It’s been a while since we posted a blog…like so many of you, we have taken time to evaluate our business, re-align our goals and daily practices, and care for ourselves and loved ones during this time of Covid. We are confident we will come out of this stronger and more equipped than ever to serve our travel clients, and one reason for our optimism is that we joined Virtuoso Travel Network in March. This renowned network of luxury travel specialists leverages its annual sales of $30 billion to negotiate special upgrades, amenities, values and experiences exclusively for the clients of its member agencies. This means our clients obtain complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers, special dining experiences, exclusive shore excursions and custom itineraries, offered by the world’s best providers of travel. We are proud to have been invited to join Virtuoso and to be able to offer these incredible perks to our clients.’s been a while since we sent a newsletter…like so many of you, we have taken time to evaluate our business, re-align our goals and daily practices, and care for ourselves and loved ones during this time of Covid. We are confident we will come out of this stronger and more equipped than ever to serve our travel clients, and one reason for our optimism is that we joined Virtuoso Travel Network in March. This renowned network of luxury travel specialists leverages its annual sales of $30 billion to negotiate special upgrades, amenities, values and experiences exclusively for the clients of its member agencies. This means our clients obtain complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers, special dining experiences, exclusive shore excursions and custom itineraries, offered by the world’s best providers of travel. We are proud to have been invited to join Virtuoso and to be able to offer these incredible perks to our clients.
Virtuoso also delivers direct access to the world’s finest hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines and tour operators, as well as expanded insider knowledge and insights into the industry’s hottest trends and destinations. These personal network connections now allow Premiere Travel Planners to secure client VIP treatment around the globe.
Last week Virtuoso held its annual travel conference, but instead of being in Las Vegas for it we were on our couches attending virtually. It was an amazing week with great trainings and insights, and most importantly we met with over 110 of our travel partners from around the globe via one-on-one online meetings. It was incredible as we got to hear directly from hoteliers, cruise lines, tour operators and tourism boards about what is really happening in their countries and upcoming opportunities for travel. And it all happened while we enjoyed their backgrounds of the somewhat bustling streets of Paris, the palm trees of Grand Cayman gentling blowing in the breeze, the sparkling city lights of a Doha night, or getting a quick tour of a room or hotel lobby.
A theme of Virtuoso’s Travel Week was “Conscious Comeback.” Over the last few years, several areas around the world have grappled with over-tourism, and now so many areas are suffering from under-tourism. 1 in 10 people globally are employed by travel and tourism and many of them are now struggling to feed their families. Our hearts break for them, and we can’t wait to get back out there and support destinations that rely on responsible and sustainable tourism for survival.
We will always be able to help our clients travel to some of the world’s most popular destinations, but we will also promote travel to those less frequented. Experiencing a destination minus a few thousand strangers around you allows for deeper connections to the destination, the locals who live there, and your fellow travelers. Sounds great to us!
Here are some ideas for travel for 2021 and beyond that often take a year or more to plan and get the experience you are looking for:
*Witness the great migrations or go on a gorilla trek on an African Safari in a small or private group
*Prepare for your “polar plunge” in Antarctica, see up to eight varieties of penguins, and cruise by icebergs larger than a city block
*Hike, bike and kayak through Thailand and end with a few glorious days on a beautiful, secluded beach
We are here for you whenever you are ready to start planning your next great escape!
