Jennifer (or Jenn) Wolcott’s passion for tasteful, off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in her thoughtfully curated tours designed to immerse guests in local culture. She founded “Meli Melo Travel” (recently re-named “Local Rendezvous Travel”) in 2017 to offer beautiful, authentic travel experiences.

As a food and travel writer, Jenn has a deep appreciation for the culinary roots of any destination she visits. She believes that food is a reflection of culture and strives to give her guests a bountiful taste of place by shopping at local farmers' markets, dining at farm-to-table restaurants, sampling regional specialties - such as truffles, olives, and wine - and learning to cook with local chefs.

Jenn emphasizes the "Local Rendezvous" aspect of her tours by featuring food, wine, history, and art all rooted in a sense of place, and by teaming up with savvy local professionals. She also handpicks luxurious accommodations that reflect local character and are well situated, allowing guests to settle in one location for an entire week and enjoy excursions that aren’t too far afield. 

A wellness component is also integral to the tours. As an avid tennis and pickleball player who also enjoys yoga, biking, and hiking, Jenn incorporates physical activity into the itineraries. Guests might hike to scenic viewpoints, take a yoga class in French, play tennis or pickleball, bike through vineyards, or simply stroll in medieval villages. With all the delicious food enjoyed on LRT tours, guests are always eager to stay active!

Jenn began her journey in cultural tours in the Azores, co-leading eight tours to San Miguel Island between 2015 and 2016. As a journalist and a partner in the business, she wrote and photographed the island for marketing materials, the website, and social media. This experience opened her eyes to the joys of exploring beautiful destinations with small groups.

During her 14 years at the Christian Science Monitor, Jenn authored numerous articles and interviewed culinary legends such as Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Jacques Pépin. One of her favorite assignments was attending a week-long cooking school in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - a historic, picturesque village that captured her heart and is now home base for her tours. Jenn continues to share her passion for travel, food, and art through freelance writing. 

Here's Jenn's article about attending cooking school in Provence, titled "A Vacation Among Pots and Pans." https://www.csmonitor.com/2000/0125/p12s1.html

Jenn believes that travel is one of the most powerful ways to broaden our perspectives, cultivate compassion, and deepen our understanding of other cultures and ways of living. By stepping outside the comforts of home with a spirit of adventure and curiosity, we create meaningful memories and discover the common threads that unite us all. 

As John Steinbeck wisely said, "People don’t take trips, trips take people.” 

Jenn particularly enjoys co-hosting tours in France with her husband, Bernard, who is French. He takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge of the history and culture of his homeland and delights in the joyful moments experienced along the way. 

In addition to her regular tours, Jenn collaborates with other specialists to offer unique week-long experiences. For instance, she partners with her friend Nina, a French teacher, to provide french-immersion tours, and she works with her cousin Joan, a life coach and founder of "Her Next Act," to create enriching retreats for women over 50.

Since launching her company eight years ago, Jenn has hosted nearly 20 week-long tours, all infused with a spirit of joie de vivre. She eagerly anticipates many more delightful adventures in the years to come.