10 Oct A Career in Luxury Travel: Interview with Kimberly Fisher

In the world of luxury travel, there are few people who have made a bigger splash than Kimberly Fisher, a multi-talented American entrepreneur who runs some of the web’s most popular luxury blogs. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Kimberly long enough to learn how she made a career out of travelling to beautiful places, what her favorite global destinations actually are, and what she has in store for the future. If you’d like to live the good life some day, read on and take notes!

Luxury Branded: Thanks for speaking with us Kimberly. Would you mind letting our readers know a bit about you and what you do?

Kimberly Fisher: My name is Kimberly Fisher. You can call me an adventurer. I’m a writer, author, blogger, luxury lifestyle expert, travel guru and internet entrepreneur (I am the founder of both Jetsetera and LuxeSoul). I’ve had over 8 years of experience in marketing, communications, brand management and event management, among others. Throw into the mix a past life in beauty pageants, modeling, acting, spokesperson, real estate, krav maga, yoga and Pilates.

As a luxury lifestyle & travel expert and certified restless soul, I have traveled the world exploring everything from luxury hotels to off-the-beaten-path adventures in almost every state and 53 different countries. My travels have included feeding sharks in Tahiti, yacht racing with the Abu Dhabi race team, swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, exploring the jungles of Belize with a howling monkey tour guide, following the Silk Road in China, and riding camels in the Gobi Desert. When not traveling, you can find me at home in New York City.

Luxury Branded: What originally drew you towards the luxury travel industry?

Kimberly Fisher: I lived in Los Angeles for 10 years, with the majority being in Beverly Hills. I worked in entertainment, and was pretty much accidentally surrounded by luxury. When I started in the travel industry, most of my contacts came from my personal network, which was somehow luxury-related. Also, some of the first magazines I wrote for were all luxury publications, so those were the assignments I was receiving.

Luxury Branded: As far as online marketing goes, what do you think high-end resorts and agencies need to do to attract more attention in 2014?

Kimberly Fisher: In 2014, marketing is getting more complex with the internet throwing traditional media for a spin. High-end resorts and agencies need to make sure something sets them apart from other properties to remain relevant. If it is a property that has been around for awhile, keep being innovative with different programs, lifestyle additions and added touches that no one else offers. Also, once the brand is developed, be consistent with the service and quality that consumers continue to expect and will come back for over and over again.

Luxury Branded: If you had to pick one, what would you say was the most stand-out luxe holiday destination you’ve ever seen, and what made it so special?

Kimberly Fisher: I have been lucky enough to travel to almost every state and 53 different countries, and every place I have been has a special place in my heart. I would say my favorite luxe holiday destination is a tie between Ibiza and Istanbul.

I was in Ibiza this summer and it is such a sophisticated Bohemian blend of nature, beauty and Spanish flare, and I am in love with Hacienda Na Xamena Hotel and Spa. The pristine resort is hidden on the quiet side of the island and has an unbelievable spa built into the side of the cliff, and views are insane from almost everywhere in the hotel.

Istanbul is the perfect blend between old and new, European and Asian. No other city in the world is like Istanbul! The food is amazing( try a Turkish Pizza!), great shopping and you could be entertained for hours wandering through streets and alleys and exploring history and places like the Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, historic mosques, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. I love the Kempenski Ciragan Palace, which used to be home to sultans in the past. When you arrive, you have the transportation option of car or yacht. You get personally checked in to your room by a personal concierge with a Louis Vuitton portfolio. The views of the Bosphorus Strait are amazing, and the restaurants are some of the best I have ever enjoyed.

Luxury Branded: One of your latest ventures is called LuxeSoul. What new areas are you looking to explore with that site?

Kimberly Fisher: LuxeSoul is my venture to explore and publicize a blend between luxury and philanthropy. It’s a “feel good” blog, that concentrates on profiles of people that give back, eco-friendly products, green travel, and brands that give back. My hope is to inspire others to also do good, and bring more attention to philanthropic efforts.

Luxury Branded: Where can people go to follow you online?

Kimberly Fisher: I am everywhere!

My personal site: KimberlyFisher.com
My Blogs: Jetsetera.net | LuxeSoul.com
My Twitter: @kimberlyfisher1
My Instagram: @kimberlyfisher1
My LinkedIn: kimberlyfisher1
My Pinterest: kimberlyfisher
My Facebook Profile: Facebook.com/dear.kimb
My Facebook Page: Facebook.com/kimberlyfisherfans