MEET THE TEAM
Annie Wallace
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
Hilary Murray
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
Born and raised in the Nation's Capital, I was raised a sports fan. I have great memories of sitting in the back seat of my grandfather’s car on Sunday’s, for a trip to RFK stadium, to watch the (The Commanders) hopefully beat the Cowboys. My fandom became a passion and led me to a career in sports. I was first involved in the sports marketing industry, where I actually helped sign Shaq to his first trading card deals. From sports marketing I went into television, where I helped in the production of live events mostly featuring the Cubs and the Bulls, oftentimes getting Michael Jordan’s M & M’s. My television career was interrupted (permanently) by the best job in the world, becoming a wife and a mom.
Traveling at the different stages of life required learning (sometimes the hard way), how to plan in detail, to satisfy everyone’s needs. I was self-obsessed with making sure our trips were as stress free as possible from the moment of departure, through the moment of return.
That personal passion turned into a vocational pursuit and in 2017 I started work at Valerie Wilson Travel, where I was trained in the world of luxury travel. As Valerie Wilson grew I realized I could no longer satisfy my clients with the level of attention they needed and deserved and wanted to work for a more intimate, boutique agency.
Now, at Global Travel Concepts, I can commit the necessary time, have the full resources necessary, and partners around the world, to make sure your travel experience is unmatched.
Please let me plan that next great experience for you.
Joel Tankel
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
I was born in London to a family that always loved to travel. From an early age we went to many European destinations, Israel and South Africa. I have always had a great interest in learning new things and about new places. I love visiting exciting vibrant places, that you can totally immerse yourself into like the exciting city of Barcelona with its amazing architecture, and the outstanding natural beauty of the Galapagos. I have often visited the USA as a tourist, traveling all over, particular spending time in New York.
When I moved to New York over 20 years ago, after I was offered a great opportunity in the Travel Industry, the city immediately felt like home. Now I have another amazing opportunity at a flourishing and exciting agency, Global Travel Concepts.
With my great attention to detail, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills I know I can help our VIP clientele enjoy the unforgettable trip they want and deserve. I look forward to traveling the world to more exciting destinations with my wife and young son.
MASHA BALENZANO
CEO
Travel is a part of our DNA. It’s the feeling that we have when we’re caught in life’s routine. When we have the opportunity to travel, we realize who we are and what is truly important to us. My life has always been centered around this idea, that the people we are surrounded by and the experiences we create, define us. No matter where you travel, the goal is to have unique experiences, find your people, and your place in the world.
After decades of experience in the travel industry, I created Global Travel Concepts with this goal in mind. That no matter where you are in the world, the world is your oyster. That your travels are authentic, welcoming and one-of-a-kind opportunities that change your life. Empowering you to see the world from a new perspective, with a renewed sense of yourself, that makes you want to return, time and time again.
For me, travel has always been about discovery. Experiencing a destination, a cultural practice, a way of life, and ultimately, finding yourself. This is the defining pillar that has helped me build the luxury agency that Global Travel Concepts is today. We have incomparable knowledge and passion for all the small details that make for unforgettable travel experiences.
We provide unparalleled expertise, with a level of style that's unmatched. Our service is truly unique and personal.
Travel with me my friends… Together we'll create memories to last a lifetime.
MARINA PROSKURINA
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Marina joined Global Travel Concepts in July of 2021. She has previously worked in the finance & insurance industry. She has a B.S. in Economics. A few years ago, Marina relocated from Siberia, Russia to USA with her family, in order to pursue her professional goals and explore new cultures, lifestyles and meet new people.
Marina likes to travel and organize trips for her family. Specifically, she enjoys researching and finding local experiences (food, wines, artisan shops, nature excursions) that make every trip she plans, truly unique.
I am very excited to be a part of the travel team, a team that helps our clients explore their passions for travel and adventure. Traveling is a breath of fresh air. It is a surge of strength, that cultivates our inner enrichment and development.
Let your thoughts dissolve into the mountains, or admire the sunsets on the coast. What is your dream trip? Let me know and we will make it happen!
Viktoria Kisel
LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR
I grew up in Belarus and studied Business before moving to the United States and getting a degree in Computer Science. Living in Europe has given me the opportunity to visit many history-rich countries such as Lithuania, Poland, and Greece. After a while, I moved to the United States with my family.
I love everything encompassing travel and discovering new destinations just overwhelms my senses. Experiencing cultures, studying architecture are inspiring and allow you to see how the world around us is multifaced. Just let yourself have this experience and life will sparkle with new colors.
Working with Global Travel Concepts gives me an amazing opportunity to be connected globally and help our clients to get the best experience from their luxury travel adventures.
As a former professional Broadway performer, I have had a lifelong passion for curating nuanced and elevated experiences for the most discerning eyes. While theaters closed their doors in 2020, I was able to dive into the exciting and fast-paced world of luxury travel advising. There is no time like an industry shutdown to truly learn the ropes from the ground up, and I quickly became addicted to the meticulous and highly personalized nature of travel advising.
My passion for travel has taken me to several stunning destinations including Switzerland, Italy, France, Mexico, Canada, islands in the Caribbean such as St Barths, Barbados, and Puerto Rico, as well as 46 out of 50 of the United States. I began my passion for planning travel when I decided to embark on a two-week solo journey across Italy. This itinerary was truly a transformational adventure that inspired me to empower future women to travel by taking care of the logistics for them.
Travel has the ability to expand the mind and open our eyes to new ways of moving through the world. My focus as an advisor is to listen to your wildest travel dreams and make them a reality, allowing you to take a step back and fully enjoy your experiences. As a former National Merit Scholar, Dean’s List Recipient, and Kennedy Center Award winner, I have a keen eye for detail and relentless drive for perfection. I am proud to be a part of the incredible team at Global Travel Concepts, and I look forward to planning your next exceptional story.