FAQ

Okay, we're going to preface this page with the disclaimer that while we do answer some common questions about Contrast, there are a LOT of frequently asked questions around travel clubs and specifically around working with a travel advisor, hence we're also tackling a few of them here too.

What is a travel club? Why join a travel club? If you travel frequently and enjoy staying at high-end establishments (approx $500 per night, depending on where in the world), joining a travel club effectively puts a full-service travel resource at your disposal. You can request dining and shopping recommendations for where you're heading on your next business trip. You can just ask your travel club to book the entire business trip itself, actually. Or your next family holiday. Or weekend mini-break. You can request a guide to a city you're looking forward to exploring. Or a list of local artisans to visit when there. Really, joining a travel club like Contrast offers a whole host of benefits, and that's before you throw in things like partner pricing, complimentary upgrades and priority travel perks.

Is Contrast a travel concierge service? Depends how you define that. A concierge was traditionally someone at a top hotel who helped guests with everything from restaurant reservations to tours and event tickets. Today it's expanded, with popular concierge services like Quintessentially and Insignia, that are really more about managing lifestyles entirely. For our members, Contrast could be seen as a travel concierge offering: we're service obsessed, take an holistic approach to travel, provide everything from customized itineraries and on-demand recommendations during travel through to helping our members upgrade their aluminum luggage set or secure reliable couriers to send purchased goods home. So yes, and no, I guess, but we're not fussy, so just refer to ourselves as a travel experience company.

Which hotels does Contrast work with? We prefer to work with lesser-known boutique hotels and villas that have an authentic nature, but sometimes the big hotels are the right choice. Luckily we work with pretty much ALL of them. We're connected to +30,000 hotels around the world as part of our preferred partner network. And sometimes the best-suited places for clients are tiny, independent villas or guesthouses that are not part of this. All good, we'll work with them too.

What travel does Contrast specialize in? Our aim is for travel to enhance perspective, to inspire, to create new connections and help develop ideas. We believe this happens at destinations where people can relax, where service is sincere and the place exudes authenticity. Our collective experiences are our primary offering, where we curate incredible trips for groups of travelers that share a common interest, giving them access to opportunities that are usually out of reach.

Which parts of the world does Contrast focus on? We work everywhere since we are part of a global travel network and can tap into a on-the-ground resources the world over. But if it comes to geographical areas we focus on, that would be Europe, Southeast Asia and Southern Africa.

What is the cost of Contrast travel club membership? What are the benefits of a Contrast travel club membership? Why does everyone want a Contrast travel club membership? Okay, okay, take a breath. You can find out more about our membership offering here. But for all the nitty gritty details like current prices, best get in touch directly.

Can I cancel my membership if I'm not happy? This has never happened as yet, though the answer is yes. Membership is billed annually but if there is an issue after you've joined you can cancel your membership during the immediate cancellation period for a full refund. Get in touch with us to find out more about our membership in detail, or to apply.

What is a travel designer? A travel designer does what the name implies: designs travel. They're also referred to as travel advisors and sometimes (incorrectly) as travel agents. At its simplest, if you're wondering what travel advisors do, it's book travel. But, it should be more than simply a transactional service. A travel advisor should also provide additional value and advice, just as the name suggests. They should use their knowledge to advise on all aspects of a trip, from transport to accommodation, food and activities, they should use their connections and network to provide benefits and perks to travelers and they should assist when things don't go to plan. A good travel advisor should understand their client and make travel easier and better for them, that's it.

What is the difference between a travel advisor vs travel agent? If you imagine a travel agent as a middle-aged person smoking cigarettes in a small office with posters of Greece on the wall that simply booked your flights and hotel, well, that's the cliché old version but not far from the truth. And probably why travel advisors or travel designers don't use the term anymore. Travel agents make bookings, essentially what American Express offers: a travel agency service for their card clients. But travel advisors advise on all aspects of travel as well as take care of the booking process. Travel advisors approach travel as a holistic service to enhance the entire travel experience for their customers.

What are the advantages of booking with a travel agent? Oh, just checking if you're paying attention. Not travel agent, travel advisor! And if you're wondering what is the advantage of becoming a Contrast member outside of us curating your very own collective experiences or just simply, "why use a travel advisor" there are many articles that cover this, but the answer is easy:

• insight: travel advisors have their own knowledge and expertise plus that of their travel network of partners
• ease: they manage everything, from transfers, hotel and activity bookings, itinerary planning, local connections...the works
• cost: they ensure best pricing: better than credit card programs and as good as you get booking direct
• benefits: they unlock priority treatment, like guest upgrades and perks such as complimentary meals, hotel credit, spa treatments and airport transfers, plus early or late checkouts and more.

Some travel advisors won't even charge a fee to simply make a booking on your behalf, though it is normal for them to charge a planning fee when it comes to creating a custom itineraries. For frequent high-end travelers, there are also travel memberships that make it more cost-effective, just as we offer in the Contrast membership

What hotels does a travel advisor work with? It's not that there are set travel advisor hotels, but there are hotel networks and preferred partner programs that most travel advisors work with as part of their agency network. For example, as a provider of luxury travel experiences and part of the Fora network, Contrast is connected to a number of luxury hotel chains, such as Aman, Four Seasons, Belmond, Rosewood, plus the extensive Virtuosity network. If you're wondering what is the most prestigious hotel in the world, or what is the No. 1 hotel in the world? Well, it depends which rankings you consult. We have our own view based on a simple logic.

On that topic: what are the top 10 hotels in the world? People always want to know this, but it's really subjective. It's like asking what the best wine in the world is. Okay, that's DRC. Ha, that would start a debate. It's purely subjective! What do you want from a hotel - that's a more important question. But since you're here... Passalacqua was named no 1 on the recent World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 rankings, but then there's a strong case to suggest this hotel is the Greatest Of All Time.

What does it cost to talk to a travel agent? Nothing. You can find them in bars and coffee shops all over the world, just say hello. Okay - jokes aside, you can reach out to any travel agent or advisor for an intro discussion, but if it comes to business, actually planning a custom itinerary or experience, you're probably going to need to pay for the service. Time is money, after all. That said, Contrast does offer a complimentary booking service if you've already found the hotel, have the dates and the total booking value is high enough. Why do this? Because we earn a commission at no extra cost to clients. And because clients get access to priority benefits like upgrades and perks.

Who are the best travel advisors? Call us biaised but we think Contrast advisors are. Okay, okay. There are plenty of experienced and talented travel advisors out there, and again, it's subjective depending on what sort of travel experience you're after. If you don't fancy working with Contrast (this is why we think you should), feel free to browse things like the Forbes endorsed travel agencies, T+L A List, the list of Condé Nast travel specialists and the full list of advisors on Fora, which is the network we're part of and (again, call us biaised) we have to say is extremely innovative, with a tech-driven approach to modern travel. But you know, there's beauty in choice.

Who are the best travel specialists? Mirror, mirror on the wall... we think we answered this one above. But you could try ask Chat GPTo to hear Scarlett Johansson thinks. All a bit lost in translation, if you ask us.

Do celebrities have travel advisors? Wow, one mention of a famous actress and here we are. Next you'll be asking if Kim Kardashian travels a lot. Or which travel advisor works with the rich and famous. To be honest, we don't talk about who we work with at Contrast. Client confidentiality is crucial to our service. And that is that.

How do I find an amazing travel agent? We've covered this one above, but again, the best answer here is probably (1) word of mouth. If you're wondering how to pick a travel advisor, think if you know someone that books a lot of travel and uses a travel advisor - then speak to them! If you don't know anyone, well, another easy start is to (2) work with an advisor on a travel booking at no cost, to see how you get on with them. If you still stuck and wondering "how do I find my ideal travel agent?" then the third option is literally right in front of you (3): get in touch with us and we'll take care of it!

What is a good travel advisor? A good travel advisor is organised, knowledgeable and honest. They should be upfront on any fees they charge for trip planning, and always pass on the best rate possible for their client. They should really know about the destination they're building a trip around, like really, really know. Either having been there (ideally multiple times) or being very well connected, with local contacts on the ground. And they should be good listeners: really understand what a client is after in a travel experience, not just shape things to their biased preference. A good travel advisor is one that travels a lot, stays up to date with new and interesting destinations and keeps their clients informed too.

What is a host agency network? A consortium that works with a number of independently-contracted travel advisors to sell travel bookings into their preferred partner network. Think of a host agency as the mothership for travel advisors. The host agency does the work of setting up contracts and commission agreements with hotels, partners etc., so the independent travel advisors can focus on creating great travel experiences. The host agency then will facilitate some of the behind-the-scenes business, depending on how they're structured. Companies like Fora, Virtuoso, Serindipians, Signature Travel Network... all host agencies to some degree.

What about travel deals? And how do I get travel upgrades? Knew this one was coming! If you want travel deals and upgrades, easy, work with a travel advisor. Firstly, they should be able to find the best deals out there as part of their network. And then bookings that come via travel advisors are given top priority (yes, more than even Amex or other card travel programs!), which means that there is frequently the chance you will be upgraded at no cost. Or just fight the fight with everyone else on the online travel booking space, ugh.

How do I get travel perks? Ah, same same as above but different. Bookings that come via travel advisors are given top priority (yes, more than even Amex or other card travel programs!), which means that there are frequently perks like complimentary meals, hotel credit, spa treatments and airport transfers, plus early or late checkouts and more. Try it at no risk / cost if you like!

How much do travel advisors make? If you're wondering how much travel agents earn, commission is usually around 10% - 15% if working with preferred partners. This can be more or less, sometimes zero, when booking small independent destinations that aren't part of any program and are always full. But most travel advisors or travel designers (choose your favourite term!) will charge a trip planning or project management fee when designing custom itineraries or collective experiences.

What can a travel advisor do? What can't they do! Okay, we've covered a lot on how travel advisors can get clients access to perks and upgrades at no cost. Then there's the value in helping clients discover incredible destinations. Oh, can travel agents get cheaper flights? Well, not always, since flights are more complicated than booking accommodation or activities. But they can take the hassle out of finding flights and save you from the painful process of scrolling through online booking platforms.

Can travel agent help with visa? Yes and no. Depends on the application process and what country it's for, where needs to take place, and more. If you're a Contrast travel club member, best contact us directly if you are looking for specific visa information with regards to an upcoming trip.

Can travel agent change my hotel? Can travel agent book flights? Yes. Yes. There you go.

What is a travel club? A travel club is an annual membership to a travel advisory service, one that provides destination recommendations, last-minute bookings and bespoke trip itineraries on-demand. One that provides access to upgrades and complimentary perks, priority bookings for incredible collective experiences that it organises, plus the opportunity to join at members only gatherings in inspiring locations around the world. At least, that's what a Contrast travel club membership offers. Can't speak for the other travel clubs out there!

What is the best family travel advisor? Very much the same as for individual travelers, quite subjective. But the easy answer is one that understands the client and what they're looking for in their travel experience. The more you work with your travel advisor, the better they know you, what you like, and what you don't. So it should get more and more rewarding as your relationship develops.

Is Contrast an Indonesia travel specialist? Well, our founder is based in Indonesia for much of the year, so you could say we're biased towards the islands and the many incredible, diverse experiences they have to offer, not to mention the wonderful Indonesian people. So if you have any questions on travel there, from the basic to the detailed, we'd be happy to answer them. Common ones being... What is the best time to travel to Indonesia? (Anytime! Though it rains October to March, it's still hot and lovely 90% of the time) How safe is Indonesia to travel to? (Very safe!) Which countries are close to Indonesia? (Malaysia. Singapore. Brunei. Philippines. Australia!) Is Indonesia expensive to do luxury travel in? (Lower priced than many countries!) How many Indonesia islands are there? (17,508, to be precise.) How do you pronounce Indonesia? What are the best hotels in Indonesia? (checkout this list of the best in Southeast Asia)

Is Contrast a South African travel specialist? Well, our founder is based in Cape Town and grew up there, traveled extensively around Southern Africa and worked in the hospitality industry there for years so yes, you could say we're pretty specialised when it comes to South Africa travel. We have a huge number of places to recommend, so if you're interested, best get in touch and we can put together a dream itinerary for you. Or create a memorable collective travel experience.

That's it? You want more? Oh boy... we'll get there.