Meet Athena Livadas | Luxury Travel Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Athena Livadas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Athena, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After a decade immersed in advertising and marketing, I found myself craving something more meaningful. I spent six months traveling the world and getting inspired. While considering what to do professionally upon my return to ‘reality’, I yearned to channel my love for travel into a purpose-driven endeavor that would not only satisfy my wanderlust but also enrich the lives of others. Thus, Páme Travel was born. A venture born from my passion for travel and natural skill for planning & organization. Enabling people to travel confidently with a custom itinerary built just for them brings me so much joy daily.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart as a travel advisor is my deep passion for both people and travel. I don’t just plan trips—I design experiences that reflect who my clients truly are. I take the time to understand more than just their design style or hotel preferences. I want to know how they like to travel. Do they wake up early or savor slow mornings? Do they prefer an engaging, high-energy guide or someone more laid-back? These details shape the difference between a “good” trip and an unforgettable one. That’s why my complimentary discovery call is so in-depth—it’s where I start building a journey that feels effortless and personal.

Beyond customization, I’m passionate about striking the perfect balance between authenticity and luxury. We all love the comfort of a beautifully designed hotel and seamless service, but that doesn’t mean every meal should be at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Some of the best travel moments come from the in-between moments—grabbing a street taco in Mexico City, stumbling upon a hidden beach in the Mediterranean, or chatting with a shopkeeper in a tucked-away market. These are the experiences that make a trip feel real, yet so many advisors overlook them in favor of packaged, paid activities. Of course, I book the private tours, cooking classes, and yacht charters, but I also make sure my clients have those spontaneous, immersive moments that make them feel like they truly know a place.

Starting a business is never easy. It takes resilience, patience, and an unwavering belief in what you’re building. I’d never tell someone to start a company unless they’re ready to give it their whole heart. Growth takes time, and the hardest part is balancing the present with the future—serving clients exceptionally well now while laying the groundwork for long-term success. But that’s the beauty of it. Páme Travel was built from a love of exploration, and that same mindset keeps pushing me forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m most famous for my custom google maps – I have an epic one for all of orange county! Send me your email and I’ll share it!

Where to eat/drink
Bear Flag at Crystal Cove – Between Newport & Laguna – This is a MUST if you enjoy fish. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, I’ve taken every guest ever here and it’s their favorite. It has been a local gem for years and they just remodeled. Very casual, great for lunch – no resy needed.
AhBa – Laguna – Great casual, poppin’, spot for dinner. There is often a line but it goes quick. One of the best burgers in town but they also have great healthy options! Plus they have a cool speakeasy, old cottage converted to bar next door for cocktails – no resy needed.
South of Nicks – Laguna – Great mexican food, a little fancier but not stuffy. Good for lunch or dinner. Need a reservation so ask Ritz Concierge. Go to Hotel Laguna’s bar (Larson) before for a cocktail at sunset.
The Drake – Laguna – This is a small jazz club / steakhouse. Loud music but super fun for a later night. Can just go to the bar or if you want to have dinner make a reservation. The bar is blocked from the view of the musicians which is kind of annoying so if you can get a table that’s best.
Driftwood Kitchen – Laguna – Great brunch with a view! Need a reservation if weekend / busy.
Active Culture & Urth Caffe & Jan’s – Laguna – Casual, healthy, delicious lunch options – can get to-go and sit at the beach.
Rooftop Lounge – Laguna – Great for happy hour. Good mojitos & views! Try to make a reservation.
Craft House / Project Social – Dana Point – Casual breweries/lunch spots near Dana Point – no resy needed.
Mayfield – San Juan Capistrano – Super cute restaurant, not too fancy but do need a reservation. It’s right by Mission San Juan Capistrano which is kinda cool to walk around in if you’ve never been to a Spanish mission before!
What to do
Beaches
Treasure Island Beach – This is in front of the Montage – which is a stunning resort – very small hidden beach away from most of the crowds. You can park in front of Ruby’s on PCH and then walk into the entrance towards Montage. You’ll see a big staircase you take all the way down towards the bluffs and then turn right. There’s a discreet wooden staircase to get down to the sand.
1000 Steps Beach – One of my favorite beaches but you have to walk down 1000 stairs to get to it, hence the name! Small cove with cliffs covered in mansions. Fun to bring lunch and swim here. Can be easy to miss it’s a small staircase right off the side of PCH.
Hikes
Crystal Cove – This is my favorite. If you have a car you can drive and park for free at the top and start there, called Pacific Ridge. There are long and short trail options here! Great to do this and then get Bear Flag for lunch!
Top of the World Trail – Shorter walks with great views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Travel isn’t just something I do—it’s in my DNA. My parents made sure I understood, from day one, that the world is meant to be explored. At just six months old, I was already on my first trip to Europe. Summers were spent in Greece, visiting my dad’s family in Athens and tacking on new European adventures along the way. That kind of exposure shaped me. It made travel second nature.

By my twenties, I was chasing experiences across the globe—studying abroad in Copenhagen, moving solo to NYC, and eventually backpacking through Asia. That’s where the idea for Páme was born. But it wasn’t just the miles I logged that gave me the courage to start my own company.

My parents were fearless. They built their own paths, leaving home to pursue their passions, and they made sure I knew I could do the same. Starting a business takes confidence, resilience, and a strong support system. I’m incredibly lucky to have people who remind me of my bravery—who believe in me so fiercely that they’d do anything to see me succeed. That kind of support is everything. And that’s exactly what I bring to my clients—someone who’s got their back, guiding them toward unforgettable adventures with the same confidence and care.

Website: https://www.pame.travel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelpame

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/100972278/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565043730251

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