At Unclipped Wings, we are passionate about transforming travel into life-changing experiences.
About Us
Our mission is to craft personalized journeys that inspire curiosity, foster connections, and create unforgettable memories. We prioritize exceptional service and collaborate with trusted partners to deliver seamless, enriching adventures tailored to each traveler’s unique vision.
Committed to sustainability and cultural appreciation, we strive to make every trip not just a journey, but an opportunity for growth and discovery.
LET'S START PLANNING
Melissa specializes, not in just one or two destinations, rather in getting to know her clients first and foremost, and then helps plan all sorts of travels, near and far, short and long, calm and adventuresome, single to multi generational travel all over the globe, solely dependent on what the travelers are looking for in that moment of their lives.
Melissa brings personal destination expertise globally as she has visited over 90 countries.
I was destined to be a travel advisor long before I even knew the profession existed. Having explored over 60 countries before embarking on my career as a luxury travel advisor, I often joke that I earned my master’s degree in world studies and geography—out in the field. While I may not have an official diploma to display in my office, those six years of nomadic living have equipped me with invaluable destination knowledge that greatly benefits my clients today.
I immersed myself in every corner of the globe, learning firsthand about diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences. This organic education translates into a wealth of insights that makes crafting personalized itineraries feel effortless. My enthusiasm for travel is truly infectious; I sell from my heart rather than from a script, ensuring every journey I design reflects the passion and joy that travel brings.
Founder & Travel Advisor
Meet Melissa Rosa
She has been a luxury travel consultant for 14 years with Jetset World Travel, being named:
"Bright Young Thing” for Travel + Leisure Cannes International Luxury Travel Market
Condé Nast Traveler "Top Travel Specialist" for the last 5 years
“Top 30 under 30” in 2013
"Luxury Trendsetter" for Luxury Travel Advisor Magazine
"The 1000 Club" for 3 years running
Hello! I’m Fernando, your dedicated travel planner and Co-Owner of Unclipped Wings, alongside my wonderful wife, Melissa Rosa. Based in Okoboji, IA, we specialize in curating personalized travel experiences that cater to your unique interests and dreams. Our mission is to help you explore the world one unforgettable journey at a time.
My journey into the world of travel began in São Paulo, Brazil, where I was fortunate to play professional tennis which meant travel to many destinations. From there, I received a full college tennis scholarship to compete in the United States. Traveling from city to city, participating in tournaments, ignited my love for exploration. However, after college, I settled into a career in the banking industry, operations management, and international supply chain, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business and an MBA.
In 2021, my wife Melissa and I realized it was time to turn our collective dreams into reality. We took the plunge and decided to work together in the travel industry. What started as a curious exploration soon blossomed into a true passion. I fell in love with the connections we forge, the diverse cultures we experience, and the joy we bring to others through unforgettable travel experiences.
With my background in operations and finance, I ensure that every detail is meticulously planned, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in your travel experience. Together, Melissa and I are committed to providing curated itineraries that reflect each traveler’s aspirations. We believe that travel is more than just visiting places; it’s about making memories, discovering new cultures, and connecting with people.
Co-founder & COO
Meet Fernando Rosa
LET'S START PLANNING
1. What’s your favorite cuisine?
Melissa
B) Greek
D) American
A) Japanese
C) Italian
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Melissa
B) Japan
D) New Zealand
A) France
C) Spain
3. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Melissa
B) Binge-watching shows
D) Hanging out with friends
A) Adventuring outdoors
C) Reading a book
4. Which of these hobbies would you love to try?
Melissa
B) Cooking/baking
D) Gardening
A) Painting
C) Learning an instrument
5. What type of music do you enjoy the most?
Melissa
B) Rock
D) Hip-hop
A) Pop
C) Classical
6. What’s currently on your Netflix watch list?
Melissa
B) Perfect Couple
D) The Crown
A) Ted Lasso
C) Emily in Paris
7. What is your favorite type of coffee?
Melissa
B) Latte
D) Cappuccino
A) Mocha
C) Cold Brew
8. What is your favorite season?
Melissa
B) Summer
D) Winter
A) Spring
C) Fall
9. What are four experiences or destinations on top of your bucket list?
Melissa
2) Rwanda for the Gorillas
4) Edinburgh for the Scottish city feel
1) Svalbard for the Polar Bears
3) Maldives for the cerulean waters
1. What’s your favorite cuisine?
Fernando
B) Greek
D) American
A) Japanese
C) Italian
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Fernando
B) Japan
D) New Zealand
A) France
C) Spain
3. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Fernando
B) Binge-watching shows
D) Hanging out with friends
A) Adventuring outdoors
C) Reading a book
4. Which of these hobbies would you love to try?
Fernando
B) Cooking/baking
D) Gardening
A) Painting
C) Learning an instrument
5. What type of music do you enjoy the most?
Fernando
B) Rock
D) Hip-hop
A) Pop
C) Classical
6. What’s currently on your Netflix watch list?
Fernando
B) Perfect Couple
D) The Crown
A) Ted Lasso
C) Emily in Paris
7. What is your favorite type of coffee?
Fernando
B) Latte
D) Cappuccino
A) Mocha
C) Cold Brew
8. What is your favorite season?
Fernando
B) Summer
D) Winter
A) Spring
C) Fall
9. What are four experiences or destinations on top of your bucket list?
Fernando
2) Iceland
4) Antarctica
1) French Polynesia
3) European Christmas Markets
