As the CEO of Galavante, Christine Drinan directs the strategy, business development and editorial direction of Galavante. Christine also contributes to Galavante’s travel reviews, using her trips to over 130 countries and over 800 luxury hotels and counting as inspiration. She is on track to be one of less than 10 women in the world to reach all 195 countries. Christine is a well-renowned luxury travel expert. In addition to travel, cooking is her passion. Christine is the author of the entertaining cookbook, The Art of International Entertaining, and TV show host of Traveling The 195, set to premier in 2023.
Favorite Destination
I am simple at heart, though I spend most of my time traveling to off-the-grid locations like Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. I enjoy classic destinations like Italy and the South of France in the summer. For winter getaways, Aspen is my second home, and I love Villa Rockstar in St. Barths. It’s not often though that I get to travel for leisure, because I’m changing the world. I’m on track to be one of less than 30 individuals of our 7.1 billion to reach all 195 countries.
Africa is where my heart is. It’s there, when I slept out in the bush by myself one evening, that I fell in love with the idea of happiness. That experience changed my life, and I would not be where I am today without it. Maybe one day, I’ll write about it in my great American novel. That experience I had is what travel should do; it should change you. Since then, I go to Africa several times a year to volunteer with an NGO and squeeze in a safari.
Most Exotic Destination Traveled
Afghanistan. I was a Guest Lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in Kabul and currently sit on the Board of Trustees of the university. Our Galavante in the World Foundation (GITW) was also established to assist women alumnae from AUAF with evacuation, living expenses and scholarships for further education.
On My Bucket List
The 5 Stans. Also Sardinia, which may be the only destination I’m holding out for to bring the right travel companion. And yes, I frequently interview candidates.
Travel Philosophy
Maximize my limited time off by experiencing all a destination has to offer in culture, history, restaurants, nightlife and high-end hotels.
More About Christine Drinan
Travel has been Christine’s passion ever since her college study abroad as an exchange student at the Vienna University of Business and Economics. While her accommodations have greatly improved since her backpacking days in Europe, her philosophy to maximize her experiences in every city has not.
Before launching Galavante, Christine worked for private equity firm The Blackstone Group. With a demanding career and limited time off, she wanted to make the most out of long weekends. Until Galavante, she couldn’t find an adequate travel resource to give travelers like her curated recommendations.
When Christine isn’t trekking around the world, she can be found in New York City. As an active part of the community, Christine founded the Galavante in the World Foundation which focuses on humanitarian, women’s rights and educational efforts around the world. Christine has been a Board Member of the New York Junior League, a Young Associate at the Metropolitan Opera and a Young Fellow at the Frick Collection. Currently she sits on the Board of Trustees of the American University of Afghanistan.
Christine has an MBA from Columbia University. She is conversational in French and German, and a beginner in Spanish. Her Duolingo app frequently reminds her she is behind on her Arabic studies.
