Meet Emily O’Gorman | Luxury Travel Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily O’Gorman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start Emily O’Gorman Travel came from recognizing a gap between how people want to travel and the reality of making it happen. I’ve always had a deep passion for exploring the world, from living in Hawaii to discovering hidden corners of Europe, and I realized that while so many people share that same desire to travel, they’re held back by the overwhelming nature of planning.

I kept hearing the same story from friends and colleagues: “I want to go to Europe, but I don’t even know where to start.” Between their demanding careers and busy lives, the thought of researching destinations, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything would go smoothly felt like another full-time job.

That’s when I realized I could bridge that gap. I didn’t just want to be someone who books trips. I wanted to create a service that truly takes the burden off people’s shoulders so they can focus on what matters: making memories and experiencing the world. I envisioned a business model that goes beyond traditional travel advising to offer true concierge-level care, where I’m with clients from that first conversation all the way through their return home, monitoring flights, securing dinner reservations and handling every detail.

In 2023, I took the leap. Starting Emily O’Gorman Travel was about turning my passion for travel into a way to help others live fully and see the world without the stress that usually comes with it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Emily O’Gorman Travel specializes in creating immersive European experiences for busy professionals who want to travel but feel overwhelmed by the planning process. What truly sets me apart is that I’m not just a travel advisor. I’m a travel concierge. I don’t hand over an itinerary and wish you well. I’m with you from our first conversation until you’re back home, monitoring your flights in real-time, securing restaurant reservations, and ensuring the details are handled so you can simply immerse yourself in the experience.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the transformative experiences I’ve been able to create for them. When someone trusts you with their precious vacation time and hard-earned money, that’s not something I take lightly. Seeing clients return from trips feeling inspired, already dreaming about their next adventure, and referring their friends and family brings me so much fulfillment.

Building this business over the past three years has been a journey of refinement. Early on, I learned the importance of clarity in understanding who I serve best and in communicating the value I provide. I’ve found that my expertise and white-glove approach resonate most with discerning travelers who understand the difference between booking a trip online and having a dedicated partner handle every detail. Once I got clear on that, everything else started to fall into place.

The travel industry thrives on trust and relationships, and that takes time to cultivate. I’ve approached this with patience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to every single client. Each perfectly executed trip builds momentum, and I’m excited about the growth I’m seeing as more people discover what’s possible when travel planning is truly taken off their plate.

What I want people to know about Emily O’Gorman Travel is that travel should be joyful, not stressful. My mission is to give busy professionals their time back while creating experiences that become treasured memories. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your fifth visit to the Amalfi Coast, I design each journey with intention, care, and obsessive attention to detail. This is more than just a business for me. It’s about helping people truly live and see the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends and I are huge foodies, so any visit to Phoenix with me involves a culinary tour of the valley’s best spots! We’d start with dinner at Global Ambassador for their incredible ambiance and creative cocktails, then hit Catch for a lively night out with amazing seafood. Sottise is a must for French-inspired cuisine, and we’d absolutely grab drinks at Little Rituals downtown for their inventive cocktails in an intimate setting.

Beyond dining, I’d take them to explore Old Town Scottsdale, where we’d browse the galleries, shop the boutiques, and make custom hats at Rancher Hat Bar. There’s something special about leaving with a handmade souvenir that’s uniquely yours!
Depending on what’s happening during their visit, I’d grab tickets to a broadway show at Gammage or catch a Suns game. And because we all need some relaxation, a spa day at Joya Spa at the Omni Montelucia is non-negotiable. It’s pure luxury and the perfect way to recharge.

For the grand finale, we’d escape to Sedona for a couple of nights. I’d book us at either L’Auberge de Sedona for a creekside setting or Ambiente for a boutique luxury experience. We’d spend our days hiking the red rocks, taking in those breathtaking views, and our evenings enjoying wine and watching the sunset paint the landscape. Sedona is only about two hours from Phoenix, but it feels like a completely different world.

Phoenix has this incredible mix of world-class dining, vibrant cultural experiences, and natural beauty just a short drive away. There’s truly so much to explore, and I never get tired of sharing it with visitors!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely want to give credit to my husband, Scott. Starting a business requires taking risks and pushing through moments of doubt, and his cool, calm, and collected nature has been my anchor through it all. When I get caught in overthinking or analysis paralysis, he has this incredible ability to bring me back to center and help me see things clearly.

Beyond just emotional support, he’s been a true partner in this journey. He encourages me to take bold steps I might otherwise hesitate on, provides mentorship when I need to talk through business decisions, and genuinely believes in what I’m building. Starting your own business can feel isolating at times, but having someone in your corner who believes in you makes all the difference.

Website: https://emilyogormantravel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyogormantravel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/luxurytravelbyemily

Image Credits
Amy Schaumberg with A.Marie Studio