Tailor-made travel

Journey planner for the ultra wealthy, Kemi Wells explains why a private travel advisor is a must-have for discerning jetsetters.

Next level travel planning for once-in-a-lifetime journeys

By Joe Mortimer, for Kempinski

Discerning travellers have much to gain by investing in the services of a Luxury Travel Advisor, from bespoke end-to-end planning and considerable time savings to peace of mind and a bouquet of hidden benefits. In an era when our expectations for transformative travel experiences are higher than ever and time is an increasingly scarce commodity, a private travel designer is money very well spent.

As travellers, our expectations are higher than ever. We demand transformative experiences that help us tap into the spirit of a destination. We crave the chance to connect with local people and make a positive impact on the places we visit. We want to learn, but also give back. It’s no surprise then that people are increasingly turning to Luxury Travel Advisors (LTAs) to help plan their once-in-a-lifetime journey into lands unknown. LTAs live and breathe travel. They have a little black book of trusted contacts, encyclopaedic knowledge of the world and first-hand experience of countless hot ticket destinations.

To find out more about these travel connoisseurs, Travelling in Style sat down with Kemi Wells, Founder and President of Vancouver-based Wells Luxury Travel, which she established in 2021 to cater to growing high-net-worth demand for bespoke travel planning.

What are the benefits of working with a Luxury Travel Advisor?

Kemi Wells: Working with a professional LTA means your trip is going to be even better. We help save time, give reassurance, add extra value, ensure things are seamless and provide long-term travel mapping.

How do you help guests save time?

Kemi: Crafting an amazing trip with many different elements takes a lot of time. And time is money. We've all been down that rabbit hole of thinking it will take two minutes to book a trip, but it actually takes much longer because there's so many different things to consider. You can save time by having an expert do it for you.

What do you mean by giving reassurance?

Kemi: Travelling in style is a huge investment. Why wouldn’t you work with an expert who can enhance your trip? LTAs are your advocate from start to finish. Not only do we work with reputable partners around the world, but we also experience a lot of hotels and destinations first hand. If I haven’t been somewhere, I have a whole network of incredible LTAs in the community, some of whom will have first-hand experience of the destination. We all support each other and share knowledge.

How do you add value?

Kemi: We have access to special promotions that are not available online, like three-for-two night offers. Then there is the value of LTA-only benefits such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, resort credit and so on. There is also the value of my knowledge. When I travel for a hotel site inspection, I see every room type and understand which rooms connect, the difference between the Ocean View and Oceanfront, for example, or how far rooms are from the elevator, which is useful if I have clients with mobility issues. We have a much deeper knowledge than people realise.

What do you mean by making the travel experience seamless?

Kemi: Being experts at crafting custom journeys, we know the little tips and tricks that clients don’t always know about, like VIP airport access. A lot of clients might not realise that you can get greeted at the door of the aircraft and taken to a private customs terminal to avoid dealing with the masses at the airport.

Can you talk us through the process of the LTA booking journey?

Kemi: I offer a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation for all new clients, during which I'll ask them about their favourite holiday and their best travel memories. What hotels do they love? Do they prefer boutique hotels, historic properties or contemporary resorts? What are their hobbies? Do they love culinary experiences? If they want to move forward, we request the necessary profile information and send them our initial upfront retainer. Then I'll go away and work on the trip from start to finish. Since it’s a collaborative process, I will check in with the client regularly to ensure I am on the right track.

How far in advance should people be booking their travel?

Kemi: My average booking window is three to six months ahead. If you want the best suites, the best access and the best guides, you have to book in advance. This could mean a full 12 months or more for certain destinations. Some clients don’t realise that, given how busy hotels are now, they should also be booking quite far in advance for top restaurant spots or a spa appointment.

Do your clients book one-off trips or do they tend to look ahead?

Kemi: My agency provides a long-term travel mapping service, whereby I help visualise travel plans for the next five years. People are so busy these days that suddenly you realise it’s two months from your 50th birthday or your 25th wedding anniversary and you haven't made any plans. I help them plan ahead around their dream destinations and think about what kind of budget they could put aside. It helps to see it more holistically and clients are absolutely loving that.

What other recent travel trends have you noticed?

Kemi: People are trying to travel a bit slower and go for longer, which connects well to my ethos around sustainable travel. Rather than the traditional 10-day trip to Europe visiting four different cities, people want to dive deeper into one region or country. With that, they are splurging more on experiences and investing in private guides. We’re also seeing lots of multi-generation travel and more people travelling with friends. People are spending more on better suites and business class air travel, because life is short. If you have the money, why not spend it on incredible memories?

Find out more at wellsluxurytravel.com

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Recharge and rejuvenate in Bangkok and Bali

· Check in for three nights of rejuvenation at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

· Cleanse your body and mind with a full-day jetlag recovery and wellbeing experience.

· Take a private guided foodie tour of Bangkok and visit the ancient temples.

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· Watch the sun sink into the ocean from a clifftop temple.

· Visit traditional fishing villages, local boutiques and a turtle conservation centre.

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· Special perks for guests of Wells Luxury Travel or other select agencies in Kempinski Club 1897 include complimentary breakfast, priority room upgrades and US $50 or $100 resort credit. Terms and conditions apply.