ABOUT KW LUX TRAVEL

Who We Are

Kristina Watkins, founder of KW Lux Travel an affiliate of SmartFlyer, is a mom of two and based out of the Bay Area.

Her passion for travel began at an early age when she began applying her attention to detail in helping her dad plan their family road trips. Kristina fondly remembers going with him to the AAA to pick up maps of the western states and then returning home to highlight the driving routes they would take in their minivan. In high school, this evolved to her first taste of international travel over the course of a few trips to France. From there, she was hooked.

In college, Kristina studied abroad in Florence, Italy and every weekend went adventuring around Europe. When she was in her early career, she worked for event marketing agencies in Chicago and took any account that would allow her to travel. This allowed Kristina to travel to most major domestic cities and across Canada – it was almost to the point where she slept better on the plane than she did in her own bed!

Now with two children, Kristina enjoys exploring the world through their lens and broadening their horizons – together they have traveled internationally to Japan, French Polynesia, Austria, Germany, Fiji, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

“Travel is educational. It’s the best way to learn about people, culture, languages, food, history and more!”

Arenal, Costa Rica

FAVORITE TRAVEL TIPS

  1. Eye masks - they actually do help you sleep on planes!

  2. I never leave home without my packing cubes! They help me fit everything into one suitcase!

  3. Tuck those hotel slippers in your bag to wear on the plane, and then pitch those dirty suckers upon arriving at your destination.

  4. Starbucks gift cards are great little acts of kindness for flight attendants who will most likely return the favor with VIP treatment in-flight.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?

It’s so difficult to choose my most memorable travel experience – they are all unique in their own way – but I would have to say it’s a tie between hiking the Inca Trail and entering into Machu Picchu through the sun-gate at sunrise and the first time I traveled internationally with my children. We traveled to Japan and I loved the way they embraced the culture and traditions.

WHICH HOTEL DO YOU GO BACK TO AGAIN AND AGAIN? WHY?

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora! Growing up in Southern California, I loved swimming in the ocean. In Bora Bora, French Polynesia the ocean is so clear, calm, warm, and beautiful. My favorite experience was the opportunity to swim with black-tip sharks and rub the noses of huge stingrays an the Polynesian dinner is a showstopper. What more can you ask for with your toes in the sand, a drink in your hand, and fire dancers surrounding you? Not to mention the service at the Four Seasons is impeccable – I cannot wait to return.