Back

View all destinations
  • Africa

  • Asia

  • Caribbean

  • Central America

  • Europe

  • Middle East

  • North America

  • Oceania

  • South America

Africa

Through its extraordinary wildlife safaris, environmental majesty and ancient traditions, Africa is an epic storybook adventure. Experience unparalleled luxury via rainforest, coastline, dessert and mountain.

Asia

Intoxicatingly beautiful and rooted in custom, Asia reveals a heightened mysticism and generosity of spirit throughout each celebrated region. Discover centuries of culture and engaging hospitality with every step.

Caribbean

Choose from an ever-increasing portfolio of luxury resorts and private islands along the azure waters of the Caribbean. Marine adventure, culinary perfection and complete seclusion all have a spot on the day’s agenda.

Central America

Soothing vistas and diverse eco-adventure await in Central America. See the sun rise over the rim of a volcano, roam the ruins of the Mayans, ride through nature conservatories and paddle through jungle mangroves.

Europe

A multitude of environs– coast, country and city – make for a feast of diversity in Europe. The unique histories, gastronomic extravagance and cultural riches bring a deluxe profusion of Old World elegance.

Middle East

Ancient cultures and modern pleasures coalesce in the fascinating nations of the eastern Mediterranean and those ringing the Persian Gulf. Encounter pockets of immense historical significance, refined opulence and breathtaking beauty.

North America

For enjoying a stateside sojourn, drinking in Canada’s natural wonders or exploring the magnitude of Mexico, this continent offers spectacular diversion. Find flavours to arouse every taste bud and an array of cultures to match.

Oceania

A world of exotic wonder awaits in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Drift through romantic nights and endless days of natural splendour, aquatic adventure, decadent resorts and epicurean delights.

South America

From the beaches of northern Brazil to the southern tracts of Patagonia, this continent is the sum of a thousand parts. Experience ancient cities and heritage haciendas, volcanic hot springs and vibrant café cultures.

Explore a world of luxury

View all destinations

Cruise Destinations

Whether you dream of island-hopping your way down Caribbean island chains, connecting the ocean waters with a Panama Canal cruise, or sailing into an exotic Mediterranean port at cocktail hour, our expert Travel Designers can curate the luxury cruise vacation of a lifetime.

Explore a world of luxury cruising

Search all cruise types

Safari Destinations

What can you expect from a Tully Luxury Travel safari? In a word: magic. You will witness extraordinary wildlife amid untamed beauty and unparalleled luxury. You will take a thousand pictures – and make a thousand more memories.

Podcasts

Luxury travel’s most inspiring stories told by its most celebrated icons. From wildlife experts, fashion designers and artists, to historians, chefs and more, this inspiring podcast series is designed to show you the world’s most exclusive travel experiences through the eyes of the people that know them best.

See all Podcasts

Explore our media

View all media

Our Partners

What is the Tully Difference? The most satisfying travel experiences are the ones that captivate and transform you as a person and that deepen your connection to the world around you. It is that belief that fuels our desire to create rewarding travel experiences for people who are passionate about discovering the essence and heart of a destination.

View all Preferred Partners

The Tully Difference

Learn more

FAJO MAGAZINE: An Interview with Mary Jean About The Meaning of Luxury

By Hannah Yakobi | 08-06-2023 |

Uncategorized

Mary Jean Tully’s story is fascinating. CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, she established her company in 1987, and knew from the tender age of nine that she wanted to work in the travel industry. Many decades of hard work later, her business is now recognized by Forbes and Condé Nast Traveller, and Tully has been named one of the most powerful women in her industry by Travel Agent Magazine. She proudly continues to employ her first hire from 32 years ago and has grown the business to a staff of more than 80 employees.

Tully Luxury Travel is more than just experiences. It’s about incredible, one-of-a-kind moments that are curated by Tully and her team. Just some of the highlights over the years include: organizing a meeting with a member of the Royal Family for high tea in London; organizing a dinner in an exclusive Bedouin tent under the stars in front of the Pyramids (including a private chef, musicians and belly dancers); discovering the secrets behind the renowned Sacher Torte recipe in Vienna; and participating in conservation and wildlife efforts to protect rhinos and elephants in Africa.

Tully herself also sits on advisory boards of many leading cruise lines, hotels and travel suppliers, and has received numerous accolades identifying her agency as one of the best luxury travel providers in the world. More importantly, she is committed to protecting the environment, and advocates for travel practices that are sustainable and respectful to nature. Ahead of World Elephant Day on Aug.12, she chatted with FAJO about luxury travel, her life and tips on how to have the ultimate unforgettable travel experience.

You’ve said in the past that, as a child, you had a neighbour who was a flight attendant and she inspired you to do what you do today. What was it about her that attracted you to the career in travel?

She changed my life! When I met my neighbour, who seemed to always be coming back from a new adventure, she encouraged me to become a global citizen. Despite not having the required experience, I took a chance, applied for a position at a travel agency and talked my way into an interview. Not only did I get the job, but I was promoted to a management position within eight months!

What, to you, is luxury travel?

“Luxury travel” is one of those phrases that means something different to every person. It could be the tranquility of a private beach, the adrenaline rush of an African Safari, a fabulous spa or exploring castles in the Loire Valley in France. The choices are endless! We say “luxury is defined by you” at our company and, for me, luxury travel can be as simple as turning off my phone and enjoying some uninterrupted downtime. Luxury does not have to be “expensive”, but rather something that saves you time, unnecessary expenses and enhances the overall quality of your experience.

When someone is planning a trip, where would you recommend they start?

We live in a digital space where we are overwhelmed with apps, information and social media. A person can find so many different ways to book their trip online, but what you need is someone to help put it all together. It is very time-consuming to try and do this all on your own, which is where a travel expert comes in, providing valuable insight that is greater than information posted on a website.

I always say “no one posts a bad selfie”—a hotel or tour operator, for example, is not going to share a bad photo or tell you that there is loud, intrusive construction happening next door. However, our travel designers will! We have inside knowledge and relationships around the globe, and can provide the most up-to-date, accurate insight into various locations and the benefits. While you might find, for example, a “third night free” promotion at a hotel online, we have the leverage to not only get you that promotion, but also apply extra amenities, such as a complimentary breakfast, spa credits and room upgrades. It is the small details and the special nuances that will enhance your trip.

You have been all over the world. What are some of your favourite spots?

My favourite place in the world is Africa and I travel there at least three times a year. I’ve been so lucky to travel all over the world, but Africa is the one place that I go back to time-after-time and that holds a little piece of my heart. It is where I have become a passionate conservationist and wildlife activist. I have participated in darting and releasing rhinos and, most recently, I assisted with a release from a probable poaching situation in South Africa, where we relocated the rhino to Botswana, allowing a much greater chance of survival. I have also collared elephants with the Singita Grumeti Fund to help save them from poachers, and I am also an active supporter of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.

One of my other favourite travel destinations is India—the culture and people are incredible, and it is a country that I always look forward to visiting. One of my favourite activities that I look forward to is the shopping! Whether it be for the beautiful silks, or the great cottons (especially the men’s shirts), India’s shopping is endless! The jewels that can be found in Jaipur are some of the greatest in the world. But what I really love most about India is the “organized chaos.” As you drive down the street, there is a man with a goat cart, or a camel walking on the side of the road, or a band of people celebrating a wedding. The streets are always filled with all sorts of chaos!

With World Elephant Day around the corner on Aug.12, what makes this day extra important to you?

To be in the company of elephants is truly remarkable. These gentle giants are so very protective of one another, and they display such affection and respect in the most tender of ways.

Elephants are on the very top of everyone’s list when they travel to Africa, however, many travellers are not aware of the torture that these beautiful animals are put through in order to satisfy our vacation bucket lists (i.e. elephant riding).

Over the past decade, the elephant population has declined by more than 62% and they are facing extinction within the next decade. It is important for me to spread the word and encourage travellers to not support any location or excursion that allows elephants to stand on their heads, do tricks, have their faces painted or permits guests to ride on their back. At Tully Luxury Travel, we only partner with ethical companies committed to wildlife conservation, and will only support trusted elephant sanctuaries and excursions that protect and preserve the well-being of wildlife conservation.

Please share a little more about your work with The Giants of Africa Foundation.

Personally and professionally, I am honoured to support this incredible organization and share its passion for helping Africa and its communities. Co-founded by Toronto Raptors president, Masai Ujiri, The Giants of Africa Foundation created a pathway for youth through sport, and uses basketball as a tool to educate and enrich the lives of African youth to help them accomplish their dreams. Last December, I was honoured to attend the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, “Mandela 100” and show my support by purchasing an exclusive and unique work of art by Ajiri Ujiri. The evening celebrated the legacy of Nelson Mandela and marked his 100th birthday – something that I hold close to my heart, as I had the most wonderful privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela on two separate occasions, which I will always cherish and remember.

Do you have any other advice for our readers?

Become a global citizen! At Tully Luxury Travel, it is a priority for us to educate our clients on ways that they can have a positive impact and not cause any harm to vulnerable species. Take risks and try something out of your comfort zone. If you truly have the passion and drive, you will succeed. Who knew answering a classified ad over 30 years ago would lead me to where I am today! Oh, the places you’ll go…

Speak to a travel designer

1 (855)-274-2274

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am-8pm

Friday: 9am-7pm

Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: Closed

‘Best Travel Agency in the world. A world class team of agents that truly care. Their knowledge and professionalism are beyond compare.’

Average customer rating:

4.9/5

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Inspiring travel ideas and advice from our travel designers delivered straight to your inbox.

Submit

Subscribe to our Newsletter

And gain access to travel promotions exclusive to Tully Luxury Travel through our vast network of some of the largest service providers in the travel industry.

We hope to show you the Tully difference on your next journey.

Tully Luxury Travel | Newsletter Subscription

  • Send

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

false