Tiffany Dowd -- The Art of Luxury Travel
/
While I am most at peace wondering through the woods, I do like a little luxury every now and then. Which is why I’m such a fan of Tiffany Dowd (aka “Luxe Tiffany”) and have enjoyed following her travels for years.
Tiffany is a global luxury hotel expert, Founder & President of Luxe Social Media, and a contributing luxury travel writer to various publications including The Telegraph, USA Today and US News & World Report.
She’s been named the top voice in luxury travel and was recently listed as one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Luxury Digital to Follow. (And for good reason! Her posts will always inspire you to seek something new.)
She is frequently quoted as a luxury travel expert in Forbes, Luxury Daily and other recognized publications. And her company, Luxe Social Media advises global luxury travel brands on social media marketing and online strategy.
Now, she is also a participant in The Explorers’ Corner.
1. Starting big: You've created a vibrant online presence while traveling the world, no small feat! What drives you?
I have been fortunate throughout my career to have had some incredible travel experiences. Travel inspires me to inspire others to travel. It is the best education anyone can have. It opens your eyes, transcends boundaries and brings our world together through a better understanding of cultures and people.
2. You recently tweeted "Gratitude is the best Attitude." What was the first luxury destination or property you visited when you looked around and simply could not believe you were being paid to be there?
As a former luxury hotel inspector, I have had the opportunity to see some amazing hotels and destinations. I can think back to being at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Canada, a beautiful Relais & Chateaux hotel set on Chesterman Beach watching the surfers and the waves crash, and having a moment of appreciation for such natural beauty in both the hotel and destination. It is in these moments that spurns my desire to inspire people to travel and have these experiences themselves. Luxury isn’t about gilded glamour. Luxury is about having an authentic experience with top service, beautiful accommodations and personalized moments.
3. What is the most important action someone who is attempting to grow in the digital space can take?
Be authentic and don’t worry about what others will think. If you love something, share it. People want to follow those who share quality content, inspired and show a bit of personality. Be true to yourself. I have always followed this philosophy. I’m naturally a very positive person and want to be a glimmer of optimism and inspiration in someone’s day.
4. How has the definition of "luxury travel" or "luxury hotel" changed from when you started to today? Where do you think it's heading?
Luxury is no longer about just staying in a fancy hotel room with butler services. People want to feel good about traveling and have transformational experience – ones that will change them for the better when they return home. This can include local interaction or staying at hotel that adopts sustainable practices.
Tiffany’s Instagram
5: What is your proudest accomplishment in your professional life?
My proudest accomplishment has been creating Luxe Social Media. Back in 2009, I had an idea to promote luxury hotels globally through social media. At the time, I was one of the first people to create a business managing social media for luxury hotels. For the first time, small hotels could be on the same playing field marketing-wise as larger hotels with bigger budgets. I am grateful to this day to the luxury hotels who became my first clients almost 9.5 years ago at a time when not many people were doing social media. Today I continue to work with the world’s best hotels and resorts in the world on four continents. I also work with celebrities and high profile industry personalities.
Bonus Question: Your Twitter profile ends with "animal rescuer." That's fantastic! Care to share a little about the animals? I am passionate about animal rescue. I want to encourage everyone to adopt and not shop. There are millions of wonderful animals waiting for good homes in animal shelters, and I am proud to be able to use my online voice to promote the welfare of animals. I do what I can when traveling to support local animal rescue organizations and encourage people to adopt animals. I also think it’s important to adopt senior animals. Six months ago, we adopted a 12 year old Maine Coon named Bell who was severely neglected before she was rescued. She’s one of many senior animals we’ve adopted. Today she lives in a loving home and is living her best life ever. #AdoptDontShop.
For more from Tiffany, find her at:
Website: Luxetiffany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxetiffany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuxeTiffany
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxetiffany
