My journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been a collection of reinventions, resilience, and a deep love for creativity, culture, and exploration.
I’m Donna Gilberto, founder of EscapeWeekly.com. I began my career as an artist in Connecticut, inspired by creativity but seeking stability, which led me to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. My path took me to Florida, where I worked with major corporations including IBM, GTE, and Time Warner. Along the way, I experienced a remarkable moment in history—watching Bill Gates announce Windows during the early evolution of personal computing.
Life took a meaningful turn when I became a single mother after escaping domestic violence—losing everything except the most important thing, my daughter. Determined to rebuild both a life and a livelihood, I moved to New Hampshire and worked tirelessly to support us. I later operated a bed & breakfast, creating a home where I could raise my daughter while running a business and designing websites. During those years, I often juggled three to four jobs at a time and served my local community as a one-on-one school aide, substitute teacher, and Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in a senior care facility. That chapter of my life instilled in me a deep sense of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic that continues to guide me today.
As my daughter grew, so did my journey—eventually leading me into the travel industry, where I’ve built a career spanning more than 20 years with the same cruise company and employer.
During those two decades, I also took on one of the most meaningful roles of my life—becoming the primary caregiver for my mother as she developed dementia. Balancing a demanding career while providing care for a loved one shaped my perspective in profound ways, strengthening my empathy, patience, and appreciation for creating meaningful experiences and memories.
Through my career’s evolution into media and travel marketing, I gained invaluable expertise and a deeper connection to the world of travel.
Today, I bring that experience into a more refined and personalized space.
With a passion for exploring the world and curating unforgettable experiences, I specialize in designing tailored vacations that reflect each client’s unique vision. Whether it’s a luxurious family getaway, a romantic escape, a destination wedding, or an immersive adventure, every journey is thoughtfully crafted to be seamless, elevated, and truly memorable.
As a dedicated travel advisor, I combine personalized service with strategic insight—leveraging industry relationships, dynamic packaging, and access to exclusive promotions. I am committed to securing exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards of quality, ensuring your travel experience is as effortless as it is extraordinary.
Travel has always been at the heart of who I am. I’m a traveling foodie with a deep appreciation for art, culture, and the stories that connect us across destinations. Through EscapeWeekly.com, I share that passion—inviting you to discover inspiring journeys, hidden gems, and meaningful experiences around the world.
Today, I’m proud to be an established travel advisor, putting my heart and soul into every journey I create. Thank you for being part of the Escape Weekly community—it is truly an honor to inspire and help plan your next adventure.
