I recently sat down with one of our Blog Sponsors, Carrie Mandala a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More people and families are traveling more than ever, and Carrie is here to make your trip more memorable. I was able to ask her some questions about booking a luxury vacation. She was so helpful and interesting.
She also gave me a link where NS Lifestyle readers can create accounts and book Virtuoso hotels directly. You will get all the same benefits as if I did the booking myself. This is great for a straight hotel booking – there are no fees. A more complex trip would need a consult, Carrie.
Tell us a little bit about Virtuoso Travel.
· Virtuoso is a by-invitation-only travel network for the top 1% of travel agencies. It connects the top agencies/advisors with vetted suppliers worldwide.
In addition to Virtuoso Travel
In addition to Virtuoso, my host agency Travel Experts is an industry leader and is a member of many preferred partner programs that provide my clients with many additional amenities. Lastly, just recently, we are thrilled to announce that ElmRock Travel, as an affiliate of Travel Experts Inc., has been named a Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed agency. FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG’s hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. We are honored to be recognized by the global authority on luxury hospitality for our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional experiences.
How does a travel advisor work? What can you tell me about the process you use? What costs are associated with hiring you, and the value you bring?
Working with a travel advisor is a collaborative effort. The more information you can share the better I can assist with trying to find you the perfect trip for you. I do charge planning fees based on the complexity of your trip starting at $350.00 and have a trip minimum of $15,000 per trip. As you can imagine a lot of time in effort goes into creating an itinerary or trip ideas. The planning fee covers my time. You can think of it as in the way that you hire an interior designer or lawyer.
What will the process of booking with you look like?
It starts with a conversation and then evolves. Not everyone is a perfect fit and that is okay. Just like anything in life.
How is your service different from that of other advisors?
Good question – I can’t speak to others and their process, but I think communication, responsibility and accessibility are strong traits that I am proud of.
Do you have any special areas that you have a niche in?
My connections are in the luxury market space.
Do you make yourself available to your clients before, during and after the trip
If truth be told I am available to a fault, so absolutely. I hate to have people disappointed and it is an honor to have you trust me with your most prized assets…time and money.
How do you decide which destinations are a good fit for your client?
That all comes down to the client. I like to say, “not every destination is for every client, but there is a destination for every client.” It comes down to the more information you share the better one is able to advise. I think I have heard it all!!!
Do you book authentic experiences/itineraries? or just plane and lodging?
Yes, I do complete itineraries and authentic experiences. The more time you give the better of an itinerary you will have. Last-minute requests can be hard as it all comes down to availability. There are lots of travelers these days so it becomes challenging.
Do you book Honeymoons?
Yes, the best trips to book. Everyone is happy and excited. My advice to all newlyweds – “go as far as you can and for as long as you can. Never in life will you be this free.”
To get an idea of the scope of your work, what was the most extravagant trip you planned? And, what was the simplest?
Extravagant would be multi-generational families trip to Africa and simplest hotel booking.
Is there ever a destination that you advise your clients not to go to?
Yes, there are certain destinations that need to be done in certain ways. If a client is not able or interested then we are not the right combination for this experience. That is okay. This just happened for a prospective client and Cuba.
What are the most popular couples, family, and singles destinations
Mallorca, San Sebastian (Spain) – couples
Charter a Gulet in Turkey – families
Ibiza – singles
Your readers can create accounts and book Virtuoso hotels directly. They get all the same benefits as if I did the booking myself. This is great for a straight hotel booking – there are no fees. A more complex trip would need a consult.
A car crash can be a harrowing experience, leaving individuals shaken and overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, it is crucial to pause and thoroughly assess the extent of vehicle damage. It may seem like an additional burden in an already stressful situation, but taking the time to assess the damage offers a multitude of benefits.
Beyond the obvious need for insurance claims, a thorough assessment helps ensure safety, prevent future complications, and provides peace of mind. In this article, we will delve into the benefits, highlighting why assessing vehicle damage after a car crash is vital to resolving the aftermath efficiently and effectively.
So, let’s start without any further ado!
Accurate Insurance Claims
Thoroughly assessing vehicle damage after a car crash is essential for filing accurate insurance claims. Insurance companies rely on proper documentation and evidence to determine the extent of the damage and provide appropriate compensation.
You increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement by conducting a comprehensive assessment, including gathering photographs, repair estimates, and professional opinions. If you encounter any difficulties during the claims process, consulting a top-rated car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They know the tactics and will help you get full compensation for your medical expenses, repairs or replacement of damaged property, and any future expenses you’ll incur.
Personal Injury Claims
The assessment provides vital evidence that links the accident to the injuries sustained by the individuals involved. It helps establish a direct connection between the impact and the resulting harm, building a solid case for compensation.
Detailed examination of the damage can uncover critical information about the collision’s force, the impact’s severity, and the potential long-term effects on the victims. This evidence supports personal injury claims and seeks appropriate compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Identifying Hidden Damage
Superficial damage may be easily noticeable, but there can be hidden issues within the vehicle’s structure that are not immediately apparent. Conducting a thorough assessment allows you to identify hidden damage that may have occurred during the collision. This could include internal structural damage, compromised safety features, or damage to critical components like the engine or transmission.
Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further complications and ensure your vehicle’s safety and longevity. Remember, detecting and fixing hidden damage early on is better than facing unexpected breakdowns or safety hazards later.
Protecting Resale Value
Resale value is an essential consideration for many vehicle owners. Thoroughly assessing vehicle damage after a car crash can help protect the resale value of your vehicle. Even minor cosmetic damage can significantly impact the value of a car when it comes time to sell or trade in.
You can maximize the resale value and attract potential buyers or trade-in offers by promptly addressing any damage and ensuring proper repairs.
Preventing Future Issues
Vehicle damage from a car crash can have long-term repercussions if left unattended. Neglected minor dents, scratches, or misaligned parts can worsen over time, leading to potential mechanical problems and compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity.
By thoroughly assessing and promptly repairing the damage, you can prevent these issues from escalating. Addressing the damage early on not only preserves the longevity and performance of your vehicle but also saves you from costly repairs in the future.
Personal Safety and Well-being
After a car crash, ensuring personal safety and well-being is of utmost importance. Thoroughly assessing vehicle damage plays a vital role in this regard, as it helps reveal any potential safety hazards that may have resulted from the collision.
By conducting a comprehensive examination, you can check the integrity of crucial safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts. Identifying and addressing any issues promptly ensures that these safety measures function correctly in the event of another accident, thereby safeguarding yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
Peace of Mind
Lastly, a comprehensive assessment of vehicle damage provides peace of mind. By leaving no stone unturned during the evaluation, you can be confident that all issues have been identified and addressed appropriately.
Additionally, it offers reassurance during insurance claims and legal proceedings, as you have comprehensive documentation of the crash aftermath. Attaining peace of mind lets you move forward confidently, knowing you have diligently handled the aftermath of the car crash.
Conclusion
Following these guidelines allows you to confidently navigate the aftermath of a car crash, making informed decisions and safeguarding your interests.
Remember, a comprehensive assessment is the key to protecting yourself, your vehicle, and those around you. Prioritizing this assessment ensures a smoother recovery process and a safer driving experience in the future.