My Interview with Eric Czerlonka 

(Aviator founder Colby Kane sits down with Eric Czerlonka in the Aviator HQ)

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how travel has shaped your life?

I have been in the hospitality industry for 30 years, with the last 25 focused on luxury experiences. I started my business 15 years ago and although not my initial intention, I immediately started getting opportunities to work internationally and those took me to Istanbul, Shanghai and Marrakech in my first year. 

To say that travel has shaped my life is an understatement. It sparked a desire to see beauty in all landscapes while learning all I can about different cultures, traditions and people. The connection made when you approach travel experiences with a desire to experience, learn and connect is when the journey is not just travel, but transformation. 

My goal is to create experiences that allow people to feel this. 

Before launching CURATED by Czerlonka, what kind of work or projects were you involved in?

(Arches National Park Hike, UT)

My business is well established in the corporate incentive travel industry. The experiences we curate are designed to motivate our clients' customers, agents, or employees to exceed performance goals. Expectations in this space are exceptionally high—and we’ve consistently exceeded them. Our ability to deliver at this level has allowed our growth entirely through client referrals.

What inspired you to start CURATED by Czerlonka, and why now?

For years, people have asked how they can attend one of our trips, and I always had to explain that they were privately booked by our clients and available by invitation only.

I’m not someone who likes to say no. I believe there’s a solution to every scenario, and CURATED by Czerlonka is our answer for those who want to join us for leisure travel.

Who is CURATED by Czerlonka designed for? Who’s your ideal guest?

CURATED is perfectly suited for people seeking an immersive cultural experience. They want to go beyond traditional tourism and see the world through a local lens. They value creating memories that are both educational and emotionally impactful. They appreciate luxury, attention to detail, and exclusivity.

(Safari in Serengeti, Africa)

How do you approach building a travel experience for your guests? What makes your process unique?

It begins with listening to our customers and potential guests to understand who they are and what they hope to gain from the experience. From there, the research begins, followed by a site visit to the destination(s)—and in some cases, multiple destinations.

While on the site visit, we explore every detail of the experience to ensure we’re over-prepared to answer any questions and anticipate any scenario that could impact a guest’s journey.

(Gorilla Trek in Rwanda)

I strive to improve upon every experience or activity presented to me. I rarely accept things as they are typically done. I look for every opportunity to elevate the experience and deliver something our clients wouldn’t be able to access on their own.

Finally, I eliminate anything that doesn't meet my expectations or move me in some way, and I craft an agenda I believe will create a truly memorable experience for our guests.

This level of effort is applied to all our offerings. Whether it’s a pre-planned group journey or a CURATED experience designed specifically for a leisure client or travel advisor.

I currently have a planning trip scheduled for August that spans 14 days. It includes 3 nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express through the Malaysian jungle, time in Bangkok, stays at multiple resorts in Thailand, followed by Vietnam, and exploration of options in the Himalayas.

It’s a significant time commitment and the pace would be considered grueling by most, but we see it as essential. I’m confident I’ll return with a 2026 travel experience that we can proudly offer and fully support.

(Mid flight from Buenos Aires to Chile) 

In a world filled with online booking sites and travel influencers, how does CURATED by Czerlonka stand out?

Yes, there are so many resources available today.  However, our goal is to put the personal connection back into travel and that begins with the selection and planning process. We want to get to know our guests on a personal level so we can best recommend and curate for them. Our hope is that we will develop long-term relationships with our guests based on trust and our ability to exceed their expectations. 

We do not recommend any destinations or experience that we have not done ourselves – we require first-hand experience of all the details of your experience prior to confirming the details with you – this allows us to anticipate all situations that might impact your experience and provide our guests with the best possible experience. 

We have a host designated to each CURATED experience. This host is available for all questions leading up to your trip and they will be in the destination when you arrive. We do not hand you over to local tour operators. This provides you with a familiar face when you arrive and allows us to ensure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible. 

You recently took 17 people on a trip to South America for the very first CURATED by Czerlonka experience. What did you learn on that trip?

(Learn to Tango like a pro, Buenos Aires)

I learned a lot, but the most unexpected takeaway was realizing how quickly a group of strangers can connect when sharing meaningful experiences. Within the first 12 hours in Buenos Aires, it felt like everyone had known each other for years. It was something to witness—and even more powerful to be part of. Real friendships were formed.

What do you attribute that to?

I think everyone came into the experience with an open mind, a little bit of nervous energy, and a genuine desire to get the most out of the trip. Once the initial nerves faded, it opened up space for people to be themselves, stay present, and be curious about each other. That’s when the magic really happened.

Can you share an example of a recent itinerary or travel experience you built that really reflects your vision?

Colby the best way to do this is to include a link. View our South America Experience itinerary.

(Starry night in Atacama Desert, Chile)

Do you have a personal travel philosophy—something that guides how you explore the world or design trips for others?

Travel with open eyes, an open heart and open mind. When I am exploring a location, I am completely focused on finding experiences and moments that make me feel something. 

Where can people learn more, and what’s the best way to get started with you?

www.czerlonka.com/curated

follow us on Instagram @czerlonka

We encourage people to join our Explorer Select Family for additional benefits including: 

• Access to new journeys one week before public release
• Complimentary travel & medical insurance included
• Personalized gift with every booking
• Friends & family pricing available 45 days prior to departure.

The best way to get started, email us at curated@czerlonka.com or call 866-292-1220 x112.

Why do you believe that Aviator and CURATED would be good partners?

I believe there are strong synergies between our companies. Aviator’s mission to make the modern traveler feel comfortable and confident aligns perfectly with CURATED’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. By working together, we can create added value for our shared audience—making cross-promotion not only mutually beneficial for our brands, but also a meaningful benefit to our customers.

How would you handle a CURATED trip (offer) for the Aviator community who may have concerns about traveling together as a group of strangers? 

Our goal is for each guest to have the experience they want. Think of the itinerary as a thoughtfully designed roadmap—crafted to offer the best of the destination—but it's entirely up to you how closely you follow it.

 If you'd prefer to skip something or would like us to curate a day tailored specifically to your interests, we’re happy to do that.

While the agenda is designed with group experiences in mind, participation is always optional. We may offer a group dinner or two, but unless otherwise specified, breakfast, lunch, and most dinners will be on your own.

What can the Aviator community expect from the first CURATED offer which we will announce this Sunday?

Without giving too much away, I’ll say this: the destination is ideal for anyone needing a 3-night escape from the everyday. It’s a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the outdoors, enjoy incredible food, connect with others—and best of all, it’s all thoughtfully planned for Aviator customers at an incredible value.

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Sounds great and we can't wait... Thank you Eric!

Please note: Eric has generously extended exclusive access to our community for one of his upcoming CURATED trips. This is a luxurious three-day experience offered at 40% off the published rate. While this opportunity may not be for everyone, it's designed for those who are ready to invest in an unforgettable, first-class getaway.

If you're curious to learn more or want to be the first to receive details, sign up here for early access.