Where experience opens doors and guides every detail.
Southlake Travel is a principal-led advisory firm designing global journeys shaped by trusted relationships, careful oversight, and thoughtful execution.
A LEGACY OF DISTINCTION
Where experience meets perspective.
For more than two decades, Karen Dawson has guided clients through journeys shaped by curiosity, comfort, and time well spent.
Her clients are accomplished and engaged — planning European escapes, gathering extended family for meaningful trips, or finally exploring destinations they’ve long hoped to experience.
From city stays across Europe and river cruises along storied waterways to African safaris and thoughtfully designed family journeys, each itinerary is shaped with care and attention to what matters most to the traveler.
She’s often asked what her favorite trip has been. Her answer is simple: the next one. It’s the anticipation. The experience. The excitement of seeing, learning, and tasting something new.
Because travel, at its best, is about continuing to explore — and enjoying every moment along the way.
THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS.
Travel shaped around what matters most — to you.
Some travelers arrive with very specific priorities. An avid photographer may need extra space for equipment and time in the right light. A family gathering in London and Scotland may want the balance of history, culture, and meaningful time together — not simply a checklist of landmarks.
Destinations matter. But what matters more is understanding why you’re going.
What excites you. What concerns you. What would make this experience feel personal and not packaged.
That level of care doesn’t happen by accident. It requires experience, trusted relationships, and someone who can quietly bring every detail together — from the first conversation to the moment you return home.
Right Place. Right Time.
Clients traveling to Rome had planned a visit to Vatican City. Given the pontiff’s declining health, Karen and the client discussed what might happen and how it could affect access. She advised that if the Pope were to pass, a conclave would be called, and the Vatican would be closed to the public.
Shortly after their arrival, those considerations became reality.
Because the possibility had already been addressed, there was no confusion — only a clear understanding of what to expect. Then, within days, white smoke rose above the Vatican and church bells rang across the city as a new Pope was chosen. What began in solemn reflection turned into jubilation throughout Rome. Our clients found themselves present for a historic moment they never could have anticipated witnessing firsthand.
Travel does not always unfold predictably. When it is thoughtfully guided, even the unexpected can take on new meaning.
HOW WE WORK
It begins with understanding what matters most to you.
Every journey begins with a conversation — in person or virtually, wherever you’re most at ease. It’s an opportunity to talk about the places you’ve imagined, the experiences you value, and the details that will shape the trip.
We listen carefully.
We design intentionally.
We advocate for you — before, during, and long after you return home.
Planning should feel clear and considered.
Travel should feel enriching — never complicated.
Karen’s experience and perspective continue to shape the vision and standards of Southlake Travel — setting the tone for how every journey is designed and delivered.
That vision is carried forward by a team of advisors and strategists who bring it to life every day.
The Team Behind Every Journey
Southlake Travel operates as a collaborative advisory firm. While Karen provides strategic direction and senior counsel, each advisor leads client relationships within their areas of expertise — supported by a coordinated team committed to excellence at every stage.
Behind every seamless departure is thoughtful planning, global perspective, and disciplined execution.
Together, we design travel that feels effortless — and distinctly personal.
Jim Dawson
Marketing Director
As Marketing Director, Jim shapes the strategic positioning, partnerships, and brand direction of Southlake Travel. Drawing on leadership experience across global organizations including AT&T, Verizon, and IBM, he brings enterprise-level strategy and alliance development to a boutique advisory firm.
Beyond marketing execution, Jim helps guide long-term growth, strategic collaborations, and client engagement initiatives — ensuring that Southlake Travel’s presence, messaging, and partnerships reflect the caliber of experiences the agency delivers. He also oversees creative direction for all digital and print platforms, including Portfolio, reinforcing a cohesive and elevated brand standard.
Deonne Swanson
Travel Advisor – Europe, Family & Global Adventures
A lifelong explorer who has visited more than 20 countries and 45 U.S. states, Deonne brings firsthand experience and thoughtful precision to every itinerary she designs.
She specializes in European travel and multi-generational journeys, leading her client relationships with care and clarity while crafting experiences that feel seamless, enriching, and enduring.
Sophia Iverson
Travel Advisor – Honeymoons, Celebrations & Luxury Safaris
Having lived overseas for 13 years, including time in Africa, Sophia brings authentic cultural perspective to the journeys she curates. Her background in event planning informs her thoughtful approach to honeymoons, milestone celebrations, and bespoke safaris.
She works closely with her clients to design travel that feels immersive, meaningful, and beautifully considered.
Carol Palazzo
Travel Advisor – Luxury & Culinary Travel
Carol specializes in customized luxury travel, creating detailed itineraries shaped around each client’s interests, pace, and priorities. Whether it’s a curated tour, cruise, or a highly-personalized vacation, she blends creativity with careful planning to deliver elevated getaways and adventures that turn travel dreams into lasting memories.
Carol believes exceptional travel begins with listening — ensuring that you, the traveler, are inspired and excited on your journey.
WHY SOUTHLAKE TRAVEL?
Experience, relationships, and access that work on your behalf.
For more than two decades, Karen Dawson has guided clients through thoughtfully planned journeys shaped by trust and understanding. Client’s value having someone who listens carefully, anticipates details, and remains available before, during, and after travel.
Through her affiliation with the Virtuoso® network, Southlake Travel maintains preferred relationships with leading hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and travel partners worldwide. These connections may provide added amenities, preferred access, and special privileges not always available to the general public — quietly enhancing each journey.
Just as important, Virtuoso partners are carefully vetted, offering confidence in the people and properties you experience along the way.
Exceptional travel isn’t only about where you go. It’s about having the right relationships behind you.
FEATURED EXPERIENCES
Formula 1 Race Weekends
Select Grand Prix access paired with refined city stays, thoughtful dining, and time beyond the track.
European & Cultural Journeys
Historic cities, storied landscapes, and thoughtfully paced itineraries across Europe and beyond.
Hidden Tropical Retreats
Relaxed beachfront villas and island resorts chosen for privacy, beauty, and ease.
Solo Travel, Reimagined
Independent journeys designed with confidence — personalized pacing, meaningful experiences, and the right support when it matters.
Celebrations & Milestone Travel
Honeymoons, anniversaries, and family gatherings thoughtfully planned to feel seamless and personal.
EXPLORE OUR SERVICES
Travel, designed around you.
Every journey begins with a thoughtful conversation. From there, we shape an experience that reflects your priorities, interests, and pace.
Southlake Travel provides personalized planning across a range of destinations and travel styles — guided by experience, trusted relationships, and careful attention to detail.
Luxury Cruises
River and ocean voyages selected for comfort, enrichment, and meaningful access to each destination.
Europe & Custom Journeys
Individually designed itineraries across Europe and beyond, balancing cultural depth with relaxed pacing.
Family & Multi-Generational Travel
Thoughtfully planned trips that bring generations together with the right balance of activity and time to connect.
Solo Travel Experiences
Independent journeys designed with confidence, personalization, and seamless support.
Corporate & Incentive Travel
Strategic travel experiences that reward achievement and strengthen relationships.
Travel Talks
Regent on 3/5.
AMAWaterways & Silversea Cruises on 5/6.
Tauck for 9/17.
Regent on 3/5. AMAWaterways & Silversea Cruises on 5/6. Tauck for 9/17.
Future Hosted Events
JOURNEYS
Destination experiences created in partnership with respected hosts.
Southlake Travel collaborates with accomplished chefs, wine professionals, and community leaders to design thoughtfully curated travel experiences built around shared passions.
In each journey, the host brings the perspective and personality.
Southlake Travel designs and manages the experience behind the scenes — shaping the itinerary, coordinating logistics, and ensuring every detail reflects the group’s vision.
CURRENT JOURNEY
Amalfi Coast with Loveria Caffè
Loveria Caffè
October 1–10, 2026
This journey brings guests into the regions that inspire Loveria’s cuisine — from local markets and cooking traditions to coastal villages and vineyard experiences.
Designed in partnership with Southlake Travel.
PAST HOSTED JOURNEYS
England & Scotland Cultural Experience
Hosted in collaboration with local cultural partners
Exploring London’s historic landmarks and the iconic grounds of Highclere Castle, alongside Scotland’s enduring traditions—including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Designed in partnership with Southlake Travel.
Hosted with former Head Chef at Buckingham Palace
An intimate exploration of Napa’s vineyards and culinary heritage, guided by deep expertise and shared appreciation for tradition.
Designed in partnership with Southlake Travel.
Napa Valley Culinary Journey
Interested in Hosting a Journey?
Southlake Travel partners with select restaurants, wine specialists, cultural organizations, and community groups to develop destination experiences that deepen relationships and build loyal followings.
If you would like to explore a hosted journey aligned with your brand, we welcome the conversation.
FUTURE HOSTED JOURNEYS
European Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Hosted in collaboration with AmaWaterways
Expanding our curated offerings, we are introducing beautifully paced seven- and ten-day river journeys that balance play at five premier European golf courses with immersive local exploration.
Thoughtfully designed in partnership with AmaWaterways, these sailings ensure that while golfers experience world-class fairways, their companions enjoy equally enriching days of culinary discovery, cultural immersion, and serene spa retreats.
Every detail—from securing coveted tee times to arranging private village tours—is quietly managed behind the scenes, allowing you to simply relax and share the experience together.
Designed in partnership with Southlake Travel.
Yachting for Charity
An intimate voyage of luxury and giving
Private yacht voyages aboard SeaDream, curated in partnership with select nonprofit organizations to create memorable travel experiences that also give back.
Exclusive Experience
Private 7-night voyage for two to the world’s most sought after yachting destinations. All-inclusive.
Ideal for galas and charity live auctions seeking a unique, high-value item.
Perfect for Your Event
We handle all the details and coordination. No risk, no hassle - just a seamless experience for your auction.
Effortless Planning
Portfolio
“Travel has become louder than it used to be. There's more advice, more commentary, and more urgency surrounding every decision. It can feel as though each choice needs to be optimized, compared, or justified. And yet, the people I talk with most often are asking more personal questions: Will this feel easy? Will this fit us? Will we actually enjoy the time we're giving it?
Portfolio is my way of slowing that conversation down a bit. “
- Karen Dawson
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Let's Start the Conversation
Thoughtful counsel for the road ahead.
If you are considering your next journey and would value experienced guidance backed by trusted global access and thoughtful oversight, we would be pleased to begin with a conversation.