On page 73 of the March 2021 issue of Modern Luxury Riviera, this premiere luxury magazine showcases tips from myself and two of my Global Travel Collection colleagues for traveling during a pandemic. It is a privilege to be included in this issue and featured among other successful female business owners during Women’s History Month.

In our interview, we discuss Sharecare VERIFIED hotels by Forbes, exclusive private jet and yacht journeys, Montage Los Cabos, Amangiri, (both pictured below) and more.  We also talked about the exclusive private perks we are able to provide clients at luxury hotels that will make your stay — enjoy better views with room upgrades, indulge in complimentary daily breakfast, pamper yourself with extra resort credits, and linger longer with early check-in and late check-out. In addition, access exclusive promotions not available online. Why would you travel any other way? Feel free to reach out to us to help you plan your next trip.

What are hotels and resorts doing to make travelers feel safe?

Jenny O’Neill: My client’s health and safety is my priority. Global Travel Collection’s recent partnership with Forbes Travel Guide Sharecare VERIFIEDTM program, allows me to validate what hotels have been verified and comply with the health and safety protocols set in place by the Sharecare experts. Other luxury partners such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have introduced their Lead with Care program, which is grounded in the principles of care, trust and service. I will always promote programs like Sharecare and Lead with Care so that you feel confident and safe with my travel recommendations.

Talk to me about flying private, and renting private yachts and villas?

Jenny O’Neill: Private Charters are on the rise. Not only does this form of transportation provide a safer way to fly by reducing exposure to health risks, the flexibility and efficiency of time are invaluable. I work closely with the best jet operators worldwide who hold the highest safety ratings and reliability with direct access to the finest fleet both domestically and internationally. In addition, we are working very closely with our partners to offer exclusive Private Jet Journeys. These trips have been uniquely crafted to allow small groups to travel exclusively to some of the most fascinating destinations on the globe. For clients who yearn for a private family vacation, we are receiving a high level of interest for yachts and villas in the Mediterranean for 2021. With our extensive portfolio of yachts and private villas around the globe, I am certain I can find the perfect fit for your family and friends.

Can you get tested on site as a guest of a hotel or resort?

Victoria Zindell: Yes, many of our international hotel partners are now offering efficient on-site testing with many of them providing this service from the comfort of your guestroom. One of our favorite properties, Montage Los Cabos, is a perfect example of a resort that has really stepped up by offering complimentary on-site testing for all of their guests with a quick two hour turn around for results.The luxury resorts we work with provide comfort and flexibility should you test positive on site by offering discounts and increasing their services for any guest who needs to extend their stay and quarantine.

Given the everchanging landscape with this pandemic, how can anyone feel comfortable making future plans?

Victoria Zindell: Travel is a personal decision based on your comfort and risk levels, however, we can help address your concerns and provide expert advice for safe and comfortable travel. A few important considerations include: securing reservations that offer flexible cancellation terms, booking airline carriers that offer no change fees, purchasing “Cancel for Any Reason” travel Insurance, and considering alternate destinations, transportation, and accommodations that will provide greater piece of mind. We are working hard to stay current on the ever-evolving regulations, poring over them daily and tapping into our global network of on-the-ground contacts to bring you the latest and most accurate travel policies, testing requirements, and overall safety protocol.

Since Europe has been off limits, where are luxury travelers going now?

Tiffany Bowne: Getting creative with clients and exploring new travel options has been key. Some clients who chose to stay in the US took national park road trips, stayed at luxury dude ranches, and enjoyed outdoor escapes like Park City, Aspen, and the ultimate luxe getaway – Amangiri! Adventurous travelers visited countries that were open to U.S. travelers like Mexico, Belize, St. Barth’s, Turks and Caicos, and the Maldives. Others took advantage of low crowd safari experiences in African countries like Rwanda and Kenya and were not hindered by testing and online health forms.

What about Hawaii? Will that be an option for spring and summer travel?

Tiffany Bowne: Most islands in Hawaii are open for tourism but navigating their COVID testing requirements and online health forms can be tricky. COVID testing must be done at a Hawaiian Tourism Authority approved lab, but getting the results back in time for travel can be nerve- wracking for travelers. Timing travel dates around testing and getting results is important to the planning process. Also, it’s required to test again if you plan on moving between islands. With people itching to travel, Hawaii is a great getawa – even with the extra effort!