Fun fact: I will happily talk your ear off about my dog (6 year old Jack Russell mix – her name is Steffy but we call her Stephanie when she’s been naughty – no relation to this Stephanie!). If I’m not behind a laptop, then find me at a great wine farm with an even better charcuterie board.
Emily is a part of Apavale.
affiliations & preferred partners
Virtuoso, by invitation only, is the world’s premier luxury and experiential travel network comprised of the top travel providers and destinations worldwide. Ultimately, Virtuoso is a network of relationships that grants you, the traveler, access to exclusive amenities, upgrades, and experiences.
As a few examples of the type of invaluable access this network grants, Virtuoso advisors have arranged private, after-hours tours of the Louvre, tours of Cartier’s hidden atelier, and Cirque du Soleil birthday parties in the Grand Canyon.
All TRAVELLUSTRE members are proud members of Virtuoso. As an esteemed member of Virtuoso, we provide our clients with exclusive programs, value-added benefits, and extra amenities wherever they travel throughout the world. With worldwide connections, unparalleled expertise, and customized travel experiences, TRAVELLUSTRE works within the Virtuoso network to ensure personal preferences are reflected in every aspect of our clients’ trips. The combination of all these assets and our dedicated team of travel lifestyle consultants will deliver the best value and a lifetime of memories.
Raison d’Être Travel, as a member of TRAVELLUSTRE, has been named a Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agency. Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG’s hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. We are honored to be recognized by the global authority on luxury hospitality for our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional experiences.
Stephanie Williamson is also honored to be a part of The 1000, a club for the world’s most influential travel advisors the world's most influential travel advisors, along with being recognized by Conde Nast as a 2026 Top Travel Specialist..
