The Guide is the reference layer of Passport Privé — planning frameworks, hotel comparisons, destination breakdowns, and the practical information that turns a trip idea into a well-executed itinerary.
It’s organized by pillar: Mexico, Europe, Cruises, and Golf Travel. Everything here is designed to be useful when you’re actively planning — which property to choose, when to go, what the booking logistics actually look like, and what first-time visitors to a destination consistently get wrong.
What lives here
Hotel and resort comparisons — when the question is “Four Seasons or One&Only?” or “Positano or Ravello?” the answer is always it depends on how you travel. These posts work through that reasoning with a decision framework rather than a ranked list.
Destination planning guides — the kind that cover timing, logistics, base selection, and what the full picture of a destination looks like before you commit to it. Linked throughout to the full city guides on the destinations pages.
Practical logistics — booking windows, how preferred advisor access actually works, when to book direct versus through an advisor, what a luxury cruise line comparison actually means.
What lives on the Substack instead
The more personal, editorial side — curated hotel picks, trip reports, The Drop (what I’d book right now), and first-person takes on specific experiences — lives on the Substack. If that’s what you’re looking for, that’s the place.
Subscribe to the Substack → (link coming)
The Guide posts are tagged by destination so related content connects automatically. Use the filter above to start with the pillar that’s relevant to your next trip, or browse the full archive below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Passport Privé? Passport Privé is the travel advisory and planning resource of Paula Zambrano, a luxury travel advisor at Pinpoints Travel. The Guide is the reference section — hotel comparisons, destination breakdowns, and planning frameworks for travelers who want to research before they commit. For the more personal, editorial side, the Substack is where that content lives.
What’s the difference between The Guide and the Substack? The Guide is built for active planning — it’s where you come when you’re deciding between properties, figuring out when to go, or understanding what a destination actually looks like before you book. The Substack is more personal: first-person trip reports, curated picks, and editorial takes that don’t fit neatly into a planning framework. Both are free; they serve different moments in the planning process.
How do I work with a luxury travel advisor? The first step is a conversation. You share where you want to go, what kind of trip you’re imagining, and what’s non-negotiable — and I build from there. Most initial consultations take 20–30 minutes and are complimentary. For most clients, the first proposal is ready within a week of that initial call.