Why Use A Travel Advisor?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Who Is LaVon Travel & Lifestyle?

We are a boutique travel and leisure company providing private client travel services to those who strive to lead extraordinary lives through extraordinary experiences. Inspired by the demand for a trusted resource that goes beyond the capabilities of traditional travel agencies, credit card programs or even personal support staff, LaVon Travel & Lifestyle offers unparalleled personalized service while providing expert advice and exclusive access.
We are confident that no matter how you currently handle your travel arrangements, we can do it more efficiently, have greater access to getting what you want, and be the advocate you need along the way. We strive to give you back the luxury of time so you can live well and travel exquisitely.

Statement of Fees & Transparency

LaVon Travel & Lifestyle is a luxury travel firm, thus as with any other professional service we charge fees for our expertise and time. We believe in quality over quantity and remain fully transparent when it comes to your travel investment. Our clients are our top priority and thus we deliver unbiased and personalized travel advice, which is based on your travel needs and interests - and not influenced by any nominal commissions we may receive for a booking.

Cancellation Policy

We make every effort to ensure your travel experience is exquisite. We leverage an extensive network of partner, affiliate and personal relationships to achieve this for you and provide invaluable access. Significant time and effort goes into designing and managing custom trip designs as well, however we understand that circumstances change and the current pandemic travel climate can be unpredictable - thus it may become necessary for you to cancel your travel plans. As such, we highly recommend protecting your trip investment with a recommended insurance policy. You may be able to add any travel service fees to your claim for potential reimbursement. All cancellations must be advised in writing. At the time of booking your Travel Advisor will advise you of the cancellation policy of your hotel and/or program. If a cancellation policy has not been provided to you, you are to assume the booking is non-refundable. Cancellation policies vary and are implemented by the supplier. Please verify with your Travel Advisor if you have any questions on their cancellation policy. While you may feel some circumstances warrant leniency on cancellation penalties by suppliers, it is not for LaVon Travel to make this decision, therefore we always recommend travel insurance for this reason. All travel services provided by LaVon Travel & Lifestyle are subject to the following cancellation policy fees unless otherwise noted:

Hotel, Resort & Villa Cancellations $150 per confirmed room cancelled. For villa rentals fee applies to total number of rooms.
Custom Trip Design, Cruise, Tour and Air/Land Packages $100 per confirmed traveler when deposit only. $175 per confirmed traveler when paid in full.
Cancellation fees for our services 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 being rendered.

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.

I'm Used To 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.

What Type of Travel Can You Help Me With?

We are a full service, comprehensive resource for all your travel and leisure planning needs. We approach each trip – whether it’s a weekend in Miami, a honeymoon in Italy or family journey to Africa – as an opportunity to introduce you to destinations and experiences that are tailored to your personal taste. Our travel expertise includes, but are not limited to: family, romance, long weekend, adventure, once-in-a-lifetime, honeymoons, sabbaticals and celebrations.

What Is The Benefit Of Booking My Hotels Through You?

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.

Does It Cost More To Book Through You?

A common myth is that booking a hotel through a travel company is more expensive. This is because many online rates do not include taxes or city fees or require pre-payment and have strict cancellations terms. Additionally, some booking websites such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc., buy blocks of rooms from hotels, often the least desirable rooms, and do not offer any VIP amenities, which is why their rates may appear lower. This is primarily the case for domestic properties. We always strive to offer the best rate with valuable added benefits that can many times value over $500-$1000 in complimentary perks.

What If I Can't Find Availability?

If we are unable to secure a reservation or find availability at your preferred hotel, we will advocate on your behalf and leverage our powerful relationships to prioritize you on the waitlist or access inventory which may not be shown to general public. Dedicated Travel Advisors will research alternative, comparable hotel options or propose other destinations if you are in one of our programs that includes this.