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About Us
We are Global Travel Destinations, an affiliate of Andavo Travel, Members of Virtuoso -- Specialists in the Art of Travel. We know the world and the world knows Virtuoso. The more active your imagination, the more you need a Virtuoso travel specialist - from archeological digs to kayaking, from countryside walks to wildlife safaris, we know the world and all the ways for you to discover it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Travel Destinations:
- Who is Global Travel Destinations?
Celebrating our 10th anniversary in the travel consulting business in 2007, Global Travel Destinations is a unique, independent "boutique" travel consulting firm. Through our association with our host agency, Andavo Travel, and our travel network, Virtuoso, we stand ready to assist you with travels near or far, the ultimate in adventure, or the ultimate in luxury. While we are a full service company, we specialize in several areas of the world. By far our favorite, and most visited region is the South Pacific. We specialize in travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. We also love cruising - and can help you select from the many cruises offered worldwide. Among cruise destinations, we specialize in the Galapagos, Asia and the Mediterranean regions. We have cruised with most of the major cruise lines, among our favorite are Celebrity, Azamara, Crystal, Viking River Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
- I thought travel agents went away with the Internet?
In today's Internet-savvy world, many people choose to take control of their travel plans. And we've all heard the horror stories - undisclosed travel times, the luxury hotel suite that was anything but luxury or the lackluster tour guide. Some travelers like the risk and "adventure" of do-it-yourself traveling. But, the more discerning traveler knows to let a travel specialist do what they do best. A travel specialist is your advocate; someone who is accountable for the time and money you are investing. Your travel specialist works for you, not for hotels, cruise lines or airlines. As a proud member of Virtuoso, North America's most respected network of travel agents, we can offer increased value over other travel agencies, and unparalleled choices that you won't find anywhere else.
Did you know... Even Terrell Jones, former Travelocity.com President and CEO, uses a Virtuoso travel specialist to plan his vacations.
- Is there anything I should buy over the Internet?
While we represent and can ticket on nearly every airline in the world, we would be the first to admit that we struggle to add value to simple, domestic air purchases. So yes - if you are comfortable with an airline website or one of the internet booking engines - by all means, book your airfare via the internet. However, if you need to travel a bit further from home, to an international destination for example, we're happy to help and in some cases may save you a substantial amount of money through our airline and Virtuoso connections. And then, when you start adding hotels or cruises into your travel plans - call us. We'll make sure that all of the pieces fit together, that you receive the best value and special amenities when available just for booking through us. And we'll be here while you travel providing added value, extra protection and that "just in case" resource back home.
- Are you Virtuoso?
No, we're a proud member of Virtuoso. Virtuoso is a multi-billion dollar network of travel providers from around the world. The network includes both travel specialists, such as ourselves, as well as travel operators. Membership is exclusive, by invitation only. Travel specialists include some of the the most well respected agencies in the world - travel operators include the best cruise lines, hotels, resorts, spas, lodges, villas, airlines, private jet companies as well as service providers such as travel insurance and luggage handlers.
- What benefits does your membership in Virtuoso provide to me?
You benefit in many ways. When sailing with our cruise partners, you'll enjoy Virtuoso-only fares, complimentary onboard cocktail parties as well as half or full day private excursions that are not available to the general public. In hotels, resorts and spas you'll enjoy exclusive amenities such as space available upgrades, daily breakfast and access to club or other VIP facilities. With our airline partners, you'll receive negotiated fares for lowest prices, the best available seat assignments, and in some cases private lounge access and airport transfers.
- What do these benefits cost me?
Nothing! These benefits are provided to you when you book your travel with Global Travel Destinations. We can assist you in many ways. From pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, to negotiated airfares to get you to your vacation destination, we can help. We can custom design a complete vacation experience using our more than 1000 travel partners from across the globe. We have on-the-ground connections in more than 70 countries that can design anything from a private tour, to exclusive site access. These "on-sites" know their cities and countries best - providing insider knowledge of where to go, what to see and how to get there.
- What cruise companies are members of Virtuoso?
Over 30 cruise companies are members of Virtuoso. Representing the luxury lines are Regent, Silversea, SeaDream and Seabourn. The specialty lines include Azamara, Disney, Viking River Cruises, Cruise West and Oceania. Larger ships are represented by Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess and NCL. This are just a sample of the cruise lines that are members of Virtuoso.
- What hotels & resorts are members of Virtuoso?
There are over 700 properties that make up the Virtuoso portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, lodges and villas. Among these is the historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Canada, the magnificent Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the luxurious Voyages Longitude 131 at Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia and the prestigious St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado.
- What tour companies are members of Virtuoso?
Abercrombie & Kent, Epic Private Journeys, Trafalgar Tours, Backroads and Tauck World Discovery are just a few of the many tour and vacation companies that are available to you through our Virtuoso network.
- What is Virtuoso Voyager Club?
Virtuoso cruise customers enjoy special savings and are treated as VIPs from the moment they embark. Choose from more than 500 yearly Virtuoso Voyager Club departures aboard the world's top cruise lines and enjoy exclusive cocktail receptions, special tours and advantageous pricing. To ensure that your cruise experience is outstanding, each Voyager Club sailing includes an onboard Virtuoso host who takes care of your exclusive amenities and activities.
- How can I become a Virtuoso Voyager Club Member?
Simply reserve a Voyager Club sailing with us, your Virtuoso travel specialist. Membership is complimentary.
- What's the difference between Virtuoso Voyager and Virtuoso Explorer?
Virtuoso Voyager Club is a special amenities feature of hundreds of cruises each year that includes an onboard host, a cocktail party and a full day shore excursions - all complementary when you book through us, your Virtuoso travel specialist. Virtuoso Explorer offers are tailored toward a more active cruise vacation. They include an onboard host, a cocktail party and either a half-day short excursion or a special gift that embellishes local customs and cultures - also complementary when you book through us.
- Haven't I heard of Virtuoso on NBC's The TODAY Show?
Yes, you may have. For the past several years Virtuoso travel specialists have partnered with NBC and The TODAY Show to design travel experiences - weddings, honeymoons as well as a travel "make-over" for a family that had suffered an unfortunate cruise mishap.
- What is Virtuoso's Travel Mart?
Travel Mart is Virtuoso's annual week-long conference where travel specialists meet travel providers from around the world. Recognized industry-wide as the best networking opportunity in luxury travel, Virtuoso hosts an astounding 260,000 individual meetings between the network's elite travel advisors and its world-renowned providers. With a roster of attendees that read like the "who's who" of luxury travel, Virtuoso's Travel Mart provides participants with both a vision for the future and the opportunity to establish and strengthen the relationships that enhance and enable the world's most extraordinary travel experiences. Global Travel Destinations participates in this annual conference or the Virtuoso International Symposium that is held at an international destination each year.
- Who is Virgin Galactic, and what is Virtuoso's relationship?
Virgin Galactic is a company established by Richard Branson's Virgin Group to undertake the challenge of developing space tourism for everybody. It will own and operate privately built spaceships, modeled on the history-making SpaceShipOne craft. In 2006 Virgin Galactic announced the appointment of Virtuoso as their exclusive retail travel group in North America, promoting commercial space tourism to the North American market. A select group of Virtuoso's travel specialists will go through a comprehensive training program with Virgin Galactic to become "Accredited Space Agents", making them among the first travel consultants in the world endorsed to reserve seats on Virgin Galactic spaceflights. |
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At Global Travel Destinations, we don't just work for
you, we work with you, listening to your dreams and desires and collaborating with you to create your perfect vacation. As your travel partner,
our experience and exclusive relationships with the top luxury travel operators help to ensure more peace of mind, more time - and more rewarding experiences.
Of course, our services don't stop when you depart on your journey.
You'll also benefit from:
Privileged Access - The Virtuoso name carries a lot of sway around the world, opening doors and behind-the scenes access to sites and
events not open to the general public.
Added Value - We have the influence to negotiate complimentary upgrades and added amenities available
exclusively to you.
Extra Protection - Your Virtuoso travel specialist can assist you in securing trip cancellation
and other insurance to protect your travel investment. We also can secure the world's top medical evacuation travel insurance.
Staying Connected - Wherever you travel, we'll help you stay in touch by assisting you in leasing
or purchasing a mobile phone that operates worldwide. Or, if you prefer to stay out of touch while away, we're equally happy to keep your whereabouts confidential. |
Travelers just seem to have a different perspective on life. They're
more accepting, more adventurous. And, more willing to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead.
That's where we come in - Everyday we turn those dreams into meaningful, life-transforming experiences.
Ever dreamed of dining with a countess, or digging at an archaeological site? How about a Saharan honeymoon in a Bedouin tent, or learning dance
steps from a Broadway choreographer? We can make it happen. You see, we are the life experience experts
specializing in the world's best destinations and modes of travel.
Virtuoso is the most elite travel network in the world - indeed, only 1 percent of all travel agencies
are invited to join. We maintain personal connections in more than 70 countries, while our unparalleled alliances open doors and secure exceptional
value for you.
Discover the many benefits of working with a Virtuoso travel specialist. Contact us today to help you transform your view of the world - and gain
a new perspective on luxury travel.
We're "Specialists in the Art of Travel". Call us to experience our complete travel services
today.
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