masha balenzano

ceo & founder

Favorite Destination

The next destination that offers something new to understand — whether through culture, people, or perspective.

Travel has always been instinctive to me. It’s not something I discovered later in life – it’s something that has shaped how I see the world from the very beginning.


At its best, travel has a way of pulling you out of routine and placing you somewhere entirely new, where perspective sharpens and priorities become clear. It reminds you what matters, who you are, and often, who you want to become.

Over more than three decades in the industry, I’ve built my career around creating those moments for others. I’ve designed journeys for clients across all seven continents, developed long-standing relationships with many of the world’s most respected hoteliers, and worked with travelers who expect a level of access, discretion, and personalization that goes far beyond the traditional approach to planning. From deeply personal safaris and milestone celebrations to multi-generational journeys and early private client experiences at the edge of space, the common thread has always been creating something thoughtful, personal, and lasting.

Global Travel Concepts was founded with a clear intention – to offer something more thoughtful, more connected, and more personal than traditional travel planning. Every journey we design begins with understanding the individual behind it. Where they are in life, what they value, and what will resonate long after the trip is over.

To me, travel isn’t about following a set path or checking off destinations. It’s about experiencing a place in a way that feels genuine, meeting people who leave an impression, and creating moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

That philosophy continues to guide everything we do.

Always in my carry-on luggage:

Shoes and bags! The pieces I care about most never leave my side.

Most underrated destinations:

Saudi Arabia – the depth of history, the cultural richness, the scale of the landscapes, and the ambition behind what’s being built today make it one of the most compelling places to experience right now.

On my bucket list:

Egypt for its extraordinary ancient civilization and the Pyramids; New Zealand for its raw, untouched landscapes; China for its history and cultural depth. And beyond that, as many destinations as I can experience in a lifetime.

my most memorable travel experience:

Spending time with the Maasai community in Kenya – being welcomed into their village, learning directly from their chief, and sharing in their traditions was an experience that stays with you.