We understand you because we are you: discerning, design-focused, and with an independent streak.
Meet your travel insiders
Don
Founder Don's path to The Swank Guide was unconventional. As a kid, he dreamt of architecture and made movies with friends. Though sidetracked into law, a stint in the corporate world, then entrepreneurship in clean energy and sustainable housing, his passion for travel, film, and architecture never faded. Born in Italy, growing up in Paris until he was 5, and living in China for 17 years and Australia for 3 (where he attended architecture school for fun in his 40s), and traveling to over 60 countries, Don channeled his experiences into Swank: a platform built around authenticity, design, and discovery. He gets you because he's lived your travel frustrations—and triumphs—firsthand. His perfectionist tendencies mean he's been known to rearrange hotel furniture for better feng shui before filming—leaving confused housekeeping staff in his wake.
Paul
Paul is a seasoned travel pro who knows how to wrangle an upgrade, sweet-talk the front desk, and generally make logistics look easy. He's lived in Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore, always chasing down the good stuff: local flavors, unexpected sights, and the stories that make a place more than just a pin on a map. Whether it's solo backpacking through Vietnam, or bouncing with loved ones around Asia, Paul's figured out that the best parts of travel are usually the unplanned bits in between.
Zoey
A strategist, author, artist, marketing maven (and runner), Zoey is the visionary behind the scenes, making sure everything you see and read resonates.
Duan
Cape Town-based video editor Duan blends stunning visuals with a sharp eye for detail, bringing each location to life with elegance and style.
Susanna
Our globe-trotting PA, Susanna is your virtual travel companion, smoothing logistics from Thailand to Brazil and everywhere in between.
Together, we're redefining travel—not just as another website, but as your trusted insiders committed to transparency, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.