About Graceful Getaways Travel
Graceful Getaways Travel is the brainchild of Kathleen Torella, a Charlotte‑based, fully licensed travel agent whose sole mission is to make “vacation planning” feel less like a spreadsheet and more like that first sip of in‑flight champagne. Kathleen pairs deep destination knowledge with concierge‑level perks—think private car to CLT, priority river‑cruise check‑ins, and the kind of restaurant bookings that TripAdvisor can’t sniff out.
Services & Specialties
| What You Get | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| European Immersions (river cruises, rail journeys, villa stays) | Insider guides and boutique lodging you’d never find in a top‑10 list. |
| Ocean & River Cruises with AmaWaterways and Virgin Voyages | Perks like cabin upgrades, welcome bubbly, and spa credits. |
| Door‑to‑Door Ease | Husband Roland Brown chauffeurs qualifying clients to and from the airport—because TSA lines are stressful enough. |
| 24/7 Trip Support | Missed your Munich connection? Kathleen fixes it while you snack at the gate. |
| No Extra Fees | Supplier commissions cover her services, so your budget stays on‑itinerary. |
Meet Kathleen Torella
From Summerville, SC to the streets of Barcelona, Kathleen has logged miles so you don’t have to learn the hard way (read: lost luggage in Bologna 🍝). Her travel CV spans 23 U.S. states and nine European countries, and she’s continually sharpening her craft through advanced training with major cruise lines and luxury tour operators. If it’s trending on travel TikTok, she probably tried it months ago—then added a local‑approved twist.
Why a Human Beats an Algorithm
Booking engines show prices; Kathleen shows possibilities. She negotiates exclusive amenities, deciphers ever‑shifting entry rules, and remembers that you hate layovers longer than three hours. Bottom line: a real person who picks up the phone still outranks an app notification.
Let’s Start Packing
- Phone: 704‑506‑4444
- Email: travelwithkathleen@proton.me
- Website: Graceful Getaways Travel
- Instagram: @kjtorel
- Facebook: Kathleen Hamernik Torella
Prefer postcards to pixels? Kathleen still loves a handwritten note—ask for her snail‑mail address when you book.
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Creative Commons License
© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury
This article, “Graceful Getaways Travel,” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY‑ND 4.0.
“Graceful Getaways Travel”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY‑ND 4.0)