Interview: Melissa Hilliard, Blue Vida Travel

Melissa Hilliard, founder of Blue Vida Travel

With more than 30 years experience in the travel industry, world traveler Melissa Hilliard founded Blue Vida Travel to create carefully researched and customized travel plans for her clients.  As she prepares to relaunch her website, she gave this interview to North Palm Beach Life.
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By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

​Q. What led you to create Blue Vida Travel?

Melissa: I love travel - have loved it my whole life. I had been in the travel industry for a long time on the corporate side and there was an opportunity for me to open my own business. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. At the time, I also had a young daughter and I wanted to have flexibility and be able to spend time with her..

That was almost twenty years ago and just as the industry has changed I am looking forward to launching our new initiative with an eye toward creating travel experiences that are curated for each client or group. I feel like having the services of a well-traveled and connected travel advisor are now more important than ever.

Q. What is trending in travel for 2026?

For 2026 and beyond, people want a travel experience that is well-planned and customized to their budget, expectations and needs.  “Staycations” and exploring nearby areas are popular choices this summer. Save on airfare and splurge on a resort, spa or hotel close to home and homeport cruising.

The cruise outreach continues to grow and particularly in the luxury market, where brands that people have been loyal to - Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman - have all launched their own “yacht experience.” Clients who don’t want the expense, hassle or commitment of chartering or owning a private yacht can have this experience with all the luxury amenities and bucket list itineraries they desire.

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​Travelers are trying to avoid crowds by visiting less-traveled and off-the-beaten path destinations. For example, the “Albania Riviera” rather than Greece or Croatia; Algeria rather than Morocco; Sicily rather than Tuscany. Exploring lesser-known and underrated destinations like Namibia in southern Africa, Laos in Asia, the Alaskan inland areas.

Small ship cruising, including expedition ships and river cruises, are becoming more popular.
Expedition is also having a moment. Themed cruises - wine cruises, specific cuisines, activity and event based (FI Monaco comes to mind). Cultural immersion and interaction with locals adds interest. People are looking at experiences beyond the ship or the resort as a big part of the package - but at the end of the day they still want to sleep in a nice, safe place, have a good meal and maybe a nice bottle of wine. Putting it all together - that's the trick.

Q. Given current market challenges, what advice do you have for today's traveler?

Use a seasoned travel advisor. They can help navigate the nuances of the current travel climate.
Right now, the most confusing thing to navigate is air travel. There are many different fare types and so much varies from airline to airline and choosing the wrong fare can completely ruin your entire trip.

An advisor will customize your travel experience beginning with your air travel. They will be able to review
your needs and offer your best option. They can also explain the details and differences in the fares.

An advisor can be your advocate if and when you do have a problem. With the world situation as it is at the moment, a travel advisor is your best option to help you plan, take advantage of any special offerings, avoid any potential problems and navigate along the way.

Q. When did you first realize you had a love for travel, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I have loved the idea of travel since I was a young girl. I loved history and wanted to see the places where it happened. And that is one of the things I enjoy most about travel - I still love history and visiting those places. I love experiencing new cultures, meeting new people - seeing the world through their eyes. And of course, I have so many friends that I have met along the way. It literally has expanded my horizons.

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Q. What are your most memorable trips, and where would you return to again and again?

Honestly, every trip is a memorable trip - in one way or the other. Making memories is a large part of the joy of travel.  One that stayed with me is a cruise on Seabourn Encore that began in Haifa and included ports in Turkey and Greece. Most memorable are the Turkish ports of Mamaris and Antalya, which I would have never visited unless I was on that cruise.

I would always return to Israel and anywhere in the Mediterranean especially the French Riviera.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your goals for Blue Vida Travel?

​Build a full-service, concierge agency that gives the best bang for your buck, provides luxury add-ons and a seamless hassle-free experience and is top of mind whenever my clients imagine a trip or destination. In other words, my goal is when you think of traveling, you think of Blue Vida.
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