Dana on Family Travel, Meaningful Moments, and Why Details Matter
For Dana, travel has always been about more than seeing new places. It began as family time, became a way of learning about the world, and is now something she’s passing on to her daughter. Along the way, it also became a long relationship with Exeter International and Gwen Kozlowski. We spoke with Dana about how travel shaped her, what makes a trip memorable, and why the right advisor makes all the difference.
Q: What first made you fall in love with travel?
Dana: Travel was a big part of my childhood. My dad worked incredibly hard, so he only had a couple of weeks off in the summer, and we’d use that time to go out West and visit national parks.
The experience that really changed me, though, was traveling to what was then the Soviet Union when I was 14 on a student exchange program. That was my first real eye-opening experience to how different the world could be and how much you learn when you travel.
I’m someone who learns from touching, seeing, and feeling. When I travel somewhere, I start to understand the culture, the people in such a way that it really stays with me. That’s also why it’s so important to me that my daughter travels with me now.
Q: How do you make travel meaningful for your daughter?
Dana: We have a rule that in each city we visit, we do at least one culture-oriented experience—something she may not think sounds fun at the moment, but that I know will stay with her.
In London, we went to Churchill’s War Rooms. In Amsterdam, we went to the Anne Frank House. We have plenty of fun and stay at some truly remarkable places, but I want those deeper experiences to sink in over time.
Q: How did you first find Exeter?
Dana: Through an actual, physical magazine. Remember those? My mother’s family is from Hungary, so I was looking for someone who really knew that region. Gwen was recommended in Condé Nast Traveler, and I reached out to her. That was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship; one that I can say has blossomed into a friendship.
Q: Was there a moment that made you an Exeter client for life?
Dana: Yes—completely.
After my dad passed away unexpectedly, my mom had a Herend porcelain piece from Hungary that he had given her. It shattered, and she was devastated. I reached out to Gwen, and she asked if I still had the piece with the identifying number on the bottom. She contacted the factory and arranged for an exact replica to be made.
When we arrived at the Four Seasons, that replacement piece was waiting for my mom in the room. That was it for me. It was such a thoughtful, meaningful thing to do, and so many people just don’t go that extra mile anymore.
Q: You return to some places more than once. What do you love about that?
Dana: The first time you go somewhere, you’re getting your bearings. You do the “bucket list” sites. But when you go back, you really get to experience the place. And Gwen knows me so well at this point. She knows what I’ll enjoy, what I won’t, and what will be a good fit for my daughter too. We’ve learned that my daughter loves a mix: a big city, then somewhere smaller—the countryside or water. So, we always try to do both.
Q: Are there any Exeter-planned moments that really stand out?
Dana: More recently, on a holiday trip, they surprised us with a decorated tram to take us to the Christmas Market one night. We were standing at the stop waiting, and this beautiful lit-up tram pulled up just for us. The locals were smiling and waving as we passed. It was such a fun, unexpected moment. Those details make a trip feel magical.
Q: What makes Gwen and Exeter so valuable to you as a traveler?
Dana: Attention to detail. That’s the biggest thing. I own a company and have 200 employees, and I know how much details matter. Gwen pays attention in a way that’s rare. She travels to these places herself, she asks the right questions, and she really understands what fits each client.
She knows I’m picky. I love beautiful hotels, but I also love history and architecture. I want to know the story behind where I’m staying. She gets that. She also knows practical things, like where I prefer to be on a ship, or the importance of a great view.
Q: Any destinations that surprised you?
Dana: Croatia. I never would have gone if Gwen hadn’t encouraged me, and now I’ve been back multiple times. The people are what really stand out. So warm, friendly, and easy to talk to. The food is great, the scenery is beautiful, and there’s just a real spirit to the place that I love.
Q: What’s next?
Dana: I have a lot coming up, including trips with my daughter, my sisters, and friends. I’m trying to make the most of this window while my daughter still wants to travel with me.
As for dream destinations: Japan, definitely. I’d also love to return to Australia someday, and Scandinavia is high on the list too.
Travel has changed a lot over the years, but for me, the heart of it is still the same: shared experiences with family and friends, lasting memories I can revisit for the rest of my life and seeing the world a little more fully each time I leave home.
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