Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
Go beyond the typical tourist paths and fleeting snapshots. Experience cultural immersion and hand-picked adventures with small groups and unforgettable stories.
Travel with purpose, depth, and heart.
At Emerald Travel Group, we specialize in creating meaningful, culturally rich journeys for families, small groups, and curious travelers who want more than just a vacation.
Led by seasoned guide Katja Silverå, each trip is designed with care, connection, and over 30 years of global experience.
We focus on Hawai`i, Japan, the Nordics, as well as exclusive small-group adventures worldwide, always avoiding mass tourism and prioritizing authentic cultural immersion, sustainability, and community connection.
Hello and Aloha! I’m Katja Silverå, founder of Emerald Travel Group. I craft personalized, authentic travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing. My heart is rooted in the sun, smiles, and kindness of the islands, and I’m excited to share my love for meaningful travel with you.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the world—its people, stories, and endless opportunities for connection. Growing up in a bilingual Finnish-Swedish home in Sweden, I’ve always been drawn to diverse cultures and their unique narratives. From the island of Cyprus, Greece, and the Canary Islands, to beautiful Michigan, and the beaches of Hawai’i, I’ve spent my life immersing myself in cultures, learning from their people, and absorbing their stories.
My journey in travel began over three decades ago as a multilingual tour guide in Fuerteventura, Spain. Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience in customer service, sales, crisis communication, and cultural exchange programs, which have all shaped my understanding of what makes travel truly impactful. I’ve also built a strong network of trusted global partners, ensuring every experience with Emerald Travel Group is carefully crafted and deeply personal.
My mission is simple: to help you experience travel that is immersive, respectful, inspiring, and fun. It’s about more than just visiting new places—it’s about creating meaningful connections with the people, cultures, and landscapes you encounter. Every trip should not only enrich your life but also benefit the communities you visit. That’s why I prioritize sustainable tourism practices and cultural sensitivity in every journey we craft.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from diverse cultures, deepening my understanding of the world, and refining how travel can connect us to the heart of a destination. Fluent in several languages and always eager to learn more, I ensure every journey resonates personally, helping you connect deeply with the destinations you visit. My background in marketing, communication, and tourism enables me to collaborate with specialists to create the most authentic, meaningful adventures possible.
At Emerald Travel Group, every trip is more than just an itinerary—it’s a collection of enriching moments that stay with you long after you return home. Whether planning a family vacation, intimate getaway, or small-group adventure, my goal is to help you explore the world in a way that leaves a positive impact and creates lasting memories.
Let’s make your next adventure extraordinary—together.
Step 1: Let’s Talk Travel
Share your travel dreams and preferences in the 'Adventure Questionnaire' and book your 30-minute complimentary consultation. Let’s bring your travel dreams to life.
Step 2: We Get to Work
We craft a custom itinerary based on your goals, values, and travel style. You review and refine it until perfect. A deposit is required at this stage to secure our time and expertise in tailoring your trip.
Step 3: The Green Light & Happy Dance
Once approved, we handle all logistics — from accommodations to transportation, special experiences, and beyond — leaving you to enjoy a stress-free, meaningful journey.
Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
Designed for travelers who want to go deeper, together.
Hands-on encounters with living heritage
Step inside everyday life through artist studios, culinary workshops, ancestral rituals, and creative traditions—crafted with local hosts and cultural stewards.
Wild places, thoughtfully experienced
Experience extraordinary landscapes at the right pace—seasonal, immersive, and grounded in respect for place, people, and the natural world.
Where the journey becomes the destination
From island cultures to small-ship and river journeys, these experiences invite you to slow down, connect deeply, and travel comfortably across generations.
Discover the tastes of place
From foraging in Nordic forests to making cocoa in the Amazon or crafting local culinary tools, food is a lens into culture, creativity, and community. Taste, explore, and engage without expectations.
Travel timed to fleeting experiences
Plan journeys around moments that come once in a season—cherry blossoms, Northern Lights, cultural festivals, and seasonal phenomena—without rigid schedules or pressure.
Designed to be shared
Thoughtfully paced itineraries invite connection across generations, balance togetherness and independence, and create memorable shared experiences.
At Emerald Travel Group, we see travel as a gateway to deeper connections -- with the land, its people, and discovering more about ourselves. Every journey we craft honors indigenous wisdom, regenerative travel principles, and responsible tourism, ensuring you leave a positive impact wherever you go.
Katja is meticulous, caring, and makes travel feel effortless. – Pam G., Honolulu, HI
Every detail is perfect; trips feel personal and meaningful. – Bo G., Honolulu, HI
Authentic cultural experiences, thoughtfully designed. – Cleone C, Brooklyn, NY
With 30+ years combined of travel planning, guiding, and cultural exchange, Emerald Travel Group offers insider knowledge, genuine care, and multilingual expertise. Whether you join a signature tour or design a custom adventure, we’re here to make your journey unforgettable.
As you explore your destination, rest assured that every moment has been thoughtfully crafted for you. You’ll also contribute to sustainable travel practices, supporting the local communities you visit, ensuring your trip leaves a positive impact on the world. Your journey isn’t just a vacation—it’s an experience that nourishes your spirit.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your family and/or group.