Article by Margot de Boer for Scarsdale Moms
Dreaming about your next big vacation? So is everyone else! 2022 saw a record number of travelers packing their bags and heading overseas, with Europe experiencing an almost 250% increase in airport visitors. And post-COVID “revenge” travel is still showing no signs of slowing down as we head towards 2024: according to Skyscanner, 77% of those surveyed said they planned to spend the same or more on trips abroad in 2023, with almost half (41%) planning to spend more than they did in 2022.
But a lot has changed in post-pandemic travel: more competition, higher prices, and stresses on the labor market, for starters. For advice on navigating this and more hot tips, we turned to Scarsdale resident and local mom Angela Adto Tepper, owner of AZA Luxury Travel. From orchestrating a surprise anniversary dinner on a private beach in Tahiti to creating an unforgettable honeymoon hot air balloon trip over the snow capped mountains of Megeve, Angela is the ultimate expert at making memories for her clients that last a lifetime. Her foray into the travel world started in 2015, when Angela – a certified RYT 500 yoga teacher – started leading yoga retreats to breathtaking destinations all over the world, which eventually led to the founding of her own travel agency. Always on the move and in the know, Angela has journeyed to all seven continents, and along with her growing team of travel specialists, takes incredible pride in giving clients personalized luxury travel experiences with impeccable attention to detail.
Why Work With a Travel Advisor?
It’s Not Necessarily More Expensive
One common myth is that working with a travel advisor is an added expense. However, as Angela points out, this isn’t entirely accurate. Travel advisors can often secure exclusive deals and perks like room upgrades and resort credits while saving clients valuable time that more than offset their service fees. Angela says a talented advisor should always be transparent regarding costs and fees from the get go.
Savings in Time and Stress
Even if you’re a seasoned DIY traveler who enjoys the trip planning process, in your post-kid(s) era, the lack of time and ability to fully do the research makes it even more valuable to have someone you can trust help you craft a tailor-made itinerary for your trips that will let you redirect your focus toward enjoying the journey from the moment you choose your destination. With demand for many properties at an all time high, working with a travel advisor can save you from having to worry about finding a great place to stay with availability, or scoring that exclusive restaurant reservation, regardless of how far in advance you’re booking your trip.
Exclusive Access
The right travel advisor can enhance your trip by offering up to date insider knowledge, personalized recommendations, and access to amenities that are exclusive to professionals. Angela has seen an uptick in clients coming to her for help with exclusive events like the Eras tour or sporting events, and says planning entire vacations around concerts or big games is definitely on the rise. She works closely with her clients to secure tickets, arrange accommodations, and create seamless itineraries to make the whole experience unforgettable. She recently even got one of her dedicated Swifty clients in the news.
Real time help navigating the unpredictable
The post-pandemic world has seen travel become more unpredictable, with frequent delays, cancellations and increased costs across the board. Angela’s role as a travel advisor is to stay informed and mitigate these issues as much as possible for her clients, who appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having someone to navigate problems in the event they crop up. Thanks to her global network, she also ensures that there is someone on local time who can help urgently with things like a missed flight, lost baggage or a sudden change of plans, which can be a huge comfort when you have an issue in a country where you don’t speak the language.
Angela’s Hot Takes and Tips for 2024
Where She And Her Clients Are Going
Angela always guides clients to diverse destinations all around the world, catering to their unique preferences while ensuring safe, unforgettable journeys. In terms of what’s hot, Angela says, “Europe’s allure persists, with Italy, France, Spain and Greece drawing visitors. Tropical getaways, like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Mexican hotspots like Riviera Maya, Cabo and Mexico City remain popular.”
Still on Angela’s personal bucket list? Bhutan, Patagonia and Bora Bora are among the top destinations she is eager to visit, while a return to Asia to delve deeper into its rich cultures and landscapes is also high on the list.
On Traveling As a Family
According to Angela, multi-generational travel is on the rise, with families opting for African safaris, villa rentals, and embracing ultraluxe experiences they were postponing for a much later date before the pandemic changed the way people think about life. For those with younger ones, Angela recommends resorts and destinations that offer family-friendly activities and amenities. For a unique experience, consider a private villa rental with a personal chef or a multi-generational cruise where there’s something for everyone.
What She Won’t Leave Home Without
Angela never travels without a portable charger, a universal power adapter, and her laptop. She recommends that clients always pack a spare set of clothes in their carry-on, in case luggage gets delayed or lost (something that is happening with increased frequency, unfortunately). Staying hydrated and taking short walks during long flights can help combat jet lag.
Whenever you’re ready to plan your next trip, Angela is here to help and especially loves organizing legendary trips for her Scarsdale-based clientele. You can contact the AZA team at (917) 565-9955 or email them at [email protected] to chat about your needs. Angela is also growing her team, and invites Scarsdale moms with a passion for travel and an entrepreneurial mindset to apply for this flexible opportunity you can do on your own terms, regardless of industry experience! If interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Angela and see more here.
About AZA Luxury Travel
AZA Luxury Travel is dedicated to providing life-enhancing travel services. AZA means space in Sanskrit, comfort in Arabic, strength in Hebrew, and reflection in Swahili. Founded by Angela Adto Tepper, it is AZA’s goal to instill every aspect of these elements into the experiences it creates for clients. Angela is a Condé Nast 2023 Legacy Top Travel Specialist and has been for the past three years. She has been featured in Forbes, the NY Post, the Washington Post, National Geographic, Brides, the ZOE Report and more. In addition to being a travel advisor, she leads yoga retreats as a certified RYT 500 yoga teacher to breathtaking destinations that she loves sharing with clients. Learn more at https://www.azaluxurytravel.com/.