Meet the Women Behind K&S Escapes: A Shared Love of Beautiful Journeys
At the heart of K&S Escapes is a friendship forged through shared laughter, house renovations, and a mutual belief that travel should feel as effortless as it is extraordinary. We’re Katie and Shari, co-founders, travel designers, and firm believers in exploring beyond the ordinary.
A Friendship Forged in Passion
We met in 2019 while working in College Advancement at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. From the very beginning, we found ourselves drawn to the same things: clever logistics, beautiful design, and a deep appreciation for meaningful travel. Our friendship quickly evolved beyond the workplace. We renovated homes, discovered hidden culinary gems, and made wine and cheese tasting on Friday nights a hobby (and occasionally a sport).
Despite a few years between us in age, we became fast friends with overlapping passions—and complementary strengths. That connection laid the foundation for something bigger. K&S Escapes was born from our desire to turn our shared curiosity and eye for detail into a boutique travel agency that helps others experience the world with intention, style, and joy.
Katie: The Heart of Hospitality
Katie brings a rich background in hospitality and tourism. She holds a degree in the field from Virginia Tech and has spent her career creating memorable guest experiences—from working as an event planner to managing a wine club and wine bar. Hospitality is in her blood, having grown up surrounded by family who deeply valued hosting and crafting meaningful moments for others. She’s also a certified sommelier and brings a refined palate and deep love for culinary culture to every itinerary. Whether it’s a vineyard tucked into a Italian hillside or a five-course tasting menu in France, she’s passionate about helping clients savor the experience.
Shari: The Art of Tailored Travel
Shari brings years of professional experience as a travel consultant, having spent much of her career crafting tailored experiences for clients around the world. Her depth of industry knowledge, paired with our shared love of beautiful travel, helps us create escapes that feel both effortless and extraordinary. She’s also the golfer of the duo, having travelled the world extensively in search of top golf destinations, she now spends countless hours on the greens at her home course in New England.
Travel Through Life’s Seasons
We both immerse ourselves in what we love—golf, wine, food, and exploration—and those passions shape how we build trips: with expertise, enthusiasm, and personal insight.
We also understand how travel evolves through the seasons of life. Shari’s children are grown, and she brings a seasoned perspective on multigenerational travel. Katie, meanwhile, is in the midst of the beautiful chaos of young motherhood, with a three-year-old and a new baby. Her eldest already has more passport stamps than most adults—a testament to our belief that traveling with children can be enriching, exciting, and entirely possible with the right planning.
Our Philosophy: Quiet Luxury, Intentional Design
We curate global journeys rooted in the pleasures of food, wine, meaningful connection, and timeless design. Whether it’s a villa in the Tuscan hills, a golf retreat with ocean views, or a family trip with space to breathe, our goal is simple: to make every moment feel intentional—and quietly luxurious.
Family at Our Core
K&S Escapes is a family affair. Our husbands and extended families are our biggest supporters, holding down the fort while we scout destinations or refine itineraries. Their encouragement fuels our passion, making every trip personal. We pour that warmth into crafting experiences that feel like home—wherever you roam. Ready to create memories with your loved ones? Let’s make it unforgettable.
For those who seek travel as intentional as it is exquisite, K&S Escapes is your guide. From group journeys to family adventures, we design escapes that resonate. Contact us to start a conversation and plan your next beautiful journey.
Curious about our curated group escapes? Discover our upcoming journeys designed for connection, culture, and unforgettable moments.
