Charming European village street with historic half-timbered buildings and colorful flowers

About Us

We design enriching travel that complements a life well lived

We craft custom travel experiences for clients who’ve worked hard to build a life they love—at home, in their careers, and beyond. Now, they’re ready to enjoy the life they've built, embracing thoughtfully curated adventures full of meaning, joy, and connection

Whether you’re itching to explore with your family or you’re stepping into a new season of life and want to celebrate with a bucket-list trip, we’re here to design it effortlessly for you. 

Hartwell Travel Co. founder standing in an elegant interior

Meet Amy Lee

Founder & Travel Advisor

I founded Hartwell Travel Co. because I believe in travel’s profound ability to enrich—and even transform—your life (and I speak from personal experience, having met my husband on a cruise more than three decades ago!).

As our family grew, trips together with our three boys became the backdrop for laughter, for healing, and for lasting memories. More recently, as I’ve stepped into a new season of life as a soon-to-be empty nester, travel has given me the opportunity to discover more deeply through adventures steeped in art and culture—and to reconnect with my husband after decades of being in “mom and dad” mode. 


Hartwell Travel Co. founder enjoying a meal at a European café
Pink travel bag on a chair beside a travel planner

Now, I want to give the gift of enriching,  connection-strengthening travel to you

I’m a lifelong learner (I was a teacher in a previous career), and I learn best from the top down—meaning I start with the big picture and then drill down into the details. That’s exactly how I approach trip planning as well.

I’ll work one-on-one with you to uncover your big “why” for your next trip, then design everything around that. You can trust me to leave no stone unturned as I create a streamlined, from-start-to-finish itinerary. Just take the trip—and maybe even change your life!—as you leave all the details to me. 


My Most Memorable Adventures

Amy Lee relaxing on a scenic  terrace in Greece overlooking the coastline

Greece & Italy with the family

Hawaii beach trips

Mountainous coastline with turquoise water and a rainbow stretching from the shore toward the peaks.

Cruising With Lifelong Friends

Smiling couple posing together inside a cruise ship, with the man’s arm around the woman.

Our Approach

The Hartwell Travel Co. Difference

Our clients are driven by curiosity and connection—and they crave comfort, no matter how far from home their travels take them. That’s exactly what we deliver.

From hand-picked hotels to connecting you with local experts that illuminate your destination, we design unforgettable, highly customized travel experiences for clients who expect a lot out of their vacations.

Two travelers relaxing together on a sunny Mediterranean beach
A scenic outdoor dining experience overlooking the sea

Working with Amy at Hartwell Travel Co. made planning our trip feel effortless.

From our very first conversation, she took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and created an itinerary that fit our travel style perfectly. Every recommendation—from our accommodations to our experiences—felt thoughtfully chosen, and having someone to guide us before and during our trip gave us complete peace of mind. We never felt like just another booking; we felt genuinely cared for throughout the entire process.

If you're looking for someone who listens, pays attention to the details, and creates memorable travel experiences, I highly recommend Hartwell Travel Co. We can't wait to plan our next adventure together.

- Mike, Concord, NC

Amy made planning our European vacation and cruise incredibly easy. 

She kept us informed every step of the way, answered our questions quickly, and provided an itinerary that was organized and simple to follow. We never had to wonder what came next because everything was explained so clearly.

Thanks to her thoughtful planning, we were able to enjoy every destination without worrying about the logistics. It was one of the most relaxing vacations we’ve taken, and we appreciated having an expert to guide us through the entire process. We would happily recommend Amy and Hartwell Travel Co. to anyone looking for a travel advisor who truly cares about creating a memorable experience. 

- Patrick, Cornelius, NC 

Kind Notes from Clients:

Heartfelt design + personalized service await

Start planning your next escape with us today—we’ll make it effortless.