Why Use A Travel Advisor?

1. TIME. Because travel advisors are experts in planning and booking vacations, they can create a wonderful itinerary for you in a more time-efficient way than you could on your own. That’s especially true for complex trips involving groups, multiple stops and several travel providers. People feel that doing their own planning is empowering, and that giving it up will diminish their experience. Our clients decide the level of involvement that’s right for them, and this may even vary from trip to trip. If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that, too. Either way, you’ll enjoy quality, customized service.

2. KNOWLEDGE. The internet has information but how do you decipher what is good in general and good for you. A great advisor can validate your own research, and offer insightful recommendations to tailor each trip to your preferences, interests, and budget. The experience and expertise of a travel advisor ensures that clients will have a superlative travel experience designed to meet their specific needs. They provide ideas you can’t find anywhere else as well as VIP access to special experiences that aren’t readily available. We travel the world scouting and discovering to develop knowledge of specific destinations, specialties and skill.

3. VALUE. A travel advisor has access to the same (and often better) pricing than available online, and can secure VIP benefits, amenities, access, and extras that you can’t get on your own. To quote Warren Buffet, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Our clients rely on us as an advisor to make travel planning more efficient and enjoyable, to save time and money, and to lend expertise that makes a world of difference. We work on your behalf before, during, and after every trip. That’s peace of mind you can bank on.

4. PEACE OF MIND. Like a v1. TIME. Because travel advisors are experts in planning and booking vacations, they can create a wonderful itinerary for you in a more time-efficient way than you could on your own. That’s especially true for complex trips involving groups, multiple stops and several travel providers. People feel that doing their own planning is empowering, and that giving it up will diminish their experience. Our clients decide the level of involvement that’s right for them, and this may even vary from trip to trip. If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that, too. Either way, you’ll enjoy quality, customized service.2. KNOWLEDGE. The internet has information but how do you decipher what is good in general and good for you. A great advisor can validate your own research, and offer insightful recommendations to tailor each trip to your preferences, interests, and budget. The experience and expertise of a travel advisor ensures that clients will have a superlative travel experience designed to meet their specific needs. They provide ideas you can’t find anywhere else as well as VIP access to special experiences that aren’t readily available. We travel the world scouting and discovering to develop knowledge of specific destinations, specialties and skill.3. VALUE. A travel advisor has access to the same (and often better) pricing than available online, and can secure VIP benefits, amenities, access, and extras that you can’t get on your own. To quote Warren Buffet, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Our clients rely on us as an advisor to make travel planning more efficient and enjoyable, to save time and money, and to lend expertise that makes a world of difference. We work on your behalf before, during, and after every trip. That’s peace of mind you can bank on. 4. PEACE OF MIND. Like a valued investment manager, Virtuoso travel advisors are entrusted with managing the most precious of assets – a client’s leisure time. Working with an expert who knows a client’s preferences and the best options for the desired vacation eliminates risk and results in exceptional experiences. The advisor is the client’s partner in planning and booking these treasured travel experiences. Clients can rely on their travel advisor before, during, and after every trip.alued investment manager, Virtuoso travel advisors are entrusted with managing the most precious of assets – a client’s leisure time. Working with an expert who knows a client’s preferences and the best options for the desired vacation eliminates risk and results in exceptional experiences. The advisor is the client’s partner in planning and booking these treasured travel experiences. Clients can rely on their travel advisor before, during, and after every trip.

What Is A Typical Trip Budget?

Every trip we design is unique and customized to client's interest to deliver the best experience. Therefore budgets may vary greatly. We are here to work with you to maximize the best return on your investment. We will discuss an itinerary and budget range that fits your exact travel style and closely consult and advise you on the best options. Pricing can vary depending on time of year, availability and destination.

We specialize in high-end travel and work primarily with five-star hotels & resorts as well as equivalent boutique properties, villas, and safari camps. We do have a limited list of 4-star properties that meet exceptional standards that we recommend based on destination and client interest.

Who Are Your Typical Clients?

You are a discerning traveler, a lifestyle enthusiast, a busy professional, a cultural explorer – you are simply an individual who has the distinct palette for amazing travel and lifestyle experiences. You are a person who invests in yourself and your environment and understands the value of having a professional resource for things that matter. You are intelligent, motivated, social and have worked hard - so your free time is extremely valuable. Travel for you is an opportunity to enjoy, relax, discover, rejuvenate or escape. Your lifestyle experiences are ones that you treasure and want to be memorable.

What Is Virtuoso?

Virtuoso is the leading by-invitation only global network of luxury travel advisors, hotels, tours cruise lines and agencies specializing in experiential travel. As a proud member of this diverse professional organization, we have access to a carefully curated collection of offers and exclusive access into some of the world’s most bespoke experiences. We can offer our clients perks, prices, and value they can’t get anywhere else. More than 1,800 luxury travel providers, including hotels, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and government tourism boards, are part of the network. Virtuoso member agencies generate $26.4 billion annually in travel sales, making the network the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.

I Like Planning On My Own - How Can You Help?

We definitely aren't a fit for everyone. If using Expedia and other online booking platforms is your joy and scouring the internet for hours gets you going then we are probably not for you. However as proven by the recent global pandemic these online sites left many travelers stranded and out of pocket financially. Just as you’d go to a financial advisor for expert counsel on making the most of your money, we recommend you partner with a travel advisor to make the most of your vacation time and budget. Building this kind of relationship, where an advisor knows your preferences inside and out and can work with you to design your ideal vacation, isn’t possible over the internet. We look at travel as an experience that enriches your life, not a commodity to be bought at the lowest price. The value an advisor brings to that travel experience can’t be replicated online. That includes customizing a trip to your tastes, offering exclusive complimentary value-added amenities, and advocating for you should any issues arise along the way.

Travel Agent Vs. Travel Advisor?

Travel agents are order-takers who perform transactions that their customers request. They book a hotel, flight or rental car, much like the sort of simple bookings people handle themselves online. There is no personal relationship or value added. Professional travel advisors provide expert counsel to clients. They consider a client's leisure time their most precious resource and take a long-term view of planning for a lifetime of travel experiences. Akin to a financial advisor who assist with nvesting another precious resource – your money - travel advisors do the same for your leisure time. Our travel advisors have firsthand knowledge of destinations and extensive expertise in planning luxury vacations. They take their profession seriously and engage in ongoing professional development. They look at travel planning as a collaborative activity with clients, where they help tailor an experience to the clients’ wishes and interests. Our travel advisors are able to bring added value to their clients through the relationships they enjoy through the network. And, unlike do-it-yourself travelers, they are there for clients if something goes wrong during the trip.

What Is Luxury Travel?

The definition of luxury travel is subjective and constantly evolving as people’s vacation tastes shift. It can be characterized by the following:

• Authentic experiences that enrich travelers’ lives, such as taking part in a cultural tradition with locals.
• An itinerary tailored precisely to the needs and wants of the traveler.
• VIP access to rare privileges, such as backstage access at a sold-out show.
• Discovering an emerging or little-visited destination, including space.
• Exceptional value for the price, which could include extras such as credits and airport transfers.
• Products and services that provide a superior experience, including first-class or business-class air travel, five-star hotels, luxury cruises on upscale lines, and exclusive-use travel such as private jets, yachts and villas.

I Usually Book Through My Credit Card....Is This Different?

Booking hotels through us ensures that you are not just treated as another guests but as a VIP. Our special partnerships and personal relationships with hotels and general managers around the globe allow us to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients that they simply can't receive on their own. With us you aren't reaching a call center like with AmEx. You are working with a specialist who can ensure your travel needs and personal preferences are delivered to the property. Our special special amenities are generally much better than AmEx and also include room upgrades, daily breakfast, welcome treats, and hotel credits (usually ~ $100 or more) at applicable properties. Additionally, our relationships with hotel owners and general managers result in you being treated like a VIP, added amenities and special room availability not accessible to the general public.

Statement On Fees & Transparency

LaVon Travel & Lifestyle is a luxury travel consultancy, thus as with any other professional service we do charge fees for our expertise and time. We believe in quality over quantity when it comes to delivering unmatched and quality service. Our clients are our top priority and thus we deliver unbiased and personal travel advice that is based on your personal interest and not driven by the nominal commissions we may receive for a booking. This allows us to adhere to our core values of transparency and honesty.

Cancellation Policy & Fees

We make every effort to ensure your travel experience is exquisite - and we leverage an extensive network of partner, affiliate and personal relationships to achieve this for you. Significant time and effort goes into designing and managing your travels, however we understand that circumstances change and it may become necessary to cancel your travel plans - this is why we highly recommend protecting your trip investment with an insurance policy. You may be able to add any travel service fee to your claim for potential reimbursement. You will receive a copy of the cancellation receipt to include with your claim documents.

Hotel Only Bookings: 10% per hotel hotel booking (based on base rate) Custom Itineraries: Trips that were charged an Itinerary Management Fee will not be charged a cancelation fee. All other bookings (including, but not limited to a cruise or retail travel products) that are cancelled prior to departure for any reason are subject to a cancellation fee of $400 per person. Cancellation fees cover for any potential loss of revenue due and may be waived at the discretion of our team based on circumstances. All service fees are non refundable and non transferable. Our cancellation fees are independent of any fees imposed by supplier or operators for cancellation. All clients must agree to this policy via our Client Services Agreement prior to services beginning.

Other Hotel Booking Options

We are the go to resource for discerning travelers wishing to elevate their hotel and resort stays. We secure exclusive benefits and access preferred rates not available to the general public or online booking engines. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If you know your exact destination, dates and desired property you want to stay at, but wish to access our exclusive preferred rates and VIP benefits then fill out our hotel booking request form. We will book the hotel for you, send you the confirmation and ensure exclusive amenities available through our valued relationships are applied to your reservation. There is NO FEE for this self-service option. No additional services included. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If need our professional assistance with research and advice on finding you the perfect accommodation match for your trip experience, there is a $250 planning fee. After discussing with you your preferences, we will present you with up to 4 options and quotes for hotel, resorts or villas. We will then book and VIP your stay at your chosen property and send confirmation. Additional trip planning is available through our CONCIERGE SERVICES as an add-on cost. Should you need additional trip planning assistance, our CONCIERGE SERVICES can be added to help you with flight booking, transfers, VIP services, car rentals, tee-times, dining & spa reservations or destination activities. Additional $125 fee.

Custom Itinerary Design

We are experts in designing exquisitely tailored luxury journeys. For multi-destination trips, we discuss your wants and needs for each trip and draw upon our global industry partnerships and knowledge, as well as our experience and connections, to create a full customized itinerary for you. Whether it's an African Safari adventure, Thailand cultural exlporation, South American discovery or Alaskan expidition we will meticulously curate the trip of a lifetime and handle every detail for you. TRIP CONSULTATION & DESIGN DEPOSIT $450 (trips up to 10 days) $650 (trips 10-20 days) Trips longer than 30 days will be determined on a case-by-case after initial consultation.​ Deposit fees are non-refundable, however are applied to the Iinerary Management Fee. ITINERARY MANAGEMENT FEE – 18% Once an itinerary has been approved and decided upon by client, we will manage the booking and coordination of all trip components of your trip from start to finish. We spend the time on the details so you don’t have to. Our team handles making sure every element is meticulously executed while being there for you at all stages before, during and after your travels. Transparency Statement: All pricing is provided NET when possible, which reflects the wholesale industry pricing that is non-commissionable and not marked up. Our Itinerary Management Fee is 18% of the total cost of the services quoted. This is paid at the time of your payment to confirm your travel arrangements. This fee does not apply to hotels we may book directly or retail travel products such as cruises or pre-designed tours as our compensation is already built in the commissionable price. All fees are non-refundable and subject to our Cancellation Policy.

READY? Please fill out our Trip Design Request Form to start and then we will can schedule a complimentary 15 minute introductory consult. Please note: Due to the highly personalized time and planning that goes into each of our curated itineraries, we accept a limited number of new requests per month with a minimum budget starting at $7500 (excluding airfare).

By Invitation: A Privé Service

You’ve earned your place in this world where the finer things are your things. You have a top financial advisor. A top tax advisor. Maybe even a top attorney, interior designer, trainer, nutritionist and stylist. So who plans what you do with your most precious commodity… your TIME? This highly inclusive, curated and bespoke service is by invite or referral only. We only accept a limited number of clients to this platform. To be considered for an invite you may submit a request here.

Hotel Concierge Program

Do you book multiple hotels per year? Did a COVID online booking experience leave you frustrated? Are you tired of not getting the personal service you deserve?

Our innovative Hotel Concierge Program was designed with the on-the-go, savvy traveler in mind who desires a trusted resource for booking hotels and the support not available when using online booking engines. The program combines the benefits of our hotel bookng services into a complete value added package that will change the way hotel enthusiasts book their stays. What's Included:

• Personal Travel Specialist
• Unlimited Hotel Recommendations & Reservations
• Complimentary Add-On Concierge Services
• Trusted COVID Travel Guidance
• Access To Exclusive VIP Amenities
• Personally Managed Booking Experience
• Destination Highlights & Recommendations
• Preferred Rates, Private Promotions & Priority Lists
• Worry-Free Coverage & Support
• Mobile App Itinerary
• Member Only Privileges In Preferred Partner Programs
• Complimentary Award Winning Virtuoso Best of the Best
• $150 Credit On A Custom Itinerary Design (per year)

Air Travel

With our access to a full service air desk and contracts with every major airline - we can navigate the most complex flight requests. We are often able to receive unpublished and discounted fares on certain classes of service (primarily premium economy, business class, first class) and offer 24/7 support should any issues arise while traveling. We also have partnerships with the best in private aviation for those seeking to elevate their flight experience or enhance the safety of their travels $45 per ticket - Domestic $75 per ticket - International *Fees waived on all international business/first class tickets

COVID & Travel

The world and travel landscape has changed drastically and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. We remain vigilant in keeping up with all the important details and regulations that will be necessary to ensure that when you do decide to travel it can be done safely and without hassle. Now more than ever travelers and industry leaders are expressing the importance of using a trusted travel advisor.

TRAVEL ADVISORS: A SECRET WEAPON DURING COVID-19 https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/travel-agents-covid-19-pandemic/index.html WHY YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER A TRAVEL AGENT DURING THE PANDEMIC https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/travel-agent-covid/