Our Team
Vanessa Nichols
Founder & Travel Designer
My love for travel started when I was in my early 20's, when I visited Costa Rica for the first time. Now, 20-some years later, I am wildly passionate about creating the best possible vacation itineraries for my clients. I am an expert on Costa Rica travel but expanding my travel knowledge everyday, exploring this world with my son, so my clients can sit back and relax, leaving the planning process to me, no matter the destination. Read more about my story and how Lucky Compass came to be!
Planning specialties: Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean
Office: 1.312.620.4480
Valentina Negri
Travel Designer
Born and raised in Milan, my love for travel sparked early and has only grown stronger over the years. In my early twenties, I set out to explore the world—venturing across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and beyond. With every new place I discovered, I realized something beautiful: the more you travel, the more you understand how much there is still to learn.
These days, I’m not just a globe-trotter, but also a proud mom to a little explorer-in-the-making. Together, we’re learning to see the world with open hearts, curious minds, and deep respect for every culture we encounter.
I’m here to help you turn your travel dreams into stories worth telling. Whether you're craving adventure, relaxation, or something in between , I’m here to make the process easy, personal, and full of joy. Let’s create something amazing together!
Planning specialties: Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, the UK, and Morocco
Office: 1.312.620.4811
Emily Hall
Sales Support, Marketing and Operations
Emily is a Texas native who first came to Costa Rica to work as an English teacher- and never left! After meeting her now husband and building a lift together, Emily now calls the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica home, where she has spent the last 15 years of her life. Emily is a mom of 3 adventurous boys and loves good adventures herself. Whether hiking to hidden waterfalls, discovering a new beach, or wandering through local markets, Emily loves exploring every corner the the country she calls home!
Tiffany Houston
Travel Designer
Tiffany brings over four years of firsthand experience living and working in Costa Rica, where she built deep connections and extensive knowledge of the country’s diverse regions. During her time with one of Costa Rica’s top local travel agencies, she explored the country in depth, staying in a wide range of hotels and gaining intimate knowledge of each destination—right down to the layout and feel of individual rooms. This insider perspective allows Tiffany to offer travel planning that’s as informed as it is personalized.
Now serving clients around the world, Tiffany specializes in Costa Rica Travel, along with custom journeys to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, care, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create truly memorable experiences.
An adventurer at heart, Tiffany finds inspiration in surfing, hiking, sailing, and exploring the natural world. She is also the founder of a private yoga and wellness business, where she leads monthly Women’s Circles and teaches one-on-one Restorative Yoga. Her work in wellness naturally flows into her travel planning, offering a thoughtful, balanced, and heart-centered approach to every itinerary.
Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful beach vacation, a thrilling outdoor adventure, or something in between, Tiffany’s expert guidance and mindful touch will help you craft a journey that nourishes both body and soul.
Planning specialties: Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean
