Travel Advisor

Cassidy Hazelbaker

She/Her

Expertise

Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel,
Saudi Arabia,
United Arab Emirates,
Oman,
India,
Kazakhstan

Based in

Los Angeles, CA

Languages spoken

English, French, Arabic

Travel Advisor

Cassidy Hazelbaker

Profile details

About

Leveraging my experience of living between Europe and the Middle East for 15 years to find that sweet spot between off-the-beaten-path and luxury.

Follow Cassidy

Travel style

I'm the most excited about discovering places that typically people are less curious to visit. Eritrea, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and Bhutan have been some of my favorites, mostly because I had no idea what to expect! My two musts while traveling are eating and sleeping well. I enjoy finding quirky boutique hotels that can deliver a more localized experience with an edge of luxury. I've visited 99 countries (and counting!), spent nine years living in the Middle East and six in Europe, and have traveled widely through Asia, Europe, and Africa, so my travel recommendations come from personal experience, not Google.

Cassidy's travel guides & trip reports

Guide

Discover Rajasthan: Five Days in Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur holds a special place in my heart. I first visited Rajasthan over a decade ago, exploring the palaces and sights of Jaipur, but I always felt drawn to Jodhpur — curious about its rich...

Guide

Intro to Tajikistan: Dushanbe, Iskanderkul and Shirkent Dinosaur Hiking

Tajikistan is such a unique melting pot - it’s a curious mix of Soviet, Persian and Turkic influences. Its capital, Dushanbe, has all the trappings of a world renowned city- massive museums, wide...

Guide

9 Days in Uzbekistan: The Ultimate Guide

Uzbekistan is a Silk Road gem, filled with history, architecture and the confluence of cultures that is distinctly Uzbek. While the tourism infrastructure there has developed significantly in the...

Guide

A First-Timer's Guide to Guatape, Colombia

I recently stayed in Guatape for two nights as a side trip from Medellin. The main sights feel like well-established tourist hotspots. But spending extra time in Guatape allows you to see a different ...

Trip Report

Review of Arabian Boutique Hotel, Dubai

I stayed at the Arabian Boutique Hotel on a recent trip to Dubai. This property is a refreshing change from the large-scale resorts and luxury chain hotels that are so prevalent in Dubai. This...

Trip Report

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea: The New Frontier of Luxury Travel

I first visited Saudi Arabia in December 2019, as soon as leisure tourism visas opened to the world, and have been watching as tourism in the country has blossomed ever since. Saudi’s Red Sea region...

Trip Report

Highlights of Kazakhstan: From Futuristic Cities to Stunning Landscapes

Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is a destination brimming with contrast and beauty. As the Central Asian country with the most developed tourism infrastructure, it’s an excellent...

Trip Report

Off the Beaten Track in Central Dubai: A Guide to Hidden Gems

Dubai is often associated with towering skyscrapers, luxury malls and man-made islands, but beneath its glittering exterior lies a city full of lesser-known gems for those eager to explore all the...

Trip Report

Get Off-The-Beaten-Path in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai is often dismissed as being "like Las Vegas" – a city of glitzy hotels and massive malls. While that may be one side of Dubai, it's not all that Dubai and the UAE have to offer. Outside of...

Guide

Top Summer Destinations in Saudi Arabia and Oman

Most people equate the Middle East with hot weather. While it's true that in general the Gulf countries do get pretty hot June–September, there are a few spots in the region that are actually...

Trip Report

Review of Mountain View Experience in Maras, Peru

I recently stayed at the Mountain View Experience, which is truly a delight to young and old. The glass-walled cabins and communal buildings offer incredible views over the expansive landscapes...but ...

Trip Report

Review of Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel in Machu Picchu

I stayed at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge on a recent trip to Peru. It is the only hotel located at the entrance of Machu Picchu, which makes it incredibly convenient for early-morning visit to the...

Guide

Weekend in Borrego Springs, California

Borrego Springs is an easy two-three hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, making it an ideal launching point to explore the Anze Borrego Desert State Park during a weekend away. Hiking,...

Guide

Two Days in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia remains one of the least-visited regions in the world. And Kyrgyzstan is one of the more off-the-beaten-path countries in that region. Bishkek, the capital city, features grand...

Guide

48 Hours in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has only recently opened to general tourism, which is such a gift to travelers because there are so many incredible places to visit in this vast country. Jeddah is a lovely antidote to...

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Favorite hotels

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara

Just outside of Abu Dhabi, this desert paradise features an array of exclusive rooms, a hammam, spa rituals, and safari adventures in the desert.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

COMO Uma, Bhutan

COMO Uma Paro, nestled in the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, offers a luxurious escape with a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. With stylish accommodations, wellness-focused amenities, and panoramic views of the Paro Valley, the resort provides a serene haven for guests seeking cultural immersion and rejuvenation in the Himalayan kingdom.

Fora Perks

★
Complimentary luncheon/Shambhala Massage depending on booking.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Mihir Garh

Mihir Garh, a majestic fortress in the heart of Rajasthan, India, offers regal luxury in the form of opulent suites, personalized service and a panoramic desert landscape.

Fora Perks

★
VIP welcome amenity.
★
Breakfast daily.

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

Experience timeless luxury and awe-inspiring views just steps from Victoria Falls at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

Cassidy's travel photos

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Cassidy's reviews

Cassidy made the booking and searching experience seem less daunting. While I was running all over town getting everything needed for the trip, my accommodations very well-researched and handled!

Thank you again!

Rodney R.
Booked travel to California
May 2025

Cassidy planned a great last-minute weekend getaway for me in Palm Springs. She found a beautiful hotel that was just a few minutes away from fun bars and restaurants, and even arranged a surprise welcome gift. She took all the stress out of booking- I’d definitely book through her again.

Brett A.
Booked travel to Palm Springs
January 2025

Working with Cassidy on this amazing extended family vacation was such a pleasure. Sharing her broad travel experience was invaluable as she was able to guide us with a special itinerary that everyone enjoyed. We not only visited many historical sites in and around Lisbon which included a day trip to Sintra and she even arranged a custom boat charter at sunset featuring an open bar and DJ! One of our best trips ever! Hope to continue using Cassidy to book future travel.

Susan H.
Booked travel to Lisbon
September 2024

Cassidy Hazelbaker curated by Cassidy Hazelbaker

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