Where you want to be when it makes the most sense to be there. Nyhavn Denmark. Photo: David Mark
As more factors beyond our control impact specific destinations, having a shortlist of itineraries already developed allows families to move trips based on a range of factors.
The idea of having multiple trips in the hopper stands out as a most important travel planning factor.
Leisure travel has two stakes in the ground – time and money. Whether it’s planning around school holidays, a milestone birthday, anniversaries or a family reunion, the “where” can be any of a number of destinations you’ve had on your wish-list. And now, more than ever, “where” is going to be impacted by much more than the weather.
Last year, Virtuoso, the largest network of travel advisors, introduced a service called Wanderlist® to help travel advisors develop deeper, lasting relationships with their clients. An unintended benefit of Wanderlist® is how it provides the options travelers need in a world of increasing natural disasters, economic or health crises.
Each traveler gets a personalized link to a robust online planning tool. The Netflix-like menu of literally, a world of travel options allows all family members to dig deep using illuminating content on each destination and bespoke experiences. Then, trained travel advisors pull those preferences together and develop a plan, incorporating key dates and cost estimates for each adventure. Vacation dreams grow and blossom with an ability to queue up specific trips when the time is right.
The Wanderlist® offering enables travelers to quickly select specific trips in real-time based on conditions on the ground. Those who spent much of March on hold with an airline to change or cancel travel plans know first-hand how valuable it is to be able to revise plans at a moment’s notice.
As more factors beyond our control impact specific destinations, having a shortlist of itineraries already developed allows families to move trips based on a range of factors. What was a good idea is quickly becoming essential in navigating the travel concerns and opportunities of our times.
For most of us, leisure travel is about relieving stress and experiencing something new. Selecting from a host of options based on current conditions is a good way to begin that journey.
Bon voyage!
Mark Murray is a travel advisor at Newmark Travel, an Edina based affiliate of Pique Travel and member of the Virtuoso Travel Network.
