Destinations

Luxury Traveling Without Luxury Spending

High-end vacations are pricey enough for travelers to carry the weight of paying extra for a little bit more of the lavishness. That’s where travel agents come into play and help you get that great steal.

Published

8 months ago

August 11, 2022

Owen Gardocki

Michelle Higgins of The New York Times is proof of this slightly overlooked hack when she visited the Grand Canyon in August with her nine-year-old daughter. She booked a two-night stay at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. Upon arrival, her $299-a-night double queen room reservation was upgraded to a two-bedroom, two-bath suite with a kitchenette, a fireplace, and dual balconies facing the Boynton Canyon.

Apart from those, she was informed by the receptionist that their daily breakfast could be taken either in the room or at the hotel restaurant. Moments later, a golf cart serviced them to their spacious suite where a service attendant arrived with a fruit and cheese platter and a personalized welcome note. Such VIP treatment wasn’t due to Higgins being a famed personality but to her old-fashioned way of booking – with a travel agent.

When most travelers have turned to independent booking as it credits flexibility, control, and cost-cutting by booking through websites, luxury travelers with a minimum spending of $300 a night could use a travel adviser/agent for better deals, specifically ones from large consortia like American Express, Signature Travel Network, or Virtuoso for their longstanding partnerships with travel companies. Senior Vice President of Preferred Partnerships for Signature Travel Network Phil Cappelli claimed, “We buy a considerable amount from the travel providers and are able to secure additional benefits for guests.” Perks referred to can include airport transfers, complimentary breakfasts, late checkouts, spa treatments, and room upgrades, among others. When using a travel agent, the aforementioned extras come at no additional cost.

For American Express Platinum card members, long as they book through American Express Travel, they are given access to the benefits (which vary by card level) whether they talk to an agent; book online; or through the app. Same goes for Virtuoso.com and Signature Travel Network with shipboard credits and exclusive, personalized perks offered to users.

The relationship these travel agents have with tourism services (e.g. hotels, cruise lines) is a two-way street; as the agents drive up sales to reap benefits for their clients, they also receive commissions. To lower the risk of encountering a travel agent who’d prioritize his/her incentives before your experience, it’s recommended to respectfully ask how he/she is compensated.

Going back to Higgins’ experience, with thorough research prior to consulting Beth Washington at McCabe World Travel, a Virtuoso member, she was able to stumble upon the cheapest, nonrefundable rate of Enchantment worth $623.38 and an option offering flexible cancellation worth $718.76 for two nights. Virtuoso’s rate was the same as the latter, incorporating daily breakfast (a $30 credit per person, per day) and $100 credit for spa or golf. Since Higgins’ daughter wasn’t eligible for spa sessions because of her age and golf wasn’t really their thing, the Virtuoso adviser offered the credit to be applied to food and beverage instead.

In lieu of going through the hassle of planning a complex vacation by yourself, travel agents are relied on by tourism sectors like cruise lines, aware that purchasing a cruise experience involves multiple choices like room categories, restaurants, and land excursions.

To get the most out of your luxury vacation whilst keeping your savings at bay, below are the three mentioned travel adviser consortia and their perks that come with booking through one of their members:

American Express Platinum Card Members

Perks inclusive of early check-in and room upgrades when available; complimentary daily breakfast for up to two guests; $100-valued “unique amenities”; guaranteed late check out at 4pm; and five times the usual number of AmEx points or the ability to use Pay with Points on prepaid stays at Fine Hotels and Resorts Properties on AmexTravel.com could help you save about $550 at 1,100 hotels worldwide on a two-night stay.

Virtuoso

Similar to AmEx’s benefits, Virtuoso also offers complimentary meals and Wi-Fi services and depends on the hotel’s availability for upgrades, early check-ins, and late checkouts. Additional perks may include complimentary airport transfers, spa treatments, and other meals – all with estimated savings of more than $500 per stay, available at 1,400 hotels in 100 countries.

Signature Travel Network

With up to $500 savings on a two to five-night stay in luxury hotels, you can get complimentary full breakfasts, food and beverage credits, spa treatments, airport transfers, room upgrades, early check-ins, and late check-outs, varying by hotel.

Destinations

See Where The Super Rich Vacation

Check out where the richest people in the world vacation and what the heck they spend their money on.

Published

2 days ago

March 28, 2023

Loren Thorn

Where would you go on vacation if money wasn’t an issue and you had all the time in the world? Go on and think about it, I’ll wait. I would go to a private island and have a castaway experience with luxury amenities, of course. Well, the super-rich have the ability to go anywhere they wish and do literally whatever money can buy, how awesome must that be? Check out where the richest people in the world vacation and what the heck they spend their money on.

BILL GATES: CROATIA

Unlike many super-rich people, Bill Gates likes to mix and mingle with the locals when he vacations. He enjoys Croatia for its old Europe feel and medieval construction. The hot spot in Europe, Croatia is enjoying a tourism boom, which is centered around the countries pleasurable weather and affordable luxury. Bill Gates doesn’t need to save money but who says the super-rich can’t be frugal?

RICHARD BRANSON: BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Why not just ball out of control like Richard Branson and buy your own island. That is some next level stuff there. The Virgin Mobile/Records/Airlines etc entrepreneur and billionaire owns Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. The private island is an actual resort where rooms rent for a minimum of $5,000 a night. Luminaries such as the Obamas and Mariah Carey have stayed here before. Wow, talk about luxury, a private island where the former president stays. Enjoy all the watersports you can handle while basking in the hot Caribbean sun.

STEVEN SPIELBERG: IRELAND

Where do the best directors of all time spend their vacations? Well, if you love Steven Spielberg movies, you’ll know he enjoys incredible landscapes and none are grander than Ireland. The Emerald Isle just is so vibrant and lush that it attracts all sorts of travelers, even the mega-rich. Ireland isn’t a vacation that will break your bank, in fact, its one of the most affordable trips you could choose. Spielberg loved the countryside, the people, and the food, what’s really not to love?

OPRAH WINFREY: FIJI

Where does one of the most influential women of all time vacation? Wherever the heck she wants, is the only acceptable answer, she is the queen of entertainment. Oprah recently went on a luxury superyacht called the Rising Sun, where she partied with The Obamas and Bruce Springsteen in Tahiti. When she stays on land she prefers the beaches of Fiji. The island of Fiji features luxury at every turn but when Oprah is there she reserves the entire resort.

WARREN BUFFETT: LAGUNA BEACH

The man who is in charge of our country’s wealth, Warren Buffett is a billionaire of the most frugal standards. He’s lived in the same modest home in Omaha Nebraska since 1958 and only splurges on vacations, so where does he go? He owned a lavish beach home in Laguna Beach, California where the rich and fabulous play. Laguna Beach is very accessible for the non-rich so check it out for yourself. The steep cliffs and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean will have you coming back for years.

Destinations

4 Australian Beaches That Are Breathtakingly Beautiful

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2023

Adam T

Australia is a wild and wonderful place filled with diverse people and landscapes.

If you’re planning a trip to this amazing place, there’s no shortage of incredible beaches to explore while you’re there.

Read on to discover a list of four of the best beaches in Australia that are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

1. One Mile Beach

This beautiful Australian beach offers miles of sandy shoreline and plenty of charming accommodation options to choose from. Be sure to take a look at the many recreational activities and amenities this beach has to offer.

Enjoy an incredible adventure by participating in camel rides at sunset, or enjoy sandboarding down the dunes at incredible speeds. You can also experience the fun of camping, staying in a comfy cabin, and more. This beach is within close proximity to tons of entertainment including playgrounds, a games room, and much more.

2. Best Beaches in Australia: Bondi Beach

This famous beach in Sydney offers an incredible history and a truly breathtaking landscape. Enjoy mingling with tourists from around the world at this beautiful beach, known for its close proximity to Sydney for easy access.

While you’re there, explore the many trendy cafes and enjoy some of the local food and fare. With turquoise-blue waters and sunny weather, it’s not surprising that Bondi is one of the best beaches in Australia. Experience the thrill of meeting people from across the globe or spend time relaxing in the cool, clear waters.

3. Lizard Island

Located in the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a nature lover’s paradise. This remote island includes over 23 white sandy beaches to explore, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a little bit of adventure.

You can stay in your own private villa at the island resort, offering premier access to some of the most remote and secluded beaches in Australia. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful reefs. Lizard Island is perfect if you want an off-grid getaway in a tropical place.

4. Byron Bay

Once known as a small hippie town, Byron Bay has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists. This beautiful beach offers a variety of delicious cafes and modern reports as well as boutique shopping.

Located on the eastern point of mainland Australia, you’ll get to visit the iconic lighthouse at Cape Byron. Surfers also love this beach due to the fantastic ocean breaks. Walk along the soft powdery sand, enjoy a day of swimming or just lounge at one of many beachfront cafes.

Make it an Unforgettable Visit

With so many incredible options to choose from, these are just some of the best beaches in Australia that you can visit for a relaxing getaway. From the white sands of One Mile Beach to the mysterious Lizard Island, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For more fantastic articles, guides, and information about travel, destinations all over the globe, and much more, be sure to visit our website today!

Destinations

Royal Wedding Locations You Need To Visit

Many of the locations of famous royal weddings are open to the public. Here are five of them you simply have to see.

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2023

Loren Thorn

With the upcoming wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, royal weddings seem to be the only thing people can talk about these days. And while it’s a little out of control, we’re not complaining! There’s just something about the extravagance and pageantry of it all that is undeniably fascinating. But for the longest time, I always assume it was something so completely out of reach that I would never be able to experience even the slightest bit of what being at a royal wedding is like.

Well, I was wrong! You can actually visit many of the locations where royal weddings have happened over the years. Here are just five of them. I know I’m going to try and see at least a couple of these before I die!

YORK MINSTER

This stunning cathedral is, of course, located in York, England. It was the home to two royal weddings. First, in 1328, King Edward II married Philippa of Hainault, making her his Queen. Then, in 1961, Edward, Duke of Kent married his love, Katharine Worsley. Also, the city of York is really something to be seen. So this is a great location if you’re looking for a proper England experience with a little royal flavor.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT

This island getaway off the coast of Southampton was actually home to two royal weddings. The Osborn House is on the Isle of Wight, which was once the vacation home of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Their second daughter, Princess Alice, was married right there at the house. While her little sister, Princess Beatrice, was actually married at the Church of St. Mildred at Whippingham, which is just a short trip away from the Osborn House.

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

The Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire was also home to two different royal weddings. First, in 1403, King Henry IV of England married his second wife, Joanna of Navarre at the Cathedral. Then, in 1554, Mary I married King Philip II of Spain. Mary I was famously the first woman to rule England and her marriage to King Philip was famously an unpleasant one. So This is a great place to eat up a little royal history!

HAMPTON COURT

This truly gorgeous property was long-owned by the one and only Henry VIII. Yes, the Henry VIII that was married not four, not five, but six times. In fact, his sixth and final wedding took place at Hampton Court. He married Katherine Parr there in 1543. The Court is still kept in immaculate condition and is definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

CANTERBURY

Canterbury is a perfectly quaint and charming English town. It was here, in 1625, that King Charles I married Henrietta Maria of France. Their marriage was famous for Henrietta’s loyalty to King Charles after a civil war broke out during his reign. She stayed loyal to him even after the civil war resulted in the execution of her husband and her king. A regular Romeo and Juliet over here!

And those are just a few of the amazing a beautiful locations that have hosted royal weddings. But there are plenty more to be seen if you’d like to do some more homework. I’m just trying to get you started! The rest is up to you.