Tip #7 Traveling as a Group
Wendy Edwardson
Author of A Life Postponed, freelance writer, and former travel advisor
The Most Important Tip of All
It all begins with a discussion. Crafting a unique travel experience is utmost in meeting your group's expectations. Start by determining the affordability of the shared core experience. Make sure that whatever you do is going to be accessible to all the participants, i.e., age appropriate, fitness level, etc.
Research is key to the theme of your group's travel. It might be fun to give everyone a job. Best time to travel, event prices and ticket availability, tours, accommodation, art and museum exhibition openings and closings, etc. Careful and thorough planning is essential to the success of your trip.
During the planning stage of your adventure, you should be consulting with your Travel Advisor. The knowledge, contacts, expertise and rates we bring to your group is nothing short of miraculous. It is essential that you contact us BEFORE BOOKING anything. Always, ALWAYS let your advisor do the booking. And here are the reasons why:
You don't know what you don't know.
Insider/Special Access - This is probably the number one reason knowledgeable and experienced travelers use a professional Travel Consultant. They know we have the access they can't get.
Don't like crowds? Neither do we. That's why we get you in before or after the general public. Venues such as, oh just for example, the Sistine Chapel!
World renowned artists' studios, a round of golf with a pro, backstage of the ballet, seats at the captain's table, terracotta warriors floor pit digs (not available to the public) - we get you access.
Travel Partners - We partner with only reputable, vetted travel operators who are willing to go the extra mile for our clients.
Special Negotiated Rates - Our travel partners love groups and, because Virtuoso and Vision Travel are giants in the travel industry, our special negotiated rates are the best value available!
Accommodation Upgrades - From standard rooms to lavish suites.
Boots on the Ground - You are never alone. If anything goes sideways, we have someone there - in your location - to give you a hand.
24/7 Assistance - From delayed flights, missed connections to an unexpected hotel closure due to disaster, we take care of you.
Shopping - Virtuoso has a lifestyles division with global partners offering chic outlet shopping internationally - Ireland, Italy, Singapore and more. Shop tax free, up to 60% off, and because you are Virtuoso, another 10% off. Private shopping, lounges, and hands-free to name a few extras (for Virtuoso clients only) at no charge. Not only that but express tax refund facilities, and much more.
Added Value - Private welcome parties, onboard ship credits and events just for your group, hosting, special tours and meals, best seats in the house for concerts, shows and festivals, and hard to get restaurant reservations. Meet and greet, limo transfers, and English speaking guides.
TO SUM IT ALL UP, a Professional Travel Advisor has the training, connections, booking engines, and access to values that are not offered to the public. It is so exciting building your own adventure but your advisor is there to add insider value and advice you simply cannot get on your own.
The world has gotten complicated. I have my finger on the pulse of what's trending, destinations to avoid, new ports of call in 2017-18, touring and hotel openings. I do not sell the obvious. ~ W K Edwardson
Wendy Edwardson | Virtuoso Travel Consultant at Vision Travel
visiontravel.ca/wendyedwardson