10 Amazing Vacation Perks for People Who Use a Travel Agent

Photo courtesy of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa's Facebook page

For as long as there’s been an Internet, there have been people who predict the death of the travel agent. But these travel professionals are holding their own and hotels around the world — especially the luxury properties — are embracing the business these agents can bring them.

Some hotels are even offering super-exclusive extras only to clients who booked their stay with a travel professional.

At Starwood Hotels & Resorts, these bonuses can be earned at select Luxury Collection, W, St. Regis and Westin branded properties around the world through the Starwood Luxury Privileges program. Clients who want a broader choice of hotel brands can check out the member properties at Virtuoso, a luxury travel network.

Both programs offer some pretty amazing travel perks.

We’re talking free nights, room upgrades, free breakfast, resort credits, free Wi-Fi and extended check in and check out hours. And that’s not even including the hotel-specific perks. From German chocolates to free massages to tour by horse-drawn carriage, these perks are so cool, they’ll have you emailing your travel agent for more information.

Afternoon Tea (Scotland)

Golfers already know The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa and its spectacular location overlooking the famed Old Course in St. Andrews. Located near a total of 30 golf courses, the property offers a Golf Concierge to help navigate the local scene. But the beachside property is also legendary for its views of the Scottish coastline and its massive Scotch whisky library. During the afternoon hours, guests who booked their stay through a Virtuoso travel advisor will also be invited to join the property's award-winning Afternoon Tea service.

Bottle of Tequila (Mexico)

At the stunning NIZUC Resort & Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, guests who booked with a Virtuoso travel advisor are welcomed with a bottle of Mexico’s finest tequila. But the ultra-hospitable resort — which is located alongside the world’s second-largest reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — also provides complimentary airport transfers upon arrival and a Hydrothermal Therapy session — an invigorating hydrotherapy treatment that’s unique to the property.

Cattle Drive (USA)

The wide-open spaces at Wyoming’s Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch are most definitely a draw. After all, this luxury dude ranch is set on 30,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness. For overnight accommodations, guests can select from restored 19th-century log cabins or choose to enjoy luxury glamping in a private yurt. Guests who book through a Virtuoso travel advisor will receive a bonus outdoor experience, and can choose from a complimentary cattle drive, a scenic float along the Platte River, premium fly fishing or a wing shooting adventure. They also receive a complimentary massage for up to two people.

Cupcake from Sticky Fingers (USA)

When booking a room at the W Washington DC, be sure to book with a travel professional enrolled in Starwood’s Luxury Privileges program. As a thank you, the property offers a free cupcake from local bakery Sticky Fingers. With a menu that features such delectable items as the Root Beer Float Cupcake and the Chocolate Love Cupcake as well as a whole variety of monthly flavors, this is one DC hangout you won’t want to miss.

Eco-Adventure Tour (Canada)

British Columbia’s Discovery Islands are famous for the wildlife that make their home there, from bald eagles and sea birds to Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Even killer whales, humpback whales and grey whales can be found in the waters that surround the Sonora Resort Canada. Guests who book their stay through a Virtuoso travel advisor will receive a complimentary eco-tour for two people onboard one of the resort's watercraft.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour (France)

With its collection of alpine wooden chalets and amazing views of Mont Blanc, Alpaga Megeve, located in the French Alps, offers a truly amazing retreat from daily life. For the best views of Mont Blanc, be sure to take a twilight soak in the outdoor hot tub. Afterward, don’t miss dinner at the property’s Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table de L'Alpaga. Guests who book their stay with a Virtuoso travel advisor will also enjoy a complimentary one-hour sightseeing tour of Megeve in a horse-drawn carriage.

German Chocolates (Germany)

Step back in time at the Hotel Fuerstenhof, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Leipzig, where the historic building dates back to 1770. Here, you’re just steps from the city center, but you won’t have to walk anywhere to get yourself some fine German chocolates. They’ll be waiting in your room, along with a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit plate, as a thank you for booking with a Starwood Luxury Privileges agent.

Private Coffee Tasting Experience (Costa Rica)

When checking into the luxurious El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica, you’ll find yourself in the heart of coffee country. As a thank you for booking with a Virtuoso travel advisor, you’ll receive a complimentary 250g package of gourmet coffee from Costa Rica and you’ll also enjoy a private coffee tasting experience with the hotel concierge.

Royal Hawaiian History Book (USA)

The opening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1927 marked the beginning of a new era of luxury travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Next year, when the resort celebrates its 90th anniversary, a coveted gift will surely be the hotel’s Royal Hawaiian History Book, complete with photos and anecdotes from throughout the property’s history. Guests booking through the Starwood Luxury Privileges program will receive a complimentary copy upon checking in.

To find a Virtuoso travel advisor, visit virtuoso.com/advisors. Finding a travel professional enrolled in Starwood Luxury Privileges is a little more complicated, although in many cases your Virtuoso travel advisor will probably also have access to Starwood perks.

In the United States, Andavo Travel is a good place to start. In Canada, check out Travel Professionals International. Each is a member of both programs.

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