Meet Irina Khichenko | Luxury travel designer and business owner

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

Hi Irina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk has never been something to fear—it has been the price of living a meaningful life. At 23, I left my home country with just one suitcase and started from scratch as an immigrant in the U.S. That was the first big leap. From there, I built my life brick by brick, fueled by both necessity and ambition.
I began as a tour guide and translator, running small ads in local newspapers, and over the years grew that hustle into a company that now designs luxury travel experiences for high-profile clients across the country. That journey was made of sweat, sleepless nights, and countless moments of uncertainty—but each risk I took became a stepping stone.
I’m much more afraid of shallow living than of bold decisions. Taking risks has allowed me to expand my vision, grow a team across the U.S., and serve clients who expect excellence. For me, risk isn’t recklessness—it’s choosing action over hesitation when the goal is worth it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business has truly been a journey — one that has taught me as much about people as it has about myself. I’m a natural people person, a hard worker, and an intuitive leader, and I’ve tried to surround myself with a team that shares those same qualities. From the very beginning, service came naturally to me — not just meeting expectations, but finding ways to consistently exceed them.
What sets us apart is attitude. I’ve never been in this for quick profits. Whether a project brings in $500 or $5,000, I bring the same energy, creativity, and attention to detail. For me, the most valuable asset in life isn’t money, it’s memories — the quality time spent with loved ones, the experiences shared, and the things you learn and feel along the way. That’s exactly what I want my clients to walk away with: not just a tour, but an unforgettable, tailor-made experience that touches all their senses.

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.
I would start their journey with a day trip to San Diego, one of my favorite cities in California. We’d begin in La Jolla, watching the seals on the beach, strolling along Prospect Street, and exploring one of my favorite hidden gems — Sunny Jim’s Cave. From there, we’d head up to Mount Soledad for sweeping 360-degree views, then continue to Point Loma, where Cabrillo first landed in California. After that, it’s off to Coronado Island, home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where Some Like It Hot was filmed.
For lunch, I’d choose Coasterra, with its unforgettable view of the downtown skyline across the bay. We’d then stroll the waterfront boardwalk, stop into the Maritime Museum, and wander through the Gaslamp Quarter. As the day winds down, we’d take in the beauty of Balboa Park at sunset, then enjoy dinner at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood before cocktails at the Top of the Hyatt to cap off the night.
Then I’d expand the trip into a road adventure — north through Santa Barbara, the charming town of Solvang, the rugged beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey, all the way to San Francisco. From there, we’d spend a day in Napa Valley, then return to Los Angeles through the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
Of course, I could describe these places all day — but the truth is, California is meant to be experienced firsthand. That’s where the magic really happens.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am really grateful to Kelsey Tonner, the founder of Guest Focus and the Be a Better Guide Project. I took all of his courses and even invested in a year of semi-private coaching. His mentorship played a huge role in shaping the way I built and grew my company. With over two decades of experience in tour design, operations, training, and consulting, Kelsey brought not only deep expertise but also a global perspective that pushed me to elevate my business to the highest standards.

Website: https://www.usaviptours.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irina_california?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==