Our Story
Redefining the Way You Travel
After nearly two decades in the travel industry, Catalina Quest founder Alison Hurley kept hearing the same thing: “Planning a trip is overwhelming.”
Seasoned travelers were spending over 35 hours piecing together flights, hotels, and tours using scattered websites and review platforms, only to wonder if they got it right. Traditional travel agents, while knowledgeable, often required days of back-and-forth and limited customization.
Catalina Quest was built to offer something better. A way to plan faster, smarter, and with the confidence that every choice has been vetted by people who know the world and how to move through it.
The Beginning: From Guide to Groundbreaker
Alison came to this work by living it. She didn’t start in tech, instead she started with a wetsuit in Alaska, guiding travelers through glacier-fed waters. She’s spent her career immersed in the details that make travel personal - building trips that reflect local character, shaping each itinerary around what matters most to travelers, and creating moments that stay with them. Her path has always been rooted in creating moments of connection, discovery, and wonder. That same spirit now shapes everything Catalina Quest offers.
“I’ve tested hundreds of hotels, worked with countless local suppliers, and seen firsthand what makes travel unforgettable. That’s what we’ve baked into Catalina Quest.”
Today, with a diverse and tech-savvy team by her side, she is building something that blends deep industry knowledge with modern tools to meet travelers where they are.
How We Make Travel Planning Effortless (and Meaningful)
Taylor is our travel planning assistant, designed to make building a thoughtful, well-organized itinerary fast and stress-free. In just a few minutes online, travelers can map out their entire trip with clarity and confidence, without relying on spreadsheets or guesswork.
And behind that smart software? Real people. Expert travel agents who:
Spot-check every itinerary for routing, hotel value, and tour fit.
Host pre-trip calls to walk you through every detail.
Offer 24/7 emergency support if something goes off course while you’re away.
We know your time and money are valuable. We make sure you spend both well.
A Philosophy That Guides Everything We Do
Catalina Quest wasn’t born from software. It was built by people who live and breathe travel. Our team has spent years in the field, forming real relationships and uncovering the kinds of experiences that make travel unforgettable.
Instead of following trends, we focus on creating tools that solve real problems. Our goal is to remove friction, offer insight, and help more people access culturally rich travel without high costs or added stress.
At the heart of everything we do are two beliefs that guide our work and our relationships:
“It’s not the last step. It’s the next step that counts.”
“Every relationship should be about what you put in, not what you take out.”
These values shape how we work, how we build, and how we connect with every traveler who comes our way.
Ready to Plan Differently?
Let’s make your next trip effortless and extraordinary. Start planning with Taylor or Work with a Travel Expert to build a custom itinerary that fits you perfectly.
Seek More
At Catalina Quest, we see travel as an invitation to look closer, listen more carefully, and connect with the world in meaningful ways. It is not just about reaching new places. It is about discovering something deeper. Watch the film below to learn what guides us and why it matters.