What is Raison d’Être?

raison d’être travel isn’t just another travel agency. It’s a thoughtful way of approaching travel. The term “raison d’être” is French for “reason for being.” We strive to capture clients’ raisons d’être within every bespoke itinerary. For those interested in elevated travel experiences, we are here to not only provide guidance, but to ensure all travel needs and desires are considered. As a member of Virtuoso, we are fortunate to have a wide range of partners in all areas of the world, ready to collaborate on that perfect itinerary.

What’s Important to Us

…because survival is insufficient.

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.

About

Stephanie Williamson, founder & lead travel advisor, has over 15 years of travel and hospitality experience that began with a college job working for Hilton hotels. After several years in the hotel industry, she moved out of hospitality and into administrative roles within various companies where she organized and facilitated corporate travel for high-level executives. Born in Arizona, and brought up between Switzerland and upstate New York, she has a deep appreciation and understanding for all things culture, travel, and adventure. She is perpetually planning her next trip, whether domestic or international.

A proud partner of TRAVELLUSTRE

Part of a team of passionate travel advisors, together we are the experts on luxury travel and unique experiences. Our promise is to incorporate your “raison d’être” into every trip and to curate travel based on authenticity, insider knowledge, and most importantly, you. No detail is too small, nor dream too big.

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. A few examples of the exclusive arrangements Virtuoso advisors are able to offer: 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 advisors 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 an affiliate 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.