Journeys with Usha
This new venture was born in 2024, then put into action in January 2025. It was a simple idea: to share a destination I am especially familiar with and passionate about with a group of travelers, via a trip I plan and accompany them on. This kind of trip allows me to be on the ground, solving any issues that come up, but also to provide my expertise on the area with my clients.
The first trip, in January of 2025, was to India. A small group of like-minded intrepid travelers went on a nearly 3 week trip encompassing several cities from the Southern, Northern and Western States of the country. Due to its length, the program was immersive by nature which allowed everyone to come away with a better understanding of Indian culture, the diversity of its people and its landscapes.
Riding on this success, a second trip back to India happened in January of 2026. This trip was a shorter one, but once again with the focus of providing an immersive experience of the country by traveling through multiple states in India.
I hope to grow Journeys with Usha by designing itineraries under this banner to more countries besides India. Currently I am exploring potential trips to Spain and Italy. Keep your eyes open and ears to the ground to learn more about the growth of this venture! And follow along on Instagram @journeyswithusha
Testimonials
Usha planned the most incredible trip to India for our extended family! We were a group of 16 — adults and young adults in their 20s — traveling from different parts of the country. The logistics were complicated: multiple flights, a train journey, long drives, and stops in Mumbai, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Kochi, Kerala, and Bangalore. And yet, everything ran smoothly. Not one detail was missed. We were met at airports and train stations, guided effortlessly through transitions, and never once felt stressed or uncertain.
What made the trip so special was how thoughtfully Usha designed it. Some members of our group had been to India many times, others were experiencing it for the first time. She created an itinerary that felt exciting and meaningful for everyone.
We met the Mumbai Dabbawalas (Lunch Box men) and saw their operation firsthand, wandered through spice markets learning how locals shop, explored Jaipur with a wonderful woman-owned rickshaw company, and visited block printers, rug makers, blue pottery and recycled paper artisans. In Kerala, we took a breathtaking houseboat ride through the lagoons to the serene Coconut Lagoon resort — the perfect exhale after the energy of the north.
Her local travel partners were amazing in helping to provide local tour guides who were highly educated, flexible, and also fun to be with. The tour guides were scholars in history and local culture.
India can feel overwhelming to plan and navigate. With Usha, it felt immersive, seamless, and joyful. She thinks of everything — truly everything. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
— Alyssa G. (India trip 2026)
Usha did a fabulous job planning and executing our trip to India. We were a large group and not everyone wanted to visit the same places, so she planned a very flexible itinerary that ensured everyone got to go where they wanted. She planned every minute detail, from easily finding our transportation when we arrived at an airport to knowing which restaurants to go to and where to buy certain items. Her itinerary covered a wealth of aspects of the country: history, religion, culture, art, and of course, food. Every day was full of interesting places to see and also the pure enjoyment of delicious Indian cuisine with new flavors and spices wherever we went. She was an expert at timing, knowing when was the best time to visit certain places and when we should be on the move. We wanted to see the Taj Mahal and she told us exactly when to go (early morning to avoid long lines and hordes of people and possibly catch the sunrise). She responded patiently and thoroughly to all our questions and warned us about things we wouldn’t have known (for instance, telling a dog lover not to touch the stray dogs we saw everywhere). She also built in varied travel for us – we flew between longer distances, rode in very comfortable vans in cities and between shorter distances and we even got to experience a very comfortable Indian train journey. The lodging she chose was extremely comfortable and allowed us to relax after jam-packed days. I would love to take another trip that she planned. If you really want to focus on the place you’re visiting and not the annoyances travel, can sometimes pose, she’s the person to turn to.
— Cynthia G. (India trip 2026)
We were an eclectic group with multiple families and friends, with some on their very first visit to India. Usha was on top of this by arranging visits tailored to the group's interests, allowing me to travel with my spouse to places and experiences we were looking for and catch up with long-time friends and family. Our visit to Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan, an authentic South Indian vegetarian restaurant where nearly 20 courses were served on banana leaves was truly memorable and delightful to the entire family. The group loved our stay at the Dera Mandawa Haveli with its unique charm and Rajastani cultural exposure on New Year's eve. My wife and I were also excited to attend the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival and we were not disappointed. The luxury of listening and speaking to favorite authors amid a festive atmosphere of open dialog and discussion was quite a treat. Usha's planning and selection of the hotel stays, travel arrangements, restaurants and guides was much appreciated and without compare.
— Harish R. (India trip 2026)
We had a lot of back and forth between Usha and the group about the itinerary. We were satisfied that we all got what we wanted in the final itinerary. There was something new for everyone — those who were traveling to India for the first time as well as those of us who have been there multiple times. She took everyone's wishes into account and planned an amazing trip. Even when things didn't go according to plan — which often happens in India — she was able to pivot and make alternate arrangements so seamlessly that most people weren't aware of the change. That was the best aspect of the trip — it was truly customized!
— Beena R. (India 2026 trip)
Some travel experiences stay with you forever, and both of mine with Usha Rao are etched into my memory in the most meaningful way.
One of the most extraordinary journeys I’ve ever taken was a small-group trip through India, personally guided and accompanied by Usha herself. This was not a “tour” in the traditional sense — it was a deeply immersive experience into the heart of the country. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, yet the journey felt organic and alive. From villages to towns to vibrant cities, we experienced many facets of daily life, culture, and tradition in a way that felt respectful, authentic, and rare. Having Usha as a personal guide made all the difference; her insight, care, and presence transformed the trip into something truly unique and unforgettable.
Usha has an exceptional gift for creating travel that feels both creative and deeply personal. She listens, she anticipates, and she designs experiences that go far beyond logistics — they tell a story. With Rao Travel, you don’t just visit a destination; you experience it in a way that lingers long after you return home. I recommend Usha Rao without hesitation to anyone seeking truly memorable, well-crafted, and meaningful travel.
— Chris N. (India 2025 trip)
I can’t say enough good things about our “Journeys with Usha” trip to India. Typically my husband and I arrange our own travel plans, but traveling to India was a bit out of our wheelhouse. When I learned that Usha was arranging a small group tour I jumped on it. Working her magic, Usha listened to each of our group’s individual requests and managed to accommodate all of them. She got us to venues efficiently, chose accommodations that were deluxe but budget-conscious, planned the trip to see iconic Indian cities and sites yet also provided additional time to explore some of the lesser known, slower paced cities, organized a healthy mix of guided tours and found us extraordinary restaurants. Her attention to detail was flawless and her ability to change things up as the trip progressed was phenomenal.
Usha’s extremely conscientious and makes it her job to make sure you have a great trip. I highly recommend a trip with or planned by her!
— Anita P. (India 2025 trip)