the art of travel online

Based in San Diego, The Art of Travel Online operates not as a typical online travel aggregator, but as a high-end, boutique travel agency with a pronounced specialization. Founded in 1996 by Kleon Howe, the agency leverages deep, personal expertise in specific global regions, positioning itself as a creator of bespoke travel experiences rather than a mere reseller of pre-packaged trips. This distinction is fundamental to understanding both its value proposition and its potential drawbacks for certain types of travelers.

Service Philosophy and Specialization

The core of the agency's business model is the design of custom itineraries. Unlike platforms that allow users to click and book, The Art of Travel engages in a consultative process. This begins with understanding a client's desires, interests, and travel style to craft a unique journey from the ground up. The firm's primary area of expertise is Oceania and the South Pacific, including destinations like French Polynesia, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. This focus is a direct result of the founder's personal history, which includes over a decade of sailing the globe and extensive time living in the region. This background suggests a level of intimate, on-the-ground knowledge that is difficult to replicate, a significant asset for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond typical tourist circuits.

A major credential that lends credibility to their services is their membership in the Virtuoso network. Virtuoso is an invitation-only consortium of luxury travel planners and providers. Membership provides the agency with access to a global network of premier hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators, often translating into tangible benefits for clients such as complimentary upgrades, exclusive amenities, and special access that are not available to the general public. This affiliation firmly places The Art of Travel in the luxury travel segment, catering to a clientele that prioritizes quality, service, and exclusivity over budget.

The Positive Aspects for Clients

• Deep Expertise: The agency's profound focus on the South Pacific is its greatest strength. For travelers planning complex trips, such as multi-island honeymoon packages or detailed explorations of Australia and New Zealand, this specialized knowledge is invaluable. The founder, Kleon Howe, has been recognized as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler since 2003, reinforcing this high level of expertise.
• Personalization: The entire process is tailored to the individual. Testimonials, though often curated, highlight the agency's ability to listen to client preferences and translate them into a well-executed itinerary, handling details from dinner reservations to private excursions. This high-touch approach is ideal for discerning travelers or those celebrating special occasions who want a seamless experience.
• Virtuoso Benefits: The connection to the Virtuoso network is a significant advantage. It acts as a seal of quality and provides clients with VIP treatment and added value that can enhance the overall travel experience. For those booking high-end accommodations and services, these perks can be substantial.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While the bespoke model offers many advantages, potential customers should be aware of certain inherent characteristics. The most significant is the nature of their online presence and client interaction. The physical address at 1850 Fifth Ave in San Diego serves as an administrative office rather than a retail storefront for walk-in consultations. The primary modes of engagement are phone calls and online communication, which, while efficient, may not suit clients who prefer consistent, in-person meetings.

Furthermore, the public-facing review landscape for The Art of Travel Online is notably sparse. Unlike larger agencies or online booking platforms, there isn't a large volume of independent reviews on major third-party sites. While this is not inherently negative—boutique firms serving a niche, high-end market often operate on referrals and reputation—it does mean that prospective clients have fewer external data points to consult. They must place a greater degree of trust in the initial consultation process and the agency's credentials, such as its Virtuoso membership and industry accolades.

Finally, the level of service and customization offered by a specialized travel agency like this typically comes at a premium. While they can provide value through their network connections, their services are not geared towards budget travelers. The planning fee or commission is built into the cost of creating complex, fully managed vacation packages, a model that differs from the direct booking approach where costs appear more transparently itemized upfront.

Who is This Agency For?

The Art of Travel Online is best suited for a specific type of traveler: one who views travel as an investment in a unique experience rather than a commodity to be purchased at the lowest price. It is ideal for those planning significant trips—such as milestone anniversaries, sabbaticals, or elaborate international travel—to the South Pacific. Clients who are busy professionals or those who feel overwhelmed by the logistical complexities of planning a multi-destination trip will find significant value in the agency's comprehensive booking services and meticulous attention to detail.

Conversely, travelers who enjoy the process of researching and booking their own arrangements, those with tight budgets, or individuals looking for a simple, single-destination trip may find the agency's in-depth process to be more than they require. The value here is not in finding a deal, but in the curation of a journey, leveraging expertise and connections to create a trip that a traveler likely could not assemble on their own.