Meet Aneatrice Wornum | Travel Designer

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

Hi Aneatrice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I just wanted people to travel better. Travel is a big part of my life. I have visited 13 countries and almost half of the U.S. states so I consider myself pretty well-traveled. I am the “Type-A” friend, so naturally when it came time to plan the girl’s trips I was usually the one organizing everything. And every time I did, the feedback was always amazing. People would come back saying, “That was the best trip I have ever taken”. My trips are always curated with a certain magic; staying in stylish boutique hotels, dining at the best restaurants, booking tours with local guides, and getting immersed in the culture. Over time, I realized that thoughtful planning was a difference between an okay trip and one that is truly unforgettable. I have seen people just “wing it” and truthfully, they miss out on so much without proper planning. The good room with a view gets booked because they waited until the last minute to book or that Michelin restaurant they were excited about requires reservations 2 months in advance. They spend more time sitting in the hotel room trying to figure out what to do rather than actually doing it. Vacation time is already so limited; my mission is to help people enjoy it without the stress and second-guessing.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Truly Travl’d, is a boutique, luxury travel planning company, specializing in highly personalized trips to Southern Europe, Mexico and the U.S. My itineraries blend bucket-list moments with local charm for truly immersive and unforgettable travel experiences.

I think what sets me apart is that I have traveled from both sides of the spectrum. I have done the budget backpacking trips through Europe and I have stayed in 5-star hotels with dedicated house cars. Because of this, I know how to balance value and luxury – finding those sweet boutique hotels with top-notch service or fitting a wine tasting, cooking class and spa day into the same itinerary.

And because I have been a backpacker, I know how to find those real, authentic spots – the family-run restaurants that don’t show up on Michelin lists, the hidden swimming coves, and the street food that’s actually worth it. My clients want authenticity and aesthetics, and I know how to deliver both.

Getting here was far from easy. I built this business from scratch, often learning as I went along. I had to figure out building a website, marketing, client systems, how to work with travel suppliers and so much more. There have been slow seasons, bouts of imposter syndrome and moments of burnout -but, what kept me going was the bigger vision. I knew I had something special to offer and I wasn’t willing to let that go.

All of that came with really learning and understanding my worth. I am not just a travel designer, I am a traveler. I have spent thousands of dollars on travel and have invested countless hours into learning the ins and outs of planning my destinations to be able to deliver vacations that feel unique.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that thoughtful and intentional travel is possible -and it can be as effortless as it looks on Instagram. You don’t have to do it all yourself. I am here to make sure my clients have the trip of a lifetime without worrying about logistics or FOMO.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Such a good question! I actually think four days is the sweet spot for a trip to Atlanta-long enough to explore, but short enough to avoid travel fatigue (timing is everything when it comes to a great itinerary).

If I were planning the perfect ATL itinerary, here’s how I’d do it:

Thursday: We’d kick things off with a morning trip to the Georgia Aquarium – I know it’s touristy, but honestly I think it’s a must-do for any first-timer. After, we would drive down to Old Fourth Ward and snap some artsy pics at Krog Street Tunnel before ending the day with an early dinner at The Optimist – my absolute favorite restaurant in the city for upscale seafood. If we’re not too tired we would definitely head to Dark Horse in Virginia Highlands for some live band karaoke. It’s chaotic in the best way and always makes for great stories!

Friday: This is Braves Game day is the perfect day for a Braves Game. We’d arrive to The Battery a few hours early to stroll, shop and have a late lunch at Cru Food & Wine Bar (where I would definitely tell her to order the short rib paired with a glass of Cabernet). After we’d catch the game and soak up all the energy and canned margaritas.

Saturday: The time to unwind. I would book us a spa package at the Waldorf Astoria in Buckhead. This is the most luxe spa experience in the city and booking a treatment gives you access to their pool, saunas and steam rooms. We’d end the day with rooftop drinks and tapas at Gypsy Kitchen – perfect vibes, perfect views.

Sunday: A day in Downtown Decatur (the most underrated neighborhood in the metro area). We’d start with brunch at Folk Art Cafe and then make our way to Avondale Farmer’s Market to browse the stalls and grab some tasty treats. One place I really love in Decatur that I consider a must-do is Mudfire Studio and Gallery. They hosts beginner pottery lessons which is such a fun and creative way to end the trip! We’d close the weekend with dinner at No. 426 – a chic Italian restaurant with absolutely amazing food.

The thing I love about Atlanta is that there is truly something for everyone! This itinerary doesn’t even touch on the seasonal festivals, pop-up shops or outdoor adventures that are located right outside the city. While these are my personal go-to spots, I would likely create a completely different itinerary for someone else based on their style and preferences. That’s the magic of planning. It should be custom and not cookie-cutter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Travel is all about community and connection – and so is entrepreneurship. From the very beginning, the Atlanta Rising Women Community has played a huge role in keeping me grounded. Being an entrepreneur is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be lonely and challenging. No one truly understands the highs and lows like someone that is in the trenches with you. The community gave me space to build friendships, expand my network and be graced with new opportunities. It’s been a source of encouragement, inspiration and support – and I am genuinely grateful for the role they’ve played in my journey.

Website: https://trulytravld.com

Instagram: @trulytravld

Other: TikTok: @trulytravld