BAYLEE SHAPIRO
Luxury Travel Advisor
LOCATION:
Durban, South Africa
Baylee Waterman Shapiro resides in South Africa and travels back to her hometown of Cincinnati each year while exploring destinations around the world. She is passionate about helping travelers discover the world—and themselves—in deeply meaningful ways. Guided by the spirit of ubuntu, she believes travel is about connection, purpose, and shared humanity.
After a transformative journey to South Africa in 2022, Baylee dedicated herself to crafting immersive, soulful travel experiences. She draws on her background in sales, operations, and nonprofit storytelling to design journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Through her local ties, she offers clients unique access to authentic volunteer experiences in South Africa, creating travel that makes a genuine impact. She specializes in adventures across Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America but curates adventures beyond as well.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
MOST MEMORABLE TRIP
My most memorable trip was to South Africa in 2022—a journey that changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I traveled there after losing my mother, following in her footsteps on a service trip she loved. What I found was more than healing: I discovered a calling to create travel experiences that connect people to purpose, community, and themselves.
Earlier in life, studying abroad in Israel during high school sparked my love for exploring diverse cultures and histories, shaping the curiosity and connection I now bring to my work. My journey to South Africa later introduced me to the spirit of ubuntu—the idea that we are all deeply connected—and inspired my move across the world, a new chapter in South Africa, and the launch of my career in transformative travel. It’s a constant reminder that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about finding pieces of yourself, and of humanity, along the way.
BEST TRAVEL TIP
Travel with an open heart and open hands. The most meaningful journeys aren’t just about seeing new places—they’re about connecting deeply with people, cultures, and communities. Seek out experiences that remind you we’re all part of something bigger. And yes… stop to take the photo—but don’t forget to put the camera down and truly feel the moment. Those are the memories that stay with you forever.
FAVORITE BOOK
I loved Educated by Tara Westover—a breathtaking story of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to transform your life and seek a world beyond what you’ve known.
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES VISITED
Baylee has explored 20 countries, each journey shaping her belief that travel is about connection and transformation. With 8 new destinations on the horizon before February 2026, she’s excited to keep discovering the world—and herself—along the way.
DREAM BUCKET LIST TRIP
Baylee’s dream bucket list is filled with journeys that stir the soul and connect her to nature, culture, and humanity. She dreams of trekking with gorillas in the wilds of Africa, exploring the remote beauty of Antarctica, hiking through Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes, cruising Norway’s serene fjords, marveling at the wildlife of the Galápagos, and experiencing the rich contrasts of Japan. For her, the ultimate bucket list isn’t just about destinations—it’s about moments of wonder, connection, and transformation.
FAVORITE QUOTE
“I am because we are.” — African Proverb
This saying holds deep meaning for me. It reminds me that travel, like life, is about connection, community, and shared humanity. It’s the spirit that guides how I help others explore the world and discover themselves along the way.
BEST GIFT I EVER RECEIVED
The best gift I ever received was my mother’s wish that my sister and I see more of the world. Though she didn’t get to take many of the trips she dreamed of, her words became my compass—and the reason I believe so deeply in living fully and helping others discover the world.
MOST INCREDIBLE TRIP I EVER PLANNED
The most memorable trip I ever planned was for a client embarking on a 10-day journey through South Africa. I designed an itinerary that blended stays at luxury lodges with intimate wildlife experiences, opportunities to volunteer with local communities, and moments of deep cultural immersion. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a transformative journey that left my clients feeling connected to the land, its people, and themselves. Creating trips like this reminds me why I love what I do.
A close second would be my own personal journey through Cambodia and Vietnam, where I planned every detail—from sunrise temple visits and hidden street food stalls to quiet moments with locals—that deepened my love for travel as a path to discovery, connection, and wonder.
THE PERSON I LOOK UP TO MOST
The people I look up to most are my parents. My mom inspired my love for travel and connection, and her wish for my sister and me to see more of the world became my compass for living fully. My dad taught me resilience, kindness, and the value of hard work. Together, they showed me that life is about curiosity, purpose, and finding joy in both the journey and the people you share it with.
CHARITY I SUPPORT
Whether you are looking for intimate boutique properties, luxurious beachfront bungalows, sustainable safari camps, or spellbinding private retreats, our curated Virtuoso collection has over 1,400 hotels, resorts, lodges, villas, camps, and private islands to choose from.
