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DEFINING THE LANGUAGE OF LUXURY

November, 2024

he problem with interviewing Embark Beyond managing director Jack Ezon is that, as we're speaking, I kept imagining possible headlines. Alternatives I jotted down as we spoke included "Tales from the Closing Room," "Crafting the because," "Joining your customer's journey," "The E.I. factor," "No pretty pictures" and "AI will end agent specialization."

The Bride Reworked Her Late Mother’s Wedding Dress for Her Emotional Wedding in Portofino

August, 2024

For their Italian wedding, Jenna was determined to make sure her mother was there in spirit. “I didn’t know how I would get through that day without her, so made a point of weaving her into each and every detail in a way that honored and celebrated her,” she says.

Eye on travel

August, 2024

And Jack Ezon, Founder of Embark Beyond, on his travel trends report, the changing expectations of travelers and the importance of justifying value as prices continue to rise. There’s all this and more on this edition of Eye on Travel, from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Insider View: What Embark Beyond Is Seeing in Luxury Travel Today

August, 2024

Is the party over? That’s the question everyone seems to be asking us.  The answer is, we think so. Well, not exactly. The “rage” is over and the party has mellowed to more of a great dinner gathering. We’ve just entered the third quarter of 2024 here at Embark Beyond, which historically is our most lucrative for luxury travel. The year is still strong, but we are all seeing signs of a softening future. Clients are pushing back more and more on exorbitant pricing, overtourism and intense heat.

Discover Europe’s Lesser-Known Art Hotspots

July, 2024

Art has become a significant influence on travel choices, with the recent trends report from Embark Beyond suggesting that art, in all its forms, is one of the hottest drivers of tourism this year. From the vibrant dining atmosphere in Ibiza to the awe-inspiring exhibitions in Monaco and architectural treasures in Lanzarote, these lesser-known art hotspots provide the perfect summer destinations for cultural enthusiasts, away from the typical crowds.

Luxe in Alaska aboard Silversea's new Silver Nova

July, 2024

"I didn't realize it was going to be this beautiful," said Embark Beyond luxury travel advisor Victoria Page -- and that's just the point, of course. When every turn presents views of the sea lapping against snow-capped mountains or carries the promise of whale or eagle sightings, you want to be able to watch it from the bars, the pools and even the elevators. And Silver Nova delivers on that front.

Millennials Might Hate Cruises—but a Yacht Trip? That’s Another Story.

June, 2024

The secret formula to convincing affluent 30- and 40-somethings to sign up for a trip by sea? Slap a five-star hotel’s name on it and call it a yacht. “The typical cruise doesn’t resonate with the younger, hipper audience,” said Jack Ezon, CEO of Embark Beyond, a travel advisory aimed at luxury-minded travelers. “But the new ‘yacht’ or ‘micro’ cruise has developed into a new obsession.”

Should you repeat your vacation? Let's settle this once and for all.

June, 2024

Kristiana Capati-Choquet, a luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond, sees that duality in her clients, too. "Seeing the same people in the same destinations contributes to the basic human need of wanting to belong," she said. "On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who can't stand to repeat vacations and have a true adventurer side."

Looking for ‘a Different Kind of Wow’: Next Level Hotel Experiences

May, 2024

Indeed, said Janelle Ruhumuliza, a travel adviser with Embark Beyond, “experiences have to go further than what they were before.” She notes that social media has amplified travelers’ desire to “one-up” what others are doing online.

Join Travel + Leisure for the World’s Best Summit 2024

May, 2024

Join Travel + Leisure in New York City for our inaugural World’s Best Summit, curated by Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Gifford.

T&C Hotel Awards 2024: The Best New Hotels in Cities

April, 2024

How do you transplant a wellness resort into the heart of a metropolis? It’s a question certain brands have been trying to answer of late, among them Six Senses, which opened its first urban property in the Italian capital—on one of its busiest avenues, no less.

The Top 2024 Northern Europe Luxury Openings

March, 2024

For more of the most anticipated hotel openings this year, we again turn to Jack Ezon. Jack is the Founder and CEO of Embark Beyond, the Virtuoso luxury travel agency that specializes in customized itineraries and special event hotels, resorts, and private island takeovers.

Editor's Letter: Elevating Your "VIC" Vibe

February, 2024

n December, I wrote about Robert Chavez, managing director of Hermès Americas, who spoke at the Embark Beyond conference about the need for consultants to be curious about their clients but to gather information from them in gentle ways so as to not be overbearing.

Valentine’s Day 2024: Luxury Gifts for Him

January, 2024

Our ‘For Him’ Valentine’s Day Gift Guide wouldn’t be complete without a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Embark Beyond might just have nailed it. The luxury travel firm’s bespoke packages open the door to the planet’s most exclusive events, from the Cannes Film Festival to New York Fashion Week. Knock his socks off with an unforgettable Monaco Grand Prix experience this May.

CBS 2024 Travel trends

January, 2024

“A couple of months ago, another conference called EMBARK Immersion brought travel advisors and industry and luxury brand leaders here to Cancun, Mexico; to share ideas and strategize about the coming year… “

The Art of “clienteling”

December, 2023

“Clienteling is the art of connecting to a customer, an art of being proactive in understanding the customer’s needs and personalizing your relationship and your focus on every customer, making them feel special in everything that they do and really finding ways to enhance their lives. It’s authentic,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark.

Embark Beyond Brazil ends participation in global convention with an eye on 2024

November, 2023

Além dos profissionais que fazem uso da plataforma, também estiveram presentes representantes de hotéis, operadores, DMC e diferentes marcas do Turismo de luxo. Pela segunda vez no evento, a Embark Beyond Brasil levou 23 afiliados e sua Managing Director, Sylvia Silva.

Embark Beyond advisors take notes from Luxury brands

November, 2023

Nearly 400 Embark Beyond-affiliated travel advisors, hoteliers and representatives of destinations joined luxury retailers at the Nizuc Resort & Spa to discuss the latest trends for the ultrawealthy and to share best practices for building long-term, impactful relationships.

Lessons in Luxury Selling:
Driving Profit by Repositioning
Los Cabos as the Ultimate
Adventure Destination

September, 2023

Co-Founder of Embark Beyond Julie Danziger summarizes it best when she says, “Rather than put Los Cabos on the same plane as, say Mayakoba, Anguilla or even Hawaii, we discovered how this mainstay escape for the upmarket set could be packed with activities that are thrilling and unexpected.”

Embark Beyond Brasil, para agências de luxo, supera meta de afiliadas

September, 2023

A Embark Beyond foi apresentada ao mercado brasileiro em março de 2022 com a meta de chegar a 50 afiliados em três anos. Agora, com metade desse tempo, já conta com 40, sem mencionar aquelas que estão em processo de treinamento. A meta será superada com folga, segundo a diretora Brasil da plataforma para agências de viagens de luxo independentes, Sylvia Silva.

Whatever Happened to the Off-Season?

September, 2023

“September is the new August,” said Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, a high-end travel agency based in New York City, explaining that the frenzy for European travel stretched the calendar.

Where You’ll Be Going Next

What to book now, what to put on your dream list.

August, 2023

If you haven’t yet, book Thanksgiving or the holidays in Argentina. It has a sophisticated city, stunning nature, fabulous food and winelands, and beach access—for a fraction of the cost of anywhere else, thanks to the exchange rate.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/workout-vacations-fitness-routine-fatigue-976fafd3

Want to Be More Fit? Take a Vacation From Your Workout

July, 2023

Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond travel agency in New York, has had workout-obsessed clients request that a CrossFit-inspired gym be set up in the courtyard of their vacation villa so they could keep up their routines and Zoom with their trainer daily.

Saks Fifth Avenue and the art of clienteling

June, 2023

Among the invitees was Jack Ezon, managing director of Embark Beyond. "Saks is embracing the travel community as a lucrative source for client acquisition and engagement," he said. The Club "makes travelers feel like insider VIPs in the fashion world."

Where to go this summer: A dozen destination ideas

May, 2023

Instead of Italy’s crowded Amalfi Coast, head northwest to Piedmont, says Jen Tenzer, another EMBARK Beyond travel advisor. The region “has it all – luxury accommodations, ancient castles, Michelin-rated dining and stunning vistas.”  The Piazza Duomo restaurant housed in a palazzo in Alba holds a coveted three Michelin stars as well as a green star for sustainability. Other possible diversions include vineyard visits and even summer truffle-hunting.

Summer Vacations Are Sold Out. Here’s How To Travel Anyway.

April, 2023

Are you ready for the sold-out summer for travel? Ready or not, here it comes.

"Many prime destinations are either sold out or rates are super inflated," says Limor Decter, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond.

The Many Ways to Visit Antarctica

March, 2023

“Antarctica is experiencing an exceptional travel boom,” says Jack Ezon, founder of travel company Embark Beyond. Some visitors are drawn by a sense of adventure, others by the amenities. Over the past decade or so, outfitters have added adventurous activities (polar snorkeling anyone?) and luxury accommodations. Lindblad Expeditions, for instance, now boasts ships with infinity-edge Jacuzzis and glass-domed, heated glamping igloos.

Wellness Travel Trends Are Here To Stay

March, 2023

“Further expanding wellness travel are offerings that focus on mental health, sustainability, local foods and cooking skills, pro-aging & pro-women, fitness and exercise recovery, and group experiences after years of isolation.Designing wellness travel is intensely personal and intimate. So whether you're looking for a sound bath, a forest bath, or a water bath, we have an immersion, a holiday, or an escape perfectly suited to your wellbeing needs and your heart's desire.”

What to expect when connecting from an international flight

February, 2023

“That’s a situation air travelers should avoid, if possible. Ana Gloria Garciga, a senior air and product manager at Embark Beyond, advises erring on the side of caution when making these types of connections. “Make sure when booking a connecting flight to do it with no less than two to 2½ hours, in case of delay or cancellations,” she says. “That will allow some time to make the connection, get the bags and recheck them if necessary.”…”

These Trends Will Define How We Travel in 2023

February, 2023

“…”COVID expanded multigenerational travel to include any kind of group, and hotels are finding ways to encourage those connections by creating floors that can be totally closed off,” says Jack Ezon, the founder of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond in New York City.”

The 7 cities you ‘must visit before you die,’ according to 50 travel experts—only one is in the U.S.

January, 2023

“But even an average dinner out feels special in Tokyo, says Jack Ezon, founder of travel agency EMBARK Beyond. “Whether it’s the art of anticipatory service, obsessive cleanliness or lofty culinary experiences, Tokyo delivers the ambiance of any world capital with a wholly unique approach,” he says.”

Two Texans and their desire to Rove

January, 2023

“…"I was like, this is it," Messina said. "This is what I want to do. You make people happy; you make people's dreams come true. It's a lot of hard work but it's so fulfilling and worth it." The pair did their due diligence and research and joined New York-based host agency Embark Beyond in June. Their first travelers went on their trip in September. Pyle and Messina are new to the industry, but they have firm plans for Rove Travel. They specialize in experiences for Generation Z and millennial travelers, and they plan to break into the world of trip-planning for influencers and content creators.”

4 Cruise Trends We're Excited About in 2023

November, 2022

“For example, Explora 1 might spend up to three days in ports of call, like Istanbul, rather than blowing through. No itinerary will ever be repeated. “With Explora 1, it is all about the pace, and we know more time in port is what matters,” says Anne Scully, a travel advisor and Partner of Embark Beyond.”

6 Luxury Travel Trends That Will Be Huge in 2023

November, 2022

“…“Japan!” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at New York-based Embark Beyond, when he considers 2023’s hottest destinations. “Pre-COVID it was on one of the steepest growth trajectories; now people are clamoring to return,” he says, adding that one of the world’s hottest ski destinations for 2023 is Niseko on the country’s north island of Hokkaido.”

Insider Video: Why Embark Beyond Has a Different Approach to the Host Agency Model

November, 2022

“Eli Ashear, founder and managing partner for Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the beginnings of his innovative luxury host travel agency, a Virtuoso member, and how it ended up having one of the most original first conferences in the business at Baha Mar in the Bahamas earlier this month.”

Pandemic Travel Has Reached a Turning Point

October, 2022

“With much of Asia only starting to reopen, vacation-starved tourists have looked funneled elsewhere. “This was really the summer of Europe,” says Josh Geller, a travel adviser at New York-based agency Embark Beyond. “We had endless clients in the South of France and Italy,” and those destinations “are still hot…”

Radisson’s Move Into The Luxury Hotel Space Is Complicated

September, 2022

“Founder and Managing Partner Julie Danziger of New York-based luxury travel agency Embark Beyond recently joined the hotel's advisory board. She tells Forbes, "Prior to the meeting, I knew very little about these properties and they were not top of mind. After I was impressed, so I sent a client to Venice on a last-minute booking, and they called me thrilled with the value, location, and service."

Extravagant Company Retreats Are Making a Comeback

September, 2022

“Bonding experiences are also crucial for Embark Beyond. “Corporate culture and community used to be cultivated in the coffee room, at the water cooler or during the holiday party,” says Jack Ezon, co-founder of the New York-based company. In November, Mr. Ezon will host the company’s first-ever retreat at Baha Mar, a 1,000-acre resort in the Bahamas…“

Where European travel experts recommend visiting before Christmas

August, 2022

“…“If you’re going for a scene, you might be disappointed,” says Brie Shelly of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond of the island’s famous nightclubs. Still, many of the tavernas and sidewalk restaurants stay open until the last hotel closes. “If you are going for amazing sunsets and great food and accommodations, it’s really an incredible time,” Shelly says.”

The Six Places European Travel Experts Recommend Visiting This Fall

August, 2022

“The further south you go, the longer summer lasts, says Brie Shelly of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond. In destinations like Spain’s Balearic Islands and Greece, you can bask in warm, dry weather well into October. Santorini has the region’s longest season, remaining open as late as November, making it possible to score better deals the longer you wait.”

Insider Tips For Using Or Extending Your Airline Ticket Credit

August, 2022

“"Every airline has different guidelines for flight credits," says Ana Gloria Garcia, a senior air manager for Embark Beyond. "Overall, when an airline issues a credit to the passenger, you have up to a year to utilize the credit, starting from the date that the ticket was issued."…”

Some hotels are in desperate need of a post-pandemic upgrade. Here's what they should do.

July, 2022

“That's the advice of Limor Decter, a luxury travel adviser at Embark Beyond. She works with high-end hotels, but even those properties have had challenges after the pandemic. "A usual request for an early check-in or a late checkout has become more of a challenge as housekeeping needs extra time to clean and sanitize rooms," she says. "I remind clients that they might need to practice their patience and kindness skills."…”

Embark Beyond was ranked Number 36 in the 2022 Travel Weekly Power List of the biggest travel agencies.

June, 2022

“At only 3 years old, and with a team of less than 200, Embark Beyond is recognized as in the top 40 of the travel industry’s retailers for 2021!”

Where to go this summer: 11 top destinations

May, 2022

“…"Not only are we seeing exponential travel enthusiasm, we are also anticipating some amazing new summer experiences, events and offerings," said Carole-Anne Hughs Wood, director of marketing for Embark Beyond, a New York-based luxury travel agency.”

Travel To Europe Is Surging: 5 Special Destinations That You Can Still Book This Summer

April, 2022

“…“By March, the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como were already sold out, with prices skyrocketing to keep up with demand,” explains Julie Danziger, Managing Partner at luxury lifestyle and travel firm Embark Beyond. “We’ve never seen anything like this. It’s like the wild west! We are seeing the relentless demand that was in Miami and Arizona these past two years leap to the Mediterranean and clients are starting to panic and take what they can at any price!”

8 Top World Cruises for 2023

March, 2022

“Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency in New York City, says, "World cruises are always sought after as clients make lifelong friends and travel year after year together. World cruises are the ultimate dream trip, especially for great celebrations such as retirements, special anniversaries and getting out of the cold for the winter!" She notes that some lines' upcoming world cruises may highlight new and unique events.”

Destination Weddings Are Back and Bigger Than Ever

February, 2022

“…“People really want international, but they need to be practical and have a domestic backup plan,” explains specialist Julie Danziger, cofounder of Embark Beyond, which coordinates global destination celebrations in partnership with A-list planners. “Couples have to ensure their loved ones can get into the destination.”…”

As Crystal Cruises Shutters, Guests, Agents Could Lose Millions, Yet Look Back Fondly

February, 2022

“…"They set a new standard for luxury," said Anne Scully, Partner at Embark Beyond, a high-end travel agency. After Royal Viking Line ships were sold off to other cruise lines in the late 1980s, Japan's NYK Line launched Crystal Cruises in 1990 and advisors and consumers say it quickly became the industry benchmark. “

How to Plan a Last-Minute Getaway? A Few Pointers

January, 2022

“Typically, clients of Embark Beyond travel have their holiday-season trips planned by June, with a few stragglers waiting until Thanksgiving to commit. In 2021, said owner Jack Ezon, that planning process was still going full steam in mid-December. This shift proved significant enough for the company to launch Embark Now, a service specializing in last-minute luxury.”

A New Airport Is Being Proposed to Serve Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority

December, 2021

“From a traveler’s perspective, Joey Levy, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond who frequently books trips to Israel, agrees with Frej that the region desperately needs a new airport. “Ben Gurion Airport is the only international airport in the country and is overcrowded and taxed,” he says.”

Should you still travel to Mexico? What to know after shootings near Cancún.

November, 2021

“The recent violence hasn’t done much to deter travelers from visiting the region. “We have seen absolutely no impact in our business to Mexico, which is quite unusual,” said Jack Ezon, owner of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.”

Travel agencies find ways to navigate Covid complexities

October, 2021

“Embark Beyond, for example, augmented its approach by adding a "Covid expert" to the company's team earlier this year. The Covid expert, who transitioned into the role after most recently serving as an Embark concierge, is charged with keeping the agency updated on the latest travel protocols,while also fielding more complex Covid rules-related queries from Embark advisors. "As an agency or an advisor, you have to think about how you can be a step ahead and make the client's life easy when it comes to travel, and really give people no excuses to not travel," said Embark founder Jack Ezon.”

Whether Free, Affordable or Pricey, Testing Requirements Can Include a Headache

October, 2021

“Limor Decter, a luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond, a New York City-based agency, said that prices have dropped significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, in part because in May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved for travel the use of self-administered “at-home” tests that met its requirements, such as a video supervision by a lab technician and an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.”

Should You Plan to Travel as the Pandemic Continues?

September, 2021

“But why travel now? “Most of our clients have recognized from the past two years that you only live once. With the right precautions, they value their freedom to travel, to explore and most of all to connect with the world,” says Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, a New York-based travel agency specializing in the luxury market. “And right now there are great values and most places aren’t overcrowded.”…”

EMBARK BEYOND LAUNCHES EMBARK BRAZIL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TERESA PEREZ TOURS

August, 2021

“…“Embark Beyond has identified the Brazilian market as a lucrative location to launch its first international presence,” says managing partner and co-founder Julie Danziger. “We intend to export our unique approach to building strategic luxury travel businesses in an underserviced market” Danziger explains, noting the lack of host agency culture in Brazil. “Our business plan, marketing tools and approach to luxury branding has resulted in individual business growth of 400 – 500% for our agents in North America,” Danziger points out.”

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I provide security for rich people on vacation. As a former Navy SEAL, I'm trained to do just about anything my clients need.

August, 2021

“We don't wear suits or earpieces. While our services are expensive, we can make our clients' travel insurance cheaper. When you're entering a channel known for piracy on a $200,000 vacation, it helps to have ex-Special Forces personnel on board. We protect the family, but we can also protect the yacht's contents — some of our client's yachts have multi-million-dollar art collections on board.

Our first clients came by word of mouth, and we now work with luxury travel advisors Embark Beyond to support their VIP guests.”

The Latest Pandemic Travel Trend: Adults-Only Luxury Resort Vacations

July, 2021

“A surfeit of together-time is triggering a rise in demand for kid-free vacations, said Jack Ezon, founder of travel company Embark Beyond. Sixty-one percent of the summer trips that Embark Beyond booked this year were for adults only, compared with 48% in 2019. These grown-up escapes aren’t just for couples.”

Should you cancel your summer vacation? Crowds, high prices and variants have some travelers reconsidering.

July, 2021

“Carolyn Paddock, owner of the luxury travel advisory service In-Flight Insider, an affiliate of Embark Beyond, recommends making a cancellation decision as soon as possible, so you don’t lose your deposit. She has been keeping track of the time for one family with a scheduled tour of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Instead of canceling, she rescheduled the trip for 2022.

How To Get A Room At A Sold-Out Hotel

June, 2021

“Hotel inventories can change by the second. If you aren't using a travel agent to make your reservation, you might want to keep the hotel's website up on a browser tab. "I suggest continuously checking online and with the hotel reservations, as rooms sometimes do pop up," says Carolyn Paddock, owner of the travel agency Inflight Insider, an affiliate of Embark Beyond.”

Travel agency meets demand for long getaways

June, 2021

“New York travel agency Embark Beyond identified a trend that began around three weeks ago, when European countries started opening borders. Embark's first long-term stay in Europe was booked on June 1, followed by another two the following week, and four last week. This week, the agency is working on six long-term stays in Europe, said Jack Ezon, Embark's founder and managing partner. Now, that trend has led to a new program called Embark Longer Abroad, in which the agency books 30-day trips to Italy, Spain or Peru. Clients have access to office space so they can continue to work while abroad.”

7 Luxurious Private Jet Trips to Take You All Around the World

June, 2021

“Even with the pandemic abating, the interest doesn’t seem to be slowing down. “People are realizing that flying private is seamless and even more so now when commercial flight schedules haven’t resumed to their pre-COVID levels,” says Brie Shelly, The Experience by Brie, a proud affiliate of Embark Beyond.”

The world is opening to travel. (Just kidding.)

June, 2021

“…"Last month," Jack Ezon, managing partner of Embark Beyond told me, "business was going insane. Incredible. But who knows how many of those bookings are actually going to happen?" This past week, tour operators and other travel advisors have shared tales of record bookings and blood-boiling frustrations. I've heard stories about clients who arrived in Italy and waited two hours for a Covid test.”

Citizenship can be bought — but at what price?

May, 2021

“Kate Sullivan helps run the programme. In many countries in central and eastern Europe, she says, citizenship is offered as reparation, often to descendants of those driven away by persecution during the Holocaust. “You need to be able to prove not just your lineage, but specifically where your ancestors were born,” Sullivan says — a problem for one client, whose meticulous record-keeping seemed to have positioned her well for the programme.”

Vacation rental providers report high demand and surging prices

May, 2021

“…“Anne Scully, partner of advisor development at Embark Beyond, said during a mid-April episode of "The Folo by Travel Weekly" podcast that private accommodations have proven so popular for large family groups that finding the right match has been challenging. "We're seeing so many families, [some with as many as] 20 people, 30 people," Scully said. "And we're just trying to find great places for them, [but] it's hard to."…”

With France on the table, Americans see a chance for summer vacations in Europe

April, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, said his company has been mostly booking Europe for the past two weeks. Greece, he said, has been the top choice since the country fully committed to opening; more than a quarter of the company’s summer business is for the destination.”

Greece is Officially Reopening to Tourism — Here are the Top Hotels to Stay In

April, 2021

“The announcement stirred up a frenzy of excitement among travelers starved of the sun, sea, and glamorous lifestyle of the Mediterranean, especially as more Americans are becoming vaccinated. And with no news on when Italy, France, and Spain might reopen their borders, travel advisers like Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, are advising their clients to book trips to Greece and Turkey—which has been open since mid-2020—now or risk losing out”

Your Best Chance of Getting to the Mediterranean This Summer is a Trip to Greece or Turkey

March, 2021

“Those who want the Mediterranean now, and for sure this summer, are suddenly no longer thinking St. Tropez, or Ibiza, or Costa Smeralda, or Capri. But islands and mainlands of Turkey and Greece. Booking a trip in one or the other, says Jack Ezon, of the luxury travel agency EmbarkBeyond, is "like buying travel insurance for your summer."…”

What to Know Before Buying a Travel Insurance Policy This Year

March, 2021

“…"Since June 2020, a whopping 90 percent of all trips we booked had travel insurance attached," says Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond and a member of T+L's Travel Advisory Board. That's compared to 58 percent in 2019.”

Subscription services, hotels, timeshares compete with vacation rentals for 'workcation' customers

February, 2021

“Travel consultants have also seen an uptick in demand for long-term stays, and some have launched programs to meet that need. Last year, Embark Brokerage, a division of the New York travel agency EMBARK Beyond, began offering accommodations for clients who want to stay in a destination for more than a month at a time. Most of its customers are booking rental homes in Miami right now, "although we have been getting requests for Texas and the Carolinas as well," says Julie Danziger, Embark's managing partner. Prices range from $50,000 a month for a three-bedroom hotel suite to $150,000 for a private home in Palm Beach, Florida.”

Remote Workers Flee to $70,000-a-Month Resorts While Awaiting Vaccines

February, 2021

“…“People with lockdown fatigue have realized they can continue life in places with a lot less stress and a lot more room to breathe,” says Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond. He’s seeing East Coast clients flock to luxury hotels and resorts in Florida, South Carolina, and Turks and Caicos Islands while West Coast clients flee to Arizona and Puerto Vallarta and Cabo in Mexico—anywhere with equally good weather and Wi-Fi.”

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The new utopia

January, 2021

“Where the nomad culture evoked images of young, single travelers logging in between surf breaks and yoga asanas, entire families are now swapping cities for scenery, thanks to the combination of parents working remotely and children attending virtual school. “We saw a pattern start toward the end of the summer,” says Julie Danziger, a managing partner at luxury travel advisory group Embark Beyond, which counts long-term stays among the top travel trends expected for 2021.”

How to find a travel adviser amid the pandemic

January, 2021

“Embark Beyond, a New York travel agency, reports that its client base grew by almost 450 percent in 2020. Roughly half of the new clients were responding to the agency’s marketing initiatives, managing partner Jack Ezon says. Ezon says the other half were “referrals coming to us in search of a guardian.” “They needed help navigating the complicated web of information, misinformation and changing entry requirements,” he says, “and they just wanted to have someone they felt they could trust.”

What You Need to Know for Traveling in 2021

January, 2021

“When the calendar changed to a new year, Jack Ezon, co-founder and managing partner of high-end New York travel advisory Embark Beyond, says a deluge of booking requests poured in for summertime trips to Europe. “It’s as if people are asking us for permission to get their lives back,” he says.”

Embark Beyond launches in-room Covid testing

January, 2021

“New York-based agency Embark Beyond has launched a program enabling clients to get in-room testing for Covid-19 before they return to the U.S. as well as guaranteed return via private medical transportation if they test positive. Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of the agency, said the cost of the program is $43 per person, per day. It lasts for a 15-day period, so for instance, if a client took a four-day trip, they could use the remaining 11 days for any future trips.”

The Slow Travel Trend Is Here to Stay

December, 2020

“And New York-based travel agency Embark Beyond created Embark Longer, devoted to stays of a month or more at roughly 95 resorts worldwide. In this time-out from checklist-driven travel, fast-and-furious ambitions bow to slow-and-curious immersions.”

Vaccine rollout could boost the travel industry—and spell the end of deep discounts

December, 2020

“…“Anything on the Mediterranean is bumping,” said Jack Ezon, a managing partner of Embark Beyond, a travel agency catering to the super-rich. “Space is already tight and it would be wise to have something in your pocket by the end of January so you don’t get shut out.”…”


What to Know if You’re Booking Last-Minute Holiday Travel

November, 2020

“There's greater availability than ever, and better deals. “In a typical year, now would be the time to press the panic button and book anything with an opening given dwindling availability,” says Josh Geller, luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond. “This year, however, still presents many great options and attractive rate opportunities…”

Why Travelers Are Moving the Home Office Abroad to Work Even More RemotelyEmbark Longer

November, 2020

“Take Embark Beyond in New York, which in late August created a new division, Embark Longer, that focuses solely on stays of a month or more. Agency founder Jack Ezon tells Robb Report that, in the two months since launch, he has booked 90 trips, all of them structured as leases; the average stay is 2.1 months and the average cost just over $100,000.”

Private Jet Companies Are Teaming With Luxe Hotels, Yacht Charters and More to Woo Covid-Wary Travelers

October, 2020

“Business-aviation companies are now forging partnerships with international resorts, yacht charter firms and other global travel providers, but other charter operators are running multi-hour “daycations.” The trips range from brief, intra-regional travel to exclusive, two-week African safaris. Tradewind Aviation and Embark Beyond have set up day trips for New Yorkers to places like Blantyre, a Tudor-style country house in Lenox, Mass., in the heart of the Berkshires, with a flight to Pittsfield, access to a BMWx7 for a day exploring the fall foliage, and throwing in a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud at Blantyre.”

There’s a second p in ‘pandemic’

October, 2020

“Then there’s Embark Beyond founder Jack Ezon. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to call Ezon the master of the pivot in 2020. From helping employees focus on education, to adjusting marketing on the fly, to setting up summer camps and worldly home-school activities, Embark has pivoted time and again this year. His latest initiative, launched this month, is a Daycations program.”

As Tropical Destinations Reopen, Here’s What Travelers Need to Know

October, 2020

“Many of the region’s resorts and hotels are relying on an old-fashioned strategy: deals, from 20 percent off in Mexico to room upgrades in Costa Rica. Resorts “are offering much more attractive rates, many discarding their three- to six-month cancellations and eliminating minimum stays,” said Jack Ezon, the founder of the New York City-based travel agency Embark Beyond.”

Endless summer? Fall travel patterns are upended by remote work and school

October, 2020

“…"Autumn travel is usually much lower for leisure," said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at New York-based Embark Beyond. "Kids are back in school. Adults are gearing up for the third and fourth quarters ahead of the holidays. "But all that is turned upside down now," he said. "There are no school vacation days you need to abide by. There's no office. There's no business travel. And that presents opportunity."…”

The Jet Linx New “Plane-To-Pillow” Program Is As Safe As It Is Special

September, 2020

“It’s called the Jet Linx Elevated Lifestyle Preferred Hotel Program and it provides clients with unparalleled access to some of the world’s finest hotels – in addition to exclusive benefits, special amenities, preferred rates and more – to make traveling as easy, luxurious and safe as possible. In partnership with luxury travel agency EMBARK Beyond, the Program launched with nearly 50 world-class hotels in more than 10 nations across the world.”

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-travel-luxuriously-in-the-summer-of-covid-19-from-private-jets-to-hotel-buyouts-11596859251

How to Travel Luxuriously in the Summer of Covid-19, From Private Jets to Hotel Buyouts

August, 2020

Last month, Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, sent three families to the Preserve Club & Residences in Rhode Island to recreate a 10-day summer camp their young children would otherwise have missed. Each family of four had a three-bedroom house to themselves, a shared counselor to do all the wrangling, two activities a day- from shooting clay pigeons to tie-dying T-shirts- all their food provided, including a private chef for one meal a day, and a full access to the 3,500-acre sporting resort. Price tag: $45, 160 per family.

Thanks to the Pandemic, Luxury Hotels Become Home

August, 2020

“After a very quiet spring, Julie Danziger, the managing partner of travel advisory Embark Beyond, spent the greater part of June and July booking compelling domestic alternatives for her clients, who normally favor Italian villas and Greek resorts at the end of summer. But something strange happened in August: No one was ready to go home. “Suddenly, all of my clients were asking where they could spend the rest of the year,” she explains, citing specific queries about Cape Cod, Mass.; Cabo San Lucas in Mexico’s Baja, California; and Saint Barthélemy….”

Never waste a good crisis

July, 2020

I’m grateful to those advisors who have put themselves out there during this time. Jack Ezon (whose Embark team graces our cover this month) and I spoke about this feature last December when the travel business was healthy. When I contacted him a few weeks ago to see if he was still game to be on the cover, he said he was, and opened the doors of Embark to share how the company is handling the COVID crisis.

Why Mexico Remains a Favorite for Travelers From the West Coast

September, 2024

And Janel Carnero, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond, adds that Mexico’s easy access makes it a standout for clients. “In a few short hours, clients from the West can be enjoying a cocktail on a white-sand beach, trekking through the jungle to explore ancient Maya temples or immersing themselves in local culture.”

Selling Luxury: High Net Worth Tops the Agenda at T+L’s World’s Best Summit

August, 2024

Among the speakers from luxury travel companies like Hyatt and Six Senses and Hurtigruten, my favorite was Embark Beyond founder Jack Ezon, representing the luxury travel advisor community. Ezon said selling luxury is about offering customers access in the most creative of ways, bonding your clients and their guests over shared experiences that will last a lifetime.

Turning 25, 50, 75? Consider Taking an ‘Extreme’ Vacation

August, 2024

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of the travel advisory Embark Beyond, said his company has seen a 57% growth of “endurance milestone” trips between 2022 and 2024, including groups who celebrated life events by hiking Peru’s Inca Trail, crossing the Greenland ice sheet on skis and cycling from California to New York. “Health is the new wealth, and people want to prove that they are not 50 the same way their parents were 50,” Ezon said. 

ENhanced expectations

July, 2024

We find that people are willing to invest in experiences and trips for things that they are interested in or passionate about,” said Diedra Pyle, Co-Founder of Fioraé Luxury Travel, affiliates of EMBARK Beyond.

Silver Nova sailing inspires Embark advisors to be cruise sellers

June, 2024

ABOARD THE SILVER NOVA -- It's easy for travel advisors to sell a product they love. So what better way to get them to sell luxury cruises than by putting them on the Silver Nova's first Alaska sailing?

That was the thinking at Embark Beyond and Silversea Cruises, which in May hosted a cohort of top-selling Embark advisors on the line's newest ship that included five advisors who sell lots of luxury travel but virtually no cruises. 

10 destinations that hit their absolute peak in summer

June, 2024

While its Southwest neighbors struggle with extreme heat, Santa Fe keeps relatively cool in the summer. Lindsay Messina, co-founder of Fioraé Luxury Travel, says visitors can expect average highs in the 80s.

Hotels Respond to Surge in Incentive Travel

May, 2024

“You can throw bonuses at employees and all kinds of extras, but travel is the most powerful motivator,” said Janel Carnero, a luxury travel adviser with the Embark Collective.

Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

May, 2024

But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

The Ranch brings serious wellness to N.Y.'s Hudson Valley

April, 2024

"For clients who are on the East Coast or in New York, it's a perfect location for a quick retreat to really just focus on wellness and your health," said Kylie Loyd, an advisor with Embark Beyond, who was at the preview.

Embark Beyond at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

March, 2024

Venturing towards the beach, we are greeted by crystal-clear waters that shimmer in the sunlight. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore creates a soothing backdrop as we stroll along the boardwalks. Suddenly, a familiar face appears – Sheena Williams, Luxury Travel Advisor of Embark Beyond. With an infectious energy, Sheena regales us with tales of her adventures and shares her newfound love for the mesmerizing sunsets of Isla Mujeres.

Could a Second Career as a Travel Adviser Be for You?

March, 2024

Embark Beyond doesn’t charge independent contractors a fee to join as a member — if they’re selected, Scully says, adding that only about 1 in every 10 applicants is chosen. The agency does charge a fee (Scully calls it “beyond reasonable”) for its apprenticeship program for travel advisers. At Fora, you apply through the website, says Vazquez. The application includes questions about your favorite hotels, who you are as a traveler and what you would bring to a travel business, she says.

Casa Malca Tulum, an Art Lover’s Paradise

February, 2024

In fact, with pops of crimson set against a whimsical backdrop mirroring the white sand beaches that envelop it, every inch of this oasis feels like a scene from the world’s greatest love story. It exudes a sense of cinema, theater, creativity, and passion. And who better to embody the characters of this February love tale than the talented team from Embark Beyond?

Want to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon? These Are the Destinations and Trip Types Trending in 2024

January, 2024

“Newlyweds visiting these areas get to escape the crowds and experience Greece in an authentic way, while getting more value for the money,” says Mandy McKaskle, founder and luxury travel advisor at Creosote Journeys, a Virtuoso agency.

What’s New on the Slopes: This Winter’s Best Luxury Hotels in Hollywood-Loved Ski Spots

December, 2023

“Sun Valley is such a gem,” says Embark Beyond luxury travel advisor Josh Geller. “East Coasters typically gloss over it in favor of Colorado and Utah ski resorts, however, the West Coasters are in on the secret. It has a wonderful old-world European charm and is surprisingly down to earth. The best part: fewer crowds!”

To grow, Embark Beyond rehires ex-TPT: it's the future, says Tomás Perez

December, 2023

A Embark Beyond chegou dos Estados Unidos e foi apresentada ao mercado brasileiro em março de 2022 com a meta de alcançar 50 afiliados em três anos. Com menos da metade desse tempo, já concluiu o objetivo, e conta com uma fila de consultores independentes (ICs) pedindo para fazer parte, segundo Tomás Perez.

Insider Video: How Embark Beyond Is Shaking Up the Host Agency Model

November, 2023

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Embark Immersion, his host agency’s second annual conference held earlier this month at NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun. Ezon details how his innovative and out-of-box host agency has grown over the past year, how its Immersion event is breaking the mold of traditional host agency conferences, and how luxury travel itself is evolving, requiring luxury advisors to change as well.

How to Soak Up Iceland in 24 Hours

October, 2023

Stopovers are having a moment right now. The extended layovers – strategic maneuvers by airlines such as Icelandair and Qatar Airways – let travelers turn a connecting stop in a hub city into a bite-size adventure in a bonus destination, without extra fees. “I love an extended stopover to whet my appetite for a new place,” says Joey Levy, a Virtuoso travel advisor.

Solo Cruising 101

September, 2023

All the at-sea days and onboard events and activities are the perfect backdrop for lots of socializing along the way, says Anne Scully, a partner at EMBARK Beyond who has sold cruise vacations for more than 40 years.

This secret cruising hack will save you big time on your next vacay

September, 2023

“The ship is going from point A to point Z, not point B anymore,” said Embark Beyond agent Anne Scully, who’s seen a surge of new interest in repo voyages recently — more than she’s witnessed in her 40-year career.

The Gift for a Postpandemic Era: Over-the-Top Travel

August, 2023

Carole-Anne Hughs Wood of New York City-based travel agency Embark Beyond has devised gifting experiences like a trip to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., that included having a former pro golfer walk the green with the client.

Vegan Vacations: How Plant-Based Travelers Are Going Mainstream In 2023

July, 2023

"It is no longer rice and beans," says Jack Ezon, a vegan who runs the travel advisor firm Embark Beyond. "There's a great movement in the quality of vegan food."

Americans are flocking to Europe’s hot spots. Here’s where Europeans are going instead

July, 2023

Ezon suggested making for the Italian island of Pantelleria and hideaway luxury hotel Sikelia to avoid Sicily’s “White Lotus” crowds and pointed to the Greek island of Paros as having an appeal that Mykonos can’t touch.

Editor's Letter: Simple Advice for New Advisors

June, 2023

Limor from Embark Beyond concurred with all of the above and also shared that it’s important to ask questions of everyone around you when you first start out. “I was never afraid to ask,” she said. Some sage advice from Decter is to be honest and upright with everyone from the get-go.

New solutions introduced to help travel agencies collect commissions

June, 2023

"Commission collection has been the bane of our existence, and many other companies', and it's really sad, because this is how people make their living," said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond in New York. "They work so hard, and to collect money has become almost a full-time job for so many people."

Why Mexico’s lush jungle playgrounds are wooing the wellness crowd

May, 2023

“With the rise of active tourism, a new set of luxe properties are stealing market share from perennial eco-destinations like Costa Rica and Belize,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond.

The rise in art travel

May, 2023

Laura Worth, an advisor with Embark Beyond whose agency is called Art & Travel, has a substantial art background herself, having worked at Christie’s auction house in New York for a number of years. She sees art and travel as “the marriage of two worlds I love.”

Come What May

May, 2023

Cassandra Marcella Metzger, the genius behind Premier Wellness Travel, is now among the first cravel pros in the world endorsed by the Forbes Travel Guide, thanks to her affiliation with EMBARK Beyond. Upcoming featured trips include a meditation retreat in Mexico at the stunning NIZUC Resort (May 4-7) sponsored by The Path…

The Perfect Honeymoon Destination Isn't All Over Instagram—Yet

March, 2023

A honeymoon is—in theory, at least—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So why go where the crowds are? While the Maldives are great, we asked Jack Ezon, travel expert and founder of Embark Beyond, for a suite of fresh ideas to really make everyone jealous.

Just Back: Soulful Sicily

March, 2023

“Our visit to Sicily was truly an immersive experience with history and culture, artisanal food, stunning scenery, and the lively spirit of the Sicilians. Sicily is not one and done. It has officially joined my "wandermust" list—I must return to Sicily to explore and experience more of the island.”

You should be booking your summer vacation now

March 2023

“Cindy Salik, a travel adviser with EMBARK Beyond says many of her clients have been surprised by the lack of availability in popular summer destinations. Some resorts in Italy, France and Greece are almost fully booked. If you’re interested in one of the top-tier summer destinations in Europe, “you have to plan now and book,” she says.”

A luxury advisor rates U.S. News' hotel rankingS

February, 2023

“…"I look at all these lists and rankings, but I do take it with a grain of salt," said Cindy Salik, a luxury travel advisor with New York-based Embark Collective. I asked Salik what she thought of the U.S. News list. Did a good portion of the lineup overlap with her own top picks? Were there any choices that she found puzzling?…”

Virtuoso’s Travel Agents Say Luxury Bubble Presents New Booking Challenges

February, 2023

“Caren Kabot, a Virtuoso travel advisor and independent consultant with host agency Embark Beyond, confirmed she saw the demand reflected in Virtuoso’s performance data. Kabot, who specializes in solo travel for small groups, said she’s never been busier with trips to Paris, Portugal, Italy and Morocco currently planned for the year ahead.”

Why You Need A Travel Advisor In 2023

January, 2023

“A travel "vacation consigliere" who goes the extra mile. Thalberg hired Kim-Marie Galloway, a "vacation consigliere" with Luxury Travel Mom, an affiliate of Embark Beyond. Galloway says Thalberg was looking for an advisor who could offer more than just booking an airline ticket or hotel room. "She wanted someone who knows what she and her family need and goes the extra mile to make sure they have everything — the right insurance, a proper packing list, access to last-minute reservations," she says.”

The 16 Best Island Vacations in the World, According to Our Travel Specialists

January, 2023

“People visit the Galápagos Islands mostly for the incredible wildlife viewing, including endemic species such as the blue-footed boobie, Galápagos penguin, marine iguanas, flamingos, sea lions, and many more. The Galápagos marine reserve is one of the largest and most bio-diverse in the world, making for exceptional diving and snorkeling. Dawn Oliver, Founder/Travel Advisor at Well Xplored, An Affiliate of Embark Beyond”

Elite Travel in 2023 Is All About Luxe Isolation. Here’s Where to Get Away From the Crowds in Style.

December, 2022

“Johannesburg-based &Beyond will offer an even more rarefied riff on this approach when it imports its safari-style operation to the country in late 2023 with the Punakha River Lodge, with six luxury tents and two villas sitting riverside in an area known for its rice paddies and chili farms. “It will bring that philosophy of exploration, physical activity and conservation together,” says Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond, highlighting the location’s river rafting, kayaking and swimming as well as plenty of birdwatching.”

Want To Really Get Away? Here's Some Expert Advice For Digital Nomad Accommodations

November, 2022

“When it comes to finding a place to live as a digital nomad or remote worker, there are almost too many options. Just ask Victoria Lawrence, who recently relocated to London as a remote worker. "I did a ton of research before starting this process," says Lawrence, a travel advisor for Embark Beyond. "And I'm still learning about different options."…”

Inside Embark Beyond's 'future lab'

November, 2022

“…"The great experiment." That's what Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, called Embark Immersion, a first-of-its-kind event for the New York-based agency. "This is not an ordinary trade show," Ezon said. Instead, the event — what he called a "future lab" for the travel industry — was meant to bring together more than 300 suppliers and advisors to mull ways to elevate the customer experience.”

Travel like 007 with these James Bond inspired trips

October. 2022

“Yacht broker Northrop & Johnson has launched what they call the ultimate Bond-inspired getaway, with curated itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean in partnership with bespoke luxury travel agency Embark Beyond…”

3 Virtuoso Advisors Offer Tips on Booking Luxury Family Travel

September, 2022

“Julie Danziger, founder & managing partner of EMBARK Beyond, “New clients tend to have different questions,” she says, “focusing first on how we operate and who we are and then on the booking, where existing clients know the drill…”

Ultra Luxury Summit: Advisors on Paving a Path to the Future (Part 1)

September, 2022

“Anne Scully, Embark Beyond: I think we’re biographers of our client’s life stories...And all those have beginnings, a middle, and an end. The beginning is when we learn a little bit about them. The middle is the most important part of the relationship with the client because that’s when you’re developing that character.”

As Airlines, Airports And Luxury Hotels Stumble, Travel Advisors Are Shining Brightly

August, 2022

“…“The industry is dancing on the edge of a cliff…people who don’t use advisors come back feeling upset and let down. It’s bad for the industry,” says Jack Ezon, Managing Director of New York-based Embark Beyond. “Hotels need to be honest. Sometimes being vulnerable is endearing. They are hiding behind ‘because of covid,’” he says.”

I Took A More Wellness-Focused Approach To My Cabo San Lucas Vacation

August, 2022

“Marcos Ramirez, a luxury travel concierge with EMBARK Beyond, says Cabo also offers a wealth of outdoor activities that can be done throughout the year as the weather is typically quite good. “Many properties in the area are now offering wellness-focused activities, so visitors can join a yoga group class in the morning to start the day fresh and relaxed,” he says.”

How to Turn a Destination Wedding Into a Vacation as a Guest

July, 2022

“You've likely already received a tempting faraway wedding invite this year; destination weddings have nearly tripled post-pandemic. "It seems everyone wants to take their nuptials on the road and bring friends and family together," says Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel company EMBARK Beyond. "There seems to be an endless thirst as growth continues to compound."…”

Selling the Dream: The Art of the Upsell

June, 2022

“Ruthanne Terrero, VP/Editorial Director of Luxury Travel Advisor, spoke with Jack Ezon, Founder & Managing Partner, Embark Beyond, and Anne Scully, Partner of Agent Development, Embark Beyond, to get their expert view on "Selling the Dream." "A lot of what I learn is when I have client in front of me," Scully tells us. She adds that it's not always about asking directly, where the client wants to go; rather it's about having a conversation, learning more about them and using your expertise to shepherd them in the right direction.”

A&K Purchase Of Crystal Cruises Receives Applause From Travel Industry

June, 2022

“Anne Scully, a Partner at luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, says of the new buyer, "It couldn't be any better. Look how Manfredi built Silversea from scratch to what was in a few years the top-rated luxury cruise line in its category. He's a legend in the industry. I think it's good for the industry."…”

Fewer Pilots Will Lead to a Summer of Flight Cancellations

May, 2022

“Lately, a lot of people have been leaving on a jet plane and don’t know when they’ll be back again. That’s because schedule disruptions—including cancellations, delays, and significant route changes—are all on the rise. “It used to be that these types of issues affected 3% to 5% of our clients’ trips,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, which manages about $150 million in annual travel bookings. “Now it’s easily 20%, if not 25%.”…”

Travel Agents Are the Heroes You’ve Been Looking for This Summer

May, 2022

“Other winners are travel insurance issuers, luggage shipping companies, and airport greeting services—three categories Jack Ezon, cofounder of EMBARK Beyond, reports are up 150% in sales this year. “It’s all about making people’s lives a little easier at a time when there are so many question marks,” he says.”

How to use vaccine passports for international travel

March, 2022

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, said “almost all” airlines offer some kind of technology that allows you to upload proof of vaccination before your flight. He said the airline will typically send travelers an email asking them to upload any necessary documents before checking in.”

With Omicron as a ‘Golden Ticket,’ Some American Travel Fears Fade

February, 2022

“…“I think this is the busiest our agency has ever been,” says Laura Worth, a travel consultant with Embark Beyond. “The floodgates have really opened in the last few weeks­. Now the requests are just crazy, crazy, crazy coming in.”…”

How to avoid a costly isolation period if you get coronavirus while abroad

February, 2022

“Carolyn Paddock, an affiliate of EMBARK Beyond, has been recommending Covac Global or MedjetAssist to her clients lately. She recently told clients headed to St. Lucia about these policies, which cover medical evacuations in case you fall ill while you’re abroad, and they took her advice. “With that coverage, they had peace of mind that they would most likely be able to depart St. Lucia if they tested positive,” Paddock says.”

A year of the Folo: Major trends, memorable episodes

January, 2022

“Anne Scully, Embark Beyond's partner of agent development, talked in early 2021 about hope for travel and the term "revenge travel." Which led to the art of the "pivot" for travel advisors planning vacations during ever-changing travel rules.”

How to prove your vaccination status when traveling internationally

December, 2021

“You have to bring your passport and original vaccination certificate, then download the TousAntiCovid app. That’s what Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, a travel agency, did when he visited Paris recently. An insider tip: Most luxury hotels in France will get a vaccine certificate for you. “Just drop your passport, vaccine certificate and fill out a form, and you’ll have a QR code delivered to your room,” Ezon says.”

7 of the Most Extravagant Hotel Suites Around the World

November, 2021

“Luxury suites aren’t a new phenomenon, but the caliber of this top room category debuting at upscale properties worldwide in recent years is another level altogether, according to Jack Ezon, the founder of the luxury travel company Embark Beyond. “The latest suites aren’t necessarily the biggest, but they feature incredible design and one-of-a-kind collectibles, from furniture to art,” he says. “Every little detail has been thought out.”…”

For Travel Advisors, Minimizing Client Pain Points Is Winning Formula

October, 2021

“…“We’ve always taken the approach of being customer-centric, really thinking about the customer first and building out from there,” said managing partner Jack Ezon, who co-founded Embark Beyond in early 2019. “That’s the way we should all be thinking in this industry – not, here’s something we have to sell, who can buy it, but what do you need? Let’s create that and sell it. “That’s really driven a lot of our success through COVID.” As of September, Embark Beyond’s international business had grown to 68% of sales, and the agency projects its international sales will grow to 85% of volume for travel through March 2022.”

Why You Should Use a Travel Agent

October, 2021

“…"We're advocates," explains Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond who has worked in the travel industry for 40 years. "A good travel advisor holds a client's hands and takes care of them." She adds that travel advisors really show their value when things go wrong. "Through our relationships and our experience, we are able to get clients out of a bad situation."…”

Need a PCR test for your next trip? That could be $6,000

September, 2021

“Joey Levy, a luxury travel adviser with Embark Beyond, was helping clients plan a long-awaited honeymoon. They wanted to go to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see wild animals and Victoria Falls, staying at some of the region’s best lodges. For that, they were prepared to pay five figures…”

Episode 379 JACK EZON: Bespoke Travel & A Risk-Taking Entrepreneur

August, 2021

“Andy chats today with Jack Ezon, C.E.O. and managing partner of EMBARK Beyond! EMBARK Beyond is a luxury lifestyle partnership that specializes in bespoke travel experiences, and they have the ability to access royal palaces, private homes, luxury yachts, global landmarks, and so much more! Negotiating hotel, air, and other components related to travel, EMBARK Beyond acts as a full concierge service in order to develop the perfect itinerary!”

Embark Beyond Heads to Brazil Through Partnership With Teresa Perez Tours

August, 2021

“As part of a global expansion strategy, Embark Beyond has partnered with top Brazil travel firm Teresa Perez Tours to launch Embark Brazil, a full-service host agency leveraging its innovative tools and extensive resources to the Brazilian luxury travel industry. Teresa Perez Tours has roughly 30 years of history as a specialist in creating personalized itineraries. Teresa Perez, founder, and Tomas Perez, president, are members of the board of the Four Seasons Group. The agency is also on the boards of Belmond, Rosewood and Shangri-lá, in addition to being part of the benefit clubs of the Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz-Carlton, Starwood, Four Seasons and Rocco Forte hotel chains, which guarantee exclusive benefits to its customers. “

This New Caribbean Private Island Retreat Lets You Get Away and Give Back

August, 2021

“The new hotel is intended to support her mission for economic as well as emotional uplift—hence, the Aerial. “The purpose of this island was never for me to have an escape, somewhere to goof off on the water,” she says. “The point has always been to orchestrate as much good as possible.” Travel specialist Miriam Omphroy from Embark Beyond, who has particular expertise in the BVI, singles out the Aerial from its peers. “It’s a paradise in paradise, a peaceful, healing place where you can reconnect with nature, and the chance to give back has a ripple effect on the local community,” she says.”

The Travel Agent Is Back. Here’s How to Know if You Need One

July, 2021

“On the recommendation of Josh Geller at Embark Beyond in New York, Saroukhanoff and her family set off to French Polynesia, a region with a proven track record for Covid safety. Geller coordinated their border-entry paperwork and kept track of the four Covid tests they were required to take over the course of the trip. “There was so much uncertainty about the process that I nearly opted for a staycation,” Saroukhanoff says. “Before, I didn’t see what the value of working with an adviser would be except maybe saving you time. Josh alleviated the stressful parts…”

8 Cruises To Celebrate Your Retirement, According to T+L's A-List Advisors

July, 2021

“Aqua Expeditions leads several incredible seven day itineraries through the islands in Indonesia. One favorite option is the trip departing from Bali and Flores, stopping in Komodo National Park and Moyo Island. Another one-in-a-lifetime option takes you to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands— the heart of the remote Coral Triangle, where there are more marine species than anywhere else on earth—for incredible snorkeling . — Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond.”

More bang for your clients' bucks in Europe

June, 2021

“Want to send your clients on a domestic vacation this summer? Forget about it, says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark Beyond -- U.S. destinations are "overpriced, oversold and understaffed." Instead, look across the pond. "People are paying five to 10 times the price of a vacation [in the U.S.] for a compromised experience," Ezon said in an email.”

Where to Find Rare Deals in Business Class and First Class

June, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury-travel adviser, says his company has been booking business-class seats to Rome for about $1,800 round trip, cheaper than premium seats on much shorter flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands or Jackson Hole, Wyo. Clients are calling his agents when they hear of deals and agents are contacting clients about the business-class discounts. Mr. Ezon thinks the deals are short-term—seats will sell out for summer and fall and then things will get back to normal. “The value is tremendous and it’s only encouraging international travel, which is great,” he says.”

E.U. Clears Americans for Travel to Europe

June, 2021

“Travelers may want to hold off on multi-country Europe trips until entry restrictions are fully enacted and clear, advises Jack Ezon, founder of travel agency Embark Beyond. “The reason is that the language is very unclear,” Ezon says. “Many interpret the directive to exempt Americans only if they fly on a [COVID-tested] flight. These flights don’t exist from other countries at the moment. Thus, if you go to Greece then Italy, you will likely be required to quarantine in Italy for 10 days. The only way you can avoid this 10-day quarantine is if you actually spent 10 days in Europe before going to Italy.”…”

Get Ready For The Summer Of Revenge Travel

May, 2021

“Ilana Silverman, a travel advisor in New York with IMS Travel, agrees and says that her clients, many of them women in their 20s and 30s, are spending double their usual travel budgets. “They want to get as far away from home as possible and use the opportunity of the world opening up again to take their bucket list trips whether that’s an African safari or exotic island,” she says.”

Here They Are: This Summer's Hottest International Destinations

April, 2021

“…"Summer is prime time to visit Iceland. There's never been a better year to see it without being overwhelmed with tourists — or being shut out of some of the rare luxury properties often booked eight months in advance," says Kim-Marie Evans, a family and adventure specialist at Embark Beyond.”

“…"Los Cabos is a spectacular destination that is a beautiful blend of sophisticated, casual, luxurious, and authentic," says Laura Worth, art expert with Embark Beyond.”

Folo podcast, episode 22: 'Revenge' travel

April, 2021

In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada and host Rebecca Tobin talk with Anne Scully, a longtime travel advisor who is now a partner of agent development at Embark Beyond.

31 Romantic Getaways Around The World

March, 2021

“You can live like royalty in the Loire Valley, a French region dotted with elegant chateaus, dramatic scenery, and fine wines, says travel advisor Limor Decter. With nights at the Bagatelle and afternoons at the gardens Chambord, all that’s missing are your powdered wigs.”

Hollywood Parents Seek Nearby Getaways for Spring Break Amid Pandemic

March, 2021

“After a year of social distancing and lockdowns, the travel industry is bouncing back just as spring break approaches for L.A. schools. "Everything has blown out in the last few weeks as far as bookings, thanks in part to the vaccine," says luxury travel curator Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond. "Current rates are higher than holiday time, and now it's just about finding suitable remaining space at fine hotels."…”

New Travel Advisor Businesses That Will Help the Industry Build Back Better

March, 2021

“This innovation and renewed sense of community among advisors and the industry are some of the few positives that came from the pandemic, says Chelsea Martin, founder of Passport to Friday travel agency and Passport to Social, the social media business she launched last year. “

The New Covid Vacation? Moving Abroad

February, 2021

“Luxury travel company Embark Beyond launched an Embark Longer program, which offers discounts and amenities such as unlimited laundry service for resort and villa stays upward of a month. “We have clients staying several months in places like St. Barts and even Ireland,” said Jack Ezon founder of Embark Beyond.”

Travel Industry Sees Glimmers of Recovery in Africa, Antarctica

February, 2021

“Everyone wants sunshine. “Since first week of January, we’ve been booking a lot of summer trips,” says Jack Ezon, co-founder of luxury travel consultancy Embark Beyond. “And I’m not talking small. People are making up for lost time—especially with trips to the Mediterranean, which they see as an annual rite that was taken away last year.”…”

Want a second passport? Here’s how to get dual citizenship.

February, 2021

“Acquiring second citizenship can be complicated, no matter what path you choose. Fortunately, there are consultants who can help. When Celia Celler wanted to pursue citizenship for herself in Portugal and for her family in Germany, she turned to EMBARK Beyond, a New York travel consultancy that offers citizenship services.”

Spring Break 2021: This Might Actually Happen

January, 2021

“St. Bart’s: It is among the most accessible of the islands, requiring just a negative PCR test within 72 hours before your departure flight and a possible health screening upon arrival, but no quarantine. (Stay longer and you’ll need to test again on day 8—no big deal.) “St. Bart’s is 30 percent of our new business,” says Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond.”

Where to Go in 2021

January, 2021

“The city that never sleeps took a good nap in 2020. Now she’s waking up slowly, showing a side even the locals rarely see. Midtown is uncrowded, as are the museums—so have them to yourself while you can. Outdoor dining has energized every sidewalk and street corner; open-air theater and concerts will follow this spring. Outsource the planning with Embark Beyond”

Vacation-Starved Travel Buffs Are Plotting Elaborate Post-Covid Trips

January, 2021

“…“Finally there’s a horizon,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, a luxury-travel and events company in New York. In the past month or so, he has seen surging demand for the third and fourth quarters of 2021. “We’ve been running without a finish line.”…”

Where to Travel After Covid? 25 Inspiring Escapes

January, 2021

“Travel company Embark Beyond recently added services that help you plan extended stays in hotels or rental properties. Along with typical jet-setter destinations like St. Barts and Miami, Embark has been sending clients to the picturesque Mexican mountain town of San Miguel de Allende, where a month at Belmond’s majestic Casa de Sierra Nevada hotel can be had for $8,000 (embarkbeyond.com).”

The 20 Best Places to Travel in 2021

December, 2020

“Luxury travel planner Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond is already booking clients into the brand-new Castello di Reschio, which will redefine Umbria, and Casa di Langa, a new farm-to-table resort in truffle-filled Piemonte; and in Sicily, stay tuned for the opening of the Four Seasons Taormina at San Domenico Palace and the new Rocco Forte Hotel, Villa Igiea.”

Vaccines Arm Hotels, Airlines With New Power to Jack Up Prices

December, 2020

“Already, some affluent travelers have begun making reservations for blow-out vacations, said Jack Ezon, a managing partner of Embark Beyond, a travel agency catering to the super-rich. Clients have flooded the company with requests for big parties in Europe and the Caribbean, with some budgets topping $1 million. “Anything on the Mediterranean is bumping,” he said. “Space is already tight and it would be wise to have something in your pocket by the end of January so you don’t get shut out.”…”

LUXURY TRAVEL ICON, ANNE SCULLY JOINS EMBARK BEYOND AS PARTNER OF AGENT DEVELOPMENT

December, 2020

“…“I feel strongly that becoming a travel advisor is a very viable career path and extraordinary opportunity,” says Anne Scully. “I wanted to find an organization where this concept would be supported. This position with Embark is an opportunity for me to have great impact on fellow professionals. I am very excited and honored to bring my training and development expertise to such a community.”…”

Embark Beyond Launches Dual Citizenship Program

November, 2020

Embark Beyond has just launched a Dual Citizenship Program, facilitating foreign citizenship and second passports for 15 European Union countries. “The polarized political atmosphere and pandemic-related travel bans have been a wake-up call to many Americans,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, in an email to Luxury Travel Advisor. “Our clients, in particular, have been extremely frustrated with a feeling…”

You Can Now Get Special Treatment At Hotels When You Fly Private

November, 2020

“Jet Linx and the luxury travel organizer EMBARK Beyond have joined forces to create the Elevated Lifestyle Preferred Hotel Program to provide a seamless travel experience, special amenities, preferred rates and complimentary upgrades at 50 hotels in 10 countries.”

The East Coast elite are spending up to $17,000 on luxury 'daycations' during the pandemic. Here's where they're going and what they get.

October, 2020

“…"I think a 'daycation' is a great compromise for people who are looking to get out of their spaces, that they've been locked up in without having to feel anxious about some of the exposure they have in a more public place, like an airport, airplane or hotel," said Embark Beyond's co-founder Jack Ezon. "You have a full day experience that you really feel like you went on a vacation."…”

The 20 Best Places To Travel In 2021: Where To Go Next

October, 2020

“Julie Danziger is cofounder and managing partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel advisory dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed experiences that go beyond a destination. The company recently launched Private Daycations, a solution for people yearning to explore but hesitant to spend the night away from home. Each Daycation comes with its own private jet for the day.”

7 (COVID-Era) Dream Trips, Planned by Experts

October, 2020

“Julie Danziger, managing partner of Embark Beyond and New York resident, recently checked into NYC’s Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards with her three children. “Opening the door with a key card was almost like seeing the Great Barrier Reef,” she joked. It doesn’t take much to feel like you’re escaping these days, and more and more families are taking advantage of hotel “schoolcation” setups (all with good Wi-Fi, naturally) to get away.”

Summer Vacation 2020 Was a Bust. But Fall Is a Better Time to Travel Anyway.

September, 2020

“…“People don’t realize there are so many great places to explore in the United States,” says Jack Ezon, cofounder and general manager of global travel agency Embark Beyond. “You can work from anywhere,” says Ezon, “so why not work from a better place with a better view?”…”

Jet Linx Launches Industry-First Preferred Hotel Program With Exclusive Client Benefits

September, 2020

“Jet Linx has partnered with luxury travel agency EMBARK Beyond, led by founder and CEO Jack Ezon, to assemble a dedicated Hotel Concierge team that ensures hotel partners and Jet Linx clients have an exceptional booking experience and an invaluable resource at their disposal. With vast experience in luxury travel and the hotel industry, the EMBARK team is responsible for booking reservations at participating properties for Jet Linx clients and supporting hotels seeking to enroll in the Program. “

Why YoU Should Move Into A Hotel For 30+ Days

August, 2020

“To accommodate their clients planning to spend one-three months away, the luxury travel organizer Embark Beyond has also just put together a program called Embark Longer utilizing their favored collection of homes, villas and apartment style resort accommodations such as Amanyara in Turks and Caicos and Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.”

Back-To-School Around The Globe: Remote Learning Reinvented

August, 2020

“…“While we initially launched this program as a destination classroom concept sending a family away with a teacher for a semester abroad, we altered it to bring the world to their home once travel started closing up again,” says Embark Beyond’s founder and managing partner Jack Ezon. “Our goal is to create immersive content to complement their core curriculum and learn something they ordinarily would not do.”…”

5 Future Leaders to Watch List, 2024

October, 2024

Carnero came to advising with plenty of travel knowledge (she was a regional manager at a hotel for nearly a decade, and has experience building transportation companies), but she still chose to heavily invest in her education as an advisor. To start, she completed a full year of the Embark Beyond apprentice program under the direction of agency partners Anne Scully, Julie Danziger and Jack Ezon.

A Snob’s Guide to College Tours

August, 2024

Turns out you have been doing them wrong. T&C meets with the travel consigliere who organizes college tours for the one percent.

Swifties find solace in song and solidarity after terror threat leads to canceled shows in Vienna

August, 2024

Jason Squatriglia, a luxury travel concierge at Embark Beyond, said that he has clients who have made changes to their Vienna trips because of the cancellation and concerns about the thwarted terror attack that led to it.

Americans are using AI to plan travel; Is this a bad thing?

July, 2024

At first, this might seem like a red flag to travel advisors, but a panel at our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor’s Ultra Summit showed travelers’ use of AI in a new light. Most notably, Janel Carnero of Embark Beyond said she doesn’t mind at all when clients come to her with an AI-generated itinerary.

So You Scored a Ticket to the Olympics? Now Try to Land a Hotel Room

June, 2024

“The top request is an Hermès appointment,” says Jason Squatriglia of travel agency Embark Beyond. “It has to be a guaranteed leather goods [meeting], not just to get in the store and skip the line. They want to know they’ll be shown, perhaps, a mini Kelly or an exotic.” It’s a hint of the caliber of clients he’s sending to the Games. “These are not your traditional sports fans — these are your F1, Art Basel, Frieze clients, who want to do the best of the best and turn it into an exclusive shopping experience, like shutting Boucheron down on Place Vendôme.”

Questex’s ULTRA Summit Affirms Positive Outlook for the Luxury Travel Segment

May, 2024

Other advisor peer panels included “Hidden Gems & Insider Secrets,” featuring Camille Cutrone, Vista Travel Consultants, Kareem George, Culture Traveler,… Janel Carnero, EMBARK Collective, Scott Largay, Largay Travel and Please Go Away, and Mo Noubani, Travel Box International.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Lands In Europe—Here’s How It Could Boost Local Economies And Drive Inflation

May, 2024

In Paris, this week’s average room rates for luxury hotels shot up 36% from the same period last year, coinciding with the Grammy winner’s four-day stint, said Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.

Timbers makes its pitch to luxury advisors

April, 2024

Jen Tenzer, an Embark Beyond-affiliated luxury travel advisor and founder of The Soloist, said that Timbers' promise to marry professional, resort-style services with an ultraluxe vacation-rental product is highly appealing.

Embark Takes Tulum and Revels in BE Tulum and Nômade’s Unexpected Delights

March, 2024

Annie’s delight factor came from the famed Tulum atmosphere, style, but mostly the incredible design embodied by the properties of BE Tulum and Nômade. She shares that you truly forget these sister properties are “hotels,” as the owner behind them has well achieved his vision of creating a natural feeling of visiting a friend’s jungle retreat.

Unlocking South Korea: A top choice for remote work and travel

March, 2024

Megan Kline affirms, “South Korea emerges as the ultimate destination for remote professionals, boasting unparalleled convenience, safety, and internet accessibility. It offers a rich tapestry of tradition, history, cuisine, and pop culture. As a luxury travel advisor, I foresee South Korea becoming a top choice for both leisure and business travel among international clientele.”

Will the Boom in Luxury and Wellness Travel Fizzle?

January, 2024

“The lust for luxury is real,” said Jack Ezon, the founder of the high-end travel agency Embark Beyond. But, he added, mindfulness is poised to replace heedless indulgence. “Consumers today are focused on sustainability, investment value and craftsmanship when considering a luxury purchase,” he said.

The biggest travel trends for 2024

December, 2023

For years, athletes and wellness gurus were the big headliners at retreats. But rock stars are, well, the new rock stars of travel. Call it the Swift Effect. Destination concert business is up more than 50 per cent, led mostly by Taylor Swift, says Janel Carnero, a travel advisor at Embark Beyond.

Editor's Letter: Lessons From An Ultra-Luxury Retailer

December, 2023

Ezon’s point of bringing in luxury retailers was to show advisors how they can compete with artificial intelligence through the use of personal touch and extremely high levels of service. As always, it comes down to the human relationships advisors can forge with their clients, that can’t be replaced by a bot.

Insider Video: How Embark Beyond Has Remade the Host Agency Model

November, 2023

Anne Scully, partner of travel advisor development at Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Embark Immersion conference at the NIZUC Resort and Spa in Cancun. Scully, a veteran luxury travel advisor, tells us again why she joined Embark and why she believes it continues to be one of the most innovative hosts in the industry.

How Expert Travel Advisors Prepare for a Long International Flight

October, 2023

I love long flights. I look forward to them. In fact, I would much rather take an eight-hour flight from New York to Rome than a three-hour flight from New York to Miami. It sounds strange, but you get treated so much better.

5 Travel Trends That Will Be Huge in 2024, According to Luxury Travel Advisors

September, 2023

Much like culinary travel is less about white tablecloths and more about cultural connection, wellness journeys are leaving the spa and heading into the wild. For Cassandra Marcella Metzger, founder and travel designer, Premier Wellness Travel, a Virtuoso Agency, it makes perfect sense. “The biggest changes emerging out of the pandemic have been a desire for privacy, nature, and mental health,” she says.

When $1,600 a Night Is a Good Price for a Hotel

August, 2023

According to Jack Ezon, co-founder of travel consultancy Embark Beyond, which caters to ultrahigh-net-worth individuals, hotel prices have continued to trend upward ever since the world reopened from Covid-19 lockdowns and “pent-up demand” became the travel industry’s mantra.

Bequia Beach Hotel Expands Villa Collection and Announces New Offerings for Winter Season

August, 2023

Limor Dector, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Collective, noted that “there is a huge demand for villa products and villas are the room categories getting booked the fastest these days, because everyone wants that exclusivity.”

The Procrastinator’s Guide to a (Truly Great) Last-Minute Summer Vacation

July, 2023

If you’ve seized zilch so far this summer, take heart, said Jack Ezon, founder of New York-based luxury travel planners Embark Beyond. Encouragingly, he reports that the best time to book peak season is either way in advance—like six months—or super close-in, like seven to 30 days.

Is An Expedition Cruise Right For You? Here’s How To Know

July, 2023

Dawn Oliver, a luxury travel advisor with Well Xplored, an affiliate of Embark Beyond, has been telling her clients about her Galapagos adventure on Silversea earlier this year. "I traveled with my husband and our eight-year-old son," she says. "Silversea has an all-Ecuadorian crew, which made the sailing feel very authentic. The food was over the top incredible. We can't say more amazing things about the chef. We loved every part of the experience."

Questex Brought Luxury Travel Advisors and Suppliers Together to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Luxury Travel Advisor's ULTRA Summit

June, 2023

An advisor think tank was convened, which looked at plotting 2023 and beyond with new strategies for a new world. The discussion was moderated by Anne Scully, partner of Embark Beyond, and guest speakers included Jim Strong, president of Strong Travel Services Inc., and Bob Romano, partner at Fugazi Travel Agency, Inc.

A Chef-Driven Food Market, and More Coming to DC This May

May, 2023

Cassandra Marcella Metzger, the genius behind Premier Wellness Travel, is now among the first travel pros in the world endorsed by the Forbes Travel Guide, thanks to her affiliation with EMBARK Beyond. Upcoming featured trips include a meditation retreat in Mexico at the stunning NIZUC Resort (May 4-7) sponsored by The Path.

Editor's Letter: Three “Quiet” Dynamics to Watch For

April, 2023

For expert advice, I turned Embark Beyond’s Trends Report, First Quarter 2023 published by founder and managing partner Jack Ezon.

The report cites the significant trend amongst the wealthy of “more conscious consumption; doing things more for internal fulfillment and drive and less about the external exposure.”

Seven Money-Saving Tips to Beat Travel Inflation This Summer and Beyond

March, 2023

The days of US dollar-to-Euro parity may be over, but there are plenty of destinations where the American currency continues to dominate, a result of steep inflation in those economies. Take Turkey ($1 gets 19 Turkish lira at press time), where tourism dollars are welcome after a devastating series of earthquakes. (It’s worth noting that the devastation was not near major tourism hubs.) South Africa ($1 to 18 South African rand), Argentina ($1 to 200 pesos) and New Zealand ($1 to $1.6 NZ$) are also good choices, says Jack Ezon, founder of boutique travel firm Embark Beyond. 

Top Wildlife Safaris Outside Of Africa

February, 2023

“Going here is sort of the opposite end of the wildlife spectrum from elusive tigers, with multiple daily sightings all but guaranteed. Anne Scully, one of the world’s highest profile luxury travel agents, an advisor with top agency Embark Beyond, told me a few years ago that, “Unlike some other wildlife, if you go to Churchill you are going to see bears, it’s a done deal. You get to go out on the tundra and see them up close, that’s really special. 10 years ago, no one cared about seeing polar bears, but suddenly it’s the next big thing, everyone wants to do it.”…”

Selling Savory Cruise Experiences to Foodie Clients

January, 2023

“…“More and more, culinary has taken center stage on cruises,” says Anne Scully, longtime luxury travel advisor and Partner of Agent Development at EMBARK Beyond. “Most of my cruise clients now know the names of top chefs. They have learned to cook and are really great at it — they have kitchens most chefs would be envious of. I have watched this area of the cruise industry grow year after year.”…” 

A luxury travel trend to keep an eye on in Africa

January, 2023

“Travel centered around art is poised to replace culinary travel as a leading luxury travel trend worldwide, according to Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark Beyond. And although Africa has traditionally not been a major destination for serious art lovers, the continent is fast rising up the ranks.”

Where to Go in 2023

January, 2023

“Dreams about France’s Loire Valley usually conjure fairy-tale châteaux rising elegantly out of manicured gardens and Disney-perfect towns. But the sleepy region, with its rolling hills of green pastures and gently bobbing hot air balloons, is embracing a more modern, sustainability-minded hospitality. Several revolutionary properties have sprouted up in the past two years, including Loire Valley Lodges, with 18 actual treehouses hidden deep in a lush, 750-acre forest…”

Mother-daughter team makes the IC leap

November, 2022

“Ashley Gill, a recent college graduate, was looking for work in May. She wasn't looking specifically in the travel industry, but her mother, Janette Gill, had a friend recently go on a trip planned by an advisor. Ashley, based in Houston, went on Embark Beyond's website. She sent the New York-based agency an email, and the next day she heard from one of its founders, Julie Danziger. She told Ashley that some advisors were looking for help.”

Insider Video: How an Innovative Host Agency Held a Very Different Kind of Conference

November, 2022

“Julie Danzinger, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury host agency’s first Embark Immersion conference ever at Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Instead of a series of supplier presentations, Embark Beyond opted for larger group “think” interactive events addressing the challenges that travel advisors face in selling and marketing travel products to luxury clients.”

Corporate Retreats Return

October, 2022

“Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency, is also a big believer in the virtue of corporate retreats to secure the loyalty of his 200 employees. “It is difficult to find good people and keep them,” he asserts. Three days of workshops, dances, barbecues and a pajama party in the Bahamas was one way to encourage them to stay…”

How to plan your 1st luxury train trip

September, 2022

“The Orient Express going from Venice to Paris is so mystical because you have so many books, so many stories written about that train and that passage that it just pulls you even more to that place,” Ana Checa, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond, told TPG…”

On This New Bond-Inspired Superyacht Charter, Real Special Ops Agents Help You Channel Your Inner 007

September, 2022

“The Fort Lauderdale–based company has partnered with luxury travel agency Embark Beyond to create a customizable, action-packed adventure that will allow you to channel the world’s most famous spy. Wannabe 007s will work with the two companies to tailor every aspect of the journey, which can take place in either the Mediterranean or the Caribbean…”

Why You Need A Travel Agent Now More Than Ever

September, 2022

“I often give detailed local travel tips and advice to family and friends, but this time my advice was succinct and spot on: “You need to use a travel agent.” I referred him to one of my favorites (Anne Scully at Embark Beyond, an industry legend at a top tier agency) and fortunately - as it turned out - he took my advice”

Embark Beyond Heads to Brazil Through Partnership With Teresa Perez Tours

August, 2022

“…“Embark Beyond has identified the Brazilian market as a lucrative location to launch its first international presence,” said managing partner and co-founder Julie Danziger in a press announcement. “We intend to export our unique approach to building strategic luxury travel businesses in an underserviced market” Danziger added, noting the lack of host agency culture in Brazil.”

The Ultimate Guide to Honeymooning in St. Barths

August, 2022

“…“St Barths is the French Riviera in the Caribbean, so for those who either want to plan their honeymoon in winter or spring (when the French Riviera is essentially not open!) or want to skip the long flight to France, St Barths is the ideal choice to get the French flare closer to home and with a Caribbean twist,” Chelsea Martin Luxury Travel Advisor & Honeymoon specialist of EMBARK Beyond says.

Choosing A Luxury Hotel Comes Down To These 5 Things

July, 2022

“Traveling always requires flexibility, and planning for a luxurious holiday is no exception. For example, Colleen O'Keefe, a luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond, shares that Cabo has seen a massive price increase but recommends considering the northeastern coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. "If you would be willing to check out Riviera Maya, you can get a much more luxe hotel for way less."…”

Why some travelers are choosing old favorites over new horizons

June, 2022

“Jack Ezon, founder of the Embark Beyond travel agency, said 72.5 percent of the trips his firm is booking outside of the United States this summer are for clients returning to places they’ve already been. (Pre-pandemic, that number was roughly 45 percent, he said.)”

Yachts, villas, chefs: Rich Americans spending more than ever on vacations

June, 2022

“…“So many of my clients have more than doubled in terms of what they spend, though the amount they’re going to spend is no longer part of the conversation,” said luxury agent Janel Carnero with EMBARK Beyond. “Now it’s, ‘This is what I want, tell me how much I need to spend to get that.’” Another of her clients, a couple who usually book two or three trips a year, might typically have spent $30,000 on a week or so in the Mediterranean…”

Expert Summer Travel Advice For Your Next Vacation

May, 2022

“…"The floodgates have opened," says Valentina O'Kane, owner of Incognito Global Travel, an affiliate of Embark Beyond. "People are rushing to get out there again. The popular tourist destinations are overbooked, with little if any availability. They are going to be overcrowded and overpriced this summer."…“

Treat Them Like Royalty: Customer Experience Lessons From Luxury Brands

April, 2022

“…"Today's luxury explorers crave places with a personality that embraces their surroundings or tells a story," says Jack Ezon, Founder and Managing Partner of Embark Beyond. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, some rank the top luxury hotel in the world, is also the home of the Dubai Turtle Rehab Project, which has released 1,600 sea turtles into the Arabic Sea.”

This could be the biggest spring break for travel in years. Here’s how to prepare for it.

February, 2022

“…“A big mistake that travelers are making is thinking it is a buyer’s market,” says Limor Decter, a travel adviser with Embark Beyond. “Many think they can snag a last-minute deal with great value for spring break. That’s not the case for spring break this year.”…”

'Ultraluxe,' the tip-top of luxury travel, expands as travelers seek exclusivity

February, 2022

“Limor Decter, an advisor with Embark Beyond in New York, was recently accepted into Virtuoso's Ultraluxe Community, a group of advisors and preferred suppliers focused on that sector of travel. "I think that everyone has had time to reprioritize the travel experience," she said.”

Gilded cage: Scores of travelers trapped in luxe resorts with Omicron

January, 2022

“…“Having to quarantine in another country, regardless of if you’re vaccinated with a booster, is something you hear about often now when COVID is everywhere,” said Jack Ezon, the founder of the New York-based luxury travel company Embark Beyond. “There are so many stories out there.” One happens to be about an Embark Beyond travel advisor, Josh Geller, 36, who was on a Caribbean vacation with his extended family over the December holidays.”

The Plane Is Boarding, Where Are Your Test Results?

December, 2021

“Jack Ezon, the founder and managing partner of EMBARK Beyond, a travel advisory that caters to high-net-worth individuals, said that his clients hadn’t experienced delays or disruptions because of the current testing crush. “Our clients will have a concierge doctor come to their home for a P.C.R. or are going to an express lab,” he said. “We’re not running into these issues so much, but our clients are willing to spend four or five times the price just to have the service.”…”

5 Outsized Villa Rentals Worth Planning a Trip Around

November, 2021

“An Adults-Only weekend in Big Sky, Montana. Some parents just need a break from the kids entirely. Travel specialist Embark Beyond can arrange a grown-up regroup at Wildridge Chalet in the Spanish Peaks, meaning you and your friends can hit the slopes of Big Sky Resort or miles of hiking trails and be back in front of a fire with a local IPA in hand only 20 minutes later. Plus, stargazing from the back deck is the perfect bedtime story.”

OFFICE, MEET ADVENTURE

October, 2021

“The flexibility of remote work and learning is also fueling long-term travel bookings for Julie Danziger, a New York-based advisor with Embark Beyond. Early in the pandemic, she saw individuals and families take their laptops on lengthy trips to a single location: a month in Italy, two months in Mexico or three months in California, for example.  Now, as vaccination rates rise and clients feel more comfortable moving about, Danziger is booking shorter, more frequent journeys. “Clients are telling us, ‘I don’t need to stay in one place for three months. I want to move to three different places,’” she said.”

After Years of Delays, Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim Museum Is Set for a 2025 Debut

October, 2021

“The Guggenheim’s opening will further establish Abu Dhabi as a major global cultural capital, according to Jack Ezon, the founder of the luxury travel company Embark Beyond. “Abu Dhabi has deliberately invested in bringing iconic institutions and names to its shores,” he said. “Travelers were already flocking there before COVID to marvel at the art and architecture, and the Guggenheim gives them another reason to plan a trip. It’s definitely a trip that’s worth it.”…”

Travel advisors reassure clients, but will EU guidance have chilling effect?

September, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of New York-based travel agency Embark Beyond, reported that many Europe-bound clients were concerned about the shift in guidance, and Embark was moving quickly in order to assuage their fears.

"Every article out there says, 'it may prohibit [travel],' and clients read this and then they're in a panic," said Ezon. "We need to get out there and say, 'Yes, they moved us to the red list,' but then explain what that means. "And in essence, it's a suggestion."…”

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Need a PCR Test for Your Next Trip? That Could Be $6,000

August, 2021

“Joey Levy, a luxury travel adviser with Embark Beyond, was helping clients plan a long-awaited honeymoon. They wanted to go to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see wild animals and Victoria Falls, staying at some of the region’s best lodges. For that, they were prepared to pay five figures. But then PCR testing costs got in the way. Each country required a negative result 72 hours before entry, and the remote lodge they’d chosen in Zimbabwe said the only way they could arrange for one was to fly in a doctor—for $6,000. “I could have chartered a flight for the doctor and it would have been cheaper,” says Levy, who ultimately rearranged the itinerary to avoid the exorbitant fee. “

The Success Travel Advisor Collaboration Brings

August, 2021

“The absolute best form of collaboration and teamwork comes from my own agency, Embark Beyond. Every morning we have a team lineup, where our agents from around the globe hop on Zoom to talk about everything travel related. We are kept informed about Covid updates and any new changes on the restrictions from countries where our clients are traveling. We share where we’ve been, where we’re going, what to look out for and who to meet along the way. We end each morning with ‘wins and fails’ in which we share a great experience with a client, hotel or supplier, or a mistake that we made so that others can learn from our failures.”

Try These New Insider Experiences When You Go Back To Italy

July, 2021

“The bespoke travel company Embark Beyond also has a special visit to Pompeii involving private access to areas of that ancient city and Herculaneum that are usually closed to the public. But that’s only one of the options in its new Insider Italy portfolio. Gastronomic experiences range from the Massimo Bottura yacht dinner offered in conjunction with Tuscany’s sumptuous hotel Borgo Santo Pietro to another onboard experience of lunch on the Hotel Principe dei Marmi’s yacht in front of the Cinque Terre prepared by Michelin starred chef Valentino Cassanelli…”

Travel was cheap when no one was traveling. That era is over.

July, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, said many of his clients are canceling the domestic vacations they already had on the books and changing their plans to go to Europe instead. He said 28 percent of clients who had booked for June, July and August are canceling and making new reservations for Europe — at a significant savings. And 72 percent of new bookings for the summer are to Europe, he said.”

Why You Should Go To Europe This Summer—And Save Money

June, 2021

“…“So many of our clients are canceling their American plans and shifting to Europe because America is overpriced, oversold and understaffed,” explains Jack Ezon, Founder and Managing Director of upscale travel organizer Embark Beyond. “Many Americans are still afraid of traveling outside the country and it’s creating market compression. People are paying 5-10 times the price of a vacation for a compromised experience…”

Post-Lockdown Summer: Where Hollywood Is Traveling for Vacation

June, 2021

“Europe also is calling as many countries have opened or soon will open their borders to American visitors. “This is the time to experience Europe as authentically as you can without cruise ships, tour buses and wall-to-wall crowds,” says Jack Ezon, founder of bespoke travel company Embark Beyond.”

From an Umbrian Castle to a Piedmont Vineyard: 7 Exciting New Hotels to Visit in Italy This Summer

June, 2021

“As Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel planner Embark Beyond, is explaining to his clients, US citizens can fly direct to Italy only on designated “Covid-free” flights from 10 gateways (including Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York and Los Angeles), and can land only at approved airports (currently Rome and Milan, with Naples and Venice pending approval. Connecting flights through places such as Paris and Amsterdam are also available but come with their own regulations.)”

Everyone is going to want to take a summer vacation in 2021. But are you ready to join them?

May, 2021

“…"While many destinations are delighted to have travelers return, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all hotels and resorts are staffed at normal levels," says Kate Sullivan, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond. "If the occasional service snafu drives you nuts, you might want to wait a bit."…”

Ready To Travel? Go Green And Slow, With Earth Day In Mind

April, 2021

“In response to the pandemic, many operators and travelers are adopting the principles of the Slow Travel movement. Embark Beyond created Embark Longer, devoted to stays of a month or more at roughly 95 resorts worldwide.”

Greece Will Start Welcoming Travelers in May: 10 Luxe Resorts to Stay in When You Get There

April, 2021

“…“Because most clients are or expect to be vaccinated by summer, they are literally begging for our help to ‘restore their sanity’—as one client put it—with an annual pilgrimage to the Mediterranean,” says Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond, adding that 37 percent of client inquiries this month have been for travel to the Mediterranean from June to September. In response, the company has launched the Greek and Ottoman Summer program, which offers guaranteed upgrades and other perks for bookings made before April 22.”

Luxury Hospitality To Come Back 'With a Vengeance'

March, 2021

“Luxury hotels will be “coming back with a vengeance,” according to Jack Ezon, managing partner of Embark Beyond, speaking on a “Reigniting the Luxury Hospitality Industry” virtual panel conducted by The Luxury Institute, a research, training and consulting firm. Ezon, a luxury travel advisor, agreed with hotelier panelists that there will be tremendous pent-up demand for luxury travel coming out of the pandemic, although it will look different as travelers seek wellness, reuniting with family and friends and authentic experiences..”

One&Only Has a New Sibling Resort Brand, and It’s All About Fitness

March, 2021

“…“It’s still on fire,” says Jack Ezon, founder of travel consultancy Embark Beyond, of the wellness travel space. The sector accounted for 68% of the company’s bookings during some of the worst months of Covid, from June to October 2020.”

How to Think About Booking Summer Travel in Europe

March, 2021

“…“We love Italy—it’s our favorite place in the world,” says Jack Ezon, whose U.S.-based travel consultancy Embark Beyond targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals. “But based off what we’re hearing from locals, I’m just not sure they’ll be open to Americans this summer.”… “It doesn’t look pretty for France or Spain, either” Ezon adds. Instead, he is encouraging his clients to book refundable stays at villas and resorts throughout Greece and in Bodrum, Turkey. Just this week, Greece announced plans to allow all vaccinated travelers beginning in May; in Turkey, borders have been open since mid-2020.”

This $11,500 Luxury 7-Night Trip To Anguilla Includes A Private Jet

February, 2021

“The Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt, which encompasses CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt, is offering “Embark to Anguilla,” a private jet package to Anguilla in partnership with luxury travel advisory EMBARK Beyond and BEST JETS INTERNATIONAL private air charter. Travel dates for the package are a departure on March 21, 2021 with a return on March 28, 2021.”

Looking To A Bright Future

February, 2021

“Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond: Our vision is that by May and June, things should start to come back really strong, with a very strong interest in the Mediterranean this summer. Until then, it’s going to be a really bumpy rollercoaster ride, with bookings and cancellations and erratic emotional decisions and feast or famine moments.”

St. Barts Has Closed Its Borders to non-EU Passport Holders. What's Next?

February, 2021

“Meantime, travel specialists are recommending these steps to clients who have already booked: "For anyone traveling within the next 10 days," says Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond, "we are working on rebooking. For anyone traveling after the next 10 days, we are giving them a heads up and encouraging them to wait 48 hours to see what the official ruling might be."…”

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12 Travel Industry Observations That Could Affect Travel Trends In 2021

January, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, observed travel trends and behavior since the pandemic began, looking at real data in several sectors, as well as factors, like length of stay and demographic. Ezon offers 12 travel industry trends professionals can use moving forward into 2021. Take a look at the 12 biggest travel industry observations that could determine bigger travel trends for 2021, according to Jack Ezon.”

Top Wellness Retreats And Experiences To Plan For In 2021

January, 2021

“Wellness was trending before we were hit by the pandemic, so it is no surprise that the notion of well-being and wellness travel is top of mind for travelers in 2021. Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond notes that Covid and its traumatizing effects have “magnified a wellness revolution that was already well established.” Embark Beyond’s wellness affiliate, Well Xplored, recently sold out three yoga retreats to St. Barts in less than two weeks. And, says Ezon, “about 65% of our trips that traveled in the autumn of 2020 had a wellness component or nature component to them.”…

Wellness Retreats And Experiences To Plan For In 2021

January, 2021

“Wellness was trending before we were hit by the pandemic, so it is no surprise that the notion of well-being and wellness travel is top of mind for travelers in 2021. Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond notes that Covid and its traumatizing effects have “magnified a wellness revolution that was already well established.” Embark Beyond’s wellness affiliate, Well Xplored, recently sold out three yoga retreats to St. Barts in less than two weeks. And, says Ezon, “about 65% of our trips that traveled in the autumn of 2020 had a wellness component or nature component to them.”…”

The Best Outdoor Adventures in America

December, 2020

“The outfitter Embark Beyond’s new customizable 14-day itineraries might include a guided three-day, 23-mile trek over Cascade Pass, camping old-school along the way; or a seaplane flight to fjordlike Ross Lake, the park’s crown jewel, for four days of kayaking, camping, and hiking up Desolation Peak (at some serious elevation).”

9 Ways the Pandemic Will Change Travel in 2021

December, 2020

“…“Global nomadism is going to be a huge theme in 2021,” Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency. “People are going to a destination for a month because they can work and play at the same time.”

“Twenty-twenty was definitely the year the world went local,” said Mr. Ezon. “People were forced to explore their own backyards, which was incredibly rewarding. But by May or June, with more vaccines, borders will probably start to open.”…”

Why you need to buy annual travel insurance in 2021

December, 2020

“Are there alternatives to buying annual travel insurance? Yes, there are, says Joey Levy a travel advisor for Embark Beyond. He bought an annual Medjet medical evacuation membership to cover his family in 2021. Medjet fills in some of the gaps left by traditional insurance. It covers some medical evacuations that might result from a COVID-19 infection, for example…”

Dying to Escape the USA? Dual Citizenship May Be Your Way Out

November, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond (Fathom's partner travel agency), has launched a program to help eligible Americans through the dual citizenship application process for many European and a few Caribbean countries. In addition to having a strong understanding of current laws, restrictions, and opportunities, Ezon and his team can help with everything from securing the right certified documents to assisting with genealogy research…”

Your Value Just Went Up

November, 2020

“In a panel discussion produced by Passages of Distinction in October, Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond said he’s got people working on “today” issues and others working on “tomorrow” issues. I love this division of labor and mindset. Ezon and his team have innovated tremendously over the past few months…”

The pandemic vs. Team Today, Team Tomorrow

October, 2020

“Embark Beyond's managing director, Jack Ezon, wondered why clients whose travel he books should have to wait until they arrive at one of those properties to experience that same level of service. He contacted Novotny, made her a partner in his business, and Master Connection now provides monthly training for his staff. Brett Armitage, the chief commercial officer for Kerzner International, parent of One&Only, was conducting a training session for Ezon and discussed "Team Today, Team Tomorrow," a Master Connection concept that seems custom-made for the Covid-19 crisis.”

How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you

October, 2020

“…"Travelers who previously would never consider taking a domestic vacation are enjoying exploring destinations close to home," says Kristiana Choquet, a travel agent with EMBARK Beyond. "People are discovering the beauty and wonders of their own countries."…”

Travel+Leisure

A-List 2020

October, 2020

“Ezon is one of the most creative, innovative, and connected power-brokers in the travel industry with top general managers, guides, and influencers on speed dial. His relationships help him deliver the undeliverable for his black book of clients that includes A-list celebrities, royal families, and a who’s-who on the Forbes 400 list.”

African Suppliers Get Kudos for Keeping in Touch During Covid

September, 2020

“For Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark Beyond, Singita's Luke Bailes and Royal Malewane's Matt Biden and Simon Many were exceptional. "Both were especially active when we had the water crisis in banding everyone together to get consistent information to media. What they are doing now to support ongoing conservation under Covid is amazing," he said…”

Luxury hotels become home for some rich folks looking for a COVID haven

September, 2020

“…“Hotels are being really transparent with their rigid safety procedures, because they can’t afford to mess up,” says Julie Danziger, managing partner of travel advisory Embark Beyond, as the trust factor offered by a luxury property fast becomes as much of a draw as the destinations. “People now want the protection, comfort, and convenience of a hotel, instead of a standalone home,” she said. “And after the stress of the last six months, who isn’t ready to move in and be pampered by a hotel?”…”

Why new hotels are opening amid the pandemic

September, 2020

“…”The next several months are a busy time for hotel openings,’ says Leo Sorcher, an affiliate of Embark Beyond.”They show a light at the end of this long tunnel”…”

Private travel takes off

August, 2020

“And Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, said about 80% of his clients traveling right now are flying private. And Ezon has been promoting private summer camps where families can take over a section of resorts like Paws Up in Montana and retain a private activities counselor to keep the kids busy…”

The 20 Websites You Can't Plan Your Wedding Without

July, 2020

If you're looking to plan a destination wedding with a complex itinerary, Embark Beyond specializes in group event travel and experiences. While your planner will want to take the lead for ideas and top-level organization, Embark Beyond can score you some of the best deals on the market and curate unique experiences for you and your guests. Currently, the Embark Beyond team is focused on offering canceled honeymoon solutions via a newly introduced Minimoon Collection for couples whose weddings and honeymoons were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fall 2024 Travel Trends to Watch

October, 2024

Luxury travel agency Embark Beyond has released its Q3 report, and the data shows that travel booking windows are shrinking. Embark Beyond reports that the booking window for long-haul flights (10 hours or longer) shrunk from 129 days to 57 days; the booking window for medium-haul flights (between 5-10 hours) shrunk from 84 days to 47 days; and the booking window for short flights (under 5 hours) shrunk from 38 days to 17 days. 

The Rise of the $1,000-a-Night Hotel Room

August, 2024

“It seems like everyone is on that $1,000-plus bandwagon,” says Jason Squatriglia, a luxury-travel concierge with Embark Beyond, a Virtuoso agency in New York.

Tapping into the power of influencers

August, 2024

When Texans Diedra Pyle and Lindsay Messina started their agency a few years ago, one of their goals -- their "North Star," as Pyle described it -- was to work with influencers.

Selling Up: Moving Alaska Clients to Expedition Cruises

July, 2024

That was just one interesting takeaway from one of my favorite trips so far this season, an Embark Beyond fam trip to Alaska on the new Silversea Nova that had a unique angle: Onboard were five top-selling luxury travel advisors who had never sold a cruise—or even sailed on one.

The voice from embark beyond

July, 2024

"You need new ways to reach people, and we don't want to leave that to other people," said Fitzsimmons, a veteran in the travel media space. "We want to own that."

Fitzsimmons joins Embark with nearly 20 years of industry experience, including roles with Afar, National Geographic Travel, Virtuoso and Indagare. 

You Can Now Live at the Most Secluded Hotel in the U.S.

June, 2024

In southern Utah, near Arizona’s border, are 900 acres of private land within a series of undulating valleys out of which crop otherworldly rock formations. The light is dramatic. The silence is powerful. 

“You may as well be on a deserted island,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond. 

How to See Kenya Like a Pro

June, 2024

“Demand for Kenya is up 37 percent since 2019,” says Jack Ezon, a travel advisor and cofounder of Embark Beyond. One reason the country has become a go-to? An increased number of flights on Kenya Airways, which is part of SkyTeam. Other carriers that offer good one-stop connectivity from the U.S. are Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

June 20th at 1pm Eastern: Matching Luxury Clients with Perfect Vacations

June, 2024

TMR is happy to welcome Embark Beyond’s Marguerite Scully back to MasterAdvisor to share her insights on matching luxury clients with their perfect getaway. Don’t miss this live and free Zoom interview on June 20 at 1:00 PM EST, presented by Explora Journeys.

Taylor Swift may attract more U.S. luxury travelers to Paris for Eras Tour than Olympics

May, 2024

Although there is still time to arrange trips for the Olympics, held from July 26–Aug. 11, Ezon said his company has booked more than 200 Parisian vacations for Swifties. The average stay is three nights, and a third of the reservations are for mothers and daughters.

Taylor Swift Draws Five Times as Many US Luxury Travelers as the Olympics

May, 2024

“I never would have anticipated it,” says Embark co-founder Jack Ezon. “Look at what Taylor did to the Super Bowl. She’s even overshadowing the Olympics.”

Ask Skift: What Are Major Trends in Luxury Travel?

March, 2024

Regardless of how much people are shelling out for their trips, a large number of them are looking to travel with family and close friends. A survey by luxury travel advisors at Embark Beyond found that 61% of Americans are interested in traveling with extended families or a small group of friends in 2024.

What a Trip to Morocco After a Devastating Earthquake Taught Me About Visiting a Destination in Recovery

March, 2024

“We speak to clients all the time about destinations in recovery,” says Ezon of Embark Beyond. Over the years, he has sent clients to storm-impacted destinations such as Puerto Rico, Los Cabos, and Turks & Caicos — and is now sending people to Maui, which is slowly getting back on its feet after the fire. He shared with me how key it was to set expectations with his travelers.

The Era of 'Returns' Is Over in the Hospitality Industry

February, 2024

It has been well established that travelers seek purpose in their travels. According to Embark Beyond, a whopping 61% of Americans are seeking to travel with extended family or small friend groups this year.

Insider View: Embark Beyond's Hot Destinations for 2024

January, 2024

It’s hard to believe that 2023 was the first year that the world was fully opened since COVID. As recently opened destinations gain traction and “revenge” travel settles down, supply and demand are nearing a normal equilibrium. This is great for the consumer who has suffered tremendously from surge pricing and over-tourism in destinations whose infrastructure just simply could not support the demand.

This Could Be One Of The Biggest Travel Trends Of 2024

December, 2023

Private group travel may be one of the biggest travel trends of 2024. A recent survey by luxury travel advisors at Embark Beyond found that 61% of Americans are interested in traveling with extended families or a small group of friends next year.

Your Travel Destination Has Suffered a Disaster. Should You Still Go?

December, 2023

There is also the ethical quandary of sitting on a beach enjoying yourself while locals rebuild their lives. But Jack Ezon, founder of the travel agency Embark Beyond, told me that the period following a calamitous event is often when local communities need tourism dollars most.

Insider Video: How Embark Beyond Has Evolved as Luxury Host Agency

November, 2023

Julie Danziger, co-founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the Embark Immersion conference at the NIZUC Resort and Spa in Cancun about how her host agency has grown in just four years. She also details how the second Immersion event differs from other host agency conferences. Embark represents a new wave of luxury host agencies making a major impact on the market.

The biggest mistake you can make when going on a cruise happens before embarkation

October, 2023

"The last thing you need is to miss the cruise and then have to get to the next port," said Limor Decter, a luxury travel adviser with EMBARK Beyond. "No one needs that kind of drama."

Where to Find Germany’s Most Beautiful Castles, Old Towns, and Natural Wonders

September, 2023

Travelers visiting Germany between April and June can catch the country’s beloved Spargelzeit, or white asparagus season, “which Germans take very seriously,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Jennifer Rubinstein, who grew up in Frankfurt.

Inside The Challenges Of The Post-Covid Travel Industry’s Soaring Demand

August, 2023

Jack Ezon, CEO of EmbarkBeyond, says he recently launched Embark Together for small groups of family and friends. The programming includes sending a coordinator along with the customers to organize activities and ensure no letdowns.

Eye on Travel — Carlton Cannes

August, 2023

Jack Ezon, Founder of Embark Beyond, on his love affair with the Carlton, and his report on the current American invasion of Europe and when he thinks airfare prices may finally come down.

Secret villas inside hotels are the ultimate in quiet luxury

July, 2023

According to Jack Ezon, founder of the boutique travel firm Embark Beyond, these rumoured accommodations carry a cachet equivalent to the unlisted phone numbers of the 1990s. They’re even more tempting than hard-to-get dinner reservations or clubs you can’t get into, given that these hideaways are virtually unknown.

Everything you need to know about chartering a yacht

July, 2023

The good news is that this is a great time to get on board. More yachts are available to charter than at the height of the Covid- 19 pandemic, when owners took their boats off the rental market in order to use them with their social bubbles. And while demand remains high for first-timers-Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury agency Embark Beyond, says yacht charters are up 28.3% in 2022, over 2018, among his hotel-loving clientele — the market is plateauing overall.

Travel expert shares what to do, where to go to make the most of your summer

June, 2023

Jack Ezon — the founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, a lifestyle partnership specializing in bespoke travel experiences — gave The Post some travel tips and insights on what to do and where to go at the festival, and beyond this summer. 

Go to Dubai. Then Topeka. Why? Because Astrology Said So.

May, 2023

“Astrology is a strategic way to find the most meaningful dates to do anything,” said Cherie Rose Martin, a travel expert affiliated with New York City travel agency Embark Beyond, who has used it in her work since 2018. “It brings a whole new meaning to the idea of ‘intentional’ travel.’ ”

MasterAdvisor 69: How Personalization Keeps Luxury Clients Coming Back

April, 2023

Embark Beyond’s Marguerite Scully joined TMR for MasterAdvisor Episode 69 to talk about her philosophy when it comes to personalizing a client's vacation and relationship. In the interview, Scully talks about "pillow-to-pillow" moments, emotional intelligence, and more.

Tour Operator FAMs: Going Beyond Familiarization

March, 2023

“Advisors universally say they take fams so they can sell a product better, but they also stress that it helps them develop valuable contacts – with the host – as well as with hotels, attractions, etc. to help them gain VIP treatment for clients. Fams also provide content for social media marketing. Cali Stein, an advisor with Embark Beyond, said that meeting suppliers firsthand helps when asking for upgrades and special amenities. In addition, said Stein, she takes fams because when she posts on social media, that content becomes a lead generator.”

Superyachts and diamonds in clams: How the ultrarich travel for love

February, 2023

“With a limitless budget and a week to plan, Hillel Spinner, luxury travel adviser at Embark Beyond, was tasked with finding a “unique and romantic” destination for an ultra-high-net-worth client to elope. They decided on Tanzania, renting out several One Nature Nyaruswiga luxury safari lodges in the heart of the Serengeti for the couple and their two young kids.”

Travel Advisors and Multi-Brand Hotels: Opportunities Go Beyond Luxury

February, 2023

“Cali Stein, an advisor with Embark Beyond, said she does a lot of business with the luxury brands of the multi-brand operators and is a preferred partner with Marriott STARS and Luminous, advisor programs that offer exclusive benefits for clients booking luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and upscale brands like W Hotels. On occasion, said Stein, she will sell non-luxury hotels but that is typically when a client needs an overnight stay at an airport.”

What Is It Like to Travel to Saudi Arabia?

January, 2023

“…“I did love seeing the cities, with people out and about, and learning about the country’s technological advances, but my favorite was definitely AlUla,” said Cali Stein of Embark Beyond. “The dramatic landscapes paired with new luxury hotels make this a destination that will draw a mix of adventure- and wellness-seekers alike. I know my clients will love it.”…”

Can artificial intelligence VIP a client?

January, 2023

“Artificial intelligence and machine learning will get better and may even be able to generate a detailed, up-to-date itinerary that truly matches travelers' desires. But there is one thing they will never be able to do, something that was perfectly summed up by Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch when he introduced Anne Scully of Embark Beyond before she received her Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award last month…”

Why Destination Weddings Are Becoming Full-On Group Vacations — And What Guests Should Know Before They Go

November, 2022

“Jack Ezon has planned some wild weddings during his 22 years in the travel business. The founder of Embark Beyond and a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board, Ezon has arranged seven-figure celebrations around the world. Take the event in Puglia, Italy, where he set up a fireworks show to keep the paparazzi from photographing guests from the air. Or the time he chartered a Boeing 737 to fly floral arrangements from Holland to a wedding in Anguilla.”

Embark Beyond founders reflect on their journey

November, 2022

“When Jack Ezon, Julie Danziger and Eli Ashear founded Embark Beyond (No. 36 on Travel Weekly's 2022 Power List) in New York in March 2019, they didn't envision Embark becoming a host agency.  Reflecting on the company's history during an event at the Baha Mar resort, Danziger said that one of Embark's initial business plans from a few years back assumed having 20 to 25 independent contractors…” 

Insider Video: How Host Agency Embark Beyond Kept Innovating During Its First Conference

November, 2022

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his innovative, Virtuoso-affiliated host travel agency survived and evolved during the pandemic and why its first conference, Embark Immersion, at Baha Mar in the Bahamas earlier this month was so very different from other agency events.’

The Cost of a Yachting Vacation

September, 2022

“Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager for the Moorings and Sunsail, two private charter companies, told Travel Weekly that as of January, they were trading nearly 40% ahead of 2019 pre-pandemic numbers. Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, told Travel Weekly that its yacht business soared 235% in 2022 versus 2019…”

Falling for Germany's Hamptons

September, 2022

“Jack Ezon, founder of EMBARK Beyond travel agency in New York City, says that for the first time in his 22-year career, his company’s September bookings to Europe have surpassed those of August. “Travel to Europe in September and October is up 34% over 2019 and 37% over 2018,” Ezon told OZY…”

10 mistakes to avoid when booking your cruise

September, 2022

“…“It may be that one category above what you’ve booked is only $25 more a day per person — and it offers more space and other perks,” says Anne Scully, partner at Embark Beyond, a New York-based luxury travel agency. “You need to know the benefits of other categories of staterooms and where the value is.” If you’re a large family, don’t assume you want to squeeze everyone in one cabin if you haven’t priced out booking…”

CHECK OUT ALL THE WINNERS FROM VIRTUOSO’S TRAVEL WEEK GALA!

August, 2022

Virtuoso travel advisors voted on preferred partners in each category, while preferred partners voted on advisors.

Celebrating Culture:

Member winner: EMBARK Beyond

Episode 425 JACK EZON: Navigating Today’s Travel Market

August, 2022

“Jack Ezon, C.E.O. and managing partner of EMBARK Beyond, returns to the podcast to talk with Andy about where he is today in the travel industry. Embark Beyond is a luxury lifestyle partnership that specializes in bespoke travel experiences. They have the ability to access royal palaces, private homes, luxury yachts, global landmarks, and more, and they negotiate hotel, air, and other components related to travel. EMBARK Beyond ultimately acts as a full concierge service to develop the perfect itinerary in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

What Is a Destination Wedding? Experts Say This Is the New Definition

July, 2022

“The numbers prove it, too. According to EMBARK Beyond founder Jack Ezon, destination weddings are up 250 percent from 2019. Luxury travel advisor Laura Worth predicts the surge will only continue. "It goes without saying that people have felt cooped up for the last two years, and they either want destination because it is exotic and an excuse to travel, or because they did small or local or backyard weddings and want to 'make up for it,'" she says. "'Revenge travel' is what I have been jokingly calling the surge in leisure bookings—and this most definitely applies to events and weddings."…”

The Ultimate Guide To Traveling To Europe This Summer

June, 2022

“Most testing requirements have been dropped this summer, including those for returning to the States. But I've heard from many travelers who got sick in Europe and had to extend their trip. "Although you no longer need a negative Covid test to return to the U.S., I believe it has given many a false sense of ease when traveling to Europe," says Jenna Swan, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond.”

High demand plus staff shortage equals stress for hotel spas

June, 2022

“…"Gone are the days of reserving spa treatments a week or two prior to arrival as an afterthought," said Limor Decter, a luxury travel advisor with New York-based Embark Beyond. Now, Decter frequently reaches out to spa directors to gauge treatment availability ahead of finalizing a client's booking.”

Why young people are using old school travel agents to plan their vacations

May, 2022

“Detroit-based Brian Maiorana, 43, a restaurant owner, and his fiancée Jennifer Bahamonde, 43, also in the restaurant business, used Dawn Oliver of Embark Beyond in New York to book their honeymoon to Paris and Saint-Tropez this June. “The convenience of using an advisor and the hours and hours of time I saved is priceless,” he said.”

7 Not-so-typical Family Vacations — and How to Pull Them Off

April, 2022

“Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond is looking to Marrakesh, where families can wander a maze of souks, meet up-and-coming local fashion designers, and create their own Moroccan tiles. "There are few places as colorful and engaging," he says. That's particularly true during his pulse-pounding Amazing Race–style tour, which has teens hopping over rooftops, exploring ancient palaces, and racing through the streets in the sidecar of a guide-driven motorcycle.”

Need a coronavirus test before your trip? Don’t panic.

March, 2022

“A comprehensive travel insurance policy can also increase your peace of mind, says Jennifer Rubinstein, a travel adviser with Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency. “Especially these days, circumstances can change in an instant, forcing travelers to change their travel plans. While some hotels have been flexible about changing dates, this is not always the case.”…”

Just Back: Legendary Tanzania

February, 2022

“…”After a two-week trip discovering and learning about Tanzania with so many experiences cleansing my soul, the hot-air balloon ride at sunrise was an unforgettable memory I cherish. We soared over the vast Serengeti plains and embarked on an aerial safari watching wildlife beneath.” - Limor Decter an affiliate of EMBARK Beyond.”

Using a travel agent will make your 2022 vacations much more enjoyable. Here's why.

January, 2022

“…"Brie really went above and beyond," says West, a jeweler from Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. Welcome to the future of travel advisers. Yes, they can read your mind – or at least they'll try. "Our clients are always impressed just how close friends we are with so many of the hoteliers and tour operators worldwide that we work with," says Shelly, who works for an agency aptly named Embark Beyond. "It's those connections and destination knowledge that allow us to elevate client itineraries."…)

Reunited and It Feels So Good: Family Reunion Travel Surges

December, 2021

“Limor Decter, a luxury travel/lifestyle advisor with Embark Beyond, concurs. “Families are craving time to connect and unite together after the pandemic,” says Decter. “Families want to spend quality time bonding together to relish old memories and create new memories.”..”

Why Thanksgiving Is the Best Time to Travel Internationally

November, 2021

“…“I’ve never seen so much demand for Europe over Thanksgiving,” Ezon echoes, adding that his company, Embark Beyond, has seen a 43% increase in international trips over the holiday this year, compared to 2019. A surprisingly small number of people care about replicating their culinary traditions on the road, he adds—maybe 50%, at most—which is a good thing, because whole turkeys aren’t easy to find anywhere other than U.S. grocery stores in late November. “These trips are largely last-minute,” he explains.”

Travelers are flocking to agencies. Now they need 'client training'

October, 2021

“Consumers are being directed to advisors through "print, TV or social media," said Limor Decter, a luxury travel and lifestyle advisor and writer at New York-based travel agency Embark Beyond. "We've gotten a lot of new leads, and while it's been wonderful to cultivate new relationships," clients who are new to working with a travel advisor "do tend to need a bit more hand-holding."…”

Editor's Letter: Kindness, Grace, Respect

September, 2021

“The standout comment she made was a quote from a session she attended with Anne Scully of Embark Beyond. “[Anne] said...that I should always treat my partners with kindness, grace and respect,” says Lukovic. This is truer now more than ever. Suppliers are going through their own trying times, with labor shortages and world events forcing them to alter programs. Empathy goes a long way.”

Advisors scramble to make sense of EU recommendation

September, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of New York-based travel agency Embark Beyond, reported that Italy's sudden protocol change has served as something of a bellwether for clients, resulting in many opting to push their European travel timelines forward. “I would say that of everyone we've had traveling [to the EU] in the next 10 days, around 40% of them have moved that trip to go even sooner, because they want to get in before the doors close," Ezon said.”

Embark Beyond launching Brazil operations

August, 2021

“It is Embark Beyond's first international foray. "The Perez family are the royalty of luxury travel in Brazil and dream partners with an aligned vision, ambition and values," said Embark Beyond managing partner Jack Ezon.

Tomas Perez, president of Teresa Perez Tours said that he "was blown away" by Embark Beyond's blend of marketing, training and technology. "There is nothing like this in Brazil," he said.”

These Buzzy New Hotels Are the Reason to Head to Boston

August, 2021

“On the hotel front, Boston has always had a lineup of properties to pick from, but Cali Hersh, an advisor with the luxury travel company Embark Beyond, says that they’ve been typically more traditional than trendy. Now, no more.

“The city has a bunch of new or refurbished properties with a young and energetic vibe,” says Hersh, who recently visited Boston and stayed at several of these hotels. “They’re fresh and fun and get you excited about visiting a place where there is so much to see and do.”…”

Didn't travel at all during COVID? How to make up for lost time and lost opportunities

July, 2021

“Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond, says you have to prioritize your makeup vacation. Which missed trip was the most important? "The most wonderful thing I have noticed is that large families are traveling because they haven't seen each other for so long," she says. "Ranches and national parks are all heavily booked, and mountain destinations are also very popular."…”

Wellness’ pandemic challenge: Grieving guests

July, 2021

“Anne Scully, partner of agent development at Embark Beyond, reports that she’s certainly seen a shift in the type of support clients are seeking as they emerge from the depths of the pandemic. “One thing that happened because of Covid is that when [people] had loved ones die, no one had funerals,” said Scully. “Funerals are a way to say goodbye and have some closure, and a lot of people haven’t had that closure. I attended some virtual funerals, but it’s not the same. There’s a lot of grief still out there.”…”

Cruising is back—here’s what to expect, from ‘vaccinated only’ zones to a revamped buffet

June, 2021

“Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond, she’s seeing waitlists for popular cruises and demand extending into 2022 and 2023. “Things are pretty tight right now,” she says.

An Insider on the Road: Travels in the Time of Corona-Back to Milano Again

June, 2021

“All 300 of us, as well as the 300 each on COVID-Free flights on Delta and America, arrive almost simultaneously in the morning in Milan, where we must take a rapid COVID test on landing. Thanks to a recommendation by Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond’s wizard of travel plutocracy, I have pre-arranged VIP “Royal” arrival service.”

12 wedding gifts for avid travelers

June, 2021

“After pivoting to backyard honeymoons in kiddie pools and staycations owing to the pandemic, couples are now looking to book that trip of a lifetime to celebrate their nuptials. As borders reopen, travel inquiries have exploded, with increased demand for romantic destinations like Greece, Turkey, Italy, and France, according to Embark Beyond. And it’s only expected to continue.”

How to Sail the Greek Islands in the Sybaritic Summer of 2021

May, 2021

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury agency Embark Beyond, says his clients have been especially interested in sailing trips. The itineraries are glamorous and—suiting the moment—crowd-free. After the country’s reopening announcement in April, he booked $6 million in yacht charters in just 10 days. “Almost 28% of our summer business is heading to Greece,” he says. He expects this year to be the one in which Greece “gets its close-up.”…”

A Luxury Traveler’s Guide To Navigating The New Normal

June, 2021

“Jack Ezon, the managing partner of New York-based EmbarkBeyond, predicts next year will be similar. Speaking from Mykonos, where he is planning a celebration trip for 50 clients next month, he expects demand to outstrip supply for at least the next 18 months. “2022 will have three or four years of groups piled together, from 2020, 2021 and next year – weddings, family events – all the people who earned incentive trips in 2019 and last year. It’s hard to find group space in 2022.”…”

Europe’s Most Popular Hotels, According to Experts

May, 2021

“…Hotel de la Ville in Rome, Sir Rocco Forte’s 18th-century palazzo, has the best bones of any hotel in Rome. The refurbishment is so beautifully done with incredible attention to detail, especially the sumptuous fabrics. The outdoor terraces and balconies have so much extended space, with a sea of candy-striped umbrellas. It has an extraordinary location as it sits on top of the Spanish Steps—an easy walk to see all the sights of Rome. I love their restaurants and the rooftop terrace for cocktails. The service was top-notch—it is a hotel I will return to, and recommend, often.” —Anne Scully, Embark Beyond

Sell the places clients can visit

April, 2021

“That was the theory behind New York-based Embark Beyond's "100 Places" initiative, curated by Anne Scully, Embark's partner of advisor development.

"Here's what I realized, especially with new advisors," Scully said. "I think Covid kind of put cobwebs in everybody's brains. They go so nervous that everything was shut down, they weren't looking to what wasn't shut down and what was open and doing really well. I do think it's really important that we know what we can offer a client."…”

The New Travel Lexicon: What is a Vaxication?

April, 2021

“…“Vaxication planning started popping up by the end of January and by mid-February, 71% of all long-haul bookings for travel beyond a three-month window were made by clients who received—or had an appointment for—their first vaccine shot,” says Deborah Gellis, a travel advisor at luxury trips specialist Embark Beyond. By March, the company was seeing a 225% increase in bookings as compared to the same month two years ago.”

Air travel over prolonged spring break could lead to outbreaks

March, 2021

“Meanwhile, non-spring break travelers are gearing up to fly and making plans for the summer. Now that Americans have had a year to discover locations domestically, they are clamoring for international travel, according to luxury travel expert Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond.”

Rethinking Private Travel

March, 2021

“…“We have the relationships and knowledge to make the trip special for our clients,” says Ilana Silverman, a travel advisor at New York–based agency Embark Beyond. A skilled travel fixer can help book coveted corner rooms or help figure out how to convert function rooms into a family lounge; they can even work with hotels to keep part of the property all to yourselves.”

Newly vaccinated seniors leading surge in travel plans

February, 2021

“One-third said they have at least one trip planned this year, and most trips are planned between April and September. Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, told The Points Guy about half of his clients who’ve booked summer trips have Covid-19 antibodies or have been vaccinated, while the other half are assuming they’ll be vaccinated by summer.”

2021 Will Be the Year of Micro-Weddings & Elopements

February, 2021

“For the team at global travel agency Embark Beyond, elopements used to be a once-a-year occurrence. Now? They were in the midst of planning four over one week earlier this month. "We started seeing them gain popularity in June," says Hannah Cregg, Embark's director of events.”

15 Biggest Travel Issues To Expect In 2021

February, 2021

Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, observed travel trends, issues and behavior since the pandemic began, looking at real data in several sectors, as well as factors, like length of stay and demographic. Ezon offers 15 biggest issues travel industry professionals and travelers alike can expect in 2021—and how to successfully move forward.

How to find a travel adviser amid the pandemic

January, 2021

“A lot of people are like Ayres, according to travel agencies. Embark Beyond, a New York travel agency, reports that its client base grew by almost 450 percent in 2020. Roughly half of the new clients were responding to the agency’s marketing initiatives, managing partner Jack Ezon says. Ezon says the other half were “referrals coming to us in search of a guardian.”…”

Zero-Risk Booking? How Advisors Are Leveraging Suppliers’ Flexible Policies

January, 2021

“…“Generous booking and cancellation policies are the lifeblood right now. It’s everything we need during this pandemic,” said longtime travel advisor Anne Scully, partner of agent development at Embark Beyond, a high-end agency in New York City. “There’s no question that relaxed cancellation policies close the sale. Without them, most clients would not make advance reservations.”…”

Jet Linx Announces 14 New Lifestyle And Hotel Partners

January, 2021

“Private jet management and jet card membership company Jet Linx announced it has welcomed three new partners to its “Elevated Lifestyle” client benefits program and further expanded its Elevated Lifestyle Preferred Hotel program. Joining the expansive portfolio of partners is Clark International, Embark Beyond and LimoLink, in addition to 11 new luxury hotels and resorts from around the world.”

Embark will help clients get a second passport

December, 2020

“…”We help facilitate dual citizenship by descent which can even [lightly] link to a European country dating back 600 years ago," Embark founder and managing partner Jack Ezon wrote in an email introducing the service. Clients have been frustrated by the lack of their ability to travel during the pandemic, Ezon said, and they've asked for more options to broaden their travel options. Pre-launch, the New York-based agency already had a waitlist of almost 100 people wanting to use the service…”

Insider People: Who’s Moving in Travel Advisors, Hotels and Cruising

December, 2020

“TRAVEL ADVISORS: Embark Beyond has named Anne Scully as partner of agent development, bringing with her 40 years of experience and one of the industry’s strongest reputations. During her career, Scully was named chairman of the Virtuoso Travel Academy and holds training sessions each year at Virtuoso Travel Week…”

Anne Scully Joins Embark Beyond As Partner Of Agent Development

December, 2020

“…“Anne is a true icon in the luxury travel business and has been a mentor of mine for many years,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, in a press announcement. “Embark is built on three pillars—marketing, technology and training—and so it was a no-brainer when Anne Scully agreed to join our team. Her skill in cultivating talent aligns perfectly with our commitment to training.”…”

Travel Agent's 13th Annual 30Under30

November, 2020

“Five years ago, a passion for the vacation planning process spurred Leo Sorcher to become a travel advisor — first with Ovation Travel and then with Embark Beyond, New York, NY. Creative, organized and detailed, “I thought these traits, combined with my curiosity of the world, would serve me well as a travel advisor,” Sorcher says….”

The Gated Family in the Age of Coronavirus

November, 2020

“…“There are challenges with stand-alone villas and summer homes that hotels can easily solve,” explains Julie Danziger, a managing partner of EMBARK Beyond, a luxury travel planning service based in New York City. After sending her clients on lavish summer getaways, they all came back in the fall wanting more…”

How To Move Forward Into 2021

November, 2020

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond: Every crisis brings its opportunity. Seize it, go with it, dive into the wave. It’s not easy, but what’s easy that’s worth it? Just own it, have the grit. It’s a long journey. You need to have tenacity to get through it…”

From Aspen to Cabo, Resorts Lure Families With Learning-Focused Programs

October, 2020

“…"Many of our clients are seizing this opportunity to explore a new destination, and these customized hotel offerings, including personalized instruction coupled with adventure programming, are designed to revitalize everyone in the family," says Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.”

Luxury hotels embrace daycation, wellness trends to entice travelers

October, 2020

“Miraval Berkshires and River House at Odette’s are the luxury retreats to partner with travel agency EMBARK Beyond to create luxury getaways that meet the new demand for single-day vacations. For those who might be hesitant to spend the night in a hotel or resort due to safety precautions, these day trip packages focus on wellness and meaningful experience. "We believe this is a great solution for people who want a change of atmosphere, but either cannot or do not want to drive five hours nor can afford a $40,000 private jet vacation," said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of EMBARK Beyond, New York.”

Expert Tips For Navigating Travel Quarantines And Travel Bans

October, 2020

“Eli Ashear, the managing partner at EMBARK Beyond, recalls helping a client get to Italy this summer. "We spent weeks gathering documentation, contracts, requests for appointments from leading local businesses and hotels, and getting a letter from the mayor of an Italian town to support how important this trip was," says Ashear. The client made it to Italy, of course.”

Faena Art Artist In Residence Program Launches Children’s Courses

September, 2020

“The virtual art courses are in partnership with Embark Beyond, the bespoke luxury travel agency, a new venture that offers the most sought-after amenities through curated camp programs for families at home. Packages can be purchased by families for up to three art students…”

The Latest Trend in High-End Travel? The Takeover.

September, 2020

“So is Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming. “We just booked its 12-bedroom Magee Homestead for a family of six,” says Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond. “It’s a property that sleeps 24! On 30,000 empty acres. And seven nights ended up as two weeks, when in-school attendance was canceled.”…”

Has Coronavirus Finally Put an End to the Short American Vacation?

September, 2020

“The high-end travel agency Embark Beyond has launched its “Embark Longer” program specifically to meet the demand. They have partnered with about 75 properties worldwide… “We just booked a couple into one of the villas at Eden Rock St. Barths for two months,” says founder Jack Ezon. “They had one criterium: a lap pool overlooking the sea. The feeling is, there is no reason to be at home—so why not go?”…”

Embark Beyond offers the world for home-schooling

August, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder of Embark, said many schools in the U.S. have opted to cancel their traditional extracurriculars, like sports, clubs and activities, due to Covid-19. "We decided it would be a perfect time to bring the world to the home, while also introducing kids to new passions from a global perspective," Ezon said.”

Robb Recommends: A Private Summer Camp That Keeps Your Kids (and You) in the Bubble

July, 2020

Camp Embark, from the namesake luxury-travel specialist, is the first customized, private summer camp. Clients can pick from an assortment of private homes or premium hotels—the Resort at Paws Up in Montana, say, or Utah’s Amangiri—at which point Embark will organize a counselor (tested and pre-quarantined, of course) to live with the family and provide hands-on daily activities for the kids.

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A Perfect Summer Day Around the World

July, 2020

“Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has partnered with Embark Beyond offering private luxury camp experiences for families with children. Located on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast with 1,400 acres of lush jungle and pristine beachfront along with biking trails, Dorado Beach makes for an idyllic summer playground.”

Ritz-Carlton Just Launched A Puerto Rico Summer Camp for Kids That Will Make Their Parents Jealous

July, 2020

“Described as "an exciting alternative to traditional summer activities," the cost for the private camp experience, a collaboration between the hotel and travel agency Embark Beyond, ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 per week, according to the hotel. It’s available for families who are staying in one of the hotel’s residences, which come complete with a full kitchen and beach access — and in many cases even boast private plunge pools…”

You Can Rent Out These Private Camps for the Entire Family

July, 2020

“It's called Camp Embark and it's the brainchild of Jack Ezon, founder and CEO of the travel agency Embark Beyond. A way for parents with means to keep their kids stimulated and safe in this era of continuing social distancing. The camp is organized for either you and your family, or, if you prefer (and it is more fun) for two or three families who know each other, have been socially distancing and thus know one another to be "safe," and whose children are friends…”

Increased Role for Travel Advisors Major Takeaway From New Travel Conference

June, 2020

“Jack Ezon, a co-founder of the conference and founder of Embark Beyond, a travel advisory, said that with the coming of the pandemic, “we have now become risk navigators and that is something that travelers will increasingly be seeking.”…”

Amid Covid-19, A Luxury Travel Agency Is Reinventing Your Kids’ Summer Camp

June, 2020

“For the resort venues, Jack Ezon says Embark takes advantage of amenities and activities unique to that location, be it hiking, river rafting or typical summer camp activities. Working with his network of contacts, Embark then customizes the programming to the interests of your kids. That could mean anything from procuring a world renown ballerina to hold twice weekly dance lessons to having a former NFL quarterback help your future stars tighten up their spirals…”

Embark Beyond a $175M agency after merger with Brickell

June, 2020

“According to Ezon, 2019 sales totaled $45 million in events and celebrations, $35 million in leisure FIT trips, $65 million to $70 million in corporate travel and $30 million in entertainment. With $175 million to $180 million in total sales, Embark Beyond would rank around No. 50 on Travel Weekly’s Power List…”

Private jets, chefs and covid-19 tests: This luxury ‘summer camp’ wants to take the kids off your hands

June, 2020

“What will happen to summer camp? Julie Danziger, a managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, has three kids; Jack Ezon, the founder and a managing partner, has four. After months of remote learning, self-isolation and uncertainty, they realized their theoretical question was becoming all too real…”

upcoming virtual conference to focus on ‘new travel’

June, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel advisor and Virtuoso member and one of the conference’s founders, said that restarting the travel economy is going to be a joint effort between the travel trade, travel advisors, suppliers and media.“We all need each other now more than ever,” he said…”

New Travel conference aims to get industry back on its feet

May, 2020

“The conference will connect suppliers with media and travel advisors. It was co-founded by Embark Beyond's Jack Ezon, Fathom's Pavia Rosati and journalist Shivani Vora, whose work has appeared in the New York Times and Travel + Leisure. The conference will feature 20-minute exhibitor presentations where companies…”

Discounts are widening the audience for private jets

May, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, has registered a similar spike. "Every single trip being organised, farther than a three-hour drive, has come with an earnest request for a private jet quote," he says. Currently, 90 per cent of the trips on his company's planning roster have a private jet attached, up from 10 per cent in analogous bookings last year.”

While at Home, Let’s Color the World

April, 2020

“Elizabeth Sutton, an artist based in New York City, turned St. Bart’s, Aspen and other jet-setter destinations into a coloring book for Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency.

“Painting is always a way for me to escape, so I figured, why not offer the same to the world?” said Ms Sutton. “It’s an escape through colorful and happy artworks to inspirational destinations around the globe.”…”

Should I Cancel My Summer Vacation or Fall Trip?

April, 2020

“…"Discuss the repercussions of canceling," says Jack Ezon, a global travel specialist and founder of Embark Beyond. "Are there cancellation policies you need to think about? Is this a time-sensitive decision?" Figure out what current cancellation policies look like for everything you booked: your flights, your accommodations, your cruise, any tours or experiences. Know when those deadlines are approaching, and figure out when you need to start taking action.”

Finding opportunity in adversity

March, 2020

“No. 1, set goals personally and professionally," Ezon said. "It's much harder to be proactive than it is to be reactive." At Embark, Ezon said, employees are being encouraged to better educate themselves and learn new skills.”

Inside the Race to Design the World's Most Over-the-Top Penthouse Suite

March, 2020

“Hotels lavish attention—and budget—on these accommodations because they’re a calling card. “They help define the hotel’s personality and create a true unique selling point,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark, a travel advisory that creates high-end bespoke trips.”

How the coronavirus is impacting travel plans for South Africans to popular destinations

March, 2020

“…“The numbers of trip cancellations—not just to China but to the entire continent of Asia—is growing every day,” Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond…”

Should coronavirus cancel spring break?

March, 2020

“Jack Ezon, the founder of global travel agency Embark Beyond, said that a little over 70 percent of clients have rebooked their trips since most travel insurance policies won’t cover cancellation because of the virus. “It’s been a roller coaster,” Ezon says. “For every two cancellations, we get one new booking. As schools close…”

Spring Break: Where to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck

February, 2020

“Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, is a fan of the white sand beaches and bountiful activities in Punta del Este in Uruguay. “This is Miami with a side of cowboy for a fraction of the cost,” he said. “Families can swim, surf, snorkel with seals…”

Accor Plans Big Expansion For Its M Gallery Collection Brand

February, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder of EmbarkBeyond adds, “In a day where people crave hotels with personality the relevance of a brand like M Gallery perpetuates.”…”

Tourism hit from coronavirus will carry into 2021, travel experts say

February, 2020

“…“The numbers of trip cancellations — not just to China but to the entire continent of Asia — is growing every day,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond. “People are put off. Sadly, a lot of them are just saying,..”

Is it safe to visit Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and the rest of south-east Asia?

February, 2020

“Last month one travel agent, Jack Ezon of luxury operator Embark Beyond, told Bloomberg that 75 per cent of his clients has canceled their February and March departures to south-east Asia…”

The Trips We're Most Excited About

January, 2020

“My first trip of 2020 is JL Bar and Ranch. This is a gem in Texas, represented by Janine Cifelli.” Julie Danziger, Embark Beyond

The Top 20 Places to Travel in 2020

December, 2019

“…Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, agrees: “What’s different in 2020 is that more than ever, people are venturing outside of the ‘usuals.”

New York's LaGuardia unveils new $3.9 billion Delta terminal

October, 2019

“…Julie Banning, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond, who flies through LaGuardia for work and also books flights for her clients through it, when she has no other options. "Delays are almost a given, and the there is a lot of traffic getting in and out…"

Embark BEYOND Will Succeed Through Service, Shared Ownership, Technology

October, 2019

Going on a ‘friendcation’? Nine tips to ensure you’ll still be speaking after the trip.

September, 2019

“Jack Ezon, founder of the luxury travel advisory firm Embark Beyond, says that it's best to avoid a group text with endless messages or an email thread that clogs up your inbox. Instead, try apps such as…“

Bahamas Resort Business Booms, as Neighboring Destinations Struggle

August, 2019

“It's been a lot more sophisticated,” said Jack Ezon, founder of travel agency Embark Beyond, referring to the Bahamas. “I really think Baha Mar's opening ...

Overtourism a concern for clients

August, 2019

“Embark Beyond's clients don't want to feel like tourists, he said. They crave local experiences, like boutiques and restaurants. They eschew mass cruise lines that tourists pour out of, thinking it's "soooo not cool," Ezon said…“

Essential Tips for Taking Your First (or Any) Luxury Vacation

July, 2019

“Ezon recommends airport VIP service Isroyal. “If you have a flight connection, you can get picked up by a golf cart and driven to your connecting flight. Those are small luxuries that cost $400 or $500 and can make a huge difference...”

Airbnb Launches Luxury Rental Service

June, 2019

“Top luxury hotels need to focus on old-world hospitality in an innovative way," Ezon says...“

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The More the Merrier

June, 2019

“Welcome to the age of the destination celebration. In a group trip to Morocoo last fall co-organized by travel advisors EMBARK,… On a lavish trip to Morocco, today’s top event planners and designers plot your next over-the-top destination fete…”

Contributor:

Jack S Ezon

May, 2019

“…Ezon has an in with “a who’s who in the luxury travel world,” and his team will menus, DJs, photographers and anything in between. They even have a “romance concierge” who focuses on making honeymoons flawlessly dreamy.“

JetSuite to Offer Personalized Travel Experiences

May, 2019

“The strategic partnership with Embark will create “JetSuite Experiences,” a program that will offer jet-setters personalized travel experiences before and after they step on board, says Stephanie Chung, JetSuite’s president…“

10 Wow Moments: Crafted By Virtuoso Advisors

May, 2019

“Our client’s husband had always wanted to visit Russia, the land of his ancestors. Under the pretext of returning to rest after a long day of exploring, the pair arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow’s lobby to find their closest friends waiting for them. The week continued with many more moments that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.” – Joey Levy,. EMBARK…“

How Can I Stay Productive When I'm Traveling?

April, 2019

“I love working with a view, especially outdoors. When possible, I find a nook or terrace (even a public park sometimes), put on my tunes, and hammer things out. Otherwise, long flights are my dream. I can get through a week’s worth of stuff on a fifteen-hour flight. – Jack Ezon, founder, Embark

In Praise of Bleisure: How to Have Fun on Business Trips

April, 2019

“My favorite way to take in the sights is to hire a running guide and run through a city at sunrise, giving me a workout and tour at the same time while also allowing me to make a 9 a.m. breakfast meeting. – Jack Ezon, founder, Embark

The 19 Best Places to Travel in 2019

January 2019

“According to luxury trip planner, Embark Beyond, a Virtuoso Agency, "Iconic brands are bringing serious sophistication to this fascinating country," says Embark founder, Jack Ezon. "Tel Aviv has become a cool capital of the world over the past 5 years, with fantastic food, incredible nightlife, and a unique joie de vivre…

Rent These Villas And A Private Kids’ Summer Camp Is Included

July, 2020

“Elite travel organizer Jack Ezon’s company Embark Beyond has also crafted a program Camp Embark to create camp experiences for families renting properties in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean such as Lake Kora in New York’s Adirondacks, Dunton Hot Springs and River Camp in Colorado and Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic.”

Jack Ezon and the Power of Partnerships

July, 2020

“When Jack Ezon was in high school, his father used to tell him, “Don’t complain, fix it,” when things weren’t going quite his way. That sage advice has followed the CEO of Embark Beyond throughout his career in travel…”

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Offers Private Luxury Camp Experiences

July, 2020

“Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has partnered with Embark Beyond offering private luxury camp experiences for families with children. Embark Beyond is a luxury travel advisory dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed experiences that go beyond a destination, and Dorado Beach is thrilled to be a partner with the innovative brand this year…”

11 Luxury Hotels That Are Offering Family Summer Camp's for an Epic Vacation

June, 2020

'“The Auberge Resorts Collection member has partnered with bespoke luxury travel planners at EMBARK Beyond. They recently announced the Camp Embark program, which creates private summer camps for families or small groups of two or three families. It comes complete with a designated camp director, customized activities, and even add-ons like private chefs and private jet service…”

Parents are dropping $150K on luxury summer camps for their kids

June, 2020

“Julie Danziger, a managing partner at travel agency Embark Beyond, saw the trend coming months in advance — and used the foresight to help launch a brand new, luxury summer camp. But the program is no regular bunk-bed affair. The “camp experience” includes a variety of 5-star resorts to choose from as the camp base, boasts activities like horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides and go-kart racing for kids, on-site chefs and even private jets for clients to reach their destinations…”

This is summer camp? Travel firm debuts luxury 'camp experiences' with private accommodations, personal chefs

June, 2020

“…“The program sets parents up with the ability to work from an incredible luxury hotel while we bring the camp to them,” said Camp Embark’s managing partner Jack Ezon. “And they don’t have to send their kids to a kids’ club where they’ll be around other slimy fingers.”…”

Summer Camp Canceled? This Luxury Travel Company Will Set Up Your Own Private Family Version

June, 2020

“…“I’m a mother of three and, like everyone right now, have been figuring how to work from home now that schools and camps are closed,” Managing Partner Julie Danziger tells Robb Report. “At the same, time, we were looking at what our customers need right now and what we could offer them, so this idea was a perfect fit. The trick was pulling it together quickly and to think outside of the box, while also being practical and realistic.”…”

TW survey: Travel suppliers hurry to bring domestic inventory to advisors

May, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, said he expects a similar shift in business at his agency. As a retailer, Embark historically only sold less than 8% domestically, he said. “We project 85% for the rest of the year, and [we’re] focusing on a ‘discover your homeland’ campaign…”

The Safest Vacation? Your own private island

May, 2020

These Travelers Are Booking Winter Vacations- Despite the Uncertainty

May, 2020

“Jack Ezon, a global travel specialist, says the trend doesn't end with flights, either. "Hotels are allowing clients to put money down with the ability to cancel," says Ezon, who is also receiving bookings for winter vacation travel. "The ability to cancel without penalty is the number one concern now for clients—surprisingly, even more so than safety procedures and access…”

These Luxury Hoteliers are Trying to Return Britain to the Beasts

April, 2020

“Julie Danziger, the managing director of travel consultant Embark Beyond, says this is exactly the type of experience travelers will crave when covid-19 lockdowns give way again to open borders and transatlantic explorations. “Being in quarantine has helped people develop an appreciation for life and nature,” she says. “We have an overwhelming number of people looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.”…”

16 Travel Advisors Share Why They Love What They Do

April, 2020

“…“I love being a travel advisor because of the human connection — from getting to know my clients’ deepest dreams and desires; to the relationships I have with hoteliers and travel partners all over the world.” Said Chelsea Martin, luxury travel advisor at Full-Time Travel, an affiliate of Embark Beyond.

“Working as a travel advisor allows me the opportunity to connect with incredible people all over the world and every day presents a new challenge.” Said Julie Banning, luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond.

“Being a travel advisor allows me to share my love of travel with my clients. I live vicariously through every trip I plan..” Said Joey Levy, luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond”

Caribbean Travel Remains Popular Despite Coronavirus Panic

March, 2020

“Joey Levy, an advisor with EMBARK Beyond, in New York City, also reported a noticeable increase in Caribbean bookings. “We have seen a bit of a spike in Caribbean bookings from clients who are concerned about traveling to Asia and Europe,” said Levy. “Hotels are taking proper precautions and have an abundance of hand sanitizer on hand…”

Travel Advisors Deal With Torrent of Spring Break Cancellations, Vacation Swaps

March, 2020

“Even so, most clients are rescheduling rather than sidelining their trips, said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond in Manhattan. About 35 percent of clients switched from far-flung spots to the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida. Requests for private planes flying to Miami, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico (Riviera Maya and Cabo) are up 30 percent…”

Hotels in US Take Severe Beating With Virus Curtailing Travel

March, 2020

“Over the last few days, there’s been a sharp increase in the number of families asking about canceling spring break vacations, said Jack Ezon, managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.“One hundred percent of them are at least thinking about it…”

Coronavirus Travel: The Scary Facts (And The Reassuring Ones)

March, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark, a luxury lifestyle and travel planning business that caters to a high-net-worth audience, says that he’s seen about 45% of clients cancelling trip plans between now and April. “But we've rebooked about half of those,”…”

CORONAVIRUS World travel suffers as coronavirus outbreak drags on

February, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, says the number of cancellations continues to mount – in his company’s case, 75% of his travelers have cancelled their February and March departures to Southeast Asian countries…”

The Coronavirus’s Effect on Tourism Will Carry Into 2021, Experts Say

February, 2020

“…“The numbers of trip cancellations—not just to China but to the entire continent of Asia—is growing every day,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.“

Message in a hangar: New York City fashion show walks the walk at JFK

February, 2020

“JFK is the symbol of travel in the city, according to Nathan Maleh, a travel advisor at Embark Beyond, in New York. “When people think of coming here they always think about flying into JFK,” he says. “It’s the travel hub of New York...”

Selling Luxury: Jack Ezon, Founder And Managing Partner, Embark

January, 2020

“Clients are becoming a lot more sophisticated, according to Ezon, so advisors must really become specialists in their customers. “Travel is just one word in a sentence that is their private lifestyle. To be able to gain confidence and trust and build that relationship, we need to speak to them about their private life,” he says.”

Who Loves Travel Advisors the Most? It’s Millennials, Not Boomers

December, 2019

“This is an exciting topic because people really do think the opposite, they think that the (millennial) generation wants things automated,” said Julie Danziger, managing partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency.”

Private Jet Companies And Travel Agents Are Teaming Up To Create Luxury Experiences And Seamless Travel

October, 2019

No-deal Brexit would be a 'catastrophe' for travelers, experts warn

September, 2019

“…Jack Ezon is founder of Embark Beyond Travel, a member of global travel agency network Virtuoso. His high-end clients will carry on visiting London, Brexit or not, because, he says, it's a business destination…”

No-deal Brexit would hurt UK travel

September, 2019

“…Jack Ezon is founder of Embark Beyond Travel, a member of global travel agency network Virtuoso. "From an American perspective, we've been talking about this for three years," he told CNN…

The Company Off-Site: Mega Perk or Dreaded Chore?

August, 2019

“My bragging rights from that trip? ... founder of New York City-based Embark Beyond, a firm that arranges bespoke travel for financial services groups.“

Luxury Travel Agents Grab the Media Spotlight

July, 2019

“And who were those luxury travel experts? Twelve travel advisors, including familiar faces like Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond;“

Adventurous honeymoon destinations for outdoorsy Couples

July, 2019

“ell, according to Jack Ezon, founder of the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, honeymooners are trading in the traditional relaxation days for fun outdoor activities. Ezon provided a few destinations that are designed to spend sunrise to sunset outdoors…“

How Much Should You Tip Room Service?

June, 2019


”…says Julie Danziger, managing partner of EMBARK Beyond Travel in New York City. “Especially for Americans who are used to tipping in one way, which other countries might take as an insult…”

Why Luxury Travel Purveyors Should Pay Attention to Generation Z

May 2019

“such exotic choices, according to Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel advisory Embark, thanks to the overwhelming amount of information available on social media…“

JetSuite Launches JetSuite Experiences

May, 2019

“Embark can help JetSuite clients coordinate everything from simple weekend getaways and upgrades to premium suites to access to the most sought-after events to complement their first-class flight experiences on JetSuite’s Phenom 100s, Phenom 300s, and Legacy 650….“

JetSuite Partners With Embark, Announces Sustainable Measures

May, 2019

“Embark, founded by Jack Ezon, is dedicated to formulating custom-designed trips for its clients, whether they be weekend experiences or upgrades to premium suites…“

3 Hollywood Travel Titans Reveal the Hottest Summer Escapes

May, 2019

“When Hollywood moguls, Fortune 500 CEOs and royals seek ultra-personalized, discreet and high-touch travel experiences, they turn to the experts: Jack Ezon of Embark..“

A Concierge in the SkY

May, 2019

“JetSuite, a leading provider of private aviation, has joined forces with international luxury travel company Embark to launch “JetSuite Experiences,” a personalized service where the flier gets to design their own trip itinerary…“

South America's newest luxury retreat is a glass house hotel in Chile

April, 2019

“Although the country has some five-star hotels, Jack Ezon, the founder of the luxury New York City travel consultancy Embark and an expert in the hotel industry, says that none were in the league of Vik..."“

Hotels are selling out in popular US vacation spots this summer

July, 2020

“Chelsea Martin, a luxury travel advisor with Full-Time Travel in New York, an affiliate of Embark Beyond, says that several of her clients who contacted her about summer trips assumed that they would have their pick of properties. In fact, the opposite is turning out to be true. "Some of the top hotels like Amangiri in Utah are booked almost all summer," she says. "We are used to having the world as our oyster…”

The Definitive Guide To Summer Travel Bans

July, 2020

“…”For the travelers whose plans have been blocked because of the ban, I would look into moving your trip to next summer when we are hopeful things will open up again," says Julie Banning, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond. "Most countries want to welcome you and are flexible on changing your dates to a future visit…”

The New Escapism: Isolationist Travel

June, 2020

“In June, the New York City-based travel agency Embark Beyond started Camp Embark, a private camp program based at luxury resorts from Rhode Island to Montana, with a dedicated camp counselor organizing children’s activities (prices from about $1,200 a night, plus $1,000 to $2,000 a week for camp counselors).”

How the super-rich will holiday this summer

June, 2020

“Luxury travel company Embark Beyond will arrange a private bespoke camp for you complete with private jet transfers and staff. Just pick your five star hotel or mega mansion and they’ll do all the hard work for you with meal plans and activities. An experienced camp director will create a bespoke itinerary for the kids…”

The Travel Gurus You Should Use to Plan Your Next Trip

June, 2020

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond. Specialty: Jack is one of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--Italy included. Contact: Jack@embarkbeyond.com…”

Inside the luxury 'summer camps' for rich parents who can't send their kids away this year, which offer yachting, hot-air ballooning, and photoshoots - and cost up to $150K A WEEK

June, 2020

“Luxury travel company Embark Beyond has launched special 'private luxury camp experiences' this summer, inviting families to come stay, swim, play sports, and more — for up to $150,000 per week…”

Luxury Travelers Start Booking Again—and It’s Not All Domestic

June, 2020

“Summer camp has been canceled for many of those families’ kids. But Julie Danziger and her team at Embark Beyond have quickly created a new opportunity in this crisis: private family summer camps.The vision is for clients to travel to one of 30 top resorts across the country with one or two other families. All the kids participate in planned activities like archery, pony riding, and scavenger hunts supervised by trained counselors who have been tested for COVID-19. Meanwhile, the parents can be set up with a remote office to work, if they so choose…”

ID Travel sends the kids to summer glamp

May, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, which was one the first travel agencies to partner with ID Travel Group to sell the private camp product, said he had more than 70 inquires in the first days it was featured on its website. Prices range from around $7,750 for seven days for a family of four at Watch Hill to $150,000 for a full buyout for up to 24 people at Lake Kora in the Adirondacks.”

When Will It Be Safe to Travel Again?

May, 2020

“As Jack Ezon, CEO and founder of the travel agency Embark Beyond, put it: “In travel, there has always been a high season, a low season, and a shoulder season. We are in a wait-and see season.”…”

Why Right Now Is The Best Time To Plan Your Travel Bucket List

May, 2020

“Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond explained that Embark was a reinvention of the luxury travel advisor model for the next generation. “We will aim to evolve as advisors to our clients, helping them enrich their lives personally - guiding them in finding their purpose, their legacy, their passions and adding zest to their lives. We aspire to help people embark on their journey to greatness however they choose to interpret it…”

How Engaging with Clients Now Can Help Inspire Future Travel

April, 2020

“Jack Ezon, Founder and Managing Partner for Embark Beyond who hosted the webinar, said he has adapted to this crisis by using customer engagement to inspire future travel. In the last few weeks, his company has hosted events like virtual live safaris and cooking classes, even sending travel-inspired coloring books to client’s homes. Anything to get them thinking about, and excited for, the chance to travel again, he said….”

How Travel Advisors Are Navigating the Coronavirus Shutdown

March, 2020

“The travel industry will rebound, panelists agreed, but no one was willing to predict when or what a recovery will look like. “My crystal ball broke in the last month,” Ezon said.”

Global travel slowdown means lots of deals

March, 2020

“…"This is not a situation to be taken lightly, but it's an incredible time of opportunity that travelers should take advantage of," says Jack Ezon, the founder of the New York City luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond Travel. "We're telling our clients..”

Italy's coronavirus outbreak is keeping Americans from booking European travel, new data shows

March, 2020

“…”Italy is our number one destination in the summer,” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing director of New York City-base Embark Beyond. “It’s always been the anchor of safety and comfort for Americans”…”

Is It Time to Cancel Your Spring Break Plans Because of the Coronavirus?

March, 2020

“…"Forty-seven percent of our clients have canceled their original plans," said Jack Ezon, founder of the global travel agency Embark Beyond, when asked about travel in the busy March and April spring break season. "Now, the good news is about 73% of those have rebooked…”

Should You Cancel Your Trip to Europe Because of Coronavirus?

March, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder of the global travel agency Embark Beyond, is advising his clients who have already booked trips as follows: "For departures scheduled between now and the end of March, we are totally at your disposal…”

How The Affluent Perceive Value

February, 2020

“…“Conscious consumption means I’m okay to spend, but I want to spend it smartly, and I want it to be purposeful. I want it to reflect what’s important to my life and to have meaning.” For this reason, Jack Ezon of Embark, says it’s important to speak holistically to your clients; not just about travel but where they are in their lives as a whole.”

Coronavirus scare hits honeymoon, wedding travel season

February, 2020

“Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel company, says 98 percent of couples who planned on going to China canceled their trips in January and February, and 60 percent have canceled for March…”

Coronavirus Outbreak Could Impact Tourism Into 2021

February, 2020

”…“The numbers of trip cancellations — not just to China but to the entire continent of Asia — is growing every day,” Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond…”

Jetting Around: How to Avoid Travel Hassles This Awards Season

January, 2020

“It’s flying into a private jet terminal, so cuts down on time,” says JetSuite president Stephanie Chung. This awards season, the JetSuite Experiences partnership with luxury travel agency Embark Beyond will give members access to coveted hotels, restaurants, ceremonies and after-parties.”

What a $720,000 Super Bowl Package Actually Gets You

December, 2019

“…luxury travel agency Embark Beyond decided to create the ultimate themed package for fans that costs a whopping $720,000. (With NetJets and Northrop & Johnson)”

November, 2019

"…Your travel advisor will be there to rebook you, have access to certain seats first, and take the stress out of the situation," says Chelsea Martin, luxury travel advisor at Full-Time Travel and affiliate of Embark Beyond…“

Travel agents are changing. Here’s how to choose the right one.

October, 2019

“…says Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, a new platform for travel agencies. “The next generation of travel advisers will turn the entire model upside down to be more customer-centric.”

10 Perks You Can Only Experience In Luxury Hotels

September, 2019

“…"Today's luxury explorers crave places with a personality that embraces their surroundings or tells a story," said Jack Ezon on Architecture Digest…”

These ultra-luxe tours can take you around the world in a private jet

September, 2019

“Both National Geographic Private Jet Expeditions and Smithsonian Journeys offer tours for the high-end market that focus on education and culture, said Julie Danziger, managing partner at adventure travel company, Embark Beyond..”

Spring 2020 Collections - Front Row

August, 2019

“This is one of limitless Experiences launched by JetSuite as part of its wider partnership with Embark Beyond, the luxury travel agency...”

Should You Purchase Travel Insurance for Your Honeymoon?

July, 2019

“Jack Ezon can attest to the importance of travel insurance—and not just because he's the founder and managing partner at New York City travel agency Embark Beyond who specializes in destination celebrations. He's also had to use it himself.“

8 Big Issues Facing Travel Advisors Today

June, 2019

“The idea of a career as a travel advisor is sexier than ever. “It appeals to people whose lifestyle is about the travel space,” says Jack Ezon, CEO and founder of Embark Beyond…”

Affluence Is Fueling Demand for Advisors to Plan Milestone Group Travel

June, 2019

“Jack Ezon, owner of Embark Beyond, a New York agency that focuses on luxury travel, is also seeing increased demand, so much so that 35 to 40 percent of his business now involves group celebrations, only half of them weddings…“

Sure, the House Has High Chairs. But What About a Roman Gladiator?

May, 2019

““These trips are about disconnecting to reconnect and building lifelong memories. With so much social media, parents are trying to regain the meaning in travel,” said Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at Embark, a travel company focusing on luxury multigenerational and family trips…“

Jetsuite Raises The Bar For Personalized Luxury Travel With First-Of-Its-Kind Partnership: "Jetsuite Experiences" By Embark

May 2019

Island Hopping in Thailand, Done Right

May, 2019

“Though the beaches are not as nice as those on Phuket, Koh Samui is one of the few islands that avoids Thailand’s monsoon season every summer,” Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark, said…“

Five Questions With: Stephanie Chung, President of JetSuite

May, 2019

“Whether it’s a reward for hard work, to strengthen a bond with someone they love or to feel a sense of adventure, our partnership with Embark allows us to personally curate each itinerary based on each client’s specific tastes and preferences and to cater to their underlying motivation for taking the trip…“

A Destination Wedding With Cultural Significance

April, 2019

Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark, a New York travel company specializing in destination weddings, said he planned more than a dozen cultural ...“

Expert Tips on Staying Healthy While Traveling

April, 2019

“When I fly overnight, I change my watch to my destination’s time zone the minute I get on the plane and live that time zone. I change into pajamas, drink herbal tea, and put on my Bose noise-cancelling headphones. I wake up one hour before landing, freshen up, shave, and change into my work clothes. – Jack Ezon, founder, Embark..