b"Take 5Dive into insights and the latest trends shaping theluxury travel market with Amanda Pilar, Sales Directorfor North America, and Kate Winslow, North AmericaSales Manager. This dynamic duo provides in-market support for EXOspartners in the US and Canada. With decades of Amanda Kateexperience as well as extensive knowledge of and Pilar Winslowpassion for our eleven destinations, Amanda and Kateensure that working with EXO is as smooth as possible.What does luxury travel mean to you? What place(s) do you think is underrated inour destinations and why?Amanda: For me, time is the ultimate luxury. With travel Amanda: I think Laos is EXOs most underratedthis translates into saving time on itinerary planning and destination. It is not on most Americans radar and theybooking by using experts plus having 24/7 support on don't get the press coverage like a lot of our otherthe ground, a guide to help answer questions and guide destinations.you through logistics, sights, and experiences. It can work wonderfully as a combination with Vietnam,The luxury is in having the ultimate comfort without Cambodia and Thailand. Luang Prabang is the mosttaking up precious time planning or figuring out known highlight which is certainly worth a visit, but nowanything on the ground- all you have to do is show up. with Laos new train, visiting more of the country iseasier than ever and the availability of flights in and outKate: To me, luxury travel is being able to travel YOUR of the country is much better now.way. This means having the flexibility to design a tripbased on your personal interests, hotel preferences, What insider tips do you have? and travel style. Whether it's staying at a luxury Amanda: My main piece of advice to agents and theirproperty or starting the day with a sunrise stroll, clients is to avoid one or two-night stays in majorenjoying a privately guided bike tour or eating your way highlight places. You want to keep three nights if youthrough a destination, luxury travel is knowing that you can. Considering the distance and time zone changes,can fully experience a destination the way you want, you do not want to feel rushed when you are there. Iwith the services of an expert team on the ground to know speeding up the trip and adding more must-seesfacilitate it all.is tempting, but you will have a better experience reallyenjoying where you are.What makes EXO a good fit for North Kate: Book a local walking tour the morning after yourAmerican Tour Operators/Travel Agents?arrival to beat the jet lag and get to know yoursurroundings. During the tour, ask your guide about localKate: Having been a travel advisor myself, I can say with restaurants and off-the-beaten-path shopping areas soconfidence that EXO is a good fit for the following you can visit them later during your stay. Having thisreasons: Our travel consultants are true destination insider knowledge will help you escape the moreexperts and know every aspect of their country. They heavily touristed venues.inspect the hotels, experience the tours, visit the sitestheir level of local knowledge is immeasurable!What drives you in your career with EXOWe have a wide range of unique and authentic products, and the travel industry?tours, and activities at various price points. As a result, Kate: I love helping our travel advisor partners createEXO has the ability to customize every detail of every amazing itineraries for their clients. I truly believe thatitinerary to cater the guests preferences and interests. travel opens our hearts, our minds and our eyes to theWe also have friendly and knowledgeable guides with vast beauty and diverse cultures of our world. Helpinghigh levels of English that elevate and enhance the people experience that is what motivates me to keepguests overall travel experience. And we can do this at a doing what I do!fair and competitive price."