Welcome to the Luxury Travel podcast, where we explore the epitome of luxury travel with industry leaders. In today's episode, host Rodney George sits down with Michelle Fee, the founder of Cruise Planners. Cruise Planners is a network of Travel Advisors collaborating with multiple cruise lines, ensuring competitive pricing and effective client communication. Joining a Cruise Planners franchise offers advantages like accessing the best prices, perks, and the option to input desired costs; advisors proactively reach out when suitable deals align with clients' preferences. Cruise Planners' franchise model creates a win-win situation for clients and franchise owners. Clients benefit from competitive pricing, personalized service, and efficient communication. At the same time, franchise owners have the support and resources to offer exceptional travel experiences and build long-lasting relationships with their clients.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:39] Rodney introduces Michelle from Cruise Planners
• [3:15] Cruise Planners is celebrating 30 years
• [8:01 Travel is not something you postpone just like you don’t save a good bottle of wine
• [9:39] Tracking the gorillas - a dream vacation and Antarctica becoming a favorite
• [13:36] The dream of starting Cruise Planners, a discussion of AI, joining the consortia of Signature Travel Network and an example of saving a client money
• [18:53] How a travel advisor can save the traveler money and how they go to bat for their clients
• [24:15] What is the future of travel and discussion of the relationships between client and travel advisor and travel advisor and cruise companies and the software in place to save clients money

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:24] Cruise Planners is a franchise model, meaning individual travel advisors can join the network as franchise owners. This setup allows for autonomy while benefiting from Cruise Planners' brand recognition and support.
• [5:26] COVID-19 impacted the travel industry immensely. However, we saw our franchisees grow their businesses because of the caliber of people associated with Cruise Planners.
• [9:51] In South Africa, you can take a side trip to Rwanda and trek gorillas. Walking through the jungle, getting dirty with guides, and hatching away the trees and bushes is a fantastic adventure. And then, there they are—the silverbacks—mothers and babies. Amazing.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Cruise Planners - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Michelle Fee

Michelle Fee is the CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise organization. Cruise Planners has over 2,500 advisors across the network and continues to be the most decorated travel company with accolades such as being the #1

Welcome to the Luxury Travelers podcast, where we delve into the pinnacle of luxurious travel experiences alongside industry trailblazers. In today's episode, your host, Rodney George, engages in a captivating conversation with Kim Guimaraes, representing the esteemed Abercrombie and Kent brand, with roots stretching back to Africa in 1962. Renowned for their unmatched luxury touring offerings, Abercrombie and Kent have recently garnered attention for their acquisition and revitalization of the Crystal Cruise ships. Explore how they're revolutionizing the cruise industry, allowing guests to disembark at their preferred ports of call for immersive three-day Abercrombie and Kent tours before reuniting with the ship for the next leg of their journey. Tune in to uncover more about this thrilling fusion of opulent cruising and five-star exploration.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:54] The roots and beginnings of Abercombie and Kent and the expansion to 100's of other countries
• [04:24] Kim explains what sets their touring company apart from others
• [10:35] Abercrombie and Kent expand into cruising with the acquisition of Crystal ships
• [14:48] The Crystal is building four new vessels between now and 2029, and Kim discusses other standalone and single-country experiences
• [20:13] Kim talks about the Pantanal area of Brazil and in Colombia, a cooking lesson with the number one female chef in the world
• [22:53] Kim expands on the reconstruction of the Crystal Serenity, the quality of the entertainment and the ballroom experience
• [27:32] Kim shares memories of her most memorable trips

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:14] Abercrombie and Kent's roots go back to Kenya, Africa, in 1962
• [4:38] Abercrombie and Kent provide an unprecedented touring experience. They don't ascribe to the cookie-cutter experience that other touring companies do, and there is no upcharge for the unique things included.
• [10:45] Crystal Cruise Lines has provided exceptional service since its inception. With Abercombie and Kent's purchase, the experience will only be better with the remodeling of the ships and lowering the occupancy.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Abercrombie and Kent - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Kim Guimaraes

With a career of more than 30 years in the travel industry, Kim brings a wealth of luxury travel and management experience to her role with Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. As Vice President, National Accounts, she manages the high-value trade partnerships for A&K and Crystal. She loves to inspire travel partners and their clients to explore the world of A&K, offering individually curated journeys to over 100 countries and all seven continents and cruising the world with Crystal. She believes that travel breaks down barriers and can be a transformational experience, especially given the variety of travel experiences that A&K offers. Her favorite destinations include Africa, India, Egypt, the Arctic and most recently, Antarctica!

#LuxuryTravel #RodneyGeorge #LuxeTravelConsultants #LuxuryAccommodations #OpulentDestinations #ExtravagantExperiences #CustomizedExperiences #PrivateCharters #EliteDestinations #TailoredItineraries...

Welcome to the Luxury Travelers podcast, where we explore the epitome of luxury travel with industry leaders. In today's episode, host Rodney George sits down with Tom LaRock, CEO of Safari Professionals, to delve into the unparalleled safari experience offered by their company. Catering exclusively to discerning high-end travelers seeking personalized adventures, Safari Professionals crafts tailored itineraries and customized experiences that redefine luxury in the wild. With destinations spanning over ten countries in Africa and other magnificent countries, each safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse oneself in these iconic regions’ majestic landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary tales and unforgettable moments that await those who embark on a safari with Safari Professionals.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:31] Tom explains the art of safari design
• [03:32] As a young boy, Tom loved to study Africa, and he discusses his fondness for Tanzania and Botswana
• [08:25] Tom outlines new destinations, including an exciting venture into Madagascar, and he talks about the company’s emphasis on wildlife conservation
• [11:52] Tom talks about the importance of the guides provided by their company and the ability to set your own pace and destination not offered by other companies and how the local accommodations surpass American brand hotels located in the area
• [15:03] Discussion around charitable purposes in zoos and aquariums they work with and the Naples Zoo safaris
• [19:20] Tom invites listeners to book through Luxe Travel to receive incentives, and he provides an example of how Safari Professionals will do whatever it takes to accommodate the wishes of a private traveler
• [23:13] Tom explains how his company prepares travelers for their elite destination experience and the VIP experience that awaits them if traveling to Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa
• [26:57] Rodney talks about the invaluable memories that are created

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:37] Over the years, Safari Professionals has designed a platform for determining what luxury travelers expect from a safari. They call this the art of safari design, and it ensures that travelers’ needs and expectations are met.
• [3:46] Tom studied British East Africa in fifth grade. That study instilled in him a passion for wildlife and the people of Africa, which he can now share with others through Safari Professionals.
• [6:05] Tanzania’s number one draw is the Great Serengeti Migration. The Okavango Delta in Botswana and the famous Kalahari Desert offer something no other country can because you travel by combining customized land rovers and water travel.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Safari Professionals - Website

Tom LaRock - Email

Tom LaRock - Phone: 703-981-4474

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Tom LaRock

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom’s commitment to conservation comes from his lifelong passion for wildlife and the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving and restoring our natural world. As the CEO (Chief...