We understand you because we are you: discerning, design-focused, and with an independent streak.
Meet your travel insiders
Don
Founder Don's path to The Swank Guide was unconventional. As a kid, he dreamt of architecture and made movies with friends. Though sidetracked into law, a stint in the corporate world, then entrepreneurship in clean energy and sustainable housing, his passion for travel, film, and architecture never faded. Born in Italy, growing up in Paris until he was 5, and living in China for 17 years and Australia for 3 (where he attended architecture school for fun in his 40s), and traveling to over 60 countries, Don channeled his experiences into Swank: a platform built around authenticity, design, and discovery. He gets you because he's lived your travel frustrations—and triumphs—firsthand. His perfectionist tendencies mean he's been known to rearrange hotel furniture for better feng shui before filming—leaving confused housekeeping staff in his wake.
Sean
Sean’s our UK-based director of ops…. the kind of guy who's genuinely glad to help—whether you're chasing down a specific suite with a garden view or just need someone to decode a hotel's elaborate policies. His skills lie in the personal touch. Sean treats every question like it matters, because to him, it does. He's as comfortable troubleshooting the smallest logistics as he is mapping out a multi-city itinerary, and his knowledge of properties worldwide means you're always in capable hands.
Duan
Cape Town-based video editor Duan blends stunning visuals with a sharp eye for detail, bringing each location to life with elegance and style.
Susanna
Our globe-trotting PA, Susanna is your virtual travel companion, smoothing logistics from Thailand to Brazil and everywhere in between.
Together, we're redefining travel—not just as another website, but as your trusted insiders committed to transparency, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.