Welcome to the Luxury Travelers podcast, where we delve into the pinnacle of luxurious travel experiences alongside industry trailblazers. In today's episode, your host, Rodney George, engages in a captivating conversation with Kim Guimaraes, representing the esteemed Abercrombie and Kent brand, with roots stretching back to Africa in 1962. Renowned for their unmatched luxury touring offerings, Abercrombie and Kent have recently garnered attention for their acquisition and revitalization of the Crystal Cruise ships. Explore how they're revolutionizing the cruise industry, allowing guests to disembark at their preferred ports of call for immersive three-day Abercrombie and Kent tours before reuniting with the ship for the next leg of their journey. Tune in to uncover more about this thrilling fusion of opulent cruising and five-star exploration.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:54] The roots and beginnings of Abercombie and Kent and the expansion to 100's of other countries
• [04:24] Kim explains what sets their touring company apart from others
• [10:35] Abercrombie and Kent expand into cruising with the acquisition of Crystal ships
• [14:48] The Crystal is building four new vessels between now and 2029, and Kim discusses other standalone and single-country experiences
• [20:13] Kim talks about the Pantanal area of Brazil and in Colombia, a cooking lesson with the number one female chef in the world
• [22:53] Kim expands on the reconstruction of the Crystal Serenity, the quality of the entertainment and the ballroom experience
• [27:32] Kim shares memories of her most memorable trips

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:14] Abercrombie and Kent's roots go back to Kenya, Africa, in 1962
• [4:38] Abercrombie and Kent provide an unprecedented touring experience. They don't ascribe to the cookie-cutter experience that other touring companies do, and there is no upcharge for the unique things included.
• [10:45] Crystal Cruise Lines has provided exceptional service since its inception. With Abercombie and Kent's purchase, the experience will only be better with the remodeling of the ships and lowering the occupancy.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Abercrombie and Kent - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Kim Guimaraes

With a career of more than 30 years in the travel industry, Kim brings a wealth of luxury travel and management experience to her role with Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. As Vice President, National Accounts, she manages the high-value trade partnerships for A&K and Crystal. She loves to inspire travel partners and their clients to explore the world of A&K, offering individually curated journeys to over 100 countries and all seven continents and cruising the world with Crystal. She believes that travel breaks down barriers and can be a transformational experience, especially given the variety of travel experiences that A&K offers. Her favorite destinations include Africa, India, Egypt, the Arctic and most recently, Antarctica!

#LuxuryTravel #RodneyGeorge #LuxeTravelConsultants #LuxuryAccommodations #OpulentDestinations #ExtravagantExperiences #CustomizedExperiences #PrivateCharters #EliteDestinations #TailoredItineraries...

Welcome to the Luxury Travelers podcast, where we explore the epitome of luxury travel with industry leaders. In today's episode, host Rodney George sits down with Tom LaRock, CEO of Safari Professionals, to delve into the unparalleled safari experience offered by their company. Catering exclusively to discerning high-end travelers seeking personalized adventures, Safari Professionals crafts tailored itineraries and customized experiences that redefine luxury in the wild. With destinations spanning over ten countries in Africa and other magnificent countries, each safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse oneself in these iconic regions’ majestic landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary tales and unforgettable moments that await those who embark on a safari with Safari Professionals.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:31] Tom explains the art of safari design
• [03:32] As a young boy, Tom loved to study Africa, and he discusses his fondness for Tanzania and Botswana
• [08:25] Tom outlines new destinations, including an exciting venture into Madagascar, and he talks about the company’s emphasis on wildlife conservation
• [11:52] Tom talks about the importance of the guides provided by their company and the ability to set your own pace and destination not offered by other companies and how the local accommodations surpass American brand hotels located in the area
• [15:03] Discussion around charitable purposes in zoos and aquariums they work with and the Naples Zoo safaris
• [19:20] Tom invites listeners to book through Luxe Travel to receive incentives, and he provides an example of how Safari Professionals will do whatever it takes to accommodate the wishes of a private traveler
• [23:13] Tom explains how his company prepares travelers for their elite destination experience and the VIP experience that awaits them if traveling to Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa
• [26:57] Rodney talks about the invaluable memories that are created

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:37] Over the years, Safari Professionals has designed a platform for determining what luxury travelers expect from a safari. They call this the art of safari design, and it ensures that travelers’ needs and expectations are met.
• [3:46] Tom studied British East Africa in fifth grade. That study instilled in him a passion for wildlife and the people of Africa, which he can now share with others through Safari Professionals.
• [6:05] Tanzania’s number one draw is the Great Serengeti Migration. The Okavango Delta in Botswana and the famous Kalahari Desert offer something no other country can because you travel by combining customized land rovers and water travel.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Safari Professionals - Website

Tom LaRock - Email

Tom LaRock - Phone: 703-981-4474

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Tom LaRock

As the former Executive Director of the Friends of the National Zoo, Tom’s commitment to conservation comes from his lifelong passion for wildlife and the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving and restoring our natural world. As the CEO (Chief...

Rodney George, a seasoned veteran in the luxury travel industry, introduces the Luxury Travelers Podcast, sharing his journey from retirement to building a successful travel agency. With over 200 years of combined experience among his team, Rodney emphasizes the podcast's mission to educate and inform listeners about the ever-evolving world of luxury travel.

Each episode promises exclusive interviews with industry leaders, providing insider insights and perspectives on the latest trends and destinations. From hot travel spots to essential tips and tricks, the podcast offers valuable guidance for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Moreover, the interactive nature of the podcast invites listener engagement through the "Ask the Travel Guy" segment, ensuring that the content remains relevant and engaging for the audience.

Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first luxury vacation, the Luxury Travelers Podcast promises to be your ultimate guide to unlocking new horizons and indulging in unparalleled travel experiences.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:46] Rodney George's Journey
• [02:09] Why a Podcast? Enlightening the Luxury Traveler
• [02:53] Exclusive Interviews and Insights from the Travel Industry
• [03:22] Podcast Format and How to Engage
• [04:02] Exploring Hot Destinations and Travel Tips
• [05:14] Your Podcast: Engage, Ask, and Discover
• [06:17] Signing Off with a Promise of Luxury and Adventure

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The podcast aims to enlighten and inform listeners, recognizing that an educated traveler is their best client. By providing valuable insights, the podcast seeks to enhance listeners' understanding of the world and enrich their travel experiences.
• Through interviews with senior management, CEOs, founders, and industry experts, listeners gain exclusive access to the movers and shakers within the luxury travel industry. These insights offer a deeper understanding of the industry's trends, challenges, and innovations.
• The podcast encourages listener participation through the "Ask the Travel Guy" segment, where questions are addressed directly by Rodney George and his team. This interactive approach fosters a sense of community and ensures that the podcast content is tailored to listeners' interests and inquiries.

BIO:

Rodney George is a luxury travel consultant based in Naples, Florida. With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry himself, Rodney heads an agency of travel professionals with a combined 185 years of travel experience. His passion for travel and expertise in luxury accommodations and experiences have made him a sought-after consultant for discerning luxury travelers.

With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to providing personalized service, Rodney and his team work closely with their clients to curate perfect travel experiences. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, Rodney's extensive knowledge of the best hotels, resorts, and destinations around the world allows him to tailor each trip to his client's specific needs and preferences.

Rodney's commitment to excellence and his strong relationships with top travel providers have earned him a loyal client base and a reputation for delivering unforgettable travel experiences. He prides himself on providing exceptional customer service and making the travel planning process seamless and stress-free for his clients.

In addition to his expertise in luxury travel, Rodney is also well-versed in the latest travel trends, safety protocols, and destination information, ensuring that his clients have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Whether it's a lavish European getaway, a relaxing beach vacation, or a...