Travel planning that feels personal again.
From weekend escapes to once-in-a-lifetime journeys, I handle the details so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Meet the Founder
My love of travel began when I was 17. I had never been away from home before when my French teacher, Monsieur Chatelain, gave me and a group of French students the opportunity to spend three weeks in Europe. That experience sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world and showed me firsthand how meaningful travel can shape us in ways we never expect.
Since then, travel has become deeply personal to me - not simply about checking destinations off a list, but about connection, perspective, memory-making, and discovering the places that stay with us long after we return home.
One of those places for me is Scotland.
In 2000, I met dear friends, Jim & Susan, while traveling on a Caribbean Cruise. Their friendship eventually led me to Scotland for the first time. Over the last 25 years I’ve returned again and again, staying with them in their home and experiencing the country not simply as a tourist, but through genuine connection, local insight, and personal relationships.
Scotland reminded me that travel can do far more than help us see new places; it can help us feel connected, inspired, grounded, and sometimes even a little more like ourselves.
That belief is at the heart of Crafted Compass, and it’s why I believe every trip should feel like the trip of a lifetime.
And that doesn’t require a lifetime budget. Whether it’s a weekend escape, a long-awaited bucket list journey, or meaningful time away with the people you love (or a long awaited solo trip!), I believe thoughtful planning and intentional experiences can turn travel into something unforgettable.
Crafted Compass was created to help travelers feel supported, inspired, and excited about their journeys without the stress and overwhelm that often come with planning alone.
I specialize in creating personalized travel experiences grounded in places I’ve explored, experienced, and truly connected with, so clients can feel confident in thoughtful, experience-based recommendations. If your dream destination falls outside my personal experience, I’m happy to research it carefully or connect you with a trusted travel professional in my network.
Whether you’re planning a meaningful celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or simply time to reconnect and recharge, I’d be honored to help you create a journey that feels entirely your own.
Michele Schaefer
Founder, Crafted Compass
The Crafted Compass Experience
Compass Check
A planning session to get you headed in the right direction.
Perfect for travelers who have an idea of where they want to go and would love the confidence that comes from talking it through with an experienced travel advisor.
From $95
You’ll receive:
Personalized conversation centered on your travel goals, priorities & budget
Clear guidance tailored to your travel plans
Thoughtful recommendations based on your travel style
A custom roadmap for your journey ahead
Chart Your Course
A planning experience designed around your travel vision.
Perfect for travelers who enjoy being part of the planning process and want to shape a journey that’s uniquely their own.
From $295
You’ll receive:
A collaborative planning experience built around your travel vision
Personalized destination research and thoughtfully selected recommendations
Accommodation options that fit your travel style, priorities, and budget
A customized itinerary framework that brings your ideas together into a clear travel plan
Crafted Journey
Comprehensive planning from first idea to departure.
Perfect for travelers who want a well-planned experience with the confidence of knowing every detail has been considered.
From $595
You’ll receive:
Personalized itinerary designed around your travel style
Accommodation, transportation, and destination recommendations tailored to your journey
Activity and dining suggestions that reflect your interests and the experiences you hope to have
A beautifully organized travel itinerary that’s easy to follow from departure to return
Compass Concierge
White-glove support before, during, and after your travels.
Perfect for travelers who want support that extends beyond the itinerary, so they can focus on enjoying the journey instead of managing the details.
Custom Proposal
You’ll receive:
Everything included in Crafted Journey
Personalized coordination for special requests, celebrations, and one-of-a-kind experiences
Travel readiness guidance, including documentation, entry requirements, packing, and departure planning
Practical support for the details beyond your itinerary, from home preparations to travel logistics
Assistance researching unique requests and connecting you with carefully selected local resources when needed.
The freedom to focus on the moments that matter most, while the details are thoughtfully managed
How I Can Help
Thoughtful Trip Planning
Whether you’re planning a bucket list adventure, meaningful celebration, or restorative escape, I’ll help design a personalized journey that reflects your travel style, interests, and goals.
Personalized Itineraries
Already have a destination in mind? I can help refine your plans into a seamless, thoughtfully curated itinerary filled with meaningful experiences, hidden gems, and practical guidance.
Travel Guidance & Support
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? I’ll help simplify the planning process, offer trusted recommendations, and provide support so you can travel with confidence and excitement.
Let’s start planning your journey.
Tell me a bit about your trip and I’ll help you take the next step.