Why I love travel
I’m Kristen Rolfes Hall, founder and Chief Bucket List Officer of Curated Passage Travel, a luxury travel advisory dedicated to designing bespoke journeys that blend refined comfort with authentic discovery. As an avid and experienced global traveler, I bring firsthand insight and a deeply personal approach to every itinerary I create. My work is guided by thoughtful detail, insider access, and a passion for uncovering places that feel both extraordinary and deeply rooted in culture.
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​My travels span some of the world’s most exotic and awe-inspiring regions—from the souks and deserts of Morocco to the wild coastlines of South Africa; from the ancient landscapes of Peru to the biodiversity of the Galápagos; and from the rainforests of Central America to the dramatic fjords, vineyards, and alpine villages of Europe. These experiences shape how I curate journeys, allowing me to reveal hidden gems, connect travelers with exceptional local experts, and design moments that feel rare, personal, and unforgettable.
As Chief Bucket List Officer, I specialize in bespoke, bucket-list travel that balances luxury with active adventure and meaningful exploration.
Whether I’m designing a private safari, an expedition to remote islands, a culturally immersive journey through historic regions, or an elevated European escape infused with food, wine, and outdoor experiences, every itinerary is tailored to reflect my clients’ passions and pace. Through Curated Passage Travel, I transform travel into a curated passage—thoughtfully crafted, impeccably executed, and rich with stories worth telling.
My Story
My first international trip was when I was 11 years old and my parents took me to Morocco on one of those old Boeing 747s where the second level was a piano bar. Every part of the trip is imprinted on my mind; the brightly dyed wool yarns hanging above me in the Souk as people negotiated purchasing wool & sheep's skin rugs, the smell of sugar-covered fried dough from a giant caldron of hot oil sold by chattering old men, the sound of Andalusi music typical of northern Morocco playing in the distance, the drive through hot red sands of the Sahara Desert that transformed into the snow covered Atlas Mountains as we wound our way to small villages with ancient buildings encased in hand painted tiles and steeped in the authentic smells of slow cooking tagine. From that point on, it was not only the destination that excited me, but the passage as well. Hence the name of my business, Curated Passage. I strive to design unique and authentic luxury itineraries where the entire journey becomes part of the experience. Every meal, every accommodation, every train, boat, plane or car ride are specifically curated to complete the experience. My other passion is the environment. I spend most of my volunteer hours on sustainability. I am Chair of my town’s Environmental Commission, I run the Junior Green Team and collaborate on many conservation projects in my local area. As such, I hope to bring that sensibility to as many of my bookings as possible. I look forward to curating your next journey!
