Meet a Mom: Meredith Schnepp, Founder of Sunkissed Bliss Travel

Introducing to the Chicago North Shore Moms community Hawthorn Woods mom of two, former classical vocalist, and passionate traveler who turned her wanderlust into a thriving career, Meredith Schnepp, founder of Sunkissed Bliss Travel!

As the founder of Sunkissed Bliss Travel, Meredith turns dreamy “what if we went there?” conversations into real-life adventures filled with ease, laughter, and a touch of luxury. For Meredith, travel isn’t just about the stamps in your passport; it’s about the stories, the bonds, and those pinch-me moments that stick with you long after you’re home. Whether she’s helping a family navigate Tokyo or plan the ultimate European getaway, she’s all about making travel magical and stress-free. Get to know this adventurous mom who’s redefining what it means to explore the world… one blissful trip at a time. So, whether you live vicariously through this spotlight, or the words inspire you to get planning, enjoy this bit of escapism. Welcome, Meredith!

 

 

 

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Hi Meredith! It’s so nice to meet you! Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?

My name is Meredith Schnepp. I’m a native of Atlanta, Georgia where I lived until we moved to Chicagoland in the spring of 2020 when my husband was transferred for work.

We have two children, a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, who keep us wonderfully busy! Between contemporary dance, swimming, taekwondo, and piano lessons, our calendar is full but seeing them thrive and build friendships in our new community brings us such joy and relief. Watching them flourish here has been one of the best parts of our move.

 

 

What are one or two fun or interesting things to know about you?

I was a voice major in college and trained classically. Some of my fondest memories come from my collegiate choir days, thanks to the incredible bonds I formed and the amazing travel opportunities. While I don’t have time for a larger chorus right now, I still sing regularly as a cantor at our parish and at weddings throughout the year, which keeps that passion alive.

I’m also a major foodie who will try almost anything once! I genuinely love exploring new flavors, but there’s a deeper reason too: sharing meals is one of the most authentic ways to connect with different cultures. Whether we’re traveling or dining locally, I believe some of life’s richest experiences happen around the table.

 

What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent with family, date night, hang out, etc.?

Fort Sheridan is one of our go-to family spots. The kids love the trails and hunting for rocks along the beach, and it’s such a peaceful escape. The Chicago Botanic Garden is another favorite, especially for our son, who’s fascinated by the Model Railroad Garden. We also adore Glencoe’s downtown. I could happily spend an entire morning sitting on a sidewalk patio with a cappuccino, people-watching and soaking in the charm of it all.

 

We love recs! Any great reads or TV shows you’ve binged lately?

I may have jumped on The Summer I Turned Pretty wagon late, but I recently binge-watched it on a flight and loved every minute, especially the soundtrack!

As for reading, I’m such an avid reader that picking just one book feels impossible. I co-lead a destination and gastronomy-focused book club called Passport, Pages, & Pairing with a friend from Barrington, and it’s become one of my favorite monthly traditions. We read books set in different destinations, then gather to discuss them over themed light bites, a signature cocktail, and a curated travel guide that brings the location to life. It’s the perfect excuse to unwind and bond over three of my favorite things: food, books, and travel.

 

Books centered around travel, and food sounds devine! Your picks….

Recent picks have included Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein, Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

 

Speaking of escapism, do you have a mantra you’d like to share?

Travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about who you become.

 

Photography credit: Ivo from Porto, Flytographer

 

Yes! Love that! Let’s chat more about travel. Please introduce Sunkissed Bliss Travel! How long have you been a travel advisor? What are your areas of focus as a travel advisor?

I founded Sunkissed Bliss Travel in 2023 after seeing a clear need among friends and colleagues for something better: expertly curated travel experiences with seamless logistics, perfect pacing, and authentic immersion in each destination, all without the stress of managing every detail. I partner with reputable hotels and tour operators to ensure my clients can truly relax and savor their travels.

My specialty is custom land itineraries to Europe and Japan, but I especially love working with friend groups and multi-generational families. These trips, whether land-based or cruise, come with delightful complexity: diverse opinions, varying travel styles, and logistics that require careful coordination. That’s where I thrive.

My clients are wonderfully varied. I’ve planned European river cruises with pre- and post-cruise land extensions for retired baby boomers, spring break getaways for busy families, immersive two-week journeys across Japan, and multi-generational Alaskan cruise tours. No two trips are alike, and that’s exactly what I love about this work.

 

 

What is the most niche or custom travel plan you’ve made for a client?

Japan trips are always completely custom and require extensive destination knowledge. I’m proud to partner with a fantastic company that has a Tokyo office and provides all my clients with in-destination support, which is essential when traveling to a country so culturally different from the US.

One trip I’m especially proud of was a highly tailored journey to Bordeaux for a client with very specific preferences for certain wine appellations in the region. Tapping into my expertise and trusted French partners, I curated an itinerary featuring exquisite boutique properties, private appointments at renowned châteaux producing his favorite wines (with a dedicated chauffeur, naturally), and special touches like an intimate meeting with the chef at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

 

The process of researching for your clients is obviously very rewarding because you get to travel! What has been your favorite travel destination to date? 

I have a special place in my heart for Ireland. It’s somewhere I return to again and again. I recently heard someone say, “I can always count on myself to cry when I land and to cry when I take off,” and it resonated deeply. The first tears are always happy ones, and when I leave, they’re wistful because I’m already longing to return.

 

Meredith and husband on a cliff in Ireland

 

I traveled to Croatia in October and highly recommend it to anyone wanting that Mediterranean feel without the rising prices of Italy. I received an invitation to experience the country and didn’t hesitate to accept. Croatia is one of the most popular destinations I plan, and now I can further enhance my clients’ trips because nothing replaces firsthand experience.

 

 

What are you looking forward to most in 2026?

I’m especially excited about a “Come with Me” trip I’m hosting at the end of 2026 to Costa Rica for families with children aged 6-17. It’s through National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures, a tour operator I’ve experienced firsthand, and my own family will be joining too. It’s a wonderful way to explore destinations that might be challenging to navigate independently, without the stress of planning every detail. Just as important are the friendships formed in these intimate small groups of 20 people or fewer. I only have space for one or two more families!

More info on the Costa Rica trip can be found here: Chicago Luxury Travel Advisor | Sunkissed Bliss Travel

 

Photo credit: Eileen McDonough

 

What’s the best type of vacation for families traveling with young children?

I’m passionate about traveling internationally with your children, and yes, I mean Europe and Asia. The key is avoiding too many location changes once you’re there. Working with a travel advisor makes the experience much smoother by controlling the variables you can manage: that perfectly located family apartment with a washer and dryer, a private guide who can pivot when someone needs a snack, and hands-on workshops where both adults and children can try something local like painting tiles, making soap, or embossing leather.
Yes, children will need time to adjust, and tantrums will happen. Your eight-year-old may not remember every detail of that European trip years later. But what they will remember is how it made them feel, the realization that people around the world are more alike than different, and that special time with you doing something slightly uncomfortable and coming out better for it. Those are the memories that shape them.

 

 

How about families traveling with teens?

For families traveling with teens, pacing is crucial! Avoid scheduling too many early morning activities unless you want grumpy traveling companions. Invite your teens into the planning process and ask what excites them. I love incorporating experiences that celebrate pop culture, whether that’s visiting Pokémon Centers in Japan, exploring Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia, or discovering whatever’s currently trending on TikTok. When teens feel heard and see their interests reflected in the itinerary, they’re far more engaged in the journey.

 

Any surprises (good or bad) you’ve come across in your time traveling?

Absolutely. If there’s one constant with travel, it’s that no matter how well you plan, things can happen beyond your control: rail workers strike, war breaks out, you discover the rental car needs to be returned to a different location than expected. Review all reservations carefully and thoroughly. The best advice I give every client is to purchase travel insurance. It’s not an exciting expense, but you’ll absolutely regret skipping it if you need it and don’t have it.

The good surprises are even more abundant, and for me, they’re always centered on human connection. Like the care and honor my Japanese dinner companions showed when serving me food at a shared meal. Or the spontaneous evening my husband and I spent bar crawling through Dingle, Ireland with another couple we’ll likely never see again but won’t forget. Or the Croatian restaurant owner who decided to give us an impromptu lesson on local slang you’d never find on Google Translate! Those moments are what make travel truly unforgettable.

 

What’s your travel bucket list?

There are so many places, but I would love to go to Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam.

 

How are you paid for your time creating travel itineraries?

I’m compensated in two ways. First, I earn a commission from suppliers after you travel. This commission is already built into the price, so you’re paying it whether you book through a travel advisor or directly. The difference is that when you work with me, you receive expert guidance and personalized service.

Second, I charge a modest, nonrefundable planning fee that I assess during our complimentary initial consultation based on your trip’s complexity. This fee compensates me for the hours spent researching, designing your custom itinerary, and servicing your trip before departure. It also ensures I’m working exclusively for you, not influenced by supplier commissions.

I pride myself on providing exceptional, highly personalized service. To maintain this standard, I intentionally keep a limited client roster, ensuring I have the time and attention each journey deserves. This approach allows me to be truly invested in creating your perfect travel experience.

 

 

What else would you like our readers to know about you as a travel advisor?

I love getting to know my clients, and having a conversation is essential to understanding each other. Travel represents a significant investment of both time and resources, and I don’t take my role as the custodian of those precious commodities lightly.

Getting to know you allows me to create the best trip for YOU—not what your neighbor did, not what the Facebook comment boards recommend, but what you genuinely want and need. The more you share with me during our initial consultation, the better I can design your experience. Don’t hold back on sharing your likes, dislikes, dreams, concerns, budget range, or decision-making timeline. All of this information is crucial to crafting your perfect trip and ensuring we make the most of our time together.

This is a partnership. When you trust me with the details of what matters to you, I can deliver something truly extraordinary.

 

OK, time to hit the road and the air, or perhaps the seas. Give us all of your contact details.

The best way to reach me is by email at [email protected]. If you’re interested in my planning services, please submit an inquiry form through my website at www.sunkissedblisstravel.com/inquiry-form. This helps me stay organized and gather important information before our conversation so we can make the most of our time together.

If you’re not quite ready for trip planning but want to stay connected, I’d love to have you follow along! Find me on Facebook and Instagram @SunkissedBlissTravel, or subscribe to my monthly newsletter at www.sunkissedblisstravel.com/subscribe, where I share destination features, travel tips, and inspiration from my own travels and my clients’ adventures.

 

 

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