Travel Designed By Lyn
Designed Around You. Shared With the People Who Matter Most.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, Travel Designed By Lyn creates customized vacations, cruises, and international journeys designed around your interests, travel style, and goals.
Helping women—and the people they love—explore the world through personalized travel experiences and expert guidance.
Escorted Travel Stories
Taste of Chicago: A Weekend to Remember
Taste of Chicago was so much more than a food festival—it was a weekend filled with unexpected moments and unforgettable experiences. We sampled everything from classic Chicago favorites to new flavors, then found ourselves joining an impromptu salsa dance lesson with locals. We cruised the Chicago River, taking in the city's breathtaking architecture from the water, and ended one evening watching fireworks light up the skyline. Exploring historic Bronzeville—the cultural heart of Chicago's Black community—gave us a deeper appreciation for its rich history, vibrant murals, local businesses, and lasting legacy. For many of us, the highlight was visiting the Obama Presidential Center campus. Although we weren't able to secure tickets to tour the entire museum, we experienced far more than we expected—from the beautiful grounds and inviting public spaces to the athletic center, gift shop, inspiring murals, and remarkable works of art. We left feeling as though we had truly experienced the spirit and vision of the Center. What began as a simple weekend getaway became a shared journey of culture, history, great food, friendship, and discovery—exactly the kind of meaningful travel I love creating for my clients.
"This trip exceeded my expectations. I came home with wonderful memories and can't wait to travel with Lyn again." - Louise
Bali: Balance, Tradition & Spirit
From the moment we arrived in Ubud, we were surrounded by Bali's lush green landscapes and a sense of peace unlike anywhere else in the world. Every day brought a new opportunity to experience the island's rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty. We explored temple after temple, each with its own unique history, and received a traditional blessing at the Sacred Springs—an experience that many of us found deeply moving. We wandered through the famous rice terraces, visited the Monkey Forest, and discovered the warmth and hospitality that make Bali so special.
No two travelers experienced Bali in exactly the same way. Some learned to prepare authentic Balinese dishes during a traditional cooking class, others explored the countryside on ATVs, while some crafted beautiful keepsakes in a hands-on silver jewelry workshop with local artisans. In Nusa Dua, dressed in traditional Balinese attire, we captured unforgettable photos at the Mini Gates of Heaven and laughed as colorful garments floated behind us on the iconic Bali Swing. Our journey ended with a joyful farewell dinner, where two members of our group were unexpectedly invited to join the local band on stage—creating the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure. Bali offered each of us something different, but we all returned home with the same gifts: unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable island.
"Bali exceeded every expectation I had. From the beautiful temples and warm hospitality to discovering exquisite silver jewelry, every day was a new adventure. Finding the perfect gift for my son made the trip even more special." — Wendy
Panama: Two Birthday Celebrations in One
When my husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, my answer was easy: I wanted to visit another island. Then an invitation arrived for a surprise birthday celebration for our dear friend Greg in Panama—and naturally, I found a way to turn one celebration into two.
We extended the trip and began with several days exploring Panama City, where we experienced its bustling energy, impressive skyline, upscale shopping malls, rooftop cocktails, and the charm of the historic district. We browsed colorful shops, admired beautiful jewelry, tried on traditional Panama hats, and even made a quick visit to see the famous Panama Canal. Although the canal had not originally been high on my list, it was fascinating to see one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks in person.
We also traveled beyond the city to Portobelo and Colón, where we learned more about Panama’s rich African heritage and the culture that remains vibrant in those communities today. The final part of our journey offered a complete change of pace. We joined family and friends in a peaceful, tropical setting at a lovely boutique hotel where yoga, meditation, and quiet surroundings created a calm, restorative atmosphere.
Celebrating my birthday with my husband and then ending the journey surrounded by loved ones for Greg’s surprise birthday made the trip especially meaningful. Panama gave us the perfect combination of city excitement, culture, relaxation, friendship, and two wonderful reasons to celebrate.
"When Lyn said she wanted to celebrate her birthday on another island, I knew it had to be special. Watching her enjoy every moment—from Panama City's skyline to celebrating with friends—made the trip just as memorable for me." — Nick
