Luxury Vacation Guide

Private Jet Luxury Tour Of East Africa

2018-02-22T09:32:00.001-08:00

12 Days from $29,995, Limited to 16 guests

Private Chartered Flights
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
Internet Access (Where Available)
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
Entrance Fees and Taxes
24/7 A & K On-Call Support

Wings Over the World itineraries feature private charter flights between destinations, allowing you the convenience of visiting remote places with less time spent getting there.On a seamless journey that features luxurious in-flight service across iconic safari country, observe the famed “Big Five” along with countless other wild species and meet the nomadic Maasai people while exploring the finest game reserves in East Africa, including Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
A & K Advantages

Aircraft: Cessna Grand Caravan C208B or comparable

Flight Details: Nairobi-Lewa (1 hour 10 min) | Lewa-Masai Mara (1 hour 30 min) | Masai Mara-Serengeti (2 hours 40 min)* | Serengeti-Manyara (35 min) | Manyara-Nairobi (1 hour 30 min)*

Enjoy all the major highlights of Kenya and Tanzania, visiting a northern Kenya private conservancy, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

Whisk between destinations by air in a privately chartered Cessna Grand Caravan, reclining in your fully rotating, contoured leather seat

Revel in expansive aerial game viewing through your own panoramic wraparound window

Discover the astounding diversity of Africa’s wildlife, from the celebrated “Big Five” to species unique to northern Kenya

Experience the unsurpassed peace and comfort of the region’s preeminent boutique camp and luxury safari accommodations on your journey throughout East Africa.

DAY 1

ARRIVE NAIROBI, KENYA

Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious accommodations, located just 10 miles from the bustling city and overlooking the tranquil Ngong Hills.

Hemingways Nairobi

DAY 2

LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY | YOUR PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Fly by privately chartered air to the secluded Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a 62,000-acre private game preserve and cattle ranch located on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. Transfer overland to your lodge, set against a backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kenya, and settle into your comfortable thatched cottage, complete with private veranda.

Lewa Wilderness Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY | EAST AFRICA’S WILD RICHES

Set out on a full-day exploration of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Choose from an expert-led game drive by 4x4 safari vehicle or a guided walking safari accompanied by members of the local Maasai community, as you venture far from tourist crowds into wildlife-rich terrain where only guests within the conservancy may go. Watch for lions, leopards and cheetahs as well as elephants, rhinos — both black and white — dik-diks, reticulated giraffes, elands, impalas, Grevy’s zebras and Cape buffalo, all of which call Lewa home. You may also opt for a gentle horseback or camel ride, or a nighttime game drive, sighting otherwise elusive nocturnal species.

Lewa Wilderness Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | ELEGANCE UNDER CANVAS

Board a privately chartered flight to the Masai Mara Game Reserve and settle into your luxurious tented camp accommodations, before immersing yourself in the teeming Mara on an afternoon game drive. In addition to many of the species you encountered the day before, you may also see the topi (an antelope found only here) as well as hippopotamuses, warthogs, hyenas and an abundance of bird life. Later, return to your spacious tent set on a raised platform, enjoying the convenience of an en suite bathroom and a large deck for game viewing.

Mahali Mzuri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 5-6

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Over the next two days, discover the open savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of the Masai Mara. With help from your expert driver-guide, and a little patience, you may sight a leopard retrieving a kill from the branches of an acacia tree or elephants protecting their young from opportunistic lions. Perhaps also glimpse Maasai tribesmen traversing the plains or herding goats and cattle, pursuing the nomadic existence they have embraced for centuries. One morning here, for an added cost, you can opt to glide over the sprawling Mara, observing the flora and fauna from treetop level, on an enchanting hot air balloon ride. Adding to the drama is the unmatched natural spectacle of the annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests, zebras and other herd animals go on a relentless drive to find fresh grazing land, traversing the Mara from approximately August through early October.

Mahali Mzuri

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA | UNTAMED VISTAS

Board a privately chartered flight to Serengeti National Park. Early this afternoon, arrive at your lodge — a luxurious property located where, during certain times of the year, the annual migration might be observed. After time to settle in, set out on a game drive across the famed 10,000-square-mile Serengeti, which provides habitat to almost every African animal imaginable.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 8-9

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK | ACROSS THE VAST PLAINS

Enjoy another two days of morning and afternoon game drives through the vast Tanzanian landscape, observing the timeless circle of life on the Serengeti plains. Your explorations here may reveal giraffes, wildebeests, elephants and far more. One morning, opt for a hot air balloon ride, at an additional cost, for a lighter-than-air excursion across the boundless plains of the Serengeti.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

NGORONGORO CRATER | THE VIEW FROM THE TREETOPS

Fly by private charter to Manyara to see how Africans live today, exploring in and around the village of Mto wa Mbu by tuk-tuk, a major form of transport here. View nearby rice fields and a banana plantation, and try banana beer at a local bar. Back in the village, walk through the local market to see the colorful produce on display. After lunch in Mto wa Mbu, continue to Lake Manyara for a treetop canopy tour. Stroll through ancient forests over a series of suspension bridges, flanked with thick netting for safety, and stop at viewing decks supported by tree trunks for a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the forest. You may spot massive grey elephants on the forest floor or blue monkeys playing tag with one another on the suspension bridges. Afterward, proceed to Ngorongoro Crater and your luxurious accommodations, situated on the edge of the crater’s rim.

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

NGORONGORO CRATER | TIME WITH A MAASAI ELDER

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive, exploring the panoramic, short-grass prairies along the floor of this ancient volcanic caldera. Home to rare black rhinos as well as lions, hyenas and gazelles, this incredible “Lost World” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, visit a Maasai village and meet with an elder to learn about local culture and traditions. Then, witness a beadwork demonstration, observing talented local artisans at their craft. Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner.

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

DEPART NAIROBI

Fly back to Nairobi via Arusha and spend the afternoon at leisure in your dayroom accommodations. This evening, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Hemingways Nairobi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Call Travelwizard.com at Call 1.415 827 4981 and we will arrange & orchestrate everything for you is a seamless experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Or start with our luxury vacation planner and we will call you when you prefer.

Uncover the Wonders of Australia with Wings Over the World

2018-02-19T11:41:00.002-08:00

Uncover the Wonders of Australia with Wings Over the World

Experience the vast continent of Australia in just 13 days, exploring must-see destinations from Melbourne to the Outback, Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, on spectacular Wings Over Australia. Sample wines in the famed Yarra Valley, take a guided walk beside sacred Uluru and go behind the scenes at the iconic Sydney Opera House, whisking between stops by privately chartered air.

Enjoy world-class accommodations throughout this dream-come-true journey, including exotic Lizard Island, a secluded haven on the Great Barrier Reef favored by Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and other Aussie celebrities, and Longitude 131°, an award-winning, five-star tented camp overlooking Uluru that offers some of the best star-gazing on earth.

The trip was fabulous! My second Wings journey — not my last.

– Gary; Hewlett, NY, September 2017

WINGS OVER THE WORLD

Wings Over Australia

Limited to 20 guests | 13 Days

Melbourne

Explore this southeastern Australian city’s landmarks, including the thriving Arts Precinct; privately visit a working sheep ranch to learn how Aussies live off the land; and take part in a private paired-wine master class during a day of winery visits in the renowned Yarra Valley. Relax each night in five-star bliss at the luxurious Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Uluru

Stay in a tranquil desert pavilion at Longitude 131°, your luxury tented camp overlooking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Dine under the stars and savor fine Australian wines among the dunes of the Outback, and enjoy a sunrise walk beside the sacred monolith of Uluru, guided by a local expert who shares with you the Anangu creation story.

Lizard Island

After a memorably scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, land on Lizard Island, a secluded luxury resort situated right on the reef, and revel in your luxurious guest room complete with its own private beach. Choose from a wide array of optional activities during your three-night stay here, from game fishing to glass-bottom boating.

Sydney

Discover the best of Sydney, going behind the scenes for a guided tour of the magnificent Sydney Opera House, cruising on beautiful Sydney Harbour, viewing native Australian species firsthand at Taronga Zoo and exploring the famed Rocks District. Luxuriate by night, taking in harbor views from your room at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

Wings Over the World itineraries feature private charter flights between destinations, allowing you the convenience of visiting remote places with less time spent getting there.

DAY 1

ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Arrive in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. This afternoon, tour Melbourne’s landmarks, seeing the Shrine of Remembrance and the thriving Arts Precinct. Later, gather for your welcome dinner.

Park Hyatt Melbourne

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

MELBOURNE | A&K-EXCLUSIVE SHEEP FARM EXPERIENCE

Today, travel to Coliban Rural Farm on a private experience, where you are personally welcomed into the home of the Barber family to learn a little of what it is like to be an Aussie family “living off the land.” After morning tea, head out to the stockyards to watch the working dogs bring in a herd of sheep, followed by a demonstration of shearing skills. Next, head back to the homestead and enjoy a lunch featuring organic farm produce and local wines.

Park Hyatt Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3

MELBOURNE | YARRA VALLEY WINELANDS

Set out on a full day of touring in the renowned Yarra Valley. At Oakridge Wines, tour the winery and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the winemaking team. Then sit down to a private paired-wine master class with canapés, followed by lunch with matched wines introduced by a sommelier. Next, visit Dominique Portet Winery, where you delight in an exclusive behind-the-scenes barrel-room tasting at their renowned vineyard, a family tradition for 10 generations. Return to Melbourne for an evening at leisure.

Park Hyatt Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4

MELBOURNE | THE UNDENIABLE PRESENCE OF ULURU

Fly by private charter aircraft to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and transfer to your luxury tented camp, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This afternoon, with chilled glass and canapé in hand, witness the changing light reflected on Uluru’s many faces, as the sun slips below the horizon. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive dining event among the dunes, set to the sounds of an ancient indigenous culture, and feast on four delicious courses complemented with premium Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to observe the Southerly constellations.

Longitude 131°

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

ULURU | SUNRISE OVER THE OLGAS

Rise early and set out for Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), stopping to view sunrise over its majestic domes. In the company of your guide, walk through Walpa Gorge and learn how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have shaped today’s stark landscapes. This afternoon, return to Uluru and journey along the Mala Walk, pausing to view cave paintings and sources of bush tucker. Later, see the walls of Kantju Gorge ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Sip sparkling wine and nibble on canapés, savoring the solitude of the gorge as the daylight fades.

Longitude 131°

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

ULURU | PEACEFUL, SACRED SITES

Early this morning, discover peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti, as the sun lights up Uluru. Walk with your guide, who shares the Anangu creation story, for a deeper perspective on the striking monolith. Return to your Outback “basecamp” for breakfast. Then, board a private charter flight to Cairns, transferring on arrival by light aircraft to Lizard Island, where you check in to your resort nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Settle into your luxurious guest room, which opens out to a pristine private beach.

Lizard Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

LIZARD ISLAND | EXPLORING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Embark on a full-day private charter by boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the local fringing reefs, observing the riot of color and movement provided by local denizens of the crystal clear waters. After lunch on board, return to your resort for time at leisure in this sublime setting.

Lizard Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

LIZARD ISLAND | A DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a full day at leisure, relaxing on the white sand beaches, taking advantage of the tennis courts or choosing from a host of optional activities, including game fishing and snorkeling on the colorful coral reefs. If you wish, explore the island, visiting the Maritime Research Center or climbing up to Cook’s Lookout for views over the reef. Tonight, gather for dinner.

Lizard Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

SYDNEY | THE SPECTACULAR HARBOR CITY

Fly to Sydney by privately chartered aircraft, where you are met and transferred to your hotel near Sydney Harbour. This evening, dine at a top local restaurant.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

SYDNEY | HARBOR CRUISE & THE ROCKS TOUR

Embark on a chartered vessel to cruise stunning Sydney Harbour. Sit back and relax as you admire the famous city landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, as well as lesser-known coves and bays. Back onshore, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and then go on a walking tour in the historic Rocks District.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11

SYDNEY | BONDI BEACH & BOUTIQUE SHOPS

Begin your day with a visit to Sydney’s bustling Fish Market in Pyrmont. Then, sink your toes in the sand at Bondi Beach and stroll through Paddington, a neighborhood filled with boutique shops and Victorian architecture..

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12

SYDNEY | TARONGA ZOO & OPERA HOUSE TOUR

Ride Like a Local by ferry to Taronga Zoo for a guided tour that takes you up close to Australia’s iconic wildlife, including wallabies, koalas, platypuses and the endangered Tasmanian devil. Then, enjoy lunch at Opera Kitchen, taking in the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour followed by a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House. Tonight, gather for your farewell dinner.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

DEPART SYDNEY

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.

Meals: Breakfast

Luxury Vacation Guide highly recommends Travelwizard.com: Call Call 1.415 827 4981 to talk to one of our Australia Luxury Travel Specialists --- or start by using our vacation planner and we will contact you at the time you prefer.

The Best Resort In Los Cabos

2018-01-26T09:55:00.003-08:00

ONE and ONLY PALMILLA RESORT IN LOS CABOS

This has always been one of our favorite vacation destinations in the world, but since One & Only took over it's even more spectacular. If you enjoy luxury at its best you've got to experience this resort.

Here's some great specials they are offering.

Couples Romance
Celebrate your love with a romantic rendezvous for two with a luxurious stay that includes your 4th night free, daily breakfast, 60-minute couples massage, an ocean front dinner including a bottle of wine and a special romantic turndown.

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
DEC-18, 2018

Catch, Cook & Cocktail
Step into an adventure of a lifetime while expanding your culinary and mixology horizons with personal cooking lessons from Chef Larbi and his team.

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
DEC-17, 2018

Cabo Escape
Stay 4 nights, Pay 3 - Package includes daily breakfast for two and round trip transfers

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
DEC-18, 2018

Trilogy Offer
Experience a playground of discovery with our exclusive adventures offer. Receive up to $400 Resort Credit, choose one between a Golf, Tennis or Surf Lesson along with a complimentary Barber & Blade experience for men and Blow dry for ladies.

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
DEC-19, 2018
Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3
Book 4 consecutive nights and receive a complimentary night.

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
MAY-01, 2019

Unlimited Golf Package
Play unlimited golf, pay 3 consecutive nights and get the 4th night complimentary plus two 60-minute sport massages, round trip transfers and USD 150 resort credit.

COMPLETE TRAVEL BY:
DEC-19, 2018

Suite Escape Offer with $500 Daily Resort Credit
Book your Suite now for travel between August 1st to Dec 18th 2018 and receive $500 daily resort credit. Indulge yourself in luxury and warm Mexican hospitality that is synonymous to One&Only Palmilla.

Travelwizard.com, a renowned Virtuoso travel agency can arrange this, as well as get you even more perks and handle everything for you ---- air tickets, transfers, and anything else you require. Call 1 800 330 8820 or start with their vacation planner and they will call you at the time most convenient for you.

2018-01-25T10:36:00.001-08:00

Looking For A Romantic Tropical Island Paradise?

An hour boat ride from the resort, south of Rangiroa atoll, Le Sauvage is a private island where only five bungalows and a restaurant stand. Enjoy snorkeling, reading while swaying on a hammock, or gaze out at the horizon - feel the luxury of spending time doing 'nothing'. After sunset, the only light is from the lanterns and the moon; complete darkness falls upon the island. The beauty of the stars above stands out in the dark. Spend time at this ultimate private hideaway apart from the modern daily life: no electricity, no cell phones, no e-mails to interrupt your time of tranquility.

Le Sauvage is one hour by boat from the main resort on Avatoru Island. It's a private island; a 15-minute walk will take you around the entire island. Two members of the staff will be on site at all times, taking care of dining, activities and other guest needs. Enjoy a simple but comfortable stay with Polynesian style warm hospitality and service.

The guest bungalows at Le Sauvage are built in traditional Polynesian style using bamboo and natural material such as pandanus, a tropical tree. The bungalows come with a double bed, hot shower and bathroom. There is no electricity on the island; nights turn into a special time with the simple light of the lantern and moonlight. The breathtaking view of the starlit sky is a spectacle in itself.
Running water is readily available to use in the shower, toilet and vanity area. Amenities are eco-friendly; shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soap are available in all bungalows.

When dining, guests from all bungalows gather at a large table in the dining area. French-based Polynesian cuisine is prepared by Michelle, the island host, using fresh seafood caught during the day and selected local produce.Savor authentic homemade Polynesian food under the soft light of the lanterns.

This island is the perfect place for paddle canoeing, snorkeling, reef exploration, fishing and picnics.All fees are included with your stay. Our host will propose the best activity to make the most of your stay on the island.Take this chance to enjoy outdoor activities you have never tried before.

Le Sauvage is an island resort limited to up to 10 guests, 5 groups on any given day. Reservations require a stay of minimum two nights. The capacity of each guest bungalow is two guests. Children 7 years and younger are not accepted.

As CEO or Travelwizard.com, my wife and I have traveled the world for 50 years and can tell you our experience at Le Sauvage was one of the most romantic places we've ever stayed at. Call me if you are interested: 1 800 330 8820 or go to our website: Travelwizard.com/tahiti

Article About Luxury Travel Advisors

2017-03-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

8 Travel Advisor Facts That Might Surprise You

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 BY BETSY GOLDBERG LEAVE A COMMENT

Zambizi River at sunset, Photo by Bob McMillen

Today’s professional travel advisors help clients plan trips all over the world, fulfilling needs and wants clients didn’t even know they had

The days of the old-style travel agent who sat in a storefront office and booked tickets are long gone. If that’s the image you have, you wouldn’t recognize today’s new breed of travel advisor.

They’re full-service counselors who design trips in partnership with their delighted clients. They’re experienced and knowledgeable about virtually every aspect of global travel and fulfill needs and wants clients didn’t even know they had.

Read on to discover 8 travel advisor facts that will likely surprise you.

Travel Advisor Fact #1: More people are using travel advisors.

Travelers of all kinds are discovering many benefits of partnering with a travel advisor. They’re giving up on do-it-yourself. Online travel agencies have seen a dramatic drop in usage. According to travel marketing company MMGY, 58 percent of travelers obtained information from an OTA this year. That’s down from 84 percent the previous year.

MMGY has found that travel advisor use has risen the last four years. The fastest-growing segment of client? Millenials. A greater percentage of Millennials are booking with advisors than any other generation. The American Society of Travel Agents says that 41% of Millennials used a travel advisor in the past year. And MMGY says the number of Millennials booking trips through an advisor increased 50% from last year to the year before.

Travel Advisor Fact #2: The number of travel advisors is going up.

Makes sense, right? More people are using travel advisors. So more of them are entering the field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are 64,750 full-time travel advisors in the U.S. It predicts the number of advisors will grow by 10% from 2010 to 2020.

That figure doesn’t include the fast-growing number of advisors who work independently. According to Skift, their ranks grew by 434% from 2003 to 2014. An impressive 40,000 of them have entered the profession since 2000.

More travel advisors are entering the field, and agencies are growing more profitable

Travel Advisor Fact #3: Travel agencies are healthy and profitable.

The American Society of Travel Agents says 54% of its member agencies have reported that their revenues were higher than a year earlier.

ASTA also reports that the number of profitable agencies has risen significantly since 2007. Almost two-thirds (65%) of travel agencies were profitable last year. Agencies are predicting 12% average profits for this year.

In fact, the average ASTA agency has been in business since 1988. That’s another proof point for the health of the profession.

Travel Advisor Fact #4: Travel advisors are really well traveled.

The typical ASTA advisor has visited 36 countries. And they add four new countries each year. More than one in five (22%) has visited 50 or more countries.

Forbes.com reports that top luxury travel advisors like Virtuoso’s travel well over 100 days each year. They visit the world’s hottest new hotels and experience destinations and cultures firsthand. They build relationships with travel providers to provide superior service to their clients. You can’t get this kind of expertise through a website.

Clients of travel advisors travel more frequently and for longer periods

Travel Advisor Fact #5: Affluent travelers in particular use travel advisors.

MMGY has found that the percentage of affluent Americans who plan on booking trips through travel advisors is rising. It reported that 17% of Americans with incomes of $125,000 booked one or more trips with an advisor. And 24% of those making $250,000 or more used an advisor.

By next year, MMGY predicts that 21% of well-off travelers with incomes of $125,000 or more plan to use an advisor. And 29% of those with incomes of $250,000 or more plan to do so.

Affluent travelers say they work with travel advisors because:

· of the extra level of service advisors provide

· of advisors’ knowledge of destinations

· it removes booking hassles

· advisors book a better trip than travelers can themselves

Travel Advisor Fact #6: Clients of travel advisors travel more.

People who work with travel advisors travel more than people who don’t. ASTA found that clients of advisors take 4.7 trips a year. People who do it themselves take only 3.6 trips.

Not only do travelers with an advisor vacation more, they also stay longer.Travelweekly reports that the trips advisors worked on were more than 35% longer. Clients of advisors took trips of 8.2 nights on average. But those without an advisor spent just 6 nights away.

Travel Advisor Fact #7: People really love their travel advisors.

92% of people who partner with a travel advisor plan to do so again

An ASTA study found that:

· 72% of travelers who worked with advisors believe they make the vacation planning process easy

· 69% said advisors would resolve problems if they arise

· 68% said advisors had experience in booking special trips

· 61% said advisors possess the knowledge required to plan a quality vacation

· 59% said advisors can secure better deals

· 78% said they were highly influenced by their advisor’s hotel recommendations, and 77% said the same about tours

A Travel Weekly survey reported that 77% of travelers who used a travel advisor or very satisfied. Only 4% were not satisfied.

The bottom line? ASTA says 92% who partner with a travel advisor plan to do again. Half of them even say they plan to increase their use of advisors in the future.

Travel Advisor Fact #8: It’s easy to find an advisor who’s right for you.

After reading all these travel advisor facts, you might want to experience the difference for yourself. But you might not know where to turn.

Travelwizard.com makes it a snap. Take just a few minutes to https://www.travelwizard.com/vacation-planner/ At the end you’ll receive suggestions for an advisor that has the qualities you requested. With 9,800 advisors in 31 countries, there’s someone who will be your perfect partner in travel planning.

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com with renowned Virtuoso Travel Advisors: Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Advisor contact you.

Terrific Article About Luxury Travel

2017-03-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

Why Travel Agents Own The Luxury Market

by Doug Gollan / March 20, 2017

Entrance to the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes. Photo: Facebook.

In the past year, I’ve attended the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, the Americas version in Riviera Maya and the Asian edition in Shanghai. I’ve also been to the The Affluent Traveler Collection’s meeting in Palm Desert and Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. Last week I was in Deauville, France, for the annual conference of Traveller Made, a Paris-based consortium of agencies that focus on selling luxury.

There are other players in the luxury space whose confabs I didn’t get to, namely Travel Leaders, Signature and Ensemble. I didn’t get to the PURE show in Morocco either, a trade event based more on creating experiences and less around insightful speakers or getting updates on luxury hotels. There are also ILTM events in South Africa, Japan and Brazil.

When I started in the industry back 30 years ago none of these groups or events were in existence or had the mission they have today. Even in the late 90s travel agents didn’t seem to have any particularly significant role in selling luxury. So the fact that today you can spend your entire life going to luxury trade events is significant to me. Trade events are a sign of a robust and healthy industry.

I’ve spoken with scores of travel agents who sell “luxury” at these conferences. I know I use the word “travel agent” at the risk of offending some readers, but I do not do it out of disrespect. Virtuoso calls its travel agents “travel advisors,” playing off money managers, who are often referred to as “financial advisors,” its CEO Matthew Upchurch says. It’s an interesting choice, because many predicted that financial planners would be made extinct by online trading services—but it certainly hasn’t turned out that way for either group. Traveller Made calls its agents “travel designers,” founder and CEO Quentin Desurmont picking up the term from fashion designers. In both cases, the goal is to reposition yourself in the minds of potential customers not as a processor of tickets but as a consultant and expert who can create memories that last a lifetime.

There are many reasons you are thriving in the luxury arena. The rich have the wherewithal to hire people to do time consuming tasks for them, be it managing their finances, keeping their lawns and gardens pretty, or decorating their homes. While it’s possible to do those things themselves, they prefer to pay someone a fair price to do it better than they can.

The fact that consumers prefer to use agents, planners, counselors, designers, advisors, etc. for their trips doesn’t stop the OTAs from spending a considerable fortune (over $3 billion annually) churning out commercials that claim they cannot only find the lowest price at hotels, but can also create unique experiences. Frankly, I wouldn’t use them to buy an airline ticket from New York to St. Louis—but then again, I spent a considerable amount of time researching their awful record of consumer complaints, including numerous muck-ups that would have been funny if they didn’t ruin someone’s vacation or business trip.

Suppliers naturally have to keep their feet on both sides of the fence. While they would love for customers to book directly, many find the rates they sell on their own websites are lower than what you sell. The OTAs provide reach to anyone who has an Internet connection, of course, but they attract the price shoppers—and their distribution costs are as much as 300% higher than when you sell the same product for them.

Yet suppliers have to consider the future. Will you really be around in 10 or 20 years? Maybe in some dorm room in Stanford, some graduate student will figure out a way to do what you do at a touch of a button. What would happen if you go away? They have a responsibility to their owners and shareholders to be thinking about a world 20 years from now. When I started as a junior reporter in 1987 I was still using a typewriter and the fax machine was some contraption out of Star Trek that took eight minutes to produce one page.

Back to today. I’ve been impressed with how some of you use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get bookings from current clients and attract their friends. You no longer sit behind a flickering CRT from 9 to 5. Former Carnival Cruise Lines president Bob Dickinson used to exhort you to keep your stores open on weekends and evenings. I know many of you work partly from home and mainly from the road, trekking to see new luxury resorts and taking copious notes on which suites have the best views and which offer only the clanging of dishes from the restaurant when you open the windows.

The technology that was supposed to put you out of business has instead made you the lifeline to which your clients cling. You sleep with your smart phone, incessantly checking your e-mail and various messenger apps in case a client needs something. You program in the places your clients are traveling to on your Weather.com app so if you see it’s raining in Phuket, you can email your clients a couple suggestions before they wake-up. And of course, when airlines cancel flights, while other travelers are waiting on hold or tweeting for a rescue, you are emailing your customers with their new confirmed flights, changing their airport pick-ups for their new arrivals and alerting the hotel. You are probably also cajoling the DOM to waive any fees, something they will likely do for you, knowing that you provide a reliable and steady stream of business where web bookings are one-offs.

Attending some of those trade shows, you amass thousands of business cards. Even if you’ve never been to Guangzhou, you know the general managers at the best hotels there. When your customer needs a waiver or favor, or when something goes wrong, you are there to help. Remember the part about sleeping with your cell phone.

Yes, there are still doubters and yes, there will be luxury sold directly via online services, by suppliers and hybrids. I’m not sure if there is a need for more luxury trade shows, or if the current roster will continue to grow. But it shows me that in the luxury market, for suppliers that want to show real ROI, robustly embracing the trade is the smart strategy.

Travelwizard.com is a Virtuoso Member with expert travel advisors covering the world of luxury vacations, cruises and tours. Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Specialist contact you.

2017-02-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

What Is Most Important To You?

Your Health, Your Security, Your Time, Your Family?

Machu Picchu, Bob & Donna McMillen Exploring Peru

When you are dreaming of exploring the world, choosing a luxury travel advisor will insure you don't waste your precious time; that you can cut to the chase and see the best of the best in whatever country you are thinking about; that you will travel safely, confidently and secure.

Travelwizard.com is an affiliate of Luxury Travel Guide and their renowned Virtuoso Travel Advisors specialize in arranging vacations for sophisticated travelers that understand and appreciate how important their time is to them. Since 1998 they have serviced over 75000 upscale travelers and have the highest repeat business in the travel industry.

The next time you think about exploring the world wouldn't you appreciate knowing you are going to be staying in the best accommodations suited to you; having all you transportation, air, car, transfers and tours ready for you in a seamless manner? That's what luxury travel is really all about.

Moorea, Tahiti

To talk to one of Travelwizard.com's Luxury Travel Specialists call 1 800 330 8820 and save time, stress and travel confidently. Or better yet, start with their luxury vacation planner and they will call you at the time and place you want.

How To Make A World Of Difference In The Way You Experience Trave

2016-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

How To Make A World Of Difference In The Way You Experience Travel

Alaska Inland Passage By Yacht

Have you ever thought about what was your most valuable asset? Time is something you only get once. You cannot go back and get it again once it's passed.

Zambizi River Elephants

Most of us value of vacation time as extremely valuable, so when you reach your destination you don't waste it searching for the best experiences, the best accommodations that suit your dream, the best tours that match your desires. That can take years of searching and you still may not find that magical experience a personal travel advisor can create and orchestrate for you.

New Zealand Fly Fishing

When I was in my 20's & 30's I yearned to discover the world, and did just that because of my occupation as a commercial diver allowed me the time and money to explore what was out there. The thought of using a travel agent or travel advisor never crossed my mind. I would simply decide to go some place on what I had heard about it. Yes, doing it this way was a real adventure and I did discover a lot of terrific destinations, however I missed an awful lot of extraordinary experiences, wasted a lot of time trying to find those hidden delights off the tourist grid. It took me 20 years to realize I didn't have enough time to explore even a few countries thoroughly, more less the whole world.

South Pacific Islands by Helicopter

Then one day in Santa Barbara I was walking by a travel agency and saw some pictures of Thailand that stopped my in my tracks. I had been to Thailand 6 times but somehow had missed a lot of the best destinations. My curiosity brought me into the travel agency to find out where the scenic posters were from. The travel agent asked me if she could help me. I didn't tell her how many times I had been to Thailand and asked her to help me find the best places to go in the country. To get to the point, I was stunned I knew so little about Thailand.

She asked me about my lifestyle, my travel experiences and what my dream of a perfect vacation would look like and a lot more. A week later she called me to discuss some options she had created. After a few modifications she handed my itinerary and travel documents for a 10 day vacation.

That vacation experience was an eye opener for me, I saw Thailand in a whole different light and discovered more in 10 days than I had on my own in six trips I did myself. From that say on I have used a professional travel advisor and have experienced so much more, saved so much time and enjoyed myself far, far more than I did on my own.

For the last twenty years I have been enjoying helping vacationers get the most out of their precious time. I founded Travelwizard.com and have been

Luxury Travel Deals Promo Code: Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Specialist contact you.

2016-11-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Article from Forbes about luxury travel

Best of the Best: Luxury Travel Advisors' Trends & Recommendations for 2017

"Lea Lane ,

CONTRIBUTOR

I travel the world: smart, luxe, connected -- and often.

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Laguna Beach, Californa, Photo taken by Bob McMillen, Travelwizard.com

"Virtuoso®, the global network of luxury travel agencies, has unveiled its 2017 Virtuoso Luxe Report, forecasting emerging travel developments and top destinations for the coming year. The report offers insight into the preferences of upscale travelers as determined by the group’s annual survey of its worldwide travel advisors.

For 2017, luxury travelers are seeking adventures in less explored areas and craving customized local experiences wherever they roam. So here are the top five recommendations for travel in 2017:

Head now for destinations with a sense of urgency: ones that are changing rapidly or even disappearing. Cuba tops the list as both an emerging destination and one in danger of losing its distinctive character. The Arctic is another must-see, with melting glaciers impacting the region’s unique wildlife. Closer to home, now is the time to visit Lanai before it gains more popularity.
Seek out active journeys, as adventure travel soars even higher this year as a dominant trend. Examples: an African safari, swimming with whale sharks in Mexico or Australia, or hiking the Swiss Alps.
3. Splurge on an over-the-top exclusive experience: hire a personal guide for a city tour or board a private jet for an unforgettable round-the-world journey. Exclusive-use travel is a key trend for 2017, whether it is renting a villa in a prime destination such as St. Barts or even a private island, or chartering a yacht for a Croatian sail.
Savor the flavors and eat like a local wherever you roam. Take a cooking class, peruse the markets, hunt for truffles, dine at a world-class restaurant or opt for a private, in-home dining experience.

Recommended by Forbes

4. Savor the flavors and eat like a local wherever you roam. Take a cooking class, peruse the markets, hunt for truffles, dine at a world-class restaurant or opt for a private, in-home dining experience.
5. Take a cruise that matches your preferences and personality. Cruise for convenience, value and range of options. River cruising offers greater cultural immersion and the opportunity to explore the heart of a destination. Expedition cruising continues to gain popularity for its nature-focused and more intimate, experiential itineraries to remote destinations.

International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Top Travel Trends Top Emerging Destinations

Multigenerational travel 1. Cuba
Active or adventure trips 2. Iceland
River cruising 3. Croatia
Travel with immediate family 4. South Africa
Celebration travel 5. Japan

Top Endangered/Changing Destinations Top Adventure Destinations

Cuba 1. South Africa
Antarctica 2. Galapagos Islands
Great Barrier Reef 3. Costa Rica
Venice 4. New Zealand
The Arctic 5. Peru/Iceland (tie)

Top Global Destinations Top U.S. Destinations

Italy 1. New York, NY
South Africa 2. Maui, HI
France 3. Napa Valley/Sonoma, CA
Iceland 4. Las Vegas, NV
Australia 5. Miami/South Beach, FL

Top Family Travel Destinations Top Honeymoon Destinations

Italy 1. Italy
Mexico 2. Maui, HI
Hawaii 3. French Polynesia
Orlando, FL 4. Maldives
England 5. Mexico

Top Cruise Itineraries Top Travel Motivations

Mediterranean 1. Exploring new destinations
Alaska 2. Seeking authentic experiences
European river 3. Rest and relaxation
Caribbean 4. Personal enrichment
Greek Isles 5. Seeking adventure

A total of 772 advisors from Virtuoso’s travel agency partners in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East were surveyed, providing global insights on 2017’s hottest trends.

"

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com . Call 1.800.330.8820 to talk to our Virtuoso Travel Advisors about planning your next vacation.

2016-10-31T13:14:00.001-07:00

Article About Virtuoso Travel Advisors And The Election

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa

Article by Travel Pulse, ROBIN AMSTER, OCTOBER 27, 2016

The Presidential Election is just two weeks away and it looks like Virtuoso is as bone tired of this year’s contest as everyone else on the planet is.

The luxury travel network has come up with a list of “Election Escapes,” what it calls “the best spots for confounded citizens to rest, rejuvenate and resolve which candidate will get their support come this November.”

From relatively nearby Canada to Antarctica at the ends of the earth, the list includes these six destinations:

Newfoundland, Canada where the Fogo Island Inn is a great getaway. Another advantage to this Canadian destination, according to Virtuoso: “Travelers can scout out some land in their soon-to-be adopted Canadian homeland, just in case their candidate doesn’t win.”

Bordeaux, France where visitors can board a helicopter for a fly-over of the 1855 classification of wine stars with Bordeaux Excellence. After landing, they’ll receive privileged access to a tasting of a Grand Cru Classé. This might best suit those voters for whom “visiting a vineyard constitutes supporting the Green Party,” said Virtuoso.

Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia’s Song Saa Private Island whose overwater accommodations do not come with televisions, an absolute blessing for those who feel they’ve had enough TV to last, well maybe not a lifetime, but at least until the next presidential election.

Antarctica, via Lindblad Expedition’s 13-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Orion, an adventure for visitors who want to get as far from Washington D.C. as possible.

The Himalayas where the Ananda in the Himalayas spa offers its renowned Dhyana “self-realization” mediation program. Guests might want to meditate on the meaning of the 2016 election or—if that’s too painful—just realize that it will all be over soon.

Madrid, Spain where the El Corte Ingles’ Castellana Store offers some serious shopping therapy as an antidote to the recent craziness. There’s more than one-million square feet of shopping featuring a vast and soothing array of luxury brands.

A final piece of advice from Virtuoso: vote and should you decide to extend your trip beyond Nov. 8, vote by absentee ballot. Just remember that rules vary by state: https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting.

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com, a Virtuoso Travel Advisor

Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Specialist contact you.

2016-10-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Luxury Vacation Planning

Whether you are dreaming about an African safari tour, a world cruise or a luxury villa, a professional travel advisor is always your best bet if you want a carefree experience that matches your dream to a tee.

A good travel advisor has global connections in all the top hotels and can get you accommodated even on short notice; get you great value; save you a lot of precious time; get you free upgrades, get unbeatable airfare deals you won't find on the internet; and make you feel like a VIP.

Another hidden value of a travel advisor in their advocacy if something goes wrong, which does happen from time to time. Virtuoso Travel Advisors, an elite, invite only group of the top travel agencies in the world have a tremendous amount of clout in the travel industry because they book over 15 billion dollars a year in the luxury travel sector. If you happen to miss a connection they can get you on another plane quickly; rebook your accommodations, cruise and tour painlessly and save your vacation.

Molly McMillen, Virtuoso Travel Advisor at Travelwizard.com in Napa experiencing the top wineries private tours.

Another value a professional travel advisor can deliver in privileged access like, private tours in the top wineries wine cellers; after hours private tours of the Vatican, museums, the top restaurants and nightclubs; exclusive seats at the top sporting events, and it goes on and on.

Luxury Vacation Guide is a proud affiliate of Travelwizard.com, Virtuoso Travel Advisors. Call 1 800 330 8820 or to start planning your next luxury vacation now click here.

2016-09-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

These Travel Agents Are Staying A Step Ahead Of Google

Doug Gollan , CONTRIBUTOR

I write about travel, from jets to hotels, shopping and dining.

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

IBM has Watson. Google has its vast secret development labs. Both strive to bring to market technology that will improve our lives and use data to increase the power of marketers. In some cases, the technology is also meant to replace the need for a human, perhaps a scary thought if your job or industry might be in the path of some game changing innovation developed from a dorm room at Stanford.

Travel agents have been on death watch for the better part of two decades, and despite considerable evidence to the contrary, many in the media and Silicon Valley are still not sold we need personal interaction to book our travel. With that in mind, it might be surprising a large group of travel agents invited a Google executive to speak at its international conference in Cape Town earlier this year.

During Virtuoso Travel Week, held in Las Vegas this past August, Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch got a round of hoots, screams and applause when he let it out that the net result was that the Google executive has since booked two trips with a travel agent, or in Virtuoso lingo, an advisor.

Google’s own research shows it takes a consumer 32 visits to 10 different websites to book a simple airline ticket. Independent research conducted earlier this year by TNS Global at the behest of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents, and paid for by Carnival Corporation, showed travel agents are able to save clients nearly $500 versus booking directly with a supplier or via online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia or Travelocity. MMGY Global, a marketing company that publishes an annual survey on consumer trends related to travel, has measured an increase in travel agent usage for five consecutive years. The fastest growing segment happens to be time pressed, yet wired Millennials.

According to the ASTA/TNS Global survey, “when looking back on their past travel experiences, almost two-thirds (63 percent) said using an agent makes their overall trip experience better; 69 percent reported that agents save them time in planning and booking; 66 percent said agents help them avoid costly mistakes, and 64 precent say agents find the better deals.” The survey noted consumers who use an agent save four hours of planning time per trip.

In the past year during strikes by Lufthansa, a computer meltdown at Delta, storms, terrorism, Zika and other things that throw a wrench into travel plans, travel agents have again and again shown their worth by getting their clients to important business meetings, vacations, or home to loved ones, while consumers who booked direct or via OTAs were posting messages of frustration to Twitter and Facebook.

In fact, the profession is seeing both an influx of new blood, and a talent shortage. Nearly 70 percent of Virtuoso agencies reported they are planning to hire more advisors. What’s more, the demographics of agents themselves are changing dramatically. Anthony Huffman, owner of Huffman Travel says, “Five years ago we had nobody here (at Virtuoso Travel Week) under 50. Today, I’m the only one over 50.”

That’s partly because the job of travel agent, which used to mean sitting in front of a flickering computer terminal from nine to five, tapping on a keyboard, has changed dramatically. Many agents work from home, or if they have an office are rarely in it, instead traveling the world, scouting out what’s best, newest and next for their customers. While it may not pay like investment banking, with the median salary under $50,000, top advisors get well into six figures, and it is the type of job where if you are OK answering client emails 24/7, you aren’t tied to a desk, you get to see the world, stay in nice places and often get VIP treatment as if you were a big company CEO.

Of course, it is work as well. Visiting a resort means spending several hours on a walking tour to check out different room types and facilities, often under the hot sun, while at the same finding alternate flights for a client when the airline cancelled the flight for reason du jour. A one week trip often means staying at four different hotels and inspecting a half dozen more. It also means taking charge when things like terrorist attacks happen, contacting clients who are in the impacted area to organize new plans and come up with entirely new vacations for customers who were about to leave, but don’t want to anymore.

While Sergey Brin and Mark Zuckerberg have at their hands imposing reams of data about what you do, and other billion dollar companies make their business helping other billion dollar companies make sense of big data, savvy agents have turned the table on Silicon Valley using Instagram, Facebook and other social media to their advantage. As they tour resorts snapping pictures of villas, suites and premium rooms, luscious spas, infinity pools, craft cocktails sipped on a white sand beach, they post those images to their followers, which while not necessarily large in number, include their customers and friends of clients. The response is often text message or emails with requests to make a reservation. It’s somewhat ironic that as the industry’s global behemoths invest hundreds of millions of dollars into technology to create more personalized, deeper relationships with their customers, top agents are accomplishing the same.

If you still aren’t a believer, Reed Exhibitions, a major events company operates a trade show called International Luxury Travel Mart, or ILTM for short. Launched in 2001 with a single event in Cannes, the aim was to provide an opportunity for luxury hoteliers and suppliers to meet with travel agents in scheduled one-on-one meetings. The show has now grown to a series of events held in China, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, six shows in total, with hoteliers paying big bucks so they can meet, greet and update top advisors on their newest amenities and offerings.

Simon Mayle, the events manager for ILTM Americas, held in Riviera Maya, says the number of suppliers has grown from 150 to 300 in five years, and he continues to find new agents. This year 73 percent of agents are first timers, and the U.S. contingent comes from over 130 different cities. Underscoring today’s new breed of advisors, he points to one agent who was a former advertising executive, and another duo who work from home, but are among the top 50 sellers worldwide for Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Advisors also see themselves as helping customers get more out of life. Anne Scully, president of McCabe World Travel was recently in Paris. “I was trying to show people how there were no lines at the Louvre. It was sunny skies and double upgrades at the top hotels.” She, like many are critical of the online folks who still think they can bypass advisors with technology. “There are only 168 hours in a one week vacation. It goes fast. Advisors make sure you do the things you want. They know how to help you schedule your time so you’re not rushing around, but you don’t miss things,” she says.

Can a computer do the same? “The only thing a computer is connected to is the electric outlet. That only thing that online booking is connected to is a plug,” she says. Speaking about consumers who book directly or via OTAs, she says, where there is a problem, the chickens come home to roost. “They spend a day or more trying to rearrange plans. It’s a shame,” she laments.

“The message from the OTAs is that they want the consumer to play doctor or lawyer,” says Rick Mazza, CEO of American Marketing Group, which owns three agency groups, adding, ”While it may seem like fun at the beginning, these stories illustrate how easy it is for even sophisticated travelers to lose money, vacations and lots of time. It’s very sad. Maybe there should be a warning during the ads like they have on cigarette boxes or during the pharmaceutical commercials so consumers understand the potential consequences.”

James Phillips, president of Travelbound, a tour operator that works exclusively through travel agents uses New York City as an example of where having a good travel agent can both save you money and enhance your experience. Speaking on a panel during the ASTA Global Convention held in Reno this week, he said, “People think, oh, it’s New York. I don’t need a travel agent. But the good agents know what you are looking for, and can find deals that you would never think of on your own.” He tells of a friend who was originally going to stay at the Doubletree in midtown until an agent found The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park at a lower rate.

If agents needed any positive reinforcement, it came this week from a somewhat odd source. Various agency groups have been at odds with Marriott International since it launched a “book direct” marketing campaign last year encouraging consumers to book via its website. While other hotel groups do similar, Marriott raised the ire of agents in that one execution inferred that booking direct might be preferable to using a retail travel agent. Though it was common knowledge in the industry the campaign was mainly targeting OTAs, where the cost of a booking can be as high as 30 percent of the transaction compared to about 10 percent with retail travel agents, Marriott never really came out and said so in a very public way.

Speaking to the ASTA gathering, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, just days after closing its acquisition of Starwood, spoke of his company’s challenges with online intermediaries and the prospect that Google, Facebook and other social media and search powerhouses may jump into the travel transaction business, attempting to separate his company from customers and add a level expense. He lamented how Marriott has to pay just so its hotels are listed above intermediaries in search, and referred to Marriott Rewards, which combined with Starwood Preferred Guest has 85 million participants, as its “moat” in protecting its relationship with those customers. It was not a particularly aggressive analogy for the leader of the largest hotel company on the planet.

Then asked about the future for agents, it almost sounded like he wouldn’t mind trading places with some of the entrepreneurs in the crowd. He told them on the corporate side, agencies are needed to manage complicated travel programs and compliance, and then on the leisure side, complimented agents for putting together memorable vacations, and almost longingly added, “You have a strong relationship with your customers.”

Dave Hilfman, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at United Airlines went a step further. He implored the audience to provide his suggestions on how the Chicago-based carrier could improve its business from agents, a 180 degree turnaround from the late 1990s when airlines basically told travel agents to take a hike by cutting commissions, launching direct booking portals and bankrolling the online travel agencies they now are fighting with.

Zane Kerby, the CEO of ASTA has a bit of a different take. “We’ve had online booking for nearly 20 years. What’s happened is a lot of consumers have tried it, and have figured out that booking with a real travel agent is a better experience.”

A look at OTAs backs up that assessment. Consumer satisfaction rating are often lower than discount airlines such as Spirit or Ryan Air, and the litany of complaints extends to even relatively simple trips.

Mike Batt, a former British Airways executive and Chairman/Founder of Travel Leaders, another agency group told me last year he thinks the renewed romance between suppliers and agents is being driven in that agents sell higher rates at hotels, mainly because they provide value, and understand customer needs.

Either way, if you’re still not a fan of travel agents, let me know how it goes next time a snowstorm cancels your connection in Denver and the VIP Executive Diamond line to your favorite airline or hotel company lets you know there is a 75 minute hold time.

Doug Gollan is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of DG Amazing Experiences

Luxuryvacationguide is a proud affiliate of Travelwizard.com with renowned Virtuoso Travel Advisors.

Call 1.800.330.8820 to start planning your next vacation..

Six Reasons Travel Advisors Are Better

2016-09-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Six Reasons Travel Agents Are Back

by Jessica Montevago / June 21, 2016, Travel Market Report

1. Travel advisors offer guidance.It’s a scary world out there, and even seasoned travelers are a little nervous. Whether the destination they are considering is facing the Zika virus or the threat of terrorism, travelers are more inclined to talk through their concerns, and get unbiased information, from a live agent. “The tips we can give them, the advice, those things you just can’t get booking online,” says travel professional Diane Bower, at CruzDiva Travel in Huntersville, NC.

2. Travel advisors give you more for your money.Agents have access to deals and promotions travelers do not. From cruise lines to hotels to tours, suppliers know their top travel agents and slip them upgrades, bonuses, special offers and early entrance tickets that make their customers feel special, and save them an average $452 per trip.

3. Travelers are frustrated with online travel agencies.Consumers are wising up. Online travel agencies (OTAs) often advertise one price, and then tack on fees and other hidden charges, or restrictions and blackout dates in the fine print. And there is just too much information out there to sort through. And doing the research is overwhelming. Among travelers who regularly seek information from an OTA when planning a vacation, only 13% typically book their reservations on OTA sites, according to MMGY Global’s 2015 Portrait of American Travelers, compared to 36% in 2014.

4. Better customer service.While OTAs have call centers to assist customers with basic site navigation, they offer little further support. Travel agents help during the booking process and stay with you to make sure all goes right. And when there is a problem, they are there to intervene—whether it’s a supplier who doesn’t deliver or an emergency that makes them cancel the whole trip.

5. Deep knowledge of the destination, and personal understanding of your interests. Agents often specialize in niche markets, so they can offer even more insight into a specific destination or segment of travel, like LGBT or destination weddings. And they spend a little time getting to know the customer, so they can make recommendations tailored to what you want to do. “It’s almost like your best friend is booking a trip for you,” says DiBernardo.

6. Travel advisors ’ customer base is skewing toward Millennials.The percentage of travelers under the age of 35 who prefer to book their vacations through a travel agent increased 50% between 2014 and 2015, reports MMGY Global. They don’t have time to wade through all the options, and they understand there is only one chance to make a vacation perfect. Just as they hire an expert to do their taxes or maintain their garden, they want a knowledgeable professional to help them make this most important decision.

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com, a renowned Virtuoso Travel Advisor: Call 1.800.330.8820 to talk with one of their luxury travel advisors now.

Bucket List Article About Virtuoso Travel Advisors

2016-09-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

5 Ways an Advisor Will Help You Crush Your Travel Bucket List

By Kelly Clements
Consultant, Return on Life
Virtuoso
"As the air cools and the regular day-to-day routine invades the last carefree days of summer, I find myself in mad dash mode. I’m not worried about quarterly reports, back-to-school routines or snagging the hottest fall trends. I’m eking out what’s left of the season and cramming in the remaining items on my summer travel bucket list. I had such high hopes in May! With so many exciting adventures on my list, this was sure to be The. Best. Summer. EVER!
Alas, here we are, under changing leaves and shorter days. I look at that list with more items unchecked than checked. Oh, what could have been! That girls’ weekend at the spa would have been divine. The anniversary trip with my partner should have been a priority. My kids could have really benefited from visiting one of the National Parks. My parents and siblings missed the boat when we opted out of that destination wedding. The anticipation of possibilities begins to fade into regret over missed memories.
This sneak peek into the bigger picture of life has given me the kick I need. This feeling of regret is enough to make sure I’m not in the final days of life, looking at my unchecked travel bucket list. I don’t want to grieve the missed opportunity of life’s greatest adventures. And I want to have those priceless memories to cherish.

Enter Return on Life

I’m going to need some help – and some accountability. Enter my Virtuoso travel advisor. Virtuoso has created the industry’s first patented long-term travel planning approach. With the Return on Life process, advisors will work with you to create a plan for your trips five, 10, even 20 or more years out.

A travel advisor can help you plan your long-term travel bucket list, including family trips

You work with an advisor to plan your long-term finances. So why not work with one to plan how you’ll spend your most precious asset – your free time? A travel advisor can help you plan travel for each stage of your life. Looking for the best trips to take with children no matter their age? Or a different travel bucket list for your retirement journeys? Return on Life can help.
Below are five advantages of partnering with an advisor to help steward your lifetime travel bucket list:

They make sure your travel bucket list is really YOUR bucket list

I grew up traveling, and as an avid traveler, I had a bucket list a mile long. Every beach town, spa resort, and island on the planet was on my list. When I sat down with my advisor to talk about these destinations, he asked what I liked about resort travel. After I thought, I told him it was how my parents traveled. It was just what I knew. After more thought, I realized that what I loved the most was venturing off resort property into town to meet the locals, or hike up the volcano, or shop at local markets.
After a more personal conversation, we scrapped my original bucket list and developed a new one I would have NEVER come up with on my own. He showed me what was really possible through travel. I found myself booking a safari in Africa, eternally grateful he had opened this new world to me.

A travel bucket list will ensure that long-desired African safari becomes a reality

They get you in motion

Like a fine bottle of wine, we tend to put off our bucket lists until just the right time. We imagine an event that will mark the perfect opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the life we have waiting for us. A travel advisor, aided by your Return on Life plan, will make sure you don’t let time pass you by.
Surely, there is at least one destination on your bucket list that you can book today – even if you book it for next year. Getting in motion toward that destination will create tremendous momentum. Soon, you’ll be working on the next item, and the next, and the next…

They keep you in motion

Returning from a trip can be a real downer. We nurse the emotional hangover by mourning what we would be doing if we were still away. “Ugh. It’s 10:00 a.m. If we were still on vacation we’d be finishing our morning walk and having pain au chocolat…”
When your advisor helps you develop a long-term travel plan, you will always have a trip on the horizon. You will return from one journey and be left to savor the memories, while simultaneously anticipating your next.

They maximize your travel dollar

Did you know we tend to underestimate our travel budgets by as much as 30 percent?
When your advisor knows what’s on your travel bucket list, they can avoid last-minute rates and fees. They can take advantage of advance booking rates, secure access to exclusive events, and guarantee the best rooms and tour options. In addition, because of their connections, they can obtain you better value than you can on your own. You’ll enjoy complimentary perks like hotel room upgrades, credits for hotel restaurants and spas, and shore excursions on cruises.

When plans change, they can change plans

Regardless of how well prepared we are, outside circumstances can always alter our travel plans. When your advisor knows every destination on your travel bucket list, they can replace an existing destination with another. And if those circumstances force a change while you’re already on your trip, your travel advisor will turn on a dime to get you back on track.

Why create your own travel bucket list?

In short, having a long-term travel plan saves you headaches from last-minute bookings with scant inventory. It also provides an endless sense of anticipation because you always have an amazing trip to look forward to. But the most priceless aspect of Return on Life planning is the certainty that you will not look back and regret any missed memories."

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com Call 1.800.330.8820 talk to one of their Virtuoso Travel Advisors now.

Virgin Islands Winter Special Deal

2016-09-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Virgin Islands Winter Special Deals

Stay 6 nights and receive the 6th night free, $600 in Virgin Island Spending Certificates, and more!

Book now through 10/31/16 for travel 1/02/17 – 4/10/17

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com with Virtuoso Travel Advisors specializing in the Virgin Islands: Call 1.800.330.8820 to get these specials now..

How the other half vacations, Boston Globe article

2016-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

The highly-anticipated Fort Bishangarh.

By Christopher Muther GLOBE STAFF AUGUST 26, 2016

LAS VEGAS — Chances are you’ve never heard of Virtuoso Travel Week. Well my friends, it’s time to change that.

Think of the mammoth Virtuoso Travel Week trade show as the Fashion Week of travel. Every year, thousands of representatives from the luxury travel world — hotels, cruise ships, tour companies, and all things wanderlust — come to Las Vegas to reveal their latest and greatest to travel agents. Sorry, I mean travel advisors. Please, don’t call anyone here a travel agent or you’ll be administered a swift paper cut with a business card.

These advisors then book their moneyed clients in the newest, most opulent digs, such as a villa at the Nayara Springs resort in Costa Rica, a luxury hut over the ocean at the new Conrad Bora Bora Nui, or perhaps a room with a view of Lake Geneva at the Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France.

For those of us on the outside of the scene, the travel envy can be overwhelming. We may not have the sacks of cash necessary to finance these luxury excursions, but as musical goddess Debbie Harry wisely sang “Dreaming is free.” So start fantasizing and feast your eyes upon these gorgeous new getaways.

Il Sereno Lago di Como, Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is Italy’s sophisticated, aristocratic playground and it deserves a hotel to match its majestic setting. Designer Patricia Urquiola gave the Il Sereno a cutting edge, contemporary look that wisely doesn’t distract from views of the nearby Southern Alps. (Opened August 2016.)

The White Desert Camp in Antartica.

White Desert, Antarctica

Travel one-up-manship is a dangerous game to play. Try it at a highfalutin dinner party and you’ll end up embarrassed over the shrimp cocktail. But claim you’ve been to Antarctica, at the same lodge where Prince Harry and Bear Grylls once stayed, and you’ll earn the life-long respect of peers. White Desert offers top-notch accommodations and opportunities to explore blue ice caves and try kite skiing and abseiling. Thankfully there’s also a sauna for defrosting. (Recently refurbished.)

Las Alcobas, Napa Valley

Luxury comes to Napa Valley with 68 rooms overlooking serene vineyards. Interiors are by award-winning design firm Yabu Pushelberg with furniture custom-made for the hotel. Las Alcobas award-winning flagship hotel is in Mexico City, and expectations are high for its Napa Valley sister property. (Opening Oct. 2016)

The Silo, Cape Town

Located in a former grain elevator, the Silo is now being transformed into a fashionable, architecturally-forward Cape Town waterfront hotel. It shares its space with the Zeitz MOCAA, a contemporary art museum that will be the largest modern art museum in Africa when it opens in next year. (Hotel opening March 2017)

Villa Himalaya

and Villa Fleur de Sel , St. Bart’s

These two new private villas may come with a steep price tag (up to $30,000 a week during peak season), but can you really put a price tag on exclusive Caribbean sunsets, infinity pools, and private jaccuzis on the chic French island? Well, at $30,000 a week, I guess you can. (Now renting.)

Milaidhoo Island, Maldives

Each of the 50 villas on this 13 acre island has its own pool, and some of the villas are located on stilts over the ocean. The island is part of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which means the snorkeling is incredible. If you want to mix with the locals, you can go tuna fishing, but do you really want to go fishing when you have a private swimming pool? (Opening November 2016.)

An observation car in the Grand Hiberian train.

Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland

If you’ve been grumbling to yourself “I wish there was a way I could travel through Ireland on a luxurious train” — and who among us hasn’t? — the Grand Hiberian brings glamorous rail travel to Ireland with 40 private suites and an elegant observation car. You’ll explore ancient castles, visit historic sites, and, most importantly, sample famous whiskies. (Now running; a luxury Belmond train is coming to Peru next year.)

Helena Bay, New Zealand

After six years, this remote sliver of paradise was transformed into a jaw-dropping guest lodge. Villas will go for as much as $3,500 a night along the private beaches in this nature lover’s dream vacation spot. (Opening November 2016.)

Alila Fort Bishangarh resort in India.

Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, India

After years of delays, our fingers are crossed that the imposing Fort Bishangarh in India will at last open as a resort with 59 suites in an 230-year-old impressive fortress. We haven’t seen renderings of what the space will look like, but if the rooms can match the bigger-than-life exterior, we’ll be ready to book. (Opening 2017.)

Metesi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

For those who prefer viewing the animal kingdom in luxury rather than dusty tents and Jeeps, the tour company &Beyond opens nine suites and a private four bedroom villa along nine miles of the Zambezi River, close to Victoria Falls. After a day of communing with nature you can relax with a massage and a bottle from the wine cellar back at the lodge. (Opened Aug. 1.)

Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @Chris_Muther and on Instagram at Chris_Muther."

For a great place to start planning your luxury vacation call Travelwizard.com at 1.800.330.8820 they are Virtuoso Travel Advisors who know all these great dream vacations and more.

When To Use A Travel Agent & When Not Too

2016-08-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

All these pictures were taken by Travelwizard.com luxury travel advisors, this one in Egypt

If you are looking for the cheapest deal don't ask a travel agent to help you. Why? Because the cheapest deal will always leave you with a bad impression of the place you are visiting and leave you with little time to enjoy the experience. Travel agents excel in giving you the most enjoyable experience for your budget, and will tell you if your dream doesn't match your pocketbook.

Botswana safari lunch in the bush

Especially these days, a travel agent has numerous up-to-the-minute resources and years of experience to keep you out of harms way. Virtuoso Travel Advisors are the cream of the crop and specialize in luxury vacation experiences around the globe, and understand the true essence of extraordinary experiences, the likes of which would take you years of searching for, if you were lucky enough to grasp what you see on the internet.

Philippine Islands by helicopter

Never make the mistake of booking your family or a group yourself, that invariably turns into a disaster, and by the time you realize your mistake, few, if any travel agents will want to try and unwind your disaster.

Easter Island Tour

Always use a luxury travel advisor when traveling abroad, especially if you don't know were to go. This is where you will save so much time, and get to directed to vacation destinations that suit you perfectly. The internet doesn't always tell the true story, hotels get overblown, phony testimonials are the usual with a lot of companies. A travel agent will save you time, help you avoid trouble, and share years of intimate knowledge which will make you dream vacation a memorable experience.

Luxury Vacation Guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com, a renowned Virtuoso Travel Agency: Call 1.800.330.8820 to start planning now.

Australia Luxury Vacation Experiences

2016-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

The awesome magnitude of Australia scenery puts nature at the top of the sightseeing list. A journey through the Red Centre to Uluru to admire the ever-changing faces of Australia's most photographed landmark is just the start. There are also the lush green canopies of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park—the world's oldest rain forest—and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kosciuszko National Park with its limestone caves, yawning gorges and alpine woodlands.

Sydney's dazzling blue harbor with its famous opera house and coat-hanger bridge to the vast, dusty plains of the Outback, Australia offers an unequaled diversity of experiences.

What's more, with almost 31,000 mi/50,000 km of the most amazing, least-crowded and unspoiled coastline in the world, Australia offers plenty of choices when it comes to beach adventures. From swimming with the biggest fish in the world on Ningaloo Reef, to snorkeling on the pristine coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, to staking out a patch of sand on iconic Bondi Beach, there's more than one way to get your toes wet.

Nature lovers can get a close-up view of Australia's unique wildlife when in Sydney by visiting Wild Life Sydney Zoo (Darling Harbour) or taking a day trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park. The zoos in Sydney and Melbourne also house a selection of native birds and animals.

For art and culture lovers, take a journey 50,000 years into the past and discover ancient Aboriginal cave painting in Kakadu National Park. Or revel in the moment at the Sydney Opera House, a modern architectural marvel that is home to Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, and which presents an eclectic mix of theatrical and musical performances.

Aloha Lopez, Hawaiian surfer

Diving is one of Australia's most famous activities. The Great Barrier Reef on the east coast is home to an amazing variety of marine life and top dive sites. The less-famous Ningaloo Reef on the country's west coast, near Exmouth, is also worth a visit. Whale sharks (seasonal) and manta rays are just some of the marine life you'll see there. Turquoise Bay ranks as one of the best drift snorkels in Australia.

Australians have perfected beach culture, and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bondi Beach in Sydney is littered with the rich, the beautiful and often the famous, while Hyams Beach, south of Sydney in Jervis Bay, is recognized as having the whitest sand in the world by the Guinness World Records.

There are sailing opportunities in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands ranging from budget day and overnight trips to luxurious charter vessels and everything in between. Sailing courses are also available.

One of the best-loved fishing sports in Australia is barramundi fishing. Barramundi are found in freshwater and estuaries around the northern coast of Australia. Day trips and safaris are available from Darwin in the Northern Territory.

For the active traveler, Australia boasts scenic hikes through diverse landscapes. The Blue Mountains in New South Wales and Wilson's Promontory in Victoria offer wildlife viewing and spectacular surroundings; the more adventurous can hike to the top of the continent in Mount Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains.

Koala

Lovers of wine and beautiful scenery won't want to miss a drive through the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The valley, just an hour's drive from Adelaide, is dotted with the vineyards of award-winning wineries. Other regions that grow full-bodied wine include the nearby Clare and McLaren valleys, Hunter Valley in New South Wales and the Margaret River region in Western Australia.

Luxury vacation guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com: Call 1.800.330.8820 for assistance, Virtuoso Travel Advisors, specializing in Australia.

Oahu Vacation Specials

2016-07-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

TAKE OFF WITH CLASSIC HAWAII

Worry-Free in Oahu

Take off to Hawaii, and leave your worries behind. With no passport required for U.S. citizens, no need to exchange your U.S. currency, uncomplicated flights, and all the familiar comforts of home, Hawaii offers an ease of travel unmatched by any other destination, all wrapped up in that effortless island vibe. Plus, now you can save hundreds of dollars in air credits and instant savings!

Relax. You’re in Oahu. You’re in good hands here.

• Stay 4 nights or more on O‘ahu and receive an air credit of up to $400

• Stay 5 nights or more on Maui, Kaua‘i or Hawai‘i Island and receive an air credit of up to $500

• Stay 6 nights or more at many of our participating hotels and receive an even higher air credit

Plus, receive an additional $100 instant Classic credit, a $100 credit for West Coast and Canada departures, and a free Triple Upgrade from a compact car to a full size or a full size to a convertible!

Book now through 8/31/16 for travel through 12/18/16

This offer is combinable with other special offers, such as free nights, free breakfast, free upgrades and more.

Oahu Hotels Included In This Specials

		AULANI, DISNEY RESORT Family-friendly resort with beach, pools, and spa
		HALEKULANI World-famous jewel on the beach at Waikiki
		THE KAHALA HOTEL AND RESORT Famed beachfront getaway, popular with celebrities
		THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT The Pink Palace of the Pacific that made Waikiki famous
		TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI BEACH WALK Luxury Oahu hotel with a spa, gourmet restaurants
		MOANA SURFRIDER, A WESTIN RESORT & SPA Meticulously restored historic resort
		HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT & SPA Beachfront resort overlooking famed Waikiki Beach
		SHERATON WAIKIKI Energetic hotel on half-mile stretch of Waikiki Beach
		TURTLE BAY RESORT & OCEAN VILLAS Full-service resort on the legendary North Shore
		WAIKIKI BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA Relaxed contemporary resort in Waikiki
		THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, WAIKIKI BEACH World class resort with panoramic view of the Pacific

Luxury Travel Deals Promo Code: Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Specialist contact you.

Hawaii Vacation Special Deals

2016-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time we start seeing some great Hawaii Vacation specials. Here's some real good ones if your are thinking about getting away.

Worry-Free in Hawaii

Relax. You’re in Hawaii. You’re in good hands here.

• Stay 4 nights or more on O‘ahu and receive an air credit of up to $400

• Stay 5 nights or more on Maui, Kaua‘i or Hawai‘i Island and receive an air credit of up to $500

• Stay 6 nights or more at many of our participating hotels and receive an even higher air credit

Plus, receive an additional $100 instant Classic credit, a $100 credit for West Coast and Canada departures, and a free Triple Upgrade from a compact car to a full size or a full size to a convertible!

Book now through 8/31/16 for travel through 12/18/16

This offer is combinable with other special offers, such as free nights, free breakfast, free upgrades and more.

Hawaii Island Hotels

		MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL Legendary Kohala Coast hotel and golf resort
		MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL & BUNGALOWS IN HAWAII ISLAND Tranquil Big Island resort harmonizes with the environment
		THE FAIRMONT ORCHID HAWAII Luxury sanctuary on the sun-drenched Kohala Coast with white-sand beach and snorkeling
		HAPUNA BEACH PRINCE Elegant resort on famed Kohala Coast beach
		SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA AT KEAUHOU BAY Serenity on Hawaii's leeward coast
		WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA Family-friendly resort with kids' sand-bottom pool

This blog is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com. Call 1.800.330.8820 to get help with our Virtuoso Travel Advisor that specializes in Hawaii vacations..

2016-07-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Venice, Italy Luxury Vacation Guide

Venice is a magical city that with tickle anyone's fancy.

Venice, Italy, is romance: a bridge arching over a canal, a gondola gliding by, the moon reflecting off water. Venice is history: the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, great art and great museums. Venice is modern: the headline names and paparazzi of the Venice Film Festival, the buzzing excitement of Carnival in the 10 days before Lent begins.

Venice has a plethora of world-famous museums and artistic treasures. The Basilica di San Marco, with its spectacular Golden Altar; the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners could enjoy one last glimpse of the beautiful city before entering the dark jail; the Gallerie dell'Accademia, with its collection of art of the 14th-18th centuries; the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of 20th-century art—the list is long. Pick and choose which places you'll visit in-depth, or just skim the surface and soak up the atmosphere.

Venice is set on islands connected by bridges, with the Grand Canal as its main thoroughfare, and traffic moves by boats that range from the traditional gondolas to refuse barges. The absence of automobile noise means you can hear the laughter of children from your window, as well as footsteps seemingly just around the corner. But what makes Venice so unique also challenges its existence. The rising sea levels of global climate change threaten the city, and now, more often than in the past, high tides from the Adriatic Sea can flood whole sections of the city.

Although the resident population in Venice has declined as many young people have moved to the mainland, where real-estate prices and the cost of living are lower, the city continues to draw tourists. In fact, the central areas can be packed, people may be brusque, and prices are high. Even so, Venice remains a treasure to be savored. en to protect this fragile city, more travelers from around the world will have the opportunity to discover the treasures hidden within it.

The history surrounding Venice will keep you enthralled for days.

As invaders swept down from the Alps in the fifth century, the farmers and fisherfolk living along what is now Italy's northeastern coast sought refuge on nearby scrub-covered islands. From the safety of their lagoon in the Adriatic, Venetians began building a powerful trading empire. By the ninth century, religious and political power had moved from Torcello to the island of Rivoaltum, where the Venetian leaders began clearing the land and driving wooden piles into the mud beneath the water—laying the foundations of modern Venice.

The city's merchants and traders (including Marco Polo's relatives) amassed huge fortunes, which were invested in the city. The fortunes built grand palaces and huge churches, and funded precious art collections (some of which still adorn the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale).
At its peak in the 1400s, the Repubblica Serenissima (the Most Serene Republic, as it was known) ruled the Adriatic and eastern Mediterranean—its democratic-style government served as an international model for centuries. But the republic soon began to decay, weakened by expansion wars, famines, plagues and finally by invading French troops, led by Napoleon in 1797. French control ended when Venice was ceded to the Hapsburg Empire a few years later. In 1866 it switched hands again, joining the Kingdom of Italy.

Today, Venice is the capital of Italy's Veneto region and one of the country's most visited cities. Its watery setting and tourism-based economy bring modern challenges, such as structural erosion caused by motorboat wakes and a steadily decreasing population as younger generations move to less-expensive cities with more job opportunities. The proud Venetians are not ones to give in easily, though, and as measures are being taken to protect this fragile city, more travelers from around the world will have the opportunity to discover the treasures hidden within it.

The art in Venice is awesome and everywhere you look.

The best introduction to Venice is a boat ride on the Grand Canal, and it doesn't really matter whether the vessel is a velvet-cushioned gondola or a utilitarian vaporetto (public water-bus). The S-shaped canal slices the city in half: Lining each side is an astonishing collection of 12th- to 18th-century buildings. Some of the baroque palaces look as elegant as they did when the doges ruled the city, though other architectural gems are crumbling into the murky water.

As you travel along Venice's Grand Canal, you'll also see what life is like in a city without automobiles. Cargo barges ply the narrow waterway along with police- and fireboats. Classic wooden cabin cruisers take tourists to luxury hotels, and skilled gondoliers navigate their sleek black vessels under bridges and around bends. Venice's canals are a visual parade.

Once you have oriented yourself to the waterways, set out on foot. Pick up a map, but expect to get lost—it's an inevitable part of the experience. Streets meander across canals, through campi (squares) and around buildings—often changing names as well as direction. If that isn't confusing enough, some streets are flooded in the winter because of aqua alta—high water.

You'll want to spend most of a day visiting the sites close to the Piazza San Marco. The Doge's Palace offers a fascinating look at how the city's leaders lived and managed the republic, and the colorful religious mosaics at the Basilica di San Marco are some of the most stunning in the world. Take in the view from the top of the Campanile di San Marco if it's a sunny day. From the piazza, it's an easy walk to the Rialto Bridge, where you can browse the shops and enjoy views of the Grand Canal.

Across the Grand Canal from San Marco, via the timber Accademia Bridge, is the Dorsoduro neighborhood, where you'll find two very different museums. The Gallerie dell'Accademia is the city's signature art repository, containing the best works of the prolific Italian Renaissance painters. A few blocks away (but worlds apart) is the Guggenheim Collection, a canal-front palazzo that was fashioned into a modern and avant-garde art gallery by an American heiress.

There's a host of other spots to visit—from the Jewish Ghetto and the city's many ornate churches to the islands of Murano and Burano. A moonlit walk along a canal or an early-morning stroll through the winding streets of a secluded residential area can prove just as illuminating as a tour of the city's major attractions.

The cuisine in Venice is extraordinary, to say the least!

There are a number of good places to eat in Venice, especially if you're in the market for seafood or regional dishes. In fact, with such a prolific number of places to get a meal, it may be hard to choose. If you're looking for a break from Italian food, your choices are dramatically lessened. As a general rule, reservations are recommended.

Seafood is king of the table in traditional Venetian cuisine. One local delicacy, sarde in saor (fresh sardines, fried and then marinated in onion, vinegar and raisins), gives an idea of the strong and tasty flavors to be found in Venice. Baccala (salt cod) dishes are on many menus, as is crab (variably called granseola, moleche and other names), as well as exotic seafood salads and squid. Risottos of all colors are common.

Don't look for genuine Venetian recipes (or even particularly good food) in restaurants with a menu of the day prominently displayed in four languages. You'll find better meals elsewhere, usually just off the main streets. If you are on a budget (or even if you aren't), follow the locals to a bacaro or osteria (small publike restaurant). The delicious cicchetti (little appetizers often made of fish or meat) and ombre (glasses of wine) are too good to pass up. There are several choices around the Rialto area.

Vegetarians usually don't have problems in Venice, as many pasta dishes, salads and pizzas are made without meat. If you drop by a bacaro, you'll also find a variety of Venetian-style vegetables to choose from. Families will gravitate to pizzerias, which really aren't just for children and will probably offer more variety in toppings than you expect. Pizza is a common meal for adults and children alike.

At coffee and pastry shops, as well as bacari, you'll find two prices for every item on the menu—the standing price and the sitting price. Often you will see a sign added to the price list, letting you know that it refers to products consumed at the bar only.

Dining in Venice (and the whole of Italy) has become far more pleasant for nonsmokers, as all restaurants by law have posted "no smoking" signs in their indoor dining rooms.
Restaurants are generally open for lunch 12:30-3 pm and for dinner 7 pm-midnight, and most close one or two days a week.

This luxury vacation guide is an affiliate of Travelwizard.com, Call 1.800.330.8820 to talk to one of our Virtuoso Travel Advisors that specializes in Italy. Reccommended by The NBC Today Show.

New Zealand's Extraordinary Vacation Experiences

2016-07-07T14:13:00.001-07:00

Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand

Three brown trout caught by Bob McMillen, CEO of Travelwizard.com on the Milford Tract.

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand it is difficult to decide where to go first. My favorites are Lake Taupo and the Huka Lodge on the North Island, Having arrived at the Huka Lodge just after the Queen of England departed I was shown our accommodations. While the proprietors were showing my wife around I spotted a fly rod resting against the building and decided to do a little fly casting on the beautiful river about 50 feet from our room. On the second cast I hooked into a 5 pound rainbow trout and landed it. I stood there in shock admiring the gorgeous trout. The cook prepared it for lunch and it was fantastic!

The next day we drove up to Lake Taupo, just a short drive from Huka Lodge and rented a boat and guide to try the lake fishing. The scenery was indescribably magnificent with towering snow peaked mountains on all sides. The similarity to Lake Tahoe in California was amazing. You could see down 100 feet of more, the water was so clear you could see huge fish clearly. Shortly, trolling slowly we hooked into two large lake trout which I landed and took back to the lodge.

The next day I asked the owners for a good guide to take me fly fishing of some of the rivers nearby. We drove about half an hour to a big valley with a roaring river that took us about an hour to hike down into. The going was a bit tough, because I made the mistake of telling my guide I rather go where he prefers and that I was in good shape. We fished upstream against the rapids catching and releasing a lot of nice sized brown trout until I couldn't go any further, then we scaled the cliff to get back up to the jeep.

On the South Island we hiked the Milford Tract, a 5 day 4 night excursion over the mountains and down to the Milford Sound on the west coast. We stayed in nice back country lodges with 5 other couples and the food was very good. All our gear was carried for us, so I was able to hike ahead of our group and fish along the was way. The east side of the range was only rainbow trout, but they were so big and the river so wild I didn't land any.

The scenery was spectacular, fern forests, beach forests, glaciers and rugged mountains. On the west side near the bottom I discovered a small like running alongside the trail that you could barely see from the trail. I climbed down the cliff and through the bushes until I was along side the small lake. I could see big brown trout moving around the edge so I rigged up my fly rod and cast towards a point were the fish were. I hooked up immediately to a huge brown trout and landed it after about ten minutes. I'd guess it was over 20 pounds. I carefully unhooked it and let it loose. In the next hour I landed 13, released all by three that were hooked in the gills. In all my life, fishing all over the US and Canada I never experienced fishing like this. The picture above is the three I kept and took to the Milford Hotel were we stayed the last night of our trip. The hotels cook prepared them and we feasted on them that evening.

If you are interested in really enjoying New Zealand call Travelwizard.com and ask for Bob Mc Millen 1.800.330.8820 and he'll take excellent care of you.

2015-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Luxury Travel Deals Promo Code: Call 1.800.330.8820 to have a Luxury Travel Specialist contact you.

2015-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Bob, Aloha & Bobby McMillen

For vacationers traveling to Hawaii, I have a special recommendation for you if you enjoy an intimate experience with Hawaii's most interesting marine life, turtles, dolphins and wonderful things you would normally never get to see.

Bobby & Akima, our guides have developed trusting relationships with the local wild dolphins and turtles which allowed us to swim with the dolphins for an hour while they frolicked around us playfully. This was a thrilling experience to say the least!

Here's a video they gave us after we arrived back home. We had the time of our lives on this wonderful experience.

There are many tour options in Oahu, but my all time favorite by far is Hawaii Real Nature-Adventure and snorkeling tour in Oahu that takes you to places you are not likely to find on your own to snorkel and play with wild turtles and dolphins and learn the real history of Hawaii. This so much fun! Call 1 808 304 0103 for a delightful experience!

If you need help planning your Hawaii vacation Travelwizard.com is a good choice.

Greece, To Travel, Or Not?

2015-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thinking About A Vacation In Greece During The Debt Crisis?

Wikimedia photo of Ermoupouli on the Island of Syros

I hope this article helps you if you are in a conundrum about traveling to Greece. With all the scary news on television these days its enough to make the hair on your neck stand up, however, Greece has had more visitors than ever because of the strong dollar.

There are some things to take into consideration like the amount of cash you take with you. Most of us rely on our credit or debit cards when travel abroad, and you can still use them as there are no restrictions of foreign cards, especially from the USA, Canada and England, but some ATM,s may not have money in them so be prepared with your extra cash in case. You should still use your credit card whenever possible though.

You should know that tourism is the mainstay of Greece's economy and is extremely important to them so the people of Greece are working very hard to protect that and are always trying to make your vacation experience a memorable one.

The hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourism attractions are all working at full steam to assure their customers enjoy themselves to the utmost. Don't forget, all theses companies accept foreign bank credit cards and that is not expected to change during the debt crises Greece is suffering through.

Travelwizard.com, an upscale travel agency, has sent a lot of their clients to Greece since the debt crisis began and has not had any issues at all.

Luxury Vacation Guide

Private Jet Luxury Tour Of East Africa

12 Days from $29,995, Limited to 16 guests

ARRIVE NAIROBI, KENYA

LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY | YOUR PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY | EAST AFRICA’S WILD RICHES

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | ELEGANCE UNDER CANVAS

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE | UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA | UNTAMED VISTAS

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK | ACROSS THE VAST PLAINS

NGORONGORO CRATER | THE VIEW FROM THE TREETOPS

NGORONGORO CRATER | TIME WITH A MAASAI ELDER

DEPART NAIROBI

Uncover the Wonders of Australia with Wings Over the World

ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

MELBOURNE | A&K-EXCLUSIVE SHEEP FARM EXPERIENCE

MELBOURNE | YARRA VALLEY WINELANDS

MELBOURNE | THE UNDENIABLE PRESENCE OF ULURU

ULURU | SUNRISE OVER THE OLGAS

ULURU | PEACEFUL, SACRED SITES

LIZARD ISLAND | EXPLORING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

LIZARD ISLAND | A DAY AT LEISURE

SYDNEY | THE SPECTACULAR HARBOR CITY

SYDNEY | HARBOR CRUISE & THE ROCKS TOUR

SYDNEY | BONDI BEACH & BOUTIQUE SHOPS

SYDNEY | TARONGA ZOO & OPERA HOUSE TOUR

DEPART SYDNEY

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