You’ve found the perfect hotel. The stunning resort in the Maldives. That bucket-list safari in Tanzania. The European river cruise you’ve been dreaming about. You could book it yourself online—but should you? What if I told you that booking the exact same trip through a Virtuoso travel advisor like myself could unlock exclusive benefits, complimentary upgrades, and VIP treatment that simply aren’t available to the general public?
Welcome to the world of Virtuoso—the travel industry’s most prestigious network, and your gateway to extraordinary experiences with remarkable value.
What Is Virtuoso?
Virtuoso is the world’s leading network of luxury travel agencies, advisors, and partners, representing over 20,000 of the finest travel advisors globally. This invitation-only network has spent decades cultivating relationships with the world’s best hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel suppliers.
But here’s what matters to you: these relationships translate into tangible benefits that you simply cannot access on your own, no matter how much time you spend searching online or how savvy you are at booking travel.
The Virtuoso Difference: Real Benefits, Real Value
When you book through a Virtuoso advisor like myself at Chasing Camels, you automatically receive exclusive perks that add tremendous value to your trip:
Hotel & Resort Benefits
The Virtuoso Hotel Program includes over 1,300 of the world’s finest properties, from iconic grand hotels to intimate boutique hideaways. When you book through me, you receive:
- Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests
- Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
- Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Unique property amenity valued at $100+ (spa credits, dining credits, resort activities, etc.)
These aren’t loyalty program benefits that require years of stays to achieve—you receive them on your very first booking, at no additional cost.
Cruise Line Benefits
Virtuoso’s partnerships with luxury and premium cruise lines deliver exceptional value:
- Complimentary shore excursions or onboard credits
- Complimentary specialty dining experiences
- Beverage packages or wine tastings
- Private cocktail receptions with ship officers
- Spa treatments or wellness credits
- Cabin upgrades (when available)
- Exclusive Virtuoso voyages with special programming
The specific benefits vary by cruise line and sailing, but they consistently add hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in value to your cruise.
Tour & Safari Enhancements
When booking guided tours, safaris, and adventure travel through Virtuoso partners:
- Private airport transfers
- Welcome amenities at lodges and camps
- Complimentary experiences like sunset game drives or cultural visits
- Room upgrades at luxury camps
- Special access to exclusive venues
Why Can’t I Get These Benefits Directly?
This is the question everyone asks, and it’s a fair one. Here’s the truth: Virtuoso benefits are contractual agreements between our network and travel suppliers. They’re not available to individual consumers, even if you book directly with the hotel or cruise line.
Think of it this way: suppliers value Virtuoso advisors because we send them qualified, high-value clients year after year. In return, they provide exclusive amenities to reward our clients and encourage continued partnership. It’s a relationship built over decades that benefits everyone—especially you.
The best part? You pay the same rate whether you book directly or through a Virtuoso advisor. Same price, exponentially more value.
Beyond the Perks: The Advisor Advantage
While the complimentary benefits are compelling, they’re just one piece of the Virtuoso advantage. Working with a Virtuoso advisor provides:
Expert Knowledge & Insider Access
- First-hand experience with destinations, hotels, and cruise lines
- Insider knowledge about which properties truly deliver on their promises
- Access to pre-opening properties and exclusive experiences
- Real-time updates on destination conditions, travel requirements, and safety
Personalized Service
- Customized itineraries tailored to your specific interests and travel style
- Recommendations based on your preferences, not algorithms
- Honest advice about what’s worth the splurge and where to save
- Thoughtful touches that make your trip truly special
Advocacy & Problem-Solving
- Someone in your corner if issues arise before or during your trip
- Direct relationships with hotel managers and cruise line executives
- Ability to resolve problems quickly without hours on hold
- Rebooking assistance if travel plans need to change
Time Savings
- Hours of research condensed into expert recommendations
- Coordination of complex multi-destination itineraries
- Management of all booking details, confirmations, and documentation
- One point of contact instead of juggling multiple suppliers
Virtuoso Exclusive Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary
Virtuoso creates experiences you simply cannot book on your own:
Virtuoso Voyages: Specially curated cruise sailings featuring exclusive events, onboard hosts, private shore excursions, and cocktail receptions with fellow Virtuoso travelers.
Private Jet Journeys: Luxury around-the-world trips aboard private jets with all-inclusive pricing and expert trip directors.
Exclusive Access: Behind-the-scenes tours, private museum visits after hours, meetings with renowned chefs, and experiences designed exclusively for Virtuoso clients.
Pre-Opening Opportunities: First access to newly opened hotels and resorts before they’re available to the general public.
Real Examples: What This Looks Like
Let’s say you’re booking a week at the Four Seasons Resort Maui. The rate is $800 per night whether you book directly or through me. Here’s what happens:
Booking Direct:
- 7 nights at $800 = $5,600
- You receive: your reservation
Booking Through Virtuoso:
- 7 nights at $800 = $5,600 (same price)
- You receive:
- Daily breakfast for two ($70/day x 7 = $490 value)
- $100 resort credit
- Room upgrade (often $100+ per night)
- Early check-in/late checkout
- Complimentary WiFi
- Total added value: $800-$1,500+
Same room, same rate, dramatically different experience.
Who Benefits from Virtuoso?
Virtuoso is perfect for travelers who:
- Value quality experiences over bargain hunting
- Appreciate personalized service and attention to detail
- Want VIP treatment and recognition wherever they travel
- Seek expert guidance to maximize their travel investment
- Prefer working with a trusted advisor over anonymous booking sites
- Travel internationally or to luxury destinations
- Take meaningful trips rather than frequent quick getaways
The Chasing Camels Commitment
As a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor through FORA Travel, I bring you the full power of the Virtuoso network combined with personalized service:
- Access to all Virtuoso benefits across hotels, cruises, tours, and experiences
- Exclusive FORA perks that layer additional value on top of Virtuoso amenities
- Personal experience with many destinations and properties I recommend
- Dedicated support before, during, and after your travels
- Honest recommendations focused on creating your perfect trip, not just making a sale
My goal isn’t just to book your travel—it’s to curate experiences that exceed your expectations and create memories that last a lifetime.
Common Questions
Q: Does using a Virtuoso advisor cost more? A: No. You pay the same rates as booking direct, but receive substantially more value through exclusive amenities.
Q: Can I earn hotel loyalty points when booking through Virtuoso? A: Yes! In most cases, you still earn loyalty points and can use your membership number.
Q: What if I find a lower rate online? A: I have access to the same rates and can often match or beat them while still providing Virtuoso benefits. Let’s compare.
Q: Do Virtuoso benefits apply to every booking? A: Benefits apply when booking with Virtuoso partner properties and suppliers. I’ll always let you know which amenities you’ll receive.
Experience Travel the Way It Should Be
Stop settling for ordinary when extraordinary is within reach—at the same price. The difference between a good trip and an unforgettable journey often comes down to the small touches: the complimentary champagne awaiting your arrival, the room upgrade with the ocean view, the breakfast that saves you hundreds, the advisor who ensures everything runs smoothly.
Discover Virtuoso Travel Benefits & Start Planning Your Journey →
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, a milestone celebration, or that once-in-a-lifetime trip, let me show you how Virtuoso transforms good travel into extraordinary experiences.
Connect with Heidi at Chasing Camels today—your Virtuoso journey begins with a conversation about where you want to go and how you want to feel when you get there.