Hey There
I'M HEATHER LHOTKA
My passion for travel began at the age of 6 - the first time I walked down a jet bridge towards the waiting plane, the roar of engines and the thrill of seeing the world from a new perspective. As a young adult I spent almost 15 years as a corporate road warrior racking up over 1 million flight miles and countless nights away from home. During that time my husband and I took wonderful vacations just the two of us relaxing on beaches or leisurely exploring quaint foreign destinations. Today I enjoy traveling the globe with my own kids showing them all the world has to offer.
I created Miles Above Travel because I wanted to share my passion for travel, my firsthand knowledge of destinations as well as time tested tips and tricks. Now, I am an independent affiliate with Travel Planners International, one of the largest host travel agencies in the U.S.. I’m proud to say that I am backed by unparalleled support, exclusive vendor relationships, and rock star knowledge that inspires me every day.
Make the time! Take the Trip!!
10 questions with
HEATHER
If you could only go one place in the world for the rest of your life, where would it be?
I believe EVERYONE deserves the joy of travel.
You never regret the trips you DO take.
Paris! I would have to say Paris. The food, the architecture, the art, the cheese, the bread, the pastries, the history, the parks, did I mention how much I like the food? Just sitting in a little brasserie, eating a bowl of french onion soup, a hunk of baguette, a chevre chaud salad and watching the world go by...heavenly
What item can you not live without when traveling?
A good backpack. I need lots of pockets to keep all of my electronics, guidebooks and various beauty supplies. A main compartment to hold my ipad, headphones, and magazines on the plane or a pashmina/sweater and enough space to put my purchases en route. Lately, l'm loving the Pacsafe® LS350 anti-theft backpack with locking zippers, a water bottle pocket and a nice padded laptop compartment. Great for on the plane or on the go wherever you are.
Street food or Michelin-starred restaurant??
I'm more of a street food girl. I love me some fine dining, don't get me wrong. But popping into a local shop or finding a delicacy from a cart on the street is all part of the the experience!
Street food or Michelin-starred restaurant?
City or beach?
Ouch! I'm going to have to go with city. I need a good tropical vacation every so often, don't get me wrong. But I burn and that just makes the beach that much harder. But I LOVE the opportunity to walk around a city, breathing it in, really getting a feel for the place. Finding little shops and diners. Seeing the locals going about their day. Hearing the language and observing the culture.
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Boutique hotel or 5-star resort?
It's always been boutique hotel. But as I spend more time in 5-star resort, I'm really enjoying it! It needs to have character, local flavor - and an out of this world breakfast!
Fantasy trip with your significant other?
He loves volcanoes, so I've been mapping out a Volcano World Tour around the entire planet. We would start with Mount St. Helens, because it's close. Next we need to spend some time hanging out in Hawaii exploring Mauna Kea. Hopping over to Fuji-san in Japan. Down to Krakatoa in Indonesia and then Kilimanjaro in Africa (with a quick safari of course). A long stop in Italy to visit Stromboli, Etna, and Vesuvius (and a LOT of pizza). Up to Iceland and then ending at Arenal in Costa Rica.
What's a souvenir you get everywhere you go?
I like to buy a dishtowel from every city we visit. If I can find with the city name or a map even better. I think of our different trips every time I'm drying the dishes.
Time to take off!!
Allow us to take the stress out of travel for you.
Allow us to chart a path for you that will exceed your expectations.
Allow us to get started on your dream trip.
TELL ME WHERE YOU WANT TO GO
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What is the first travel experience you remember as a child?
I distinctly remember walking down the jet bridge on my very first airplane flight when I was 6 years old. I remember the excitement, the anticipation. I had a window seat and to watch us rise up into the clouds - my world was forever changed. I still get that same thrill a million miles later.
What are your favorite kinds of trips to plan?
I LOVE when a client is taking their children somewhere for the first time. I love to find out what the kids like so I can build in special activities that help introduce them to the world, meet new people, see new cultures and become better global citizens. I really like it when they ask me to just take care of everything. I love helping families find that right balance of exploration, relaxing and discovering each other.
What's on your travel bucket list?
*Alaska and a trip to Katmai to spend time with my Fat Bears.
*Christmas Markets River Cruise through Germany, Belgium, and Budapest
*Prague - Lhotka is actually a small town outside of Prague
*Bora Bora and some much needed time in an overwater bungalow
*Africa - but I really want to do it in the most natural way possible
*Scotland - I had a client ask to pet a Highland Cow and now that's on my list!
