About — AR Travels

Travel Like Family

I have been planning trips for friends and family since I was a teenager. I genuinely love what I do. I have spent over a decade in the travel industry — running tech and operations at a global tour operator through the pandemic, and now as a luxury travel advisor with deep personal relationships across the industry.

I pride myself on treating every client trip like I was planning it for my own family. No detail is too small, no question is too much, and no time zone is an obstacle.

Travel for All

An unexpected MS diagnosis in 2023 left me with limited mobility. I visited over 60 countries before the wheelchair, and I am slowly doing them over again — this time with the perspective of someone who knows exactly what accessible travel actually requires.

I spend a significant portion of my time as a subject matter expert in accessible travel. If you or someone in your group has mobility, health, or accessibility needs, you are in the right place.

Our Philosophy

What we believe about travel.

Luxury should be personal.

A five-star experience means something different to every traveler. Our job is to understand what that looks like for you and deliver it down to the detail you did not think to ask for.

Access makes the difference.

After-hours access to the Vatican. An insider's guide to Napa's best small-production wineries. A personal favor from the hotel GM. These are some of the benefits our clients can't get on their own or through AI.

Travel is the richest education there is.

We have visited over 70 countries and lived in nearly 20. Every one of our experiences informs the trips we plan, bringing firsthand knowledge and relationships to our clients.

Recognition

Credentials & awards.

Fora Centum Honoree 2026

Top 100 of 11,000+ Fora travel advisors worldwide

Top Flights Booker 2025

Fora's highest-ranking flights advisor for 2025

Virtuoso Travel Member

Access to Virtuoso's global network of preferred properties and VIP perks

Accessible Travel SME

Former GM of Fora's accessible travel program

The Team

Meet Kristen.

$Kristen Messina$

Kristen Messina

Westchester, New York

With family roots in Italy, Kristen has a deep personal connection to the country and specializes in crafting immersive Italian itineraries — from the sun-drenched coasts of Puglia to the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany. She believes the best way to experience a destination is from the water, and often includes private boat tours and scenic coastal excursions to offer a fresh perspective.

Her itineraries are thoughtfully curated around discovering hidden culinary and wine gems, bringing travelers closer to the authentic flavors and traditions of every destination. She loves doing the legwork so clients can simply relax and enjoy every moment of their vacation.

Aashima Ratti