Today we’d like to introduce you to Ami Rybicki.
Hi Ami, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Travel has always been my love language. Long before I ever turned it into a business, I was the one planning every family vacation, girls’ trip, anniversary escape — the unofficial travel curator for everyone I cared about. Crafting beautiful experiences was something that just came naturally to me.
Professionally, I spent my career in Human Resources, leading the HR department and building compensation programs. I loved supporting people, but after years in the corporate world, the burnout became impossible to ignore. When COVID hit, everything shifted. On July 24, 2020, I made the brave decision to retire and step away from the constant pressure. I needed to breathe again, to slow down, and to focus on healing my mind and my spirit.
I took the time — real, intentional time — to rest and reset. By February 2023, I had complete clarity: I didn’t want to return to HR or step back into a corporate role. I wanted to build something that felt aligned with my soul. And that’s when Non Stop To Paradise was born.
What began as a lifelong passion evolved into a luxury travel agency specializing in couples’ getaways, romantic escapes, and unforgettable honeymoons. I design experiences that help couples reconnect, celebrate their love, and make memories that stay with them forever. From overwater bungalows to cliffside sanctuaries and private villa retreats, I create tailored, high-touch journeys that feel effortless and deeply personal.
My path wasn’t traditional, but it was honest. I followed my exhaustion straight into my purpose, and now I wake up every day doing what I truly love — crafting extraordinary experiences for couples and helping them step into their own version of paradise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not — and I think that’s true for anyone building something real. Starting a business in the travel industry is gorgeous and glamorous on the outside, but behind the scenes it’s a whole lot of grit.
In the beginning, I battled a heavy dose of imposter syndrome. After leaving a long corporate career in HR, stepping into entrepreneurship felt like learning a new language overnight. There were moments where I questioned everything — especially while setting up the entire back end of the agency, from systems to suppliers to workflows. That learning curve was no joke.
And then there’s travel itself — a world filled with weather disruptions, airline chaos, hurricanes, and things no one can predict. As a travel advisor, you become the calm in the storm (sometimes literally), even when you’re troubleshooting at 2 a.m. so a couple can still make it to their honeymoon.
I’ve also had to learn how to navigate the industry side of travel: supplier challenges, inconsistent communication, constantly changing policies, and figuring out who truly supports advisors and who doesn’t. It took time to find partners I could trust and a rhythm that worked for me.
But every struggle built confidence. Every challenge sharpened me. And every rough patch reminded me why I chose this path. I get to create joy for people. I get to craft experiences that deepen relationships. And I get to run a business that is completely aligned with who I am.
The road wasn’t smooth — but it was worth every bump.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Non Stop To Paradise?
Non Stop To Paradise is a boutique luxury travel agency specializing in couples’ getaways, romantic escapes, and unforgettable honeymoons. I create high-touch, deeply personalized travel experiences that feel effortless and intentional from start to finish.
What sets me apart is the level of detail and care I put into every trip. I get to know my clients on a personal level so I can design experiences that truly reflect who they are — not cookie-cutter packages. My brand is built on authenticity, romance, and service; I treat every vacation like it’s my own.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Non Stop To Paradise is built on authenticity. It’s not a corporate machine — it’s a boutique agency with a soul. Everything I create, from itineraries to social content, reflects joy, romance, personal connection, and a genuine love for helping people experience the world.
What I want readers to know is this: if you want a trip that feels elevated, seamless, and designed with heart, that’s exactly what I do. I bring the luxury, the expertise, and the calm, you just show up and enjoy your version of paradise.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are the road trips we took as a family. We didn’t have extravagant vacations, but those simple drives shaped who I am today. I especially loved visiting my grandfather’s gas station and general store in Alpena, Michigan, and spending time at my other grandfather’s farm in Pennsylvania. Both places felt like their own little worlds — wide-open spaces, fresh air, and the freedom to roam, explore, and let my imagination run wild. Those were the places where I felt rooted, safe, and completely alive.
We also took an RV trip to the Upper Peninsula. I don’t remember every detail, but I remember the feeling — that spark of adventure, the excitement of the open road, and the magic of discovering something new together. Those moments planted the seed for my love of travel long before I had words for it.
Looking back, those childhood road trips were the earliest version of what I now create through Non Stop To Paradise: the feeling of freedom, discovery, connection, and pure joy that comes from stepping into a new experience. That’s the heart of my brand — and it started with those family trips that taught me how transformative travel can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nonstoptoparadise.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonstoptoparadise/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091933652525
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amiwood70
