I can book my own travel online, why use a travel advisor?

Here at Cloudburst we love this question! We understand the need to differentiate ourselves from the DIY traveler. Our singular focus is on delivering an elevated travel experience using our worldwide partners, many who only work with a travel advisor company.

Our volume of business and travel credentials give us access to perks and amenities available only to Virtuoso affiliates. Why hope for the best when Cloudburst exists to design the best experience specifically for you and the people you want by your side on an heirloom vacation?

Also, it's unlikely CHAT GPT will answer the phone if something goes wrong during your journey, but we have partners always available to assist you while you’re traveling.

Why do you charge a planning fee?

We charge a concierge fee to plan travel. This fee covers the time we spend designing your perfect luxury adventure. We have seen a metric that people can spend over 80 hours to DIY a luxury vacation, with no certainty it will be successful.

We are professional travel advisors devoted to taking the uncertainty out of your travel and giving you an elevated experience. Our fee varies based on the length of travel and the number of people traveling. After our free consultation we can tell you the fee so there are no surprises. 

If I know my accommodation preference and my travel schedule, what is the Cloudburst booking fee?

Zero. Cloudburst never charges a fee for booking accommodations if you know where and when you are traveling. Use this [LINK] to search the most glamorous, luxury hotels in the world to get access to our benefits and perks.

Virtuoso Hotels and Resorts portfolio contains over 1700 properties across the world. The Virtuoso hotel portfolio consists of lodges, tented camps, private islands, villas and apartments in over 100 countries.

How long before I want to travel should I book?

There is no bad time to book, but if you lock in your itinerary approximately six months prior to travel you have better access to premium accommodations, fares and excursions. Struck by the travel bug spontaneously? There are always last minute opportunities so check with us before booking!

What do I get when I use Cloudburst for travel planning?

• Meticulous itinerary design with access to customized VIP services and adventures.

• As an independent contractor with Gifted Travel Network, Cloudburst has access to special benefits and amenities available through an affiliation with Virtuoso, the world’s leading luxury travel network and our preferred supplier network. These benefits vary but could include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades (when available), spa/resort/cruise credits, free wifi, early check in/late check out (when available), exclusive touring opportunities, and more.

• Contingency support while you travel, with dedicated, in-country contacts to support you wherever you travel. 

• Simple technology including online travel documents accessed with the Travefy mobile app. No wifi, no problem! Documents are also available offline using Travefy.

Do you recommend travel insurance?

Listen, a luxury vacation is an investment. Remove the risk of losing your investment and protect your heirloom journey with travel insurance. Cloudburst provides insurance quotes for you to review prior to your departure. Even if you don't use our recommended insurance we encourage you to get it on your own.

What is Virtuoso?

Virtuoso champions a global portfolio of the world’s finest hotels, cruise lines, destinations, and tour companies with vetted luxury travel agencies. This connection allows for the curation of unbelievable travel experiences anywhere in the world. As an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network, Cloudburst has member access to this portfolio so we can offer our clients access as well as extra special perks and amenities. We have personal connections and firsthand expertise with many of these companies and can craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment and exclusive access.