Essentialist vs. TRvLB: Which Luxury Travel Membership Is Right for You?

If you’ve been exploring the world of high-end travel memberships, chances are you’ve come across Essentialist and TRvLB. Both promise curated experiences, elevated service, and next-level access. But here’s the truth: not all luxury travel memberships are created equal.

Some focus on style. Some on service. Some on both but few truly know you. If you’re wondering what the real difference is between TRvLB and Essentialist, you’re not alone.

I created TRvLB specifically for high-performing, time-starved, experience-obsessed travelers who want to trust that someone truly has their back. So let’s break it down.

Where Essentialist Falls Short (And Where TRvLB Elevates)

I’ve heard feedback from travelers who used Essentialist and loved the aesthetic but felt something was missing. Some common concerns:

• No help with using airline miles or loyalty points

• Struggled with allergy/dietary needs or family logistics

• Recommendations felt too general or off-brand

• Looked pretty, but lacked the hands-on care

• No long-term relationship or personal context

TRvLB exists because of these gaps. We don’t just curate trips, we curate the life you want to live through travel. We anticipate what you haven’t thought of. We remember the little things (like your partner’s favorite drink or your child’s passport expiration date). And we design every journey to align with your values, interests, and personal rhythm.

Where TRvLB May Fall Short (But We’re Always Evolving)

We built TRvLB to be high-touch, not high-tech and that’s by design. But we get it: sometimes convenience looks like an app.

Essentialist offers a sleek mobile app that allows members to access itineraries and trip details on the go. TRvLB doesn’t currently have a standalone app. Instead, we prioritize personalized service through direct access to your dedicated concierge, curated documents, and on-demand support via text, email, or voice. If you’re someone who prefers swiping through plans in an app vs. texting a real person, Essentialist may feel more familiar.

But here’s what we believe: A luxury travel experience shouldn’t be limited to a login. It should feel like someone already knows what you need—before you ask. TRvLB is a human-first service. And while tech tools may evolve, we’ll never lose the soul of our service: deeply personal, identity-aware, and rooted in real connection.

Why I Created TRvLB

As a luxury travel designer, former fundraiser, and someone married to a college basketball coach who travels non-stop, I know what it’s like to crave ease, freedom, and meaningful experiences. TRvLB was born out of a need for hyper-personalized, culture-aware, and executed-to-perfection travel, not just pretty trips that look good on paper.

My clients are leaders, creatives, athletes, and power couples. They don’t want cookie-cutter. They seek clarity, access, and travel experiences that align with their lifestyle and legacy.

Who Each Membership Is Best For

Choose Essentialist if:

• You’re looking for beautiful recommendations and inspiration

• You want a lighter-touch option for 1–2 trips per year

• You’re drawn to editorial design and magazine-style curation

Choose TRvLB if:

• You want a trusted partner to handle every single detail

• You travel multiple times a year and value true VIP service

• You expect cultural awareness, family-friendly options, and a strategic travel roadmap

• You want a service that feels like luxury therapy meets travel concierge

  Here’s the Truth…

  Some people want pretty PDFs. Others want peace of mind. And there are a few that would like both.

  TRvLB isn’t for everyone but if you’re building a life of freedom, legacy, and unforgettable experiences, this might be the best investment you make this year.

  We don’t just get you there.

  We elevate how you arrive and how you feel once you’re there.

  Ready to Travel Differently?

  If you’re done with DIY, done with surface-level service, and ready to experience what it feels like to have a luxury team in your corner…

  Apply to become a member because luxury isn’t a destination. It’s how you move through the world.