Val Alley

European Travel Specialist

Phone: 601-415-2194
Email: val@compassandfabletravel.com

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Certificate of completion awarded to Valerie Alley for the Ireland Specialist Training Programme, issued by Tourism Ireland, with a green shamrock logo.
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Hi I'm Val! Married to my husband for over 25 years, we have always been travelers and I enjoyed putting together plans for family vacations from the beach, to mountains, to Disney to DC - however once our kids left the nest we discovered our passion for European destinations.

I’m stepping into a new chapter—one where travel is slower, richer, and deeply personal. From sipping wine in tucked-away Italian villages to wandering historic streets in Paris or discovering rich archeological sites, I strive to design experiences that blend culture, comfort, and authenticity. I understand what it means to travel with intention—whether you’re celebrating a milestone, rediscovering your sense of adventure, or simply ready to see the world on your own terms.

Let me take the stress out of planning and replace it with excitement, inspiration, and seamless detail—so you can focus on what truly matters: experiencing travel in a way that feels meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.

I plan travel to turn “someday” into real memories—crafting unforgettable trips that feel effortless, personal, and just the right mix of adventure, culture, and freedom.

A moment that changed my travel perspective:
My travel perspective changed during a conversation with a busker in a pub on the way to his shift on the royal mile in Edinburgh. This was the moment I realized there is more to bucket list travel than checking off a site. Meeting people, learning about their lives and experiences make the world smaller and richer. We try now to always find a local guide for some experience - an archeologist in Pompeii, for example.

"North Star" Philosophy: The one rule I always follow when planning a trip.

Decide what you want first: relaxing, exploring, food, culture, or adventure. Then let every choice (budget, pace, itinerary) follow.

Hidden Gem Recommendation:

Go in a local pub or market - you'll see how locals live and work and maybe make a new friend!

Why I Love to plan travel.

Specialties

  • FIT European Trips

  • Historical Tours

  • Family Travel

  • Cultural Immersion Experiences

  • Cultural Tours

  • Group Travel

Destinations

  • Europe

  • North America

*This is not an exclusive list. Please inquire about other destinations.

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