dallas virtuoso travel agent

Travel Agency Dallas | #1 Luxury Travel Agents in Dallas

Travel to and from dallas, texas.

Who We Are: Incognito Global Travel (IGT) is the #1 choice for luxury travel planning in the Dallas area. We are a boutique luxury travel agency providing full-service domestic and international travel planning and concierge services for busy executives, adventure seekers, luxury leisure seekers, or sophisticated world wanders. Being the best in Dallas for travel agencies gives our clients a unique experience coupled with customer service excellence. IGT delivers full-service luxury travel advising and planning to create unique, bespoke, and individually tailored travel experiences, and we specialize in the “unknowns” of luxury travel featuring the World's boldest, most off-the-beaten-path, and distinctive experiences.

Travel Packages to and from Dallas, Texas

Who We Are:  Incognito Global Travel (IGT) provides boutique luxury travel planning in the Dallas area. IGT caters to busy professionals, luxury seeking travelers, and cultured wanderers.  We are, simply, the #1 choice for all your luxury travel planning in Dallas, Texas.  We deliver a full-service planning service to create experiences unlike anyone else.  All of our plans are individually created for each client's so that they receive the unique experience they will remember for years to come.

The concierge advisors and planners at IGT provide an unrivaled travel experience that is hand-picked for our clients.  The experiences can be any type of mix between upscale food and wine, high-end shopping, and adventurous activities.  Private getaways to the Dallas area, as well as corporate trips and destination weddings, are an integral part of the services we offer.  

Although IGT does focus on international luxury travel, we do offer a many different styles of luxury Dallas, Texas travel packages, jet and boat charters, and romantic weekend getaways.  We also provide all-inclusive experiences that are individually customized using our large network of Dallas based travel guides and experts.  With Dallas and its surrounding areas becoming more and more popular for romantic getaways and luxury travel, our packages extend to the surrounding areas of Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and historic Grapevine.

Why Choose Incognito’s Travel Planning Services:

You may be asking yourself, “What makes IGT better than other Dallas travel agencies?” We may be biased, but we are better than the others, and here’s why:

1. Distinctly Personalize and Expert Services

IGT is proud to have travel agents that are extremely experienced in creating custom, tailor-made adventures that fit our client’s needs, desires, and wishes.  The plans that we create for our clients are beyond compare.  With our experienced agents and our exclusive global connections, our clients receive the high-end treatment and services they expect.  The network of authentic properties and tour operators allow us to ensure our clients are treated right and given an incredible luxury experience.

2. Experienced Travel Scouts

We don’t just plan a luxurious experience for our clients, we have been to the locations we plan for them, we have experienced the places, the food, and the adventures.  Our knowledge runs deep, and it isn’t taken from books or pamphlets, we have first-hand knowledge of the experiences we plan for our clients.

3. Sustainability

When we look for new experiences for our clients, we always have sustainability in mind.  We are always looking for opportunities to ensure that the vacation money that is spent in areas are invested back into the community so that it continues to thrive.  Examples of this would be a luxury eco lodge that supports conservation efforts in the area or entertainment that helps keep the local culture alive.

4. Luxury Treatment and Amenities:

As a proud member of the Virtuoso travel network, we are able to get our clients special benefits and amenities at luxury properties.  Our clients enjoy benefits like complimentary spa credits, room upgrades, breakfast for two, and more.  Not only do you get these benefits, but you also have access to your Incognito travel advisor before, during, and after your travels.  We are here to support and guide you so that your luxurious escape is truly exceptional.  With IGT, you’ll experience what personal planning and concierge service truly means.

Visit Dallas, Texas in Luxury:

Dallas and the surrounding areas is more than just Cowboys Football and good steak.  However, the steaks are not to be missed.  The Dallas area is home to many different cultures, museums, concerts, and shopping experiences.  Dallas is where everything Texas mixes with modern luxury.  

The best time of year to visit Dallas is in autumn, between September and November.  Although it will be warmer than most areas of America, it will not be a hot summer month.  During the fall you’ll experience beautiful weather, fewer tourists, and you’ll be able to experience the Texas State Fair-if you choose!  During the fall you can still experience outdoor activities on the many lakes in the area, shop the many outdoor shopping districts, and even take an old-fashioned steam train ride.

Things to do in Dallas, Texas:

• Shop at West Village Shopping District
• Visit Grapevine Vintage Railroad
• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
• John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
• Texas State Fair
• Fort Worth Stockyards
• Texas Discovery Gardens
• Take A Taco & Margarita Tour
• Bingham Family Vineyards
• Bishop Arts District
• Plano Legacy Hall
• Breakfast (at any time) at Crickles and Co.
• Dallas World Aquarium
• Spa Castle Texas
• Nasher Sculpture Center
• Billy Bob’s Texas
• Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre

Incognito will create an all-inclusive Dallas, Texas travel package custom-made to your specific requirements.  Select IGT as your #1 luxury travel agency in Dallas, Texas for your next trip!

Get The Ultralux Travel Experience

Travel Questions?

Our signaturetravel planning process, step 1: connect.

To ensure a highly personalized escape, you’ll first meet with your Incognito advisor on a complimentary planning session. We’ll dive deep into your passions and preferences, get all your questions answered, and make sure we’re a good fit for your travel dreams.

Step 2: Design

Next, we’ll share the planning fee to get started, which depends on the complexity of your desired trip. Then we’ll dive into the research, creating a proposed itinerary just for you. We’ll work with you to refine your itinerary to your exact specifications.

Step 3: Arrange

Let us book and manage all of your travel components for a truly effortless escape. This includes all flights, transfers, hotels/resorts, tours, and activities—even restaurant and special event reservations. All you have to do is pack!

Step 4: Support

When you depart for your Incognito journey, you’ll do so with full confidence—because we’re here to support you through it all. If any issues or questions arise, just reach out to us or our in-destination partners so we can troubleshoot them for you.

It’s time to trust your travels to Incognito—your adventure awaits

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MEET YOUR LUXURY

TRAVEL ADVISOR

START TODAY!

Lifetime Getaways is proudly veteran-owned

At Lifetime Getaways, your travel expert reviews the options available for your trip, and works with you to customize it to your vision. Your Dallas travel agent ensures that you are able to achieve the luxury vacation of your dreams simply and easily, so you can focus on enjoying it.  Forget the stress of planning your trip, as your travel consultant can:

• YOUR LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERT CAN PLAN AND BOOK:
• Honeymoon & Anniversary Trips
• River and Ocean Cruising
• Milestone Celebrations
• Adventure Travel
• Family Travel
• Exotic Travel
• Luxury Charters

WHAT A FEW CLIENTS HAVE SAID

“Michael is an absolute joy to work with. He listens and provides a truly unique travel experience no matter what your destination. We have traveled domestic and abroad on his advice and I no longer travel without his assistance. We Love Michael! And so will you!”

“Mike has booked several trips for my family. The service has been excellent and the special touches we received upon arrival have been wonderful. My kids were blown away by the special attention they received from the various resorts and hotels. This would not have happened if not for the connections we receive by dealing with Mike. I have recommended him to friends and family.”

“Thank you Michael, for making all of my travel arrangements so much easier. I typically do all of the research and reservations myself and decided to use you for my 24th anniversary trip with my husband. It was so much easier and you got us a better price. We were treated like royalty because of the VIP status you were able to get for us. Because of that, I am so glad you are now taking care of my family vacation for the summer along with booking all of our dinner reservations and excursions. Your extra services has really made this a true vacation this year!!! I couldn’t thank you enough.”

“Our first cruise was an amazing experience, with our Virtuoso Voyager club amenities it really helped personalize our experience. Kudos to our Travel Advisor Michael Podina. We very much look forward to working with him in the future.”

“I have worked with Michael on several trips and each and every time he is consistently on top of every detail. He goes above and beyond to take care of our requests and offering additional services. Michael takes the stress out of planning trips and turns it into a fun experience. He is creative with ideas, fast in response and always ahead of the game. I would highly recommend his service to anyone looking for their next getaway!”

“This was our second booking with Michael and again, he and his contacts in Italy delivered big time! The accommodations were perfectly located and the views were breathtaking. We him budget, what we wanted to be able to do/see and he took care of the rest. It was so nice not having to worry about where to pick up a taxi from the airport to the hotel and not having to lug our over packed suitcases through the streets. For our future travel plans, which I hope will be many, my first and only contact to help us with our journeys is Michael at Lifetime Getaways.”

WHO IS THE LIFETIME GETAWAYS LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR?

Lifetime Getaways is a veteran-owned and operated business. Michael Podina is the travel advisor of Lifetime Getaways, and travel is his passion. He realized his personal desire to travel after spending time living in Italy while serving in the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he dreamed of pursuing something that he was truly passionate about. This lead Michael to become a Virtuoso Travel Advisor.

Michael is dedicated to creating itineraries that will incorporate your desires for your luxury vacation. He works to make your dreams become a reality. Michael builds lasting relationships with his clients that lead to years of memories, adventures, and experiences. All this is a result of him working together with you to create incredible trips.

Life is short. Finding the true value in making memories at every opportunity is what Michael is all about. For those that desire more than just a vacation, your Dallas travel agent crafts the custom experience of a lifetime. In addition to the hassle-free planning, you’ll have access to great benefits from Michael’s relationships and connections around the world. Enjoy the luxury of having the details fully attended to with resort credits, VIP upgrades, private tours, and more!

– Luxury Travel Advisor, Michael Podina

THE VIRTUOSO ® DIFFERENCE

Lifetime Getaways is a member of Virtuoso, the leading global network of travel experts and agencies specializing in luxury travel. Virtuoso travel consultants partner with many of the world’s top companies in travel-related industries, including hotels, cruise lines, and more. At Lifetime Getaways, your luxury travel expert will utilize the Virtuoso connections, as well as personal connections to craft your dream trip with unique experiences, special values, and more.

• GLOBAL CONNECTIONS With personal contacts at over 1,000 airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and premier destinations worldwide, your Virtuoso-affiliated Dallas travel agent puts their relationships to work for you.
• UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisors are among the most well-traveled people on the planet. They draw upon their own first-hand experiences when customizing vacations for you.
• CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES From weekend getaways to trips of a lifetime, counting on the expertise of a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor ensures your greatest Return on Life™.
• CONFIDENCE When you have a relationship with a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor, you’ll rest easy knowing your personal preferences are reflected in every aspect of each vacation experience they design especially for you.

Due to Lifetime Getaways’ affiliation with Virtuoso, you will have access to exclusive offers including compimentary breakfast for two, upgrades as available, food, beverage, and spa credits, and more. These benefits add up to hundreds of dollars worth of savings right from the start. The advantages your Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel advisor can bring are unique and cannot be found anywhere else.

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and RETURN ON LIFE are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd.

SOME OF LIFETIME GETAWAYS’ TRAVEL PARTNERS

About lifetime getaways.

Michael Podina is the travel advisor of Lifetime Getaways, and travel is his passion. Michael loves every aspect of building travel plans and helping people create memories. He works to make your dreams become a reality. Life is short. Finding the true value in making memories at every opportunity is what Lifetime Getaways is all about.

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• Copyright Lifetime Getaways 2024  |  Website by Frozen Fire
• Lifetime Getaways is an Affiliate of Travel Experts a 'Virtuoso Agency'

PHONE: (214) 521-8444

The minute you call All Aboard Travel is the minute your travel and vacation begins.

We design travel to create memories and meaning for a lifetime., a global luxury travel agency with a worldwide reach, we are based in dallas, texas., couples travel.

Family Group Travel

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WHERE CAN YOU TRAVEL TO RIGHT NOW? GET 4 NEW IDEAS FOR 2024 (TRAVEL IDEAS REFRESHED REGULARLY)

OUR APPROACH

Incredible experiences traveling with your all-time favorite people

A trip with the grandkids, a getaway with the girls, a guys golf weekend, the ultimate friends reunion… There’s no better way to reconnect than traveling with the people who matter most to you. Enter All Aboard Travel. We create custom-curated travel itineraries for executive and corporate travel, family group travel, couples travel, girls trips, and friends travel designed to your needs. We are a travel agency in Dallas serving clients all over the globe.

Book Your Virtuoso Hotel Online Now

Reserve your favorite Virtuoso hotel yourself by clicking here. Compare prices, amenities, and get instant confirmation. Your All Aboard Travel advisor will monitor behind the scenes. Note: While many hotels you love are in this portal, not all are! Call your advisor if you don’t see what you are looking for.

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Small Group Travel

Small group travel for couples, families, friends and executives.

Maybe you’re dreaming up a romantic trip for just the two of you. Or, perhaps it’s going to be a group trip with your favorite couples friends. We’ll work with you to ensure the flights, activities, restaurants, transportation and accommodations are all exactly what you have in mind.

Family Travel

Whether it’s a multi-generational vacation with your extended family and grandkids, a surprise trip to Disneyland, or just a relaxing beach getaway, we have you covered.

The type of trip that lends itself to late nights catching up with your best friends and memories that you’ll have forever – let us help you plan an incredible vacation for you and your group of friends.

Girls & Guys Trips

A weekend at the spa or an all-out week away with the girls, the options for a girls trip are endless but we can help you narrow it down and plan the perfect itinerary. The same goes for guys. Whether it’s a relaxing golf trip. a weekend in the mountains, or somewhere in between, we have you covered.

Celebrate your wins, brainstorm the next big idea, or simply take a moment to retreat with your team. We’ll help you plan an executive trip that’s thoughtful and enjoyable

Meaningful Travel

Meaningful travel that connects you to what matters most

Whether it’s a trip to relax and recharge, adventure off to someplace you’ve never been, or to uncover a new part of the world, the right travel experience should enrich your life and connect you to what matters most right now.

Global Perks

Access to the entire global Virtuoso alliance

Unlock a world of in-the-know expertise, unbelievable travel perks, and access to a well-edited portfolio of the best brands in the business. We bring together more than 1,800 elite travel companies, from five-star hotel groups and renowned cruise lines to boutique properties and high-end adventure travel outfitters around the world.

Read What All Aboard Travel Clients Have to Say

“My experience with the entire team at All Aboard Travel was phenomenal. They made amazing recommendations on our trip to France, and we were able to upgrade our rooms at The Dorchester in London as well as The Hotel Carlton in Cannes. Patsy and Kathryn thanks for your help and amazing 5-star service.”

– Jill, Dallas

Thank you so much for everything! We appreciate you more than you know. We are having a lovely time and the hotel is a very energy-rich environment. MUCH LOVE, K

– Krista, Dallas

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• Travel Services
• Travel Design

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When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it’s all about who you know.

Planet9 Travel Design is an affiliate of Strong Travel Services, a Dallas based travel agency established for several decades and an early member of Virtuoso.

Virtuoso is the Industry's leading Leisure Travel Network. This Invitation Only organization is composed of elite Travel advisors in 22 countries and over 1,000 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations.

Travelers who have a Virtuoso Advisor tap into a world of in-the-know expertise, unbelievable travel perks, support throughout their travels, and – most importantly – warmer welcomes, deeper connections, and superior experiences in the places they visit.

Why book with me?

Why choose to book with me..., more from virtuoso....

It's time to elevate your wanderlust. Your extraordinary journey begins here.

You’ve heard of a bucket list, right? As a Virtuoso Travel designer, we call it a Wanderlist, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – a compilation of everywhere you want to go. What’s on your wanderlist?

Share your dreams with planet9 travel design using the link below or scanning the QR code

Worldwide Travel Connections

Leisure and corporate luxury travel solutions since 1975

Certified Travel Consultants

40 years of experience advising luxury travelers

Luxury Travel Experiences

The guidance you need to travel anywhere in the world

The Strong Travel Philosophy

Strong Travel Services, Inc. is a highly respected leader in the luxury travel industry. The Strong family has been crafting a full range of luxury travel experiences since the 1970s. Our certified travel consultants combine their personal travel experiences with ongoing training to provide both leisure and corporate travel solutions that meet your specific expectations and desires. We listen, respond, and provide the best possible experience for you, our client.

What’s your Personal Luxury?

There should be an authenticity, a personalization to travel. Our consultants listen closely to understand each traveller’s desires and expectations so we can plan your trip accordingly.  What’s your personal luxury?

“ "I honestly couldn't do my job without … Strong Travel doing the heavy lifting with regard to my boss's travel - every detail is always perfect, with even the most complicated itineraries!" Sheli H.

“ "I have told everyone I have spoken with about the difference in booking with Strong Travel... I will NOT be traveling out of the U.S. without working with you!" Diane O.

“ "My trip was nothing less than perfect! Thank you for your hard work in making each leg of my trip flawless. Thank you so much for your personalized attention!" Candis V.

“ "All of the arrangements you made worked flawlessly, once again, and we can't thank you enough for your great help! You always make the trips even more fun, and your talents and connections are genuinely appreciated!" Jim D.

“ "Thank you for your help with the trip. It was great. I think I can speak for both of us and say the trip exceeded our high expectations." Bob C.

“ “The honeymoon was absolutely incredible and you did not miss a single beat! From the moment we arrived from the moment we left, everything you set up was seamless and made the trip so spectacular.” Blake and Lindsay S.

“ “You made it all so much easier and your knowledge and guidance were difference makers! We appreciate everything.” Lynne J.

“ “Thank you so much for the tremendous job you did! You really did an exceptional job handling the travel of all of our guests!” Brent V.

“ “I can't thank you enough again for helping put together a wonderful trip with fantastic memories.” Charlotte K.

“ “We trust you and know you have our best interests at heart. We look forward to more wonderful trips...” Sami A.

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Luxury travel adventures Explore new horizons

Strong Travel Services, Inc. 8235 Douglas Avenue Suite 1115 Dallas, Tx 75225

© 2024 Strong Travel Services | Certified Travel Consultants | Dallas | CST – 2122782-50 | Site by Ardent Creative

• Luxury Experiences

• Luxury Travel Consultant | Luxury Travel Author

Luxury Travel Consultant Luxury Travel Author

Jim Strong is one of America’s leading Luxury Travel Consultants.

His insight and expertise is sought by an exclusive set of clientele and industry leaders..

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Jim has recently been featured in:.

“Dallas duo lands ‘Super Agent’ status by Travel + Leisure”

You could stay in a castle – for real , virtuoso life magazine insider’s italy, “how a dallas travel agent became an off-broadway producer”, travel weekly “best of baths” feature, 2009 travel + leisure magazine listed as luxury travel power broker, “dallas travel exec turns dealings with clients into an off-broadway show”, outrageous travel agent requests, jim strong has authored two books on luxury travel plus an off-broadway play:.

Published 2006

Published 2009

January-February 2014

Current member of the following travel company advisory boards:.

Travel + Leisure Magazine Travel Advisory Board

Four Seasons Hotels Travel Partner Advisory Council

Aman Resort Advisory Board

Marriott Luxury Brands Inner Circle

Inter-Continental Hotels & Resorts Luxury Agency Advisory Board

American Airlines Travel Agency Advisory Panel

University of Mississippi Hospitality Management Advisory Board

Former member of the following Travel Company advisory boards:

Trump Hotel Collection Travel Agency Advisory Board

Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces U.S. Advisory Board

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Travel Agent Advisory Board

Park Hyatt Customer Leadership Forum

Speaker at 2013 Mississippi Governor’s Conference on Tourism

Speaker at 2012-2014 University of Mississippi Hospitality Program

Chairman of the Virtuoso Hotel & Resorts Selection Committee (ret. 2013)

Islands Magazine Advisory Board (ret. 2012)

Travel spokesperson for the Cheerio’s 2010 national “Love Your Heart Campaign.”

Forbes Traveler 400 (ret. 2013)

Speaker at October 2014 Travel & Adventure Show on the Travel Channel Stage

American Society of Travel Agents – Corporate Advisory Council (ret. 2014)

““I can’t think of anyone better qualified to help people fulfill their passion for travel” ” Christopher Cowdray, CEO The Dorchester Collection

“Jim Strong has brilliantly presented a travel collection for lasting memories. This book is a must read for anyone seeking travel experiences that will last a lifetime.” Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio, VP, Publisher The Wall Street Journal

“At his core, Jim understands how the experience of travel creates powerful memories that last a lifetime. It's no wonder he is one of the most sought after resources in the world of luxury travel today. ” Jim FitzGibbon, President, Worldwide Hotel Operations Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

“Essential reading for anyone looking to create lasting memories. In this book, Jim Strong brings you priceless options to expand the enjoyment of living while traveling to some of the most exclusive and romantic places on earth.” Mark Harmon, CEO Auberge Resort

8235 Douglas Ave., Ste. 1040 Dallas, TX 75225

Tel: 214-361-0027  |  email: [email protected], www.strongtravel.com   |   www.cravingfortravel.com.

© 2023 Jim Strong | Luxury Travel Consultant.

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Virtuoso – How It Works, Travel Advisors, Upgrades & Benefits

Former Senior Content Contributor

485 Published Articles

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Everything you need to know about virtuoso, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you routinely focus on luxury travel, you might have heard of Virtuoso , an incredible network of travel agencies that deliver huge added value to your hotel stay.

With tens of thousands of travel advisors worldwide capable of delivering extra perks to thousands of luxury hotels in the world, you’ll want to keep this company in your back pocket.

Sure, we pride ourselves on being able to use points for luxury hotel stays, but what if you want to save your points for a different trip? What if you don’t have enough points? Or what if wherever you’re traveling to doesn’t have points hotels?

That’s where Virtuoso can come in. In this guide, we’ll show you how Virtuoso can fit into your travel plans. We’ll walk you through the A to Z of what Virtuoso is, what benefits you can get, and how you can book Virtuoso rates.

Let’s get started!

What Is Virtuoso?

So what exactly is Virtuoso? Virtuoso is a worldwide network of travel agencies with specializations in luxury and experiential travel.

Virtuoso’s network consists of more than 20,000 travel advisors, each of which falls under a larger member agency.

Its travel advisors bring personalized travel recommendations and bookings to the table, whether you’re looking for hotels, cruises, or tours.

Importantly, though, bookings made through Virtuoso come with value-added perks for no additional cost to the traveler.

Virtuoso Benefits

In almost all cases, hotel stays booked through Virtuoso come with the following benefits:

• Daily breakfast for 2 guests per room
• Room upgrade (subject to availability)
• Early check-in (subject to availability)
• Late checkout (subject to availability)
• A special Virtuoso amenity (typically a $100 property credit or other amenity valued at a minimum of $100, like a free massage or round-trip car transfer)

Fees To Use Virtuoso

Virtuoso rates almost always cost the same exact price as the best available flexible rate .

This isn’t the same as a prepaid, advance purchase, non-refundable rate, corporate rate, or member-only rate.

However, if you usually book the best available flexible rates, you’ll literally get hundreds of dollars in added value just by going through a Virtuoso advisor .

In addition, Virtuoso advisors generally don’t charge you any commissions for hotel bookings — they get a commission on the back-end, but that cost won’t be passed on to you most of the time.

This isn’t the same as a planning fee — if you’re booking a complicated trip, you might be quoted for this extra fee depending on the travel advisor.

Hot Tip: Get in touch with Leigh, a next-level Virtuoso agent. UP’s very own Leigh Rowan has deep connections with some of the best hotels and hoteliers in the world. Reach out to him about your upcoming luxury hotel trip, and watch how he’ll upgrade your next stay. Submit your Virtuoso booking request to [email protected] .

Virtuoso Hotel Properties

The complete catalog of Virtuoso hotels includes name-brand luxury chains like:

• Aman Resorts
• Conrad Hotels & Resorts
• Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
• Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
• Mandarin Oriental
• Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
• The Peninsula Hotels
• The Ritz-Carlton
• Rocco Forte Hotels
• Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
• St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
• Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
• Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

As you can see, this more or less encompasses all luxury hotel chains . In addition, you can book luxury boutique properties that may not have multiple locations. These properties are incredibly helpful if you’re looking to book a more exotic vacation where there aren’t many luxury hotel options.

Earning Points on a Virtuoso Rate

Booking Virtuoso rates is a lot like stacking benefits! Because a Virtuoso hotel rate still goes through the hotel’s internal system, you can earn hotel points, elite night credits/stays, and even enjoy hotel elite benefits when booking through a Virtuoso travel advisor.

For example, if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member and you’re booking a Virtuoso hotel stay at an eligible Marriott property, you will earn Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy Titanium benefits on your hotel stay.

The reason this works is that your travel advisor will also enter your loyalty number when booking your stays.

Virtuoso Travel Advisors

The first thing you’ll need to do is have a stay in mind. You can view the rates for hotels by visiting the hotel search catalog , but you will need to contact a Virtuoso travel advisor (such as Leigh Rowan from our team)  to enjoy these benefits.

Hot Tip: You can even browse Virtuoso travel advisors by their destination specialties or travel interests!

Other Programs Like Virtuoso

Virtuoso is the largest consortium with thousands of luxury hotels and resorts within its purview.

However, other programs offer similar benefits, including Four Seasons Preferred Partner , Belmond Bellini, Dorchester Diamond Club, Hilton Impresario , Rosewood Elite, Marriott STARS, Marriott Luminous , and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club.

Virtuoso actually includes all of the brands above and offers similar benefits — as a result, Virtuoso offers a “one-stop-shop” for booking luxury hotel stays and getting benefits regardless of which exact chain you stay at.

Virtuoso vs. Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is similar to Virtuoso in the sense that it offers perks like free breakfast and room upgrades. However, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts offers a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout .

Virtuoso is bookable without a specific credit card, while Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts requires a premium Amex card like The Platinum Card ® from American Express .

However, you need to have a Virtuoso travel advisor to help make your booking for you ( online or over the phone). On the flip side, you’ll also get a human who can offer recommendations and advice based on your destination and travel style.

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and Virtuoso both have overlapping hotels — that’s not terribly surprising when you consider that these luxury hotels are worldwide chains.

One thing you might notice is a significant markup on Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts rates . For example, if you look at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka stay searched through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and compare it to a Virtuoso search, you’ll see a big difference in rates:

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is charging $568 per night before taxes and fees, while Virtuoso’s rates are $511 per night. In this case, booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts would cost 11% more than booking through Virtuoso.

Sometimes, the 2 programs have the same rates — however, in many cases, Virtuoso’s prices will beat out Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.

On the other hand, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts may have special offers such as a fifth-night free benefit, so you’ll need to evaluate the economics on a case-by-case basis.

Virtuoso is the secret tool that luxury travelers use to get hundreds of dollars worth of extra value on their bookings, especially hotel stays.

Some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands like Four Seasons, Aman, Rosewood, and The Peninsula are available to book through Virtuoso. It also includes small luxury boutique hotels that aren’t a part of a larger hotel brand, so you can enjoy a boutique experience as desired.

With this program, you’ll enjoy benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and so much more — all for the same price as the best available flexible rate. Virtuoso rates are also often cheaper than Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts rates, so it’s definitely a no-brainer to consider Virtuoso!

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How does virtuoso travel work.

Virtuoso is essentially a travel agency network focused on luxury accommodations. With tens of thousands of approved travel advisors worldwide, Virtuoso allows you to enjoy extra elite-like benefits and perks when staying at thousands of luxury hotels and resorts around the world… but the real gem is you won’t need to pay extra to enjoy these benefits.

How much does it cost to join Virtuoso?

Virtuoso doesn’t hire travel advisors, but they recruit advisors for its member agencies. You can join Virtuoso as a travel advisor via a member agency or  join Virtuoso as a member agency .

What are Virtuoso amenities?

Virtuoso amenities may vary by hotel and property, but they usually include preferred rates at hotels, room upgrades upon arrival subject to availability, property credits like spa and shopping credits, daily breakfast for 2, and early check-in/late checkout subject to availability.

How do I join Virtuoso?

Travel agents can join Virtuoso via its website, but if you’re looking to book a stay with Virtuoso, you’ll want to book directly with a Virtuoso travel advisor.

Who owns Virtuoso Travel?

Virtuoso was founded by Jesse Upchurch in 1986, but it’s currently helmed by his son Matthew D. Upchurch. Virtuoso is a private company and has hundreds of employees.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

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For a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of this interactive map, visit go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer .

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse began over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that experienced totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. The eclipse entered Canada in Southern Ontario, and continued through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse exited continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.

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