Ashlin Leblond

Japan Travel Agent Advisor

Japan is a country where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly across every aspect of life—from centuries-old temples and artisan crafts to high-speed trains and neon cityscape. As a nation of islands with distinct regional identities, Japan offers diverse experiences tailored to a range of interests. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary adventures, urban exploration, historical depth, or snowy mountain escapes, Japan delivers in abundance.

Tokyo: Urban Artistry & Culinary Innovation

Arts & Culture: Tokyo is Japan’s epicenter of contemporary and traditional arts. From cutting-edge digital art museums like teamLab Planets to kabuki performances at the Kabuki-za Theatre, the city constantly redefines creativity. Small galleries in Daikanyama and street art in Harajuku coexist with ancient crafts in traditional neighborhoods like Yanaka.

Culinary & Food: With more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere in the world, Tokyo is a global gastronomic capital. From high-end sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro to ramen alleys in Ikebukuro, the food scene is diverse and experimental. Markets like Toyosu and street eats in Ameya-Yokocho offer every flavor imaginable.

City Breaks: Tokyo’s neighborhoods are like mini-cities, each with its own personality. Spend mornings exploring the serenity of Meiji Shrine, afternoons browsing fashion in Shibuya, and evenings immersed in the nightlife of Shinjuku or Roppongi.

Historical Sites: While modernity dominates, Tokyo holds gems like the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and Edo-Tokyo Museum, which illustrate the city's transition from samurai town to tech hub.

Skiing & Winter: While Tokyo isn’t a ski destination itself, it offers easy access to nearby winter resorts such as Karuizawa and Gala Yuzawa—ideal for quick ski breaks from the city.

Kyoto: The Cultural Soul of Japan

Arts & Culture: Kyoto is the heart of Japanese aesthetics—home to tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arrangement), and the world of the geisha. Explore Nishijin textile workshops, watch traditional noh theater, or visit artisan studios for handcrafted fans and ceramics.

Culinary & Food: Kyoto’s cuisine is delicate and seasonal. Try kaiseki ryori, a multi-course haute cuisine emphasizing presentation and local ingredients. Markets like Nishiki Ichiba reveal regional specialties like yuba (tofu skin), matcha sweets, and Kyoto-style pickles.

City Breaks: Despite its historical feel, Kyoto makes a fantastic city getaway. Relax in traditional ryokan inns, cycle through the Philosopher’s Path, or enjoy riverside cafes along Kamogawa River.

Historical Sites: Kyoto is rich in UNESCO-listed sites. Highlights include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera overlooking the city. It’s a living museum of Japanese architecture and spirituality.

Skiing & Winter: Kyoto winter brings quiet beauty—temples dusted in snow, fewer tourists, and hot baths in nearby onsen towns like Kurama.

Okinawa: Island Culture & Coastal Flavors

Arts & Culture: Okinawa has a distinct identity rooted in the old Ryukyu Kingdom. Traditional music using the sanshin, lively Eisa dancing, and vibrant textile art known as bingata set it apart from mainland Japan.

Culinary & Food: Okinawan cuisine is both hearty and healthy, known for longevity-promoting dishes. Try goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), rafute (braised pork belly), and taco rice, a unique fusion of American and local flavors.

City Breaks: Naha, the capital, makes a great urban base for exploring the islands. It offers shopping, street food, and cultural attractions like Shurijo Castle (under restoration after a fire) and Tsuboya Pottery District.

Historical Sites: Beyond Shurijo, explore sacred gusuku (castles) like Nakijin and ancient spiritual sites such as Sefa Utaki. Okinawa also preserves WWII history at the Peace Memorial Park.

Skiing & Winter: Winter here means a mild escape with beachside walks, whale watching, and spring-like sunshine while the mainland snows.

Belgium Travel Agent Specialist

Belgium is a compact yet profoundly diverse country where medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals, and contemporary culture coalesce. Positioned between France, the Netherlands, and Germany, Belgium boasts a layered identity—with three official languages (Dutch, French, and German), distinct regional traditions, and a reputation as both a diplomatic capital and a cultural hub.

Brussels: The Artistic and Political Capital

Arts & Culture: Brussels is a city of contrasts, where Gothic churches neighbor glass-and-steel EU buildings. It’s the capital of the European Union, but also the homeland of Art Nouveau, pioneered by architects like Victor Horta, whose house-museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s bohemian side thrives in neighborhoods like Ixelles and Saint-Gilles, while the Comic Strip Center pays tribute to Belgium's legacy in graphic art, from Tintin to The Smurfs.

Culinary & Food: Famous for its chocolate, waffles, mussels with fries, and craft beer, Brussels is a gourmet playground. Sample artisanal chocolates at Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus, grab a waffle from a street vendor, or dine in style at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The Marolles and Sablon districts mix local markets with trendy eateries and cafés.

Museums: Brussels is home to top-tier institutions like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, housing works by Rubens, Magritte, and Bruegel. The Magritte Museum is a must-see for surrealist art lovers. The House of European History offers insight into Europe’s shared past and future.

Historical Sites: The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, framed by ornate 17th-century guild halls. Other landmarks include Manneken Pis, the Palais Royal, and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, each reflecting different eras of Brussels' long history.Parks & Gardens: Green escapes include Parc de Bruxelles, near the Royal Palace, and the Botanical Garden of Meise, just outside the city. Parc du Cinquantenaire features triumphal arches and grand gardens, perfect for a stroll or picnic.

Brugge (of Bruges): The Medieval Fairytale City

Arts & Culture: Bruges feels like stepping into a time capsule. With its medieval towers, cobblestone alleys, and winding canals, the city is often dubbed the "Venice of the North." Bruges is also famous for its Flemish Primitive painters, such as Jan van Eyck, whose legacy is visible throughout the city.Culinary & Food: Bruges has a rich culinary tradition. Alongside hearty Flemish stews and mussels, you’ll find high-end restaurants like De Karmeliet (Michelin-starred), cozy beer cafés, and of course, artisan chocolate shops. Don’t miss the Choco-Story Museum, which explores the history of chocolate in Belgium.

Museums: The Groeningemuseum showcases works by Van Eyck and other Flemish masters, while the Historium offers a multi-sensory journey through Bruges’ golden age. The Frietmuseum is a quirky tribute to Belgium’s beloved fries.

Historical Sites: The Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Beguinage offer stunning examples of medieval architecture. Walking around Minnewaterpark and the surrounding canals feels like living in a painting.

Parks & Gardens: Minnewaterpark, with its "Lake of Love," is a romantic spot filled with swans. The Astridpark offers quiet benches and floral landscaping, ideal for relaxing in the heart of the city.

Antwerp: The Fashion and Diamond Capital

Arts & Culture: Antwerp is the city of Rubens, whose former home is now the Rubenshuis Museum. It’s also Belgium’s fashion capital, with avant-garde designers emerging from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Street art, galleries, and concept stores fill districts like Het Zuid and Eilandje.

Culinary & Food: A fusion of international cuisines and local favorites, Antwerp’s dining scene is diverse and trendy. Try stoofvlees (beef stew) with fries or visit the Old Brewery of De Koninck. The city also boasts some of Belgium’s finest cocktail bars and chocolate boutiques.

Museums: The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) presents Antwerp’s maritime and cultural history with panoramic rooftop views. The Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) and ModeMuseum (MoMu) explore modern and fashion arts.

Historical Sites: The Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, holds paintings by Rubens. Het Steen, a medieval fortress by the Scheldt River, and the 16th-century Grote Markt showcase Antwerp's strategic and economic significance.

Parks & Gardens: The Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, holds paintings by Rubens. Het Steen, a medieval fortress by the Scheldt River, and the 16th-century Grote Markt showcase Antwerp's strategic and economic significance.

North Carolina Travel Agent Expert

With over two years of experience crafting travel experiences, I’ve built my career on a simple belief: travel should be as unique and inspiring as the traveler. Whether you're craving the quiet magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains or the vibrant hum of a cityscape, I specialize in curating itineraries that go beyond the guidebooks—deep dives into destinations that spark curiosity, connection, and joy.

My passion for travel was born out of a love for storytelling and a curiosity about how places shape people. That passion has taken me around the world, but my heart remains firmly rooted in North Carolina. From the artful charm of Asheville to the collegiate energy of Chapel Hill, the cosmopolitan pulse of Charlotte to the innovation and culture of Raleigh/Durham, I’ve come to know, and love, every corner of this richly diverse region.

Each destination offers something distinct:

Asheville is where creativity meets nature. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a haven for artists, outdoor adventurers, and food lovers. Whether you're touring the historic Biltmore Estate, hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or tasting craft brews at a local taproom, Asheville offers a perfect blend of luxury and laid-back charm.

Chapel Hill is a cultural gem, brimming with Southern hospitality and a vibrant university spirit. It’s an ideal getaway for those who appreciate a slower pace, rich history, and a strong sense of community. I love recommending local farm-to-table dining spots and hidden trails that show off the area’s quiet beauty.

Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. From high-end shopping and world-class dining to NASCAR and outdoor concerts, it has something for every kind of traveler. I specialize in crafting city escapes that balance excitement with comfort—perfect for weekenders, business travelers, or family fun.Raleigh/Durham, known as the Research Triangle, offers a mix of modernity and history. With renowned museums, tech innovation hubs, lush green spaces, and a fantastic food scene, it’s a destination with surprising depth. Whether you're planning a quick cultural tour or a long-term relocation exploration, I know how to help you see it through a local lens.

What sets me apart is my commitment to customization and care. Every client receives a tailor-made experience that reflects their unique tastes, travel style, and budget. I take the time to ask the right questions, listen closely, and anticipate needs you might not even realize you had. Travel should be more than just a checklist—it should be seamless, stress-free, and deeply rewarding.

As your dedicated travel advisor, I bring more than logistical expertise—I bring heart, local insight, and an unwavering dedication to making your trip extraordinary.

Beyond North Carolina, I have extensive experience planning everything from European escapes and tropical honeymoons to national park road trips and luxury cruises. No matter where you’re going, I approach every itinerary as if it were my own—because to me, your experience matters just as much as the destination.

I believe that great travel is not just about where you go, but how it makes you feel. Let’s create something unforgettable together.