WHO WE ARE
Personal service. Thoughtful planning. Trusted connections.
Perfectly Planned Journeys was founded with the goal of transforming ordinary trip into extraordinary experiences, and always provide "Perfectly Planned Journeys".
Perfectly Planned Journeys is an independent travel advisory specializing in thoughtfully designed journeys to Europe, with particular expertise in Norway and the Nordic countries. We are affiliated with Nexion / Travel Leaders Network. Our affiliations enables us to give you the benefits of a large company which includes access and special promotions not available to the general public.
Our identity however is that of a small company, where personalized service is the key to taking your vacation from ordinary to amazing. Our clients know who they deal with - they deal with us! This means your vacation receives personal care and is not handled by an “order taker” who works strictly on volume, and whose clients are just numbers. We take time to get to know our clients! Our business is built on the personal service we provide and we are accessible when our clients needs us.
With the combination of a personal relationship with our clients and the connections we have with our vetted hand picked travel suppliers we are able to make every vacation a wonderful, unique and personalized journey.
We believe exceptional travel begins with understanding the traveler. We take time to learn about your interests, priorities, preferred pace and travel style before creating a journey designed specifically around you. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a family or multigenerational vacation, a heritage journey or a small-group experience, every recommendation is selected for its quality and suitability.
Our trusted destination partners help us provide authentic experiences, reliable arrangements and assistance when clients need it most.
From our first conversation until you return home, you will work with a travel advisor who knows you, understands your itinerary and is personally invested in your journey. We look forward to working with you to plan your next journey. Call us today at 703-927-0588 to schedule your free consultation to discuss what we can do for you.
Perfectly Planned Journeys is an independent travel advisory specializing in thoughtfully designed journeys to Europe, with particular expertise in Norway and the Nordic countries. We are affiliated with Nexion / Travel Leaders Network. Our affiliations enables us to give you the benefits of a large company which includes access and special promotions not available to the general public.
Our identity however is that of a small company, where personalized service is the key to taking your vacation from ordinary to amazing. Our clients know who they deal with - they deal with us! This means your vacation receives personal care and is not handled by an “order taker” who works strictly on volume, and whose clients are just numbers. We take time to get to know our clients! Our business is built on the personal service we provide and we are accessible when our clients needs us.
With the combination of a personal relationship with our clients and the connections we have with our vetted hand picked travel suppliers we are able to make every vacation a wonderful, unique and personalized journey.
We believe exceptional travel begins with understanding the traveler. We take time to learn about your interests, priorities, preferred pace and travel style before creating a journey designed specifically around you. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a family or multigenerational vacation, a heritage journey or a small-group experience, every recommendation is selected for its quality and suitability.
Our trusted destination partners help us provide authentic experiences, reliable arrangements and assistance when clients need it most.
From our first conversation until you return home, you will work with a travel advisor who knows you, understands your itinerary and is personally invested in your journey. We look forward to working with you to plan your next journey. Call us today at 703-927-0588 to schedule your free consultation to discuss what we can do for you.
LENE H. MINYARD
Owner & International Travel Advisor
Born in Oslo, Norway, and having lived in several European countries before moving to the United States, I bring both personal knowledge and a European perspective to the journeys I design.
My background in marketing, event planning and business development naturally led me to travel advising. I began my career in the travel industry in 2011 and founded Perfectly Planned Journeys in 2017. Since then, I have helped couples, families and small groups experience Europe through carefully selected accommodations, meaningful local experiences and thoughtfully planned itineraries.
Travel has shaped my life from an early age. It has introduced me to different cultures, historic places, art, music and wonderful food while creating some of my most treasured family memories. I believe travel is one of life’s greatest forms of education, and I especially value opportunities for different generations to explore the world together.
When I am not planning journeys, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, entertaining, photography, hiking, cooking, arts and crafts—and, of course, traveling.
My background in marketing, event planning and business development naturally led me to travel advising. I began my career in the travel industry in 2011 and founded Perfectly Planned Journeys in 2017. Since then, I have helped couples, families and small groups experience Europe through carefully selected accommodations, meaningful local experiences and thoughtfully planned itineraries.
Travel has shaped my life from an early age. It has introduced me to different cultures, historic places, art, music and wonderful food while creating some of my most treasured family memories. I believe travel is one of life’s greatest forms of education, and I especially value opportunities for different generations to explore the world together.
When I am not planning journeys, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, entertaining, photography, hiking, cooking, arts and crafts—and, of course, traveling.
LISE B. BAKIR
OSLO Guide & LOCAL DESTINATION PARTNER
Lise is an experienced Oslo-based guide known for creating engaging, highly personal experiences. Her warmth, enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge bring Norway’s history, culture and art to life for every traveler she welcomes.
She has more than two decades of guiding experience and works with individuals, families and small groups, including multigenerational travelers. Lise guides in English, French and Norwegian and adapts each experience to her guests’ interests, pace and needs.
Having also lived in Côte d’Ivoire and having her 2nd home in Spain, Lise brings an international perspective to her work and a natural ability to connect with travelers from many different backgrounds.
She has more than two decades of guiding experience and works with individuals, families and small groups, including multigenerational travelers. Lise guides in English, French and Norwegian and adapts each experience to her guests’ interests, pace and needs.
Having also lived in Côte d’Ivoire and having her 2nd home in Spain, Lise brings an international perspective to her work and a natural ability to connect with travelers from many different backgrounds.
