Handcrafted Vietnam

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Andrea Francoso, Travel Agent in Scottsdale, AZ

Andrea Francoso

Scottsdale, AZ Travel Agent
Super Agent

Andrea Francoso

Scottsdale, AZ · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(49)
100% Recommended
We have booked several cruises with Andrea as well as some complex flight itineraries... Andrea is always up to date on the nuances and the details... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Vietnam

Interests:

Luxury, Bespoke Travel, Private Travel, Culinary & Foodie, Arts & Culture

Suppliers:

Abercrombie & Kent, Kensington, SITA World Tours, AmaWaterways, Globus

About Me

My view from the ship in Halong Bay!
My view from the ship in Halong Bay!

As a seasoned travel advisor with over 30 years of experience, I, take great pride in crafting unforgettable journeys for my clients at Platinum Journeys Travel. My love for Southeast Asia, and Vietnam in particular, has been a driving force throughout my career, fueling my passion for sharing the wonders of this captivating region with travelers from around the world.My initial attraction to Vietnam stemmed from a deep fascination with the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Saigon, alive with the energy of a rapidly modernizing metropolis, to the serene landscapes of Halong Bay, where traditional junks drift peacefully amidst towering limestone formations, Vietnam has captivated me time and time again. The country's diverse culinary offerings, from the fragrant pho to the exquisite local delicacies, have also played a significant role in my enduring affection for this destination.

To better serve my clients, I have completed the prestigious Vietnam Travel Specialist program, which has equipped me with invaluable insights and expertise on navigating this complex and multifaceted country. This specialized training, coupled with my extensive travel experience, allows me to offer travelers planning a trip to Vietnam unique experiences and insider knowledge that are often undiscovered by the average tourist.

One such experience that I'm particularly passionate about is the Vespa night food tour in Vietnam. By zipping through the bustling streets on the back of a classic Vietnamese motorbike, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and savor the flavors of authentic street food, like a true local. This kind of immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience is just one example of the unique offerings I can curate for my clients.Additionally, one experience that visitors should not miss is the serene drifting along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. This breathtaking landscape, with its towering limestone formations and traditional rowboats, creates an almost ethereal atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Over the course of my career, I've had the privilege of visiting Vietnam over 10 times, with my most recent trip taking place in 2022. Through these countless adventures, I've accumulated a wealth of personal experiences and insights that I can draw upon to craft truly one-of-a-kind itineraries for my clients.In my role as a travel advisor, I take great care in getting to know each of my clients on a personal level, understanding their unique interests, budgets, and travel preferences. This collaborative approach allows me to craft customized Vietnam itineraries that seamlessly blend iconic experiences with hidden gems, ensuring that my clients return home with memories that truly capture the essence of this remarkable destination.

Based on the feedback I've received from my clients, some of the aspects they love the most about their Vietnam adventures include the awe-inspiring Halong Bay cruise, the thought-provoking exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the serene journey down the Mekong River, the idyllic beaches, and the vibrant energy of Saigon. By tapping into my extensive network of local partners, I'm able to provide my clients with access to the best guides, transportation, and accommodations, further enhancing their overall experience.

In addition to offering land-based exploration, I also specialize in crafting personalized Mekong River cruise itineraries that cater to my clients' specific needs and interests. Whether they prefer a more luxurious experience or a more budget-friendly option, I work closely with my clients to ensure that their Mekong River journey is tailored to their preferences, with seamless pre- and post-cruise arrangements to complete their Vietnam adventure.As a travel advisor who has dedicated her career to sharing the wonders of Southeast Asia, I take great pride in my ability to transform my clients' dreams into reality. Through my unwavering commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and genuine passion for travel, I strive to create unforgettable journeys that leave a lasting impact on all who embark on them. Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion, a culinary adventure, or a serene escape, I am confident that I can craft the perfect Vietnam experience that will exceed your expectations and leave you with a newfound appreciation for this captivating destination.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
49 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 49 reviews

Makes each trip worry free
Reviewed By The journey is the Adventure - Prescott, Arizona | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
We have booked several cruises with Andrea as well as some complex flight itineraries... Andrea is always up to date on the nuances and the details to make each trip a success.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great Adventure
Reviewed By Ralph - Prescott, AZ | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Andrea is a true professional. She knows the industry and always ahas great insight on destinations. She works a lot of options in on our vacation planning_
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Testing this out
Reviewed By Drea - Queen Creek, AZ | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
Amazing
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Vacation
Reviewed By Monique - Pomona CA | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Andrea was so helpful putting our package together exactly how we wanted it.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
My forever dream destination fairy godmother
Reviewed By Kissbesos - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Europe
I’ve been using Andrea for my world travels for some time now. She’s so efficient in helping me plan and make the right choices for my trips. Andrea is very knowledgeable and has great customer service skills, she’s good at making excellent recommendations .. Andrea is available for all my questions and concerns. I always refer her to all of my acquaintances. I just wish I had more time available to travel more.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Our Iceland Trip!
I’m realizing that we never thanked your or sent you an update about the trip to Iceland you booked for us! IT WAS AMAZING!! ?????? We loved trekking across Iceland! We made it all the way around the snaefellsnes peninsula and the amazing sites there (found a GREAT restaurant called the “House of Food” up there!), down through landmannalaugar (we loved the hike in the middle of nowhere and the f-roads!), through Vik (and the volcano worries!), and to the glacier lagoon (breath taking!)!! We saw so many waterfalls, insane landscapes, glaciers, and mountains it was all so amazing! Truly a once in a lifetime trip! We are so very appreciative of you all setting it all up for us!! We are also very appreciative of the flowers you left us in our Reykjavik hotel and they travelled from hotel to hotel with us as well! 1200 miles of fun!! Thank you again for everything you put together for us!
Lee and Kelly T, Calif
Sri Lanka Wonderful
Andrea, We had the most amazing time in Sri Lanka. The hotels were amazing….the tour guide was over the top and the activities were fantastic…..it is a very unique and special place….you nailed it for us, and it was exactly what we wanted to do. Thanks so much and I can’t wait to book my next vacation with you.
P Kaufman, Miami Florida
Smooth and Relaxing Amalfi
It was a great trip! Very relaxing! Well, the area we all know is beautiful. The hotels in Positano and Capri were great. They were not stuck right where the action was, but they had shuttles available. For us, this was a good thing because the towns were very crowded and after roaming around we got back to a beautiful tranquil oasis. But I suppose other people might prefer the noise… Everything went smoothly. All the drivers came on time. No issues. We were happy to go to Pompei. It was super interesting and it was good to have something cultural besides beautiful scenery and beaches.
Mariana F, Key Biscayne, FL
Vietnam has been wonderful!
I want to let you know how our travel in Vietnam has been going. Our time in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An has been wonderful: remarkable accommodations, very professional and friendly tour guides, sites and monuments we will never forget. And the food! Last but not least, to have somebody picking us up at the Ho Chi Minh City airport was very helpful. And we even successfully “navigate” a flood in Hue. Now we joined our friends for the rest of our tour, currently navigating the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, but I wanted to let you know that we are happy and you did a very good job. Again thanks. I’ll call you in person when I am back.
Maria P, Westhampton, NY
Poland was great!
I’m back from Europe and just wanted to let you know that Poland was fabulous, including the hotels, and especially the food tour (Michal, the guide who took us on this food journey was absolutely fabulous!) and Chopin recital (the pianist was amazing!) in Warsaw. Every guide and driver was on time, super knowledgeable, and courteous. Sometimes the information is a bit overwhelming, of course, with all the names and dates the tour guides rattle off but I’m always impressed by the amount of knowledge they have. THANK YOU for another fabulous trip! I can’t wait to book the next one!
Georg Krammer, Berkeley, CA
France in October was amazing!
Hi Andrea, Just had to write and tell you what a fabulous trip to France you organized for our 50th wedding anniversary. Every detail was flawlessly planned as usual. I do want to let you know that all of our accommodations were wonderful and full of surprises. Your recommendation of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris was exceptional. We had to add an additional night as we didn’t want to leave. I’d really like to acknowledge the two tour guides we had in Nice and Cannes, Frank and Simon. They were so knowledgeable and such delightful companions. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. I hope you will pass that on to their superiors. Once again Andrea, thank you for making our travels so effortless and creating such great memories. We are your biggest fans. Until next time, David and Judy Perry
Judy Perry, Lafayette CA
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