I gave a very strong hint a few months ago of a major J5Travel announcement due in early 2019. Well, I am now officially allowed to tell one and all that as of Monday, January 7th 2019, we are now an affiliated Virtuoso ® Member, made possible by our host agency's recently attained membership. I'm going to try to begin to explain what this means for our clients. Just know that we are extraordinarily excited to bring this program to you.
What’s Virtuoso®?
Virtuoso is a network of the world’s finest travel advisors and suppliers. It’s a by-invitation only organization through which Member travel agencies have privileged access to exclusive amenities, travel offers, and rare experiences that you can’t get on your own.
Global Connections:
With personal contacts at over 1,500 elite airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and premier destinations worldwide, your Virtuoso affiliated travel advisor puts their relationships to work for you.
Here's just a snippet of what this means in a practical sense through our regular Top 5.

1. Hotels

Client benefits will vary by property and experience, but generally Virtuoso travelers receive preferred rates at hotels, upgrades upon arrival (if available), Virtuoso-only amenities (spa credits, shopping credits, etc.), daily breakfast for two, and early check-in/late checkout. For example, at Six Senses Yao Noi, Phnag Nga, Thailand (above), you will receive a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room.

2. Experiences
Virtuoso now gives us the opportunity to offer true once-in-a-lifetime experiences at locations all over the world.
Immerse yourself in Quechua culture in Cuzco, Peru (above). During a trip to the Andean village of Ccorca, guests are able to learn from schoolchildren how to dye wool and bake traditional Incan bread.
Spot wildlife on private Tasmanian bushland. Keep an eye out for wallabies, wombats, and, if you’re lucky, Tasmanian devils.
Watch a private opera performance at the Sistine Chapel. Besides the show, the guided, after-hours tour of Rome’s ornate icon can also include dinner in one of the Vatican’s neighboring frescoed rooms.

3. Cruises - Ocean and River
If you're considering a cruise vacation, especially on a premium category line or higher then J5Travel can now bring you complimentary extras that tend to include:
On-board credits, exclusive shore excursions, welcome aboard receptions, dedicated onboard hosts, a private car and driver, specialty dining, and even fully pre-paid gratuities.
On certain Virtuoso Voyages, the value is even greater.
As an example, sail the 8-day Caribbean Yacht Harbors itinerary with Seabourn in 2019 and receive an amazing tour of Gustavia, the capital of St Barthelemy, followed by a luncheon in the open-air restaurant at the Hotel Le Toiny (above), a Relais & Chateaux property.

4. Value
Even luxury small group tours are able to receive the Virtuoso upgrade touch. You don't need to be on an independent trip to enjoy the benefits. Abercrombie & Kent, one of our favorite luxury tour suppliers offers special promotions only through Virtuoso advisors. As an example, this summers' 14-day Arctic cruise (above) covering Norway, Greenland and Iceland has up to $3,000 off per stateroom if you book with a Virtuoso advisor.

5. Travel Inspiration
Regular readers know that J5Travel is all about inspiring you to see the world, whether that means Italy for the first time, or a guided tour through Mongolia (on my list for sure!).
We do this by documenting our own travels and writing this blog & our weekly ezine.
Virtuoso produce a simply gorgeous 6-times a year magazine (above) called Virtuoso Life (think Condé Nast with added amenities), and so we are going to add to your travel inspiration dosage. We are planning to subscribe our top clients for free to this beautiful product, and if you let us know within the next 7 days, that you'd like to receive the magazine, please just drop us a note and we will subscribe you for a year at no charge.

Want to add Virtuoso benefits to your next trip? That's what we're here for, click here to start planning!

Be social and follow us on our next adventure!