Travel Week 2022 – It’s the time of year when I jet off to Las Vegas to meet my supplier partners. As a travel advisor, I think of it as my annual shopping trip for my clients. Virtuoso Travel Week is the ultimate in personal shopping. I meet with hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and other suppliers to learn about the latest offerings in the world of travel. All with YOU in mind for YOUR trips.
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VTW – What am I Looking For?
There are new hotels opening and old favourites that have gotten a makeover. There are emerging destinations eager to welcome sophisticated travellers and new experiences in the places we can’t help but return to again and again. And there are new ships with amenities we never knew we wanted but soon won’t be able to do without.
I’m particularly excited to learn more about the new Lindblad Expeditions all-suite ship that will be cruising in the Galapagos. And I am eager to hear about how the work on Southern Ocean Lodge, on Kangaroo Island, is coming along after the devastating 2020 wildfires.
Related: Why you Should Visit Australia Now
This year we’ve seen travel bust out of the pandemic slump in a huge way. It’s exciting to see all the new ideas and experiences that my partners throughout the world have come up with. I truly work with the best of the best, and it’s astounding to see the creativity on display in a typical year. Give these suppliers a couple years to tinker with their offerings. I’m certain we will be blown away by what they have in store for us going forward.
Virtuoso: The world’s top travel advisors, the brands you know, and the perks and peace of mind you won’t find anywhere else. For close-to-home escapes or far-flung trips of a lifetime, a Virtuoso advisor is your resource for the insight you need to plan a safe, successful, and unforgettable vacation.
What is Travel Week Like?
VTW kicks off on Saturday morning with Globetrotting, a day-long event where I meet with Adventure, Culinary, Wellness, Ultra-Luxe, and Celebration Community suppliers. No holds are barred here, with suppliers bringing in massage therapists, mixologists, expedition leaders, and more. Not to mention the big screens to highlight the stunning imagery. Other suppliers host cabanas at the Bellagio pool, where I meet with various hoteliers over a chilled bevvie.
On Sunday, I participate in professional development sessions. While I’m a travel advisor, I’m also a business owner, marketing strategist, accountant, and social media manager. These sessions allow me to work ON my business, not IN it, and I learn so much from the speakers.
From Monday to Thursday, I participate in ten-minute meetings with an assigned list of suppliers. Some of these I know and work closely with already. Others are new to me. But every single one is invaluable, because it’s building a relationship. And that relationship allows me to work magic when it comes to your trips.
Related: Is Working With A Travel Advisor Right For You?
Making Magic Happen
I do business with some of the greatest people on the planet. Each year I am thrilled to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. But I’m also on a business trip, figuring out all the cool things you can do on your next adventure.
So tell me what destinations are on your radar, which monuments you’d like to explore behind the scenes, and what experiences you’ve dreamed of but never thought possible. Because next week, I’m going to see the people who make things like that happen.