Two new invitation-only partnerships uniquely position The Travel Team (TTT) to provide rare and personalized experiential travel excursions around the world. As a recipient of the Virtuoso Chairman’s Award and member of the Abercrombie & Kent 100 Club, TTT has access to select supplier partners that enable agents to create bespoke itineraries highlighted by rare, individually tailored experiences and highly personalized service.
“These partnerships are all about connection,” said Julie Metzgar, Vice President of Leisure and Luxury Travel, The Travel Team. “Participation in these select travel communities gives us direct access to local knowledge, experts and suppliers, as well as exclusive properties and amenities for our clients to enjoy all around the world.”
The Virtuoso Chairman’s Award reflects TTT’s exceptional performance and leadership in the travel industry. The distinguished honor celebrates the most productive and engaged agency leaders. Julie traveled to Cabo San Lucas to attend Virtuoso’s Chairman’s event in October 2025, which was hosted at the Grand Velas Los Cabos, one of the most celebrated resorts in the region. The event was a unique opportunity for global travel agency owners and managers to connect, collaborate on industry trends, and share best practices for engaging today’s travelers.
“The breakout discussions around AI, customer relationship management software, and digital travel documentation tools offered meaningful insights and ideas,” remarked Julie. “Engaging in practical conversations with leading agencies increases our understanding of what’s on the market, how others are using the tools, and what technology we could incorporate to make our operations better.”
Like Virtuoso, the A&K 100 Club is another invitation-only partnership that expands TTT’s supplier network and offerings to clients. Every small, personalized detail elevates a trip from an ordinary vacation to an experience guests will remember for a lifetime.
“Imagine finding your initials embroidered on the pillowcases or being invited to dinner with the property owners,” described Julie. “It’s that extra bit of attention, little touches, and rare experiences that make our clients feel special. And those benefits are only possible because of the relationships we’ve built with suppliers through Virtuoso.”
Through these partnerships, TTT’s lead A&K agent Susie Bostick, says the company is well-positioned for continued growth in the leisure and luxury sectors, delivering on the demand for more individualized travel itineraries rather than packaged group activities.
“In the end, what truly sets The Travel Team apart isn’t just our access to elite partnerships or exclusive global networks — it’s how those connections are used to serve clients with genuine care, insight, and reliability,” said Susie. “From meticulously crafted itineraries to the behind-the-scenes collaboration with trusted suppliers, every relationship strengthens the service clients receive.”
Julie unscored that travel planning with TTT is tailored specifically to each client’s individual needs, preferences and budget. TTT works with clients seeking trips ranging everywhere from $200 to $5000 a day, and beyond.
“Sometimes when people hear Virtuoso, they only think of luxury packages and high-end hotels,” said Julie. “We do that, but it’s not all that we do. We let the customer to tell us what kind of experience they’re looking for, and we build a trip accordingly.”
No matter the budget, Julie takes pride in helping clients get the most of out of every dollar spent. A client recently asked for train and taxi transfers only between destinations. Julie ran the numbers which revealed that a day of time-consuming, unpredictable public transportation was only $150 less than a private, door-to-door driver. That’s exactly the kind of knowledge and attention to detail clients can expect when working with a professional agent.
And when unexpected challenges arise, the power of TTT’s partnerships becomes even more evident.
“A call from The Travel Team isn’t just a request — it’s a conversation between long-standing industry partners who are equally invested in ensuring the traveler’s experience remains seamless,” explained Susie. “It’s this human touch, paired with world-class connections, that transforms trips into memories — and travelers into lifelong clients.”
As The Travel Team continues to expand these alliances, the Team remains focused on what matters most: understanding each traveler as an individual, anticipating their needs, and delivering personalized experiences that no search engine or automated tool can replicate.
“At its core, exceptional travel isn’t defined by logistics — it’s defined by people,” said Susie.
Through the combined strength of industry expertise, meaningful supplier relationships, and unwavering dedication to service, The Travel Team ensures every client feels supported, valued, and truly seen from the moment their journey begins to the moment they return home.