Maureen Johnson

Los Angeles, CA

Crafting Unforgettable Journeys Across Continents

Greetings, fellow wanderers! I'm Maureen Johnson, and for over two decades, I've had the incredible privilege of turning travel dreams into exquisite realities. As a luxury travel advisor with a heart deeply devoted to exploration, I've dedicated my life to curating bespoke journeys that unveil the magic of Spain, Italy, Portugal, Europe, Morocco, Germany, and Australia. Join me as I take you on a journey through my world of wanderlust, expertise, and unforgettable experiences.

My love affair with travel ignited during my years living in the vibrant heart of Spain, a country that became my muse and my inspiration. The bustling streets of Barcelona, the romantic alleys of Seville, the breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra – Spain opened my eyes to a world of culture, history, and boundless adventure. These transformative years laid the foundation for my lifelong dedication to crafting journeys that capture the essence of a destination.

My journey into the world of travel began with an insatiable curiosity and an insuppressible desire to share the wonders I discovered. The vibrant streets of Barcelona, the charming vineyards of Tuscany, the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve – each destination left an indelible mark on my soul and ignited a fire to immerse others in the beauty of these places. This passion led me to embark on a journey that has lasted for more than two decades, and it's a journey I'm still passionately pursuing.

What truly sets my approach apart is my unwavering commitment to crafting personalized journeys that resonate with each traveler's individuality. I believe that travel is a form of self-expression, and each journey should reflect your desires, preferences, and aspirations. That's why I take the time to truly understand your vision, ensuring that every itinerary is a masterpiece designed exclusively for you.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Europe, Morocco, Germany, and Australia – these regions have become not just destinations to me, but living, breathing stories waiting to be told. My extensive travels have allowed me to dig beyond the surface, uncovering hidden gems, local traditions, and authentic encounters that transform a trip into a soul-stirring adventure. Whether it's sipping wine in a centuries-old cellar in Bordeaux, wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech, or discovering the cutting-edge art scene in Berlin, my goal is to connect you with the heart of each place.

With over 20 years of experience, I've had the privilege of cultivating relationships with the finest accommodations, guides, and local experts across the continents. These connections ensure that your journey is not only luxurious but also seamless and enriched with insider insights. My meticulous attention to detail, organizational finesse, and a penchant for perfection ensure that every moment of your journey is flawlessly executed.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of luxury travel, I'm an advocate for responsible and sustainable tourism. I believe in leaving a positive impact on the places we visit and forging connections that transcend borders. My journeys are designed to foster cultural exchange, support local communities, and create memories that will forever shape your perspective of the world.

So, whether you're yearning to explore the sun-kissed landscapes of Spain, savor the culinary delights of Italy, traverse the historic streets of Portugal, wander the vibrant markets of Morocco, delve into the rich history of Germany, or immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Australia, I'm here to bring your travel dreams to life.

The world is an expansive canvas, and I invite you to let me be your guide as we paint a tapestry of unforgettable experiences together. With over two decades of crafting extraordinary journeys, my passion and expertise are at your service. Are you ready to embark on a voyage that will forever linger in your heart? Let's begin this adventure – your adventure. Contact me today and let's start turning your travel dreams into cherished memories.

Let's explore, discover, and create together. The world is waiting – and I can't wait to share it with you.

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Travel through Food

Maureen making Paella

I am a firm believer that Gastronomy is the key to a country's culture. The cuisine of a country or region opens us up to the past, the present and the future of a people and their country as a whole. As a travel advisor I emphasize the importance of the exploration of food to my clients.

While in college I lived in Spain with a gracious family and couldn't get enough of spending time in the kitchen to learn what the Mama cooked. I also strolled (paseando) with the teen daughters for Merienda (afternoon tea). I left Spain with a cookbook that was 3 inches thick that introduced me to the cuisine in various regions of Spain that I had only visited. I still refer to that cookbook these many years later when I yearn for a little bit of Spain in my California home.

Food, like wine, is tied to the earth, known as terroir to vintners, and dictates the typical dishes of an area. In Europe, asking for Organic products is unnecessary outside of the big city. Everything is organic. "Farm to Table" is a way of life, not a fad.

Food is a fantastic way to introduce young travelers and nervous travelers to the culture of a country. It can keep them interested and curious about what comes next. Cooking classes can involve the whole family. They can focus on single dishes or whole meals. I've been surprised at how many members of the family are interested in these classes. I myself have attended several cooking classes in different countries. I attended pastry classes in Portugal and I prepared a 4-course meal there. I made my own pasta and soup in Budapest, after shopping for the ingredients at the covered market. I have prepared Tagine in Morocco at a hotel restaurant. I even cooked Paella in Spain while sipping Sangria.

If you don't have time for a cooking class, then a tasting may be more up your alley. I can steer you toward a Tapas Crawl in Madrid or a Pintxo tour in Barcelona or San Sebastian. What is the difference? Tapas are shared plates and Pintxos are single appetizers that are speared with a toothpick. I like to schedule a foodie tour that includes history and food on the day of arrival in a country. You don't have to look for a dinner restaurant and you get an overview of what is to come on your vacation.

When my husband and I arrived in Munich, we went to a local, typical Bavarian restaurant. After meeting our charming waiter and telling him we had just arrived we were ready to order local beer and local food. Except, being a health conscious Californian, I was set to order chicken. "NO!" the waiter emphatically announced. "You will have pork, like a German." We acquiesced and told him to order for us, and he introduced us to a delightful Bavarian meal.

Since that experience many years ago, I have quite often asked the wait staff to tell me the most typical dish on the menu, and I have never been steered wrong. In Bora Bora, our first meal was lunch. I looked at all the fish that was on the menu. I asked the waitress to choose the freshest for me. She brought a Mahi Mahi wrap. Imagine my surprise, when a completely raw and beautifully seasoned Mahi Mahi fillet was brought to me in a lovely hand made crepe. Distressed at my surprise, she offered to cook it. I asked how she would eat it and she said "raw". So I ate it raw. It was a wonderful and incredible experience that I had never been offered in the U.S.

I always offer my clients options for foodie tours, cooking classes, wine and spirit tastings as well as candy tours, cheese tours and gourmet meals paired with local wines. I have a list of Michelin starred restaurants in most locales, but it is the small restaurants that the neighborhood eats at where the best food is found. I always feel it is a major score if the staff doesn’t speak English. They are not catering to tourists, but to good food and authentic experiences. Once I find such a restaurant in a town, it goes on my list and I follow up often to make sure it is still considered the best around.

My Reviews

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Saved my Ireland Trip!

Maureen at AMT really helped me plan my trip to Ireland for myself, husband and in Laws. I was crazy enough to insist that I would rather drive in Ireland than pay the high cost of a private chauffer. And when my father in law dropped the bomb that his drivers license expired, making him unable to drive the manual transmission van only 3 hours before we landed in Ireland, a quick email to Maureen saved the day. She canceled our van and rebooked two automatic cars (which is apparently rare in Ireland) so that my brother in law could drive one and I the other. By the time we landed at the airport, the cars were there, correctly booked, and the money for the van had already been refunded to my credit card. WOW. Then when the London air traffic control CANCELED our flights home for a full day, she helped us book a hotel for the night, and helped us file an insurance claim to cover the cost. Even for the most experienced traveler, she is an invaluable resource.

By Gigi K. from Glendora, CA
Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Maureen Johnson responded:
Dear Georgia, thank you for the kind words. Since that fateful trip you have used my services for travel planning instead of travel rescuing. We make a great team and I look forward to working with you in the future.

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Leave your worries at home!

My wife and I have been working with Maureen now since 2015 when we started planning our first European vacation. After dealing with the frustration of trying to book it ourselves, we happened across an American Express travel website. The site was open to non-card members so we elected the country we wanted to visit and were given four agents to reach out to. We decided on Maureen and have never looked back. Maureen made the experience very easy for us since, at the time, we were both working full time. We were sent a short questionnaire which helped her to focus on what worked best for our time, destinations, budget, etc. Our trip was to travel the Northern coast of Spain in a car over a two week period. Maureen and her team handled all the details seamlessly, from the car, to the hotels, to the sites she recommended in each of the five cities we touched. We still talk about that trip! We recommend her to our friends and family constantly.

By Cakes from California
Traveled to Spain ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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3 of 4 people found this review helpful

My New Favorite Place!

Maureen worked with our group of six to arrange THE BEST experience! She was able to accommodate all our collective needs while ensuring each individual was listened to. We explored the glorious Scottish Highlands from our home base in Inverness and ended in the majestic and magical city of Edinburgh. I don't think Maureen could have done any better in organizing this diverse experience.

By JC from Long Beach, CA
Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Maureen Johnson responded:
Thanks Julie! You were all so gracious. I had as much fun putting this trip together as you did experiencing it.

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5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Always available. Good local spots.

Five or more trips.

By Keith from Manhattan Beach, CA
Traveled to Vienna ~ Austria ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We Love Greece!

We flew Business Class on British Airways. Our new terrific airline. Our first stop after two days in Germany was Santorini. Great hotel with just 25 rooms. Our jacuzzi was heated up to 84 F degrees to make up for the pool temperature. All of the pools were really cold on our trip. We both swam in the Aegean. Very cold, but no sharks because they don't like cold water. The ferry ride to Crete was total chaos, but we learned to get a boarding pass at the ferry office. The ferry to Naxos was easy because most tourist don't go there. All of Maureen's tours on each island were great as usual. The front of line ticket that she arranged for us saved us at the Acropolis waiting in a two block long line!

By Lou from West Covina, CA
Traveled to Greece ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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