4:13 AM. Ottawa train station. Coffee in hand. One question in my head: am I really doing this?
Spoiler: yes.
And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. 😄
Some of the most valuable parts of being a luxury travel advisor happen long before a client ever boards a ship, checks into a hotel, or heads to the airport.
They happen in early mornings, long travel days, packed schedules, and face-to-face conversations with the people who shape the travel industry.
That’s exactly why I travelled to Toronto for Virtuoso On Tour at the iconic Fairmont Royal York.
And after two full days, I came home even more convinced of one thing:
Relationships matter. Insight matters. Showing up matters.
The Part of My Job Most People Never See
Before lunch on day one, I had rapid-fire meetings with some of the world’s leading travel brands and partners, including:
✨ Quark Expeditions
✨ Ponant
✨ Viking
✨ AmaWaterways
✨ Windstar Cruises
✨ Norwegian Cruise Line
✨ Rocky Mountaineer
✨ Adams & Butler
✨ Crystal Cruises
✨ Explora Journeys
✨ Anguilla Tourist Board
This is the work behind the scenes that allows me to say to a client:
“I know exactly who to call for that.”
And in travel, that can make all the difference.
What I’m Hearing Behind the Scenes in Luxury Travel
Some of the most valuable moments at events like this are not the presentations — they’re the conversations.
Two insights especially stood out:
Colombia Is Emerging as a Major River Cruise Destination
In speaking with partners from AmaWaterways, it’s clear that Colombia is one of the most exciting new opportunities in river cruising.
Not the classic Rhine or Danube.
Something different.
Think vibrant culture, music, history, colour, and rich local artistry woven into the journey.
For well-travelled clients who want to go beyond the expected, this is exactly the kind of shift worth watching.
Canada Is a Serious Luxury Market
Another theme that resonated: Canada continues to grow as an important market for premium and luxury travel.
More Canadian travellers are prioritizing meaningful experiences, exceptional service, and once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
I see that every day in my own business.
Clients aren’t just booking trips. They’re investing in memories, ease, and time well spent.
Why Evening Networking Matters
After a packed day of meetings, the evening brought one of the most valuable parts of the event: dinner conversations.
That’s where ideas flow more naturally, trust deepens, and partnerships become real relationships.
One highlight was hearing from Virtuoso Canada leadership about the strength of the Canadian market and the continued importance of authentic human connection.
I also had meaningful conversations with partners including:
✨ Monaco
✨ Rocky Mountaineer
✨ British Virgin Islands
✨ Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
These moments matter because when something special is needed for a client — an upgrade request, a sold-out experience, a creative solution, a VIP touch — relationships often open doors.
Wrapping Up Day Two
The second day continued with more excellent conversations and fresh ideas, including meetings with:
✨ Riverside Luxury Cruises
✨ AmaWaterways
✨ Explora Journeys
✨ Travel Trends Podcast
✨ Rosewood Baha Mar
✨ The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
✨ Catalonia Tourism Board
✨ Bedsonline
✨ Virtuoso Travel Canada
In just two days, I gathered new ideas, deeper contacts, stronger product knowledge, and better opportunities to bring back to my clients.
What This Means for You
When you work with me, this translates into:
✔️ Better-matched travel recommendations
✔️ VIP perks and added value
✔️ Trusted partners around the world
✔️ Time saved and stress reduced
✔️ Someone in your corner when plans change
Why I Invest the Time to Attend
Events like this require time, energy, travel, and stepping away from my desk.
I go because it helps me serve at a higher level.
It helps me stay current.
It helps me stay connected.
And it helps me continue raising the bar for the people who trust me with their travel.
Whether you’re dreaming of a river cruise, an expedition, a luxury hotel escape, a yacht voyage, or a tailor-made journey, this is the kind of work happening behind the scenes on your behalf.
Because exceptional travel rarely happens by accident.
It happens through knowledge, relationships, and care.
That’s the real luxury. ❤️
Ready to Plan Something Extraordinary?
Thinking about a river cruise, luxury journey, expedition, or once-in-a-lifetime trip?
Let’s talk about how I can help make it seamless, elevated, and worth every moment.
Independent by design, Ottawa-based, globally recognized — Virtuoso Cruise Icon, top 1% worldwide — focused on delivering true return on life. ❤️