About Me
The Story Behind RLTI and the Work I Do Now
I live in Bellingham, Washington, where my days are filled with planning travel, volunteering, crafting, and spending time in nature. Growing up in Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles gave me an early appreciation for wild, natural spaces — a thread that carried me to Portland, then Seattle, and finally to Bellingham.
For 30 years, I worked as an educator and school counselor in diverse communities. Those years deepened my understanding of how cross‑cultural experiences can build meaningful connections. I traveled with my students, watching them grow as they encountered the values, traditions, and daily rhythms of other cultures.
Wanting to take my own travel interests further, I completed an associate degree in travel marketing with the hope of creating a service that would help people connect more deeply with local cultures once I retired.
Over the past two decades, planning independent travel to Italy has become both a passion and a practice. With fluency in Italian and long‑standing relationships to locals, I have a deep, personal knowledge of the country — and a constant stream of new hidden gems to share. I now also teach continuing‑education courses on how to travel off the beaten path in Italy.
As a retired school counselor, I bring the same care, attentiveness, and commitment to service to my work as a trip planner. Helping travelers turn their ideas into reality is something I take great pride in.
I’d love to put my experience to work for you and help craft a unique journey to the places I’ve come to love.
Warmly,
Erica Mallin
My Work Today - Italy Travel Educator and Trip Designer
Today, I combine two parts of my professional life: Italy Travel Educator and Trip Designer. I teach travelers about Italy’s regions and help them plan trips with realistic logistics and thoughtful pacing, especially when exploring off‑the‑beaten‑path destinations—and I design trips that reflect those insights.
How My Educator Background Shapes My Work
My background as a teacher and school counselor shapes the way I support travelers. I explain regional and logistical details in clear, accessible ways and help people make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Years of working directly with students and families also taught me the importance of responsiveness and reliable communication, which now guide how I show up for travelers throughout the planning process.
Credentials & Partnerships This work is supported by formal training, ongoing professional development, and partnerships with organizations committed to responsible, community‑based travel.
