It started with a love of bratwurst!

…and schnitzel and something called Stamppot, a Dutch delicacy. I love to eat!

“I lived in Europe for over 10 years!”

The Hague, The Netherlands from 2005 to 2017

About Visible Origins

Visible Origins was founded in 2016 by Michael Hackett, inspired by a decade of living and traveling through Europe.

Originally from New Jersey, I spent 2005 to 2017 in Rijswijk, a suburb of The Hague, while working in admissions for several U.S.-based universities. During this time, I explored Europe extensively, uncovering stunning destinations that remained untouched by mass tourism.

These hidden gems became my passion, and I wanted to share them with others seeking authentic, enriching travel experiences. That’s why I created Visible Origins—to help travelers discover the real Europe, beyond the guidebooks, in a way that’s both meaningful and unforgettable.

Learn more...

Family trip to Salzwelten Salt Mines
in Altausee, Austria.
This is about 1.5 hours south of Salzburg.

Care to know more about Salzwelten Salt Mines?

Is the London Underground complicated?

Travel information is everywhere these days. Just doing a quick search online will result in an overwhelming amount of information….information that is not curated. Meaning, it’s difficult to know what is truly helpful content, and what is just another advertisement. The struggles of trying to plan a trip, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule, can be challenging to say the least. From finding the best deals on flights and accommodations to navigating the complexities of visas and travel insurance, it can end up looking more confusing than the London Underground.

With an expert by your side, sorting out your travel plans will have you saying ‘Bob’s your uncle!’ louder than the locals.

Testimonials

What our clients are saying…

I recently had the pleasure of working with Visible Origins for a trip I had been planning for months, and I cannot recommend them enough. From the first consultation to the final details, Michael made everything seamless and stress-free.

What impressed me the most was their deep knowledge of the destinations I was interested in. He suggested hidden gems and tailored the trip to my specific interests, ensuring I got to experience the local culture in a way I never could have on my own. The customer service was exceptional, and they were always available to answer any questions or make adjustments to my plans.

I particularly appreciated how he handled the fact I wanted to visit as many Christmas Markets as I could, which really made my trip unforgettable. Their attention to detail and dedication to ensuring I had the best possible experience was clear every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a travel agency that truly cares about creating memorable, customized trips, I wholeheartedly recommend Michael. He takes the time to understand your travel dreams and make them a reality with professionalism and care.

We recently worked with Michael at Visible Origins Travel to plan our trip to London, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the experience! From the moment we reached out, Michael took the time to understand exactly what we were hoping to get out of our London adventure. He tailored every detail to our interests, ensuring we didn’t miss any iconic sites while also discovering some hidden gems in the city. If you’re planning a trip to London (or anywhere), We highly recommend Michael. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to making our travel experience unforgettable truly set him apart. We will definitely be using him again for our future travels!

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