Travel Advisor
Nick Hammond
Vice President of Group Sales
Serving Bay Area, Greater Sacramento
Recently inspected: Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Specialties
Certifications
My Why
Why I plan travel
I never planned to become a Travel Advisor. This industry found me. My wife was busy planning our wedding and found a job she didn't have the bandwidth for, planning our honeymoon. I thought it would be simple: pick a beach, book a flight, and go. Instead, I fell headfirst into the world of travel planning. I spent late nights comparing resorts in Fiji, reading train schedules through Italy, and learning which destinations were worth the splurge and which hidden gems felt more authentic than anything in a brochure. What started as “just researching” quickly became an obsession. I loved imagining every detail — candlelit dinners overlooking the ocean, boutique hotels tucked into cobblestone streets, sunrise flights over mountain ranges, and the tiny cultural experiences that turned vacations into memories. Friends and family noticed. Soon, people were asking me for recommendations, itineraries, and help planning their own trips. I realized I didn’t just enjoy travel — I loved creating experiences for people. Our honeymoon became more than a celebration of marriage. It became the trip that changed my career. Somewhere between booking excursions and mapping out the perfect sunset dinner, I discovered what I was meant to do. Now, every itinerary I create carries a little piece of that same excitement I felt planning my own honeymoon — the anticipation, the romance, the adventure, and the belief that travel has the power to change people. Because sometimes the journey that changes your life starts with planning one unforgettable trip for yourself.
Approach
Planning philosophy
I design every trip with the same care and attention I would give my own. From finding the perfect hotels and experiences to making travel seamless and stress-free. I focus on creating meaningful journeys tailored to each client's style, needs and dreams. My goal is for every traveler to feel supported, excited and completely taken care of from start to finish.
Difference
The Exquisite difference
Anyone can book a trip online. I provide personalized guidance, expert insight, and real human support every step of the way. I take the time to understand my clients' travel style, priorities, and vision to create experiences that feel seamless, meaningful and customized - not cookie-cutter. When unexpected situations arise, my clients have someone in their corner advocating for them, so they can focus on enjoying their journey instead of managing the stress.
In the moment
A save-the-day story
In February 2020, I had a longtime client on the trip of a lifetime. We had worked together for 18 months planning the perfect trip for him. He was traveling for over a month through Australia and New Zealand and then moving over to finish in Thailand and Cambodia. Near the start of March, Covid was becoming a reality for us, but no one knew just how bad it would get. We reached out in early March and let me know where we thought it was going and our recommendation to fly home immediately. It took some convincing and a lot of work, but I was able to get him home before the world would stop on its tracks.
Insider tip
What I tell every traveler
One insider tip I share with clients: during Italy’s peak season, book high-speed train tickets through Trenitalia 120 days in advance and choose “Executive” or “Business Silent Area” cars for routes like Rome to Florence. They’re quieter, less crowded, and often only slightly more expensive when booked early. Beyond booking trips, I provide personalized guidance and real support to create seamless, customized travel experiences — and I’m there to help if unexpected issues arise
