ABOUT US

Your passport to global adventures

Our Story

Guide Me Away was founded on something simple: a belief that travel, done right, changes you.

Lia Hershkovitz has spent her career turning that belief into extraordinary reality for her clients. As a lifelong traveler herself, she built this company around the experiences she couldn’t stop thinking about — the ones that felt effortless, personal, and unlike anything a search engine could find.

Today, the Guide Me Away team brings that same obsession to every journey they design. They’ve been to the places they recommend. They know the properties, the people, and the moments most travelers never stumble upon. And they work closely with each client — not to sell them a trip, but to understand what they need from one.

The result is travel that feels entirely, unmistakably yours.

Our Team

Our travel experts stand out from the rest

We’ve done the research — in the most literal sense. Our team has traveled to the destinations we recommend, stayed in the properties we suggest, and built real relationships with the partners we trust. So when we say a place is extraordinary, we mean it personally.

Founder & CEO

Lia Hershkovitz

Travel Expert

Charlene Johnston

Travel Expert

Shelly Briggs

Travel Expert

Noa Avigad

Travel Expert

Diana Gettner

Our Values & Mission

Travel that moves you

Travel should do more than move you from place to place. It should move you. That’s the standard every Guide Me Away journey is built around — experiences so personal, so precisely right, that they stay with you long after you’ve come home.

01

Authenticity

We connect you to places the way they actually are — not the version designed for visitors.

02

Personalized Excellence

We don’t fit you into an itinerary. We build one around you entirely.

03

Integrity

We say what we mean and deliver what we promise. That’s not a policy — it’s just how we work.

04

Exploration

The best discoveries on any trip aren’t in the guidebook. Ours are.

 

Join the Journey

Some people work to travel.
Our team travels as part of the work.

If you’re passionate about exceptional experiences, genuinely curious about the world, and driven to create something meaningful for the people you serve — we’d love to meet you.

Join the Guide Me Away family and build a career around what you already love.

Technology

The best travel experiences look effortless because someone made them that way.

Behind every Guide Me Away journey is a suite of best-in-class tools that let us focus entirely on you — faster responses, beautifully crafted itineraries, and a planning process so smooth you’ll barely notice it’s happening.

Technology

The best travel experiences look effortless because someone made them that way.

Behind every Guide Me Away journey is a suite of best-in-class tools that let us focus entirely on you — faster responses, beautifully crafted itineraries, and a planning process so smooth you’ll barely notice it’s happening.

TESTIMONIALS

Why travelers trust Guide Me Away

Join the Journey

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Travel to any corner of the world, without going around in circles.

Founder & CEO

Lia Hershkovitz

Hello there, I’m Lia! With a passion for travel and 20 years of industry know-how, I’m all about turning your vacations into unforgettable adventures.

I’m not just about business; I’m about people. At Guide Me Away, we’ve got a culture that values our incredible team and, of course, you—the adventurer seeking something extraordinary. I started Guide Me Away in 2016 with the goal of bridging cultural gaps and making safe travel accessible for all. This mission stands today through an ultra-personalized approach to travel planning. At Guide Me Away, we understand an amazing trip starts with a deep understanding of the person taking it. We take great care in each vacation we book, valuing the connections that are cultivated along the way.

Known for my dynamic approach, I’ve led Guide Me Away to new heights. We’ve snagged some accolades for excellence, and we’re not slowing down any time soon. I’m not just a CEO; I’m a travel aficionado on a mission. Throughout my career, I’ve woven together innovation and a deep commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.

Beyond the office, I’m all about giving back. I actively support initiatives that make a positive impact on the communities we visit, and I’m a strong advocate for sustainable travel practices.

I bring both book smarts and real-world experience to the table, keeping Guide Me Away at the forefront of industry trends.

  • Licensed travel agent from Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified
  • Travel Health Insurance Certified

Travel Expert

Charlene Johnston

As an avid traveler, I love to help both new and experienced travelers navigate the world and create memorable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach or an exotic adventure, as a travel consultant, I personally take the time to understand your travel preferences to create a Spectacular Vacation Experience at Guide Me Away.

My personal travel has included cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific Coastal and Trans-Pacific crossing as well all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. As a travel agent, there are so many corners of the world that I can help you to discover, including hidden gems in Asia, exhilarating experiences in Central America, and the fascinating culture of French Polynesia. On my personal bucket list you’ll find Egypt, The Azore Islands, and the geothermal baths in Iceland!

Very proud mother of a 29 year daughter, an OB-GYN Resident Doctor, when her schedule allows her to spend time with me, I take full advantage. My mother, 75, is my cruising partner and we are making as many travel memories that we can!

Travel Expert

Shelly Briggs

With over 10 years of experience in customer service and sales, and 4 years specializing in the travel industry, I focus on creating exceptional all-inclusive travel experiences. My background in Marketing and Legal Studies, along with certifications in Public Relations and as an IATA Travel Agent member, enables me to provide expert guidance and personalized service to every client.

I take pride in helping clients plan seamless vacations that transform their travel dreams into lasting memories. From luxurious escapes to family adventures, to destination weddings, I am committed to designing trips that are stress-free, enjoyable, and tailored to your unique preferences.

Outside of my work, I’m an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, learning about different cultures, and sampling local cuisines. In my downtime, I enjoy hiking, camping, and discovering hidden restaurant gems, as well as spending quality time with family and friends.

Let’s start planning your next unforgettable adventure!

Travel Expert

Noa Avigad

I was born and raised in the Middle East, where I developed a deep appreciation for culture and community. About a decade ago, I moved to Vancouver, Canada, and have since embraced the city’s beauty, diversity, and opportunities. Vancouver has been the perfect backdrop for my journey, blending vibrant city life with stunning natural surroundings.

Traveling has always been a cornerstone of my life. I’m passionate about exploring new destinations, immersing myself in unfamiliar cultures, and revisiting favorite places that hold sentimental value. For me, travel is not just about the journey—it’s about creating meaningful connections and memories along the way.

At any given moment, I’m either traveling, preparing for my next adventure, or excitedly planning what’s ahead. I love connecting with others, helping them create their own incredible experiences, and sharing stories that inspire. Let’s make your next adventure unforgettable—I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Disney Travel Specialist

Diana Gettner

With a passion for travel and a love for all things Disney, I help families plan unforgettable vacations filled with magic, fun, and zero stress. Having visited every Disney park around the world—from California to Paris to Tokyo—I bring firsthand knowledge to craft itineraries that maximize the magic and minimize the overwhelm.

My background spans over a decade in customer service and the airline industry, combined with backpacking adventures across 27 countries and experience working with NGOs after earning my degree in International Relations. This unique mix means I understand travel from every angle: logistics, culture, and the importance of truly personalized experiences.

As a mom and seasoned traveler, I know how important it is for families to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s your first trip to Disney World or a bucket-list Disney Cruise, I help plan every detail—character dining, park strategies, special events—so all you need to do is enjoy the magic.

Your Disney adventure deserves the same care and excitement I put into my own travels. Let’s work together to create a trip full of joy, wonder, and Disney pixie dust!