Meet our Founder

GAIA MIEREN

My passion for travel began when I took my first trip to Italy to visit my grandparents at just a year old. From that moment on, I’ve been driven by a deep curiosity about the world. Travel has not only allowed me to grow as an individual but has also strengthened my relationships with family and friends, opening my heart to new cultures and perspectives. It’s this lifelong love of discovery and connection that inspired me to create Allegra Travel Collective—so I can help others experience the world in a way that feels just as personal and meaningful as it has been for me.

"I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met"
- JOHN GREEN -

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY

MY FAVORITE CUISINE

MY FAVORITE CITY

I love how spontaneous travel can be. In Portugal, I made a friend on a night out and convinced them to go kayaking in the Algarve the next day—followed by an impromptu skydiving adventure. It turned into one of the most unexpected, unforgettable days of my life.

Even though I live in Italy, my favorite cuisine isn’t Italian! While I do love a good seafood or carbonara pasta, I’m a true foodie who loves exploring the world through local dishes. My top cuisines are Japanese and Peruvian, but I'm sure this will change as I continue to travel!

Lisbon is my favorite city for its color, artsy vibe, and the soundtrack of live music around every turn! I loved the quirky shops, laid-back hippie vibe, and daily pastel de nata runs—just a few of the things that made me fall in love with this city.

I CAN'T TRAVEL WITHOUT

COUNTRIES I'VE TRAVELED TO

ON MY BUCKETLIST

For long-haul flights, I can’t go without my black-out silk eye mask and earplugs—they’re the only way I can get any decent sleep. I also always bring a coloring book or some paper and pens to doodle during downtime!

I’ve traveled to 21 countries, and living in Europe has given me the chance to explore even more on weekend trips. Montenegro, Portugal, and Thailand are just a few places that surprised me in the best way, and I can’t wait to return!

Turkey has been at the top of my travel list for as long as I can remember. I’m also excited to explore the smaller Greek islands, taste authentic sushi in Japan, and experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City.

From Washington, D.C. to Puglia, Italy...

Born to an Italian mom and Polish dad, I grew up near Washington, D.C., but Italy has always felt like my second home. Some of my earliest travel memories are of summers spent with my mom’s side of the family—running through cobblestone piazzas, playing with neighborhood kids in poppy fields, stomach aches from too much gelato, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. I’ve always felt drawn to live in Italy. After high school, I spent a summer in Venice, and three years ago, I moved to Puglia. What was meant to be a short stay quickly turned into a deep love for this regions slow pace, coastal beauty, and rich traditions.

I spend much of my free time traveling, with a special love for Mediterranean escapes and beach destinations. As a foodie and wine lover, I’m always on the lookout for new flavors and local dishes to savor, and my travels are often centered around what’s on my plate. Moving to Italy sparked my passion for travel even more, and it’s given me the opportunity to explore over 21 countries.

Allegra Travel Collective was born from my desire to help others travel effortlessly, sharing the insider knowledge and personal experiences I’ve gained over the years. I launched the agency to connect with like-minded explorers and craft meaningful, one-of-a-kind journeys that go beyond the ordinary.