Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Cecchi.
Hi Libby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Thanks for having me. My name is Libby Cecchi. My story started in middle school when I had to pick one of three languages to study: German, Spanish, or French; I chose French and haven’t looked back since! I traveled to France for the first time via a college study abroad program, got my BA in French, and started to explore the country extensively, slowly developing expertise in the different regions of France. Upon returning from a truly exceptional visit, I realized I needed to figure out how to go back there more frequently! Inspiration happened when a friend of mine rented a villa in Italy, invited all her friends, and mapped out the itinerary for a trip of a lifetime. The nexus of these two things was the inspiration for Gallivant & Traipse.
I know a lot of people who love the idea of traveling to the diverse countryside of France but aren’t sure where to start. In addition, the language barrier can be difficult to manage the farther you travel from Paris. I got excited when I realized that I could be the leader. Substitute “chateau” for “villa” and “France” for “Italy” and – violà! – my lightbulb moment happened.
Gallivant & Traipse (or, affectionately, G&T) specializes in unique, authentic, customized trips for small groups. My team and I design the voyages in concert with our clients to better understand their interests and rhythms. Then we come up with recommendations for destinations, itineraries, and activities while leaving plenty of room for relaxation and serendipity. Our two services include hosted travel (where we will stay on-site with you) and creating bespoke itineraries for our clients to follow if they are confident enough in their own travel capabilities. These are not regimented, chockablock, check-mark trips. We create moderately-paced journeys that allow for relaxation and serendipity. We do not run for buses and set alarms, we gallivant and traipse.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Finding the right balance is always a struggle in any endeavor.
In the case of Gallivant & Traipse, the balance is between getting the word out about travel opportunities and not overbooking. In addition, there is friction between attaining enough business to sustain the operation while still getting to spend enough time at home with my family.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gallivant & Traipse specializes in hosted travel to France and other Francophone countries of Europe. We work with small groups to create unique, customized journeys deep into France (and Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg).
There are many travel agencies and tours that will help you get to Paris, and for some people that’s a viable option. But it can be intimidating for people who are unable to speak French and also want to explore the vast, disparate regions and smaller villages. The team and I at G&T take that friction away by being an on-site expert on all things French in our hosted tours. And as for our other service, creating customized itineraries, we can do all the research and advanced footwork to create the perfect get-away. We’ve been there, so we know.
G&T has the experience and can navigate all the details to craft an unbelievable adventure.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
One thing that has been a huge asset for me in creating and running Gallivant & Traipse has been in hiring out the daily specialized business-related tasks that are outside of my expertise. I know France and I know travel but managing finances? Tax personnel. Creating waivers? A Lawyer. Peace of mind? Insurance agent.
Thanks so much for having me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gallivantandtraipse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallivant_and_traipse/
- Email: Libby@gallivantandtraipse.com
Image Credits
Gallivant & Traipse and Pamela Diedrich
