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Ryan Cowden

Ryan Cowden

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Ryan Cowden

Chicago, IL Travel Agent
Avid Nomad Travel, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
36 reviews
100% Recommended
6 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
Portuguese,
Spanish

Customized Travel Planning

I started Avid Nomad Travel to help travelers step out of their comfort zones by introducing them to new landscapes, cultures, and experiences. I work hard to create truly unique travel experiences for clients from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQ travelers. While my specialty is planning a unique itinerary for you in Europe or South America, I can craft a plan that will take you wherever you want to go and for most experiences, styles and interests. So whether you’re a novice adventurer, a seasoned jet-setter or you just need to escape, I will work with you to create a personalized itinerary that will fuel your own passions, desires, and curiosities.
My Travel Specialties

Certificates & Awards

Travel Stories & Media

Client Reviews

My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Asia
Europe
South America
Spain
Brazil
Colombia
See All Destinations >
Interests
Architecture
Castles & Cathedrals
Global Travel
Historical Sites
Independent Travel
European Culture
See All Interests >

My Travel Specialties

Travel Agent for Europe
Travel Agent for Europe
As European Destination Specialist I'll craft a particular itinerary to best suit your travel style and your interests. Starting with a period as a resident of London for nearly 4 years in the early 2000's, I have explored and continue to explore this amazing continent whenever I can.  Wit...
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Travel Agent for South America
Travel Agent for South America
Brasil was my first foreign destination as an 18 year old, I fell in love with the country, people and exuberant energy.  I've been back at least 14 times, for as long as two months and as little as a long weekend.  There is always something new to discover, another natural wonder to visit, an ar...
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Europe, South America and Global Travel Agent
Europe, South America and Global Travel Agent
Hi there, my name is Ryan Cowden and I am the founder and owner of Avid Nomad Travel. I’ve always looked at the world a bit differently, from a young age. When I was 7 years old, my grandparents gifted me a Jr. Almanac, igniting my curiosity for life beyond the threshold of my childhood ho...
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Travel Agent for Spain and Portugal
Travel Agent for Spain and Portugal
The Iberian Peninsula is another destination I know well.  Most visitors want to visit Barcelona, and for good reason.  Stunning architecture, beaches and nearby beach towns, the mountains forming a backdrop...  there are not shortage of reason. But there is so much more to Spain and Portu...
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Travel Agent for Chile
Travel Agent for Chile
Chile is a spectacular destination.  Spanning from the desert in the tropics of the north all the way to the sub-Antarctic, this country offers something for every visitor. While Santiago is highly underrated by itself, my favorite urban destination, and a must do, is Valparaiso.  This por...
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Travel Agent for Colombia
Travel Agent for Colombia
Colombia is another special place to me.  I began spending the bulk of the North American winters here in 2018-19 and have been coming back year since then, exploring more bits and pieces as I go and getting to know favorites, such as Santa Marta or the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis) better each time...
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Travel Agent for Brazil
Travel Agent for Brazil
To me, Brasil is a special destination and one that I am passionate about.  It was my first destination outside of the US as an 18 year old that had just graduated from high school.  I spent a month with one of my best friends who had been an exchange student for 2 years in our school. I c...
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Travel Agent for Asia, Australia, and Africa
Travel Agent for Asia, Australia, and Africa
While my specialty is European and South American travel, I have also travelled to, or booked, Tanzania/Kenya, Egypt, Japan, China, Australia, India, Thailand/Cambodia, Indonesia, Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, Morocco, Hawaii and French Polynesia. Wherever you want to go, I have the back...
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Certificates & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world.Go with the pros.
Expert on Spain
Aussie Specialist Agent
Avalon River Cruise Specialist
Ama Waterways River Cruise Specialist

My Travel Stories

Tatami flooring, futon, zataku table
Experience a Ryokan in Japan
One of the must do highlights during a visit to Japan is to fully experience an overnight stay at a traditional inn called a Ryokan. On my recent trip to Japan, I stayed in two of them, one modern multi-floor building in Kanazawa and another, a single level historic inn centered on a garden in Kyoto's super atmospheric Gion district. ...
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My Photo Albums and Videos
Italy
VIEW ALBUM

    CLIENT REVIEWS

    Rating: 5
    36 reviews
    100.00% Recommended
    The Perfect Trip to Italy
    Reviewed By Dan - Columbus, OH | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
    Ryan and Avid Nomad Travel helped us plan a trip of a lifetime to Italy and Spain. Twice-postponed due to the pandemic, Ryan was extremely communicative throughout the process and even helped us make some last minute adjustments. The hotels, the tours, and the transfers we had were all spectacular and definitely not something we could have pieced together ourselves in such a perfect way. Thanks, Ryan!
    Ryan Cowden responded
    "Thanks Dan! Glad you were finally able to get there and enjoyed your time exploring! Looking forward to the next adventure!"
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    Making Lifetime Memories
    Reviewed By Kate - Columbus Ohio | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
    Ryan did an amazing job planning and assisting my family through our trip to Italy. He was able to plan an itinerary for my family to keep everyone happy, which is no small feat.

    Not only was the planning a smooth process, Ryan made himself available throughout our trip to help when we encountered snafu’s, like our connecting flight being cancelled the morning we were to leave for our trip. Ryan was on the ball and had us re-routed in no time.

    Thankfully once we arrived in Italy everything went off without a hitch. The directions were detailed and accurate and we were able to spend time together and make memories of a lifetime.
    Ryan Cowden responded
    "Thanks so much Kate! Glad everyone enjoyed their time in Italy, I'm looking forward to your next adventure!"
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    The best trip ever
    Reviewed By Peter - Kildeer, IL | Traveled to Europe
    Our recent adventure with Avid Nomad Travel to Barcelona and Poland surpassed all expectations. From the outset, their meticulous planning and deep understanding of each destination were evident.

    What sets Avid Nomad Travel apart is their dedication to personalizing the travel experience. They tailored our journey to match our interests perfectly, offering a blend of exploration and relaxation that left us feeling enriched and rejuvenated. While traveling, we were able to get a hold of Ryan to help assist with some minor changes with issues at all.

    For anyone seeking a travel partner who values authenticity and excellence, Avid Nomad Travel stands out. Let them transform your travel aspirations into unforgettable realities, leaving you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the art of exploration.
    Ryan Cowden responded
    "Thanks so much for the review and for getting in touch. I'm glad your time away in Barcelona and Poland was a success. I can't wait to see where you and your family will visit next"
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    Awesome service!
    Reviewed By KCliff - Columbus, OH | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
    We called Ryan with a very last minute request for an all inclusive vacation. Within 2 days he had options and a day after that everything was booked! A month later we were on our way to Sandals Dunns River in Jamaica for a fantastic 7 days getaway!
    Ryan Cowden responded
    "I'm so glad it all worked out and that you both enjoyed your time away. I'm ready to plan the next one when you are!"
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
    Every Detail Considered for Our Comfort
    Reviewed By Lesley - Canton, OH | Traveled to Arizona ~ USA
    What an amazing trip!! Details were planned to accommodate all 6 of us ranging in age from 9 to 76. Ryan helped us book a variety of hotels in different states as well as excursions. Each hotel had a delicious breakfast, fabulous amenities like pools and a kind staff. Our hotel in Moab was the best family-friendly hotel I've ever stayed in. Overall, this tips was above and beyond because of the support from Avid Nomad. We will absolutely reach out to Ryan for future travel.
    Ryan Cowden responded
    "Thanks so much Lesley, I can't wait to see where you're next adventure will take you! I'm ready whenever you are. "
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
    0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

    My Places

    When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

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