Follow My Lead Travel
New York, New York
At Follow My Lead Travel, we believe the most memorable journeys are thoughtfully designed around the people taking them. Our team specializes in creating highly personalized travel experiences for clients seeking exceptional service, authentic connections, and seamless planning.
From luxury cruises and private villa retreats to milestone celebrations, family adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime journeys, we take the time to understand each client's unique travel style, interests, and priorities. Leveraging a trusted global network of luxury hotels, local experts, guides, and travel partners, we curate experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
As passionate travelers ourselves, we regularly explore the destinations, properties, and experiences we recommend, allowing us to provide firsthand insight and trusted guidance throughout the planning process. Our goal is not simply to book travel, but to serve as a dedicated partner, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered from start to finish.
We are committed to creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for every client we serve.
TRACY STROMBERG
Owner
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Tracy’s passion for travel began at age 13 during her first trip to Europe and has shaped both her personal and professional journey ever since. After earning a degree in International Relations and traveling extensively around the world, she built my career across luxury lifestyle management, hospitality, entertainment, and media.
She began creating bespoke experiences and high-end travel for discerning clients before moving into roles with Sony Music and Hearst Corporation, where she further developed an expertise in client service, marketing, and relationship management. These experiences, combined with extensive firsthand travel and a strong global network, allow Tracy to design highly personalized journeys tailored to each client's unique interests and travel style.
Today, as an Independent Contractor with Local Foreigner, she works alongside a trusted network of luxury travel partners and local experts around the world to create seamless, unforgettable experiences. Whether planning a milestone celebration, a family adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, Tracy’s goal is to make every trip effortless, meaningful, and perfectly customized from start to finish.
TOP DESTINATIONS
Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand, Morocco
FAVORITE HOTELS
Ritz Paris, Airelles Val d'Isere, Belmond Cipriani, Hotel il Pellicano, Nihi Sumba, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
BUCKET LIST
Gorilla Treking, Vientnam, more time in Indonesia, Dolomites, Belmond Train
WHITNEY PATAPOFF
Partner | Chicago, Illinois
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Growing up in Southern California, Whitney developed a love of travel through family trips across the West Coast and throughout the United States. That passion deepened while studying abroad in Oxford, England, where she explored much of Europe and discovered the transformative power of travel. After years of balancing a career in administration and management with raising a family, she turned her passion into a profession. Since joining Follow My Lead Travel in 2022, Whitney has specialized in creating seamless, personalized journeys tailored to each client's unique vision. She especially enjoys the details—crafting thoughtful itineraries, solving complex logistics, and adding special touches that make every trip unforgettable. Whitney lives in Chicago with her husband and two sons and is always planning her next adventure.
TOP DESTINATIONS
France, England, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, the Caribbean
FAVORITE HOTELS
The Largo, Estelle Manor, and Il Pellicano
BUCKET LIST
Rwanda, Iceland, Thailand
TEAM FOLLOW MY LEAD TRAVEL
MADDIE SAIONTZ
Travel Coordinator | Los Angeles, California
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Maddie began her career as a Luxury Travel Advisor in January 2020 during her time at NYU Tisch Center of Hospitality. In 2025, she joined Tracy Stromberg at Follow My Lead. She loves to work with clients looking for one-of-a-kind travel experiences around the globe, and she particularly loves working on honeymoons or other special milestone trips. Along with this, one of her favorite requests is to find a wonderful dog friendly escape, as she plans these for herself and her dog, Cashew.
FAVORITE HOTELS
Four Seasons Firenze Cheval Blanc St. Barths Rosewood Hong Kong Mandapa Heckfield Place
BUCKET LIST
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, Galápagos, Expedition Hiking in Patagonia, The Brando, Skiing in Niseko
STELLA STYSLINGER
Travel Coordinator | Los Angeles, California
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Originally from Alabama, Stella developed a love for travel early on while competing as an equestrian and traveling across the US nearly every weekend. Her passion deepened during high school, when she spent summers in Arles and Paris, immersing herself in French culture, photography, and journalism.
She went on to attend the University of Virginia, where she continued to cultivate her passion for travel. She studied abroad at the London School of Economics and later spent a semester in Florence. During this time, she explored some of her favorite destinations, including Croatia, Greece, Barcelona, Germany and Tuscany.
After graduating, she began her career in PR but always knew she wanted to pursue her passion for travel more directly. She is currently based in Los Angeles and joined Local Foreigner in February 2026. She looks forward to continuing to explore the world's most exceptional destinations and creating unforgettable travel experiences for her clients.
FAVORITE HOTELS
Santa Caterina, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Singita Grumeti & Singita Kwitonda, Eden-Rock St. Barths, Round Hill, Amangiri
BUCKET LIST
Japan, Dolomites, Thailand, Morocco, New Zealand, Maldives, Iceland (Northern Lights), India
ON THE BLOG
Meet Tracy Stromberg
Meet Whitney Patapoff
Local Foreigner in Indonesia
