• What is KAX?

  KAX is a Lifestyle. In other words, we are a distinguished leisure travel and experiential focussed advisory organization cherished by clients for its transparency, sincerity, and forging reciprocal and trustworthy relationships.

  KAX Lifestyles proudly accepts Conde Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists 2023, the 'Top Advisor' title from Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and the honor of being one of SmartFlyer's ONE Top Producers 2022. These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment and hard work.

  

• Why should you work with KAX?

  Because you're busy and lead a dynamic life, but your schedule makes it a challenge to plan the perfect trip. KAX's core strength lies in our knack for getting to know you. Based on this understanding, we customize your travel experience with a long-term relationship in mind. Our team cuts through the noise and delivers the perfect vacation of a lifetime... every time.

• What sets KAX apart from other luxury hospitality agencies?

  Each KAX team member is unified in our enthusiasm for the art of travel, which means we are on the road a lot! We're efficient, pay attention to nuances, and motivated to outshine our performance time and time again. We are masters of our craft and pride ourselves on having unwavering integrity.

  Beyond that, KAX is unique in our affiliation with SmartFlyer, one of the world's top luxury travel advisory agencies. This relationship allows us to bring a boutique-style service with the benefits of global resources and 24-hour international support. KAX offers you the best of all worlds!

• Exceptional client service starts at the top. Who is the founder and CEO of KAX?

  With over 12 years of experience, KAX Lifestyle was founded by Kyle Seltzer, renowned as one of the most respected luxury travel advisors in the industry. With the support of his incredible team, Kyle has been named one of SmartFlyer's leading executives. SmartFlyer ONE was conceptualized in 2015 to recognize the agency's top-producing advisors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their clients in the business and leisure sectors, and it's no surprise that Kyle should be bestowed the title. It's not uncommon for our CEO to wake in the middle of the night to jot down ideas for memorable vacation experiences. He literally crafts the vacation of your dreams! Kyle loves what he does and values his clients above all else.

• What is the benefit of booking your hotels through KAX?

  Perks aside, which are a given these days, KAX has fostered meaningful relationships with all of the best travel, leisure, and hospitality suppliers for over a decade. KAX clients have a face to a name when booking through our channels so you are known before you walk through every door.

• Can KAX book travel with your rewards points from preferred hotel groups?

  KAX is happy to educate and advise you on the best way to optimize your points, but cannot execute the bookings on your behalf.

• Can KAX help you with every aspect of your trip?

  Every. Single. Detail. KAX handles 360 degrees of your experience, from inception, to infinity, and beyond!

• Can we help you book flights?

  Absolutely! KAX ensures you receive comprehensive flight proposals, accommodate families sitting together, carefully consider other seat preferences such as aisle or window (is anyone even a middle these days!?), preferred flying times / routes, and meal preferences. We cover full range whether for leisure or business, private or commercial...but, never Spirit!

• How do commissions work in the travel Industry?

  The first and most important thing to note is that clients do not pay these commissions; the hotels and vendors do. These commissions do not result in additional surcharges for hotel rooms or services in any way. Instead, hotels and vendors know that absorbing these costs, while still providing the best possible rates for travel advisers to offer their clients, is merely the cost of doing good business. The other important thing to note is that commission rates in no way influence KAX!

• Does KAX charge a flat fee structure?

  While KAX has always charged planning fees, you will now find more luxury hospitality companies adopting flat fee structures into their business models. These fees are in place to cover KAX team members' time, expertise, and global connections while allowing them to provide recommendations tailored to each client's individual needs without having to worry about commission overrides. In a nutshell, KAX is all about transparency and communication, and a flat fee structure allows us to do just that.

  KAX fees start at $1500 and up and vary based on many factors involved in planning a trip (i.e. duration, number of passengers, logistical endeavors across multiple destinations, etc.). For those who travel frequently, and with many moving parts, KAX does work on a yearly retainer basis, personally overseen and managed by KAX's founder and CEO, and offered to customers on an invitation-only basis.

• Do you need travel insurance?

  KAX always recommends travel insurance! While KAX is not an authorized insurance agency, the team is available to present all vetted insurance opportunities, associated prices, and put you in direct contact with preferred vendors to answer all your insurance questions.

• Is using a travel advisor worth it?

  It goes without saying that for travelers who feel like "time is money," using an advisor is a no-brainer. Coordinating travel comes with frustrations as flights get canceled (yes, even private ones, too), online promises end with subpar experiences, and the leisurely meals you thought you'd enjoy are only available at inconvenient times, if at all.

  Lost luggage, no-show drivers, restrictive itineraries, or penalties for needing to cancel trips due to unforeseen events make an advisor worth their weight in gold.

  If you are seeking an adventure that money "can't buy," then KAX begs the question, what are you waiting for? Don't believe KAX... Forbes recently wrote an article on this very topic: Why You Need A Travel Adviser Now More Than Ever.

• You'd like to move forward? Let's talk you through a typical trip-planning process.

  At KAX, we follow a few steps to create one-of-a-kind, tailor-made experiences for all our clients.

  1. Send an email to [email protected] and set up an introductory call where we answer any questions you may have about our process, the company, our fees, and our team. This is also valuable time for KAX to learn general information about you, your lifestyle, vacation style, preferences, and expectations. We tend to ask open-ended questions, such as, "What's your favorite hotel/vacation and why?" and more specific questions, such as, "Do you prefer a hotel room on a high or low floor?".
  2. If you decide to work with KAX, the team will send you a welcome email and contract / invoice, which includes our agreed upon fees for the project in discussion. KAX will send you a sample itineraries to get the creative juices flowing.
  3. Now, the REAL fun begins! The concept team will schedule a call with you to start mapping out and brainstorming your trip. This is very collaborative and hands-on process... and the best part of the experience...aside from the trip itself!
  4. The KAX concept team takes everything learned on the call and sends you a trip "roadmap," which includes hotel suggestions, flight considerations, experiential options,, dining ideas, and varying itineraries...some expected and some unexpected!
  5. The team invites you to share your thoughts and feedback by scheduling another call or by email...however your brain prefers!
  6. Based on your feedback and sign off, the concept team will send you a detailed working itinerary which includes flight information, hotels confirmations, experiential bookings, dining reservations, and emergency contacts within each destination so you are well-covered in case of any timely needs regardless of time zone differences.
  7. And then you're off! We touch base with you prior to departure to ensure all your needs are met and we remain at your disposal throughout your trip and beyond. Bon Voyage!

ABOUT KAX

• What is KAX?

  KAX is a membership-based travel advisory service. We provide for people seeking personalized experiences. We specialize in crafting the coolest moments you can’t miss.

  Our relationships with worldwide best of the best hotels groups, immersive experience providers and on-the-ground teams ensure your exceptional experience, wherever you find yourself.

  

• Why does KAX use memberships?

  The fees associated with the memberships are in place to protect our time, expertise, and relationships with worldwide best of the best concierge hotels and on-the-ground teams, while allowing us to tailor each trip towards our client’s individual needs. We are here to provide the most personalized experiences, and craft the coolest moments you can't miss.

• What’s the difference between the membership levels?

  Our membership model is built for long-term relationships, with the majority of our clients booking multiple trips a year with us.

  • A LA CARTE MEMBERSHIP - This comprehensive package covers everything you need for a seamless travel experience – including researching and booking accommodations, flights, transportation, tours, excursions, experiences, day trips, and dining. Kindly note that the fee can be applied as a credit toward our annual membership, offering you access to additional benefits and services.
  • ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP - As a member, you gain exclusive access to our dependable concept team for unlimited domestic and international trip planning throughout the year. From quick getaways to the Caribbean, Paris, or Mexico to longer trips to South Africa, Italy, or Japan, we’ll collaborate with you on all your travel adventures – big or small.
  • RETAINER MEMBERSHIP - Our retainer level members enjoy the fullest benefits of the KAX service, with trips coordinated directly by Kyle Seltzer, Principal of KAX; as well as a full-time, dedicated concierge service team for the client and their family members.

• What is SmartFlyer and how is KAX associated with them?

  Smartflyer is a network of both in-house and independent travel advisors, that focuses on curating stronger partnerships throughout the travel industry. This provides you access to more luxurious vendors, unique locations and another level of visibility & buying power to ensure you get the best of the best wherever you choose to be. Smartflyer is also a Virutoso member, an elite, invitation-only consortium of the top 1% of travel providers in the world.

• Who is Kyle Seltzer?

  Kyle is the founder of KAX, and an award-winning travel advisor. Kyle's commitment to his clients is the cornerstone of KAX's philosophy, treating each trip as a unique opportunity to invest in enriching and life-changing experiences.

• Does KAX have additional team members?

  Yes! Kyle has curated a team of the top talent in the travel industry. We are knowledgable, well-traveled and provide exceptional service. The KAX Team members will be the main point of contact for most of our members.

  Kyle’s hands-on approach to team training ensures that every detail of a journey is meticulously planned. This level of personalized service, coupled with a passion for challenges and stepping outside the comfort zone, sets KAX apart as not just a travel agency but as an advocate for memorable and impactful travel experiences. With Kyle at the helm, KAX stands as a testament to the belief that travel can be a profound force for personal growth and global understanding.

• How did KAX start?

  The company was founded by the award-winning travel advisor Kyle Seltzer. KAX embodies a deep belief in the transformative power of travel. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Kyle's vision for KAX is centered around the idea that travel is not merely about visiting new places, but about embarking on journeys that broaden the heart and mind. The brand is dedicated to crafting bespoke experiences that encourage clients to see the world through an inquisitive and open lens, much like a child discovering the wonders of the world for the first time. KAX's approach to travel is about more than just leisure; it's about creating meaningful connections and learning opportunities for families and friends.

• Will Kyle be planning all of our trips?

  Not in all cases. For our ‘A La Carte’ and ‘Annual’ Membership levels, Kyle oversees his dedicated team of travel advisors, who will be your point of contact for all trips. At the ‘Retainer’ Membership level, Kyle personally coordinates all trips. Regardless of your membership level, Kyle reviews all trip itineraries to ensure you receive the most personalized and engaging travel experience.

• Do you make commissions from our travel?

  Yes, travel commissions are standard within the travel industry, regardless of the type of agent. The first and most important thing to note is that clients do not pay these commissions; the hotels and vendors do. These commissions do not result in additional surcharges for hotel rooms or services in any way. Instead, hotels and vendors know that absorbing these costs, while still providing the best possible rates for travel advisors to offer their clients, is merely the cost of doing good business.

• Why should I use a travel advisor like KAX?

  It goes without saying that for travelers who feel like "time is money," using an advisor is a no-brainer. Coordinating travel comes with frustrations as flights get canceled (yes, even private ones, too), online promises end with subpar experiences, and the leisurely meals you thought you'd enjoy are only available at inconvenient times, if at all.

  Lost luggage, no-show drivers, restrictive itineraries, or penalties for needing to cancel trips due to unforeseen events make an advisor worth their weight in gold.

  If you are seeking an adventure that money "can't buy," then KAX begs the question, what are you waiting for? Don't believe KAX... Forbes recently wrote an article on this very topic:Why You Need A Travel Adviser Now More Than Ever .

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

• What happens once I decide to work with KAX for my trips?

  First, you’ll receive a communication from our COO to collect payment and necessary information, like passports, so that we can book your trip. Next, you’ll receive a communication from our Concept Team, who will start developing your trip. Our first call will be collecting even more information about you, and we will start discussing ideas based on the information you gave our Sales Team. We’ll start with locations, then fill in with lodging, activities, flight and dining. After the team develops a fuller trip plan, everything will be presented to you as a Roadmap for further discussion.

  At the same time, we will be developing your customer profile. To effectively manage and utilize your preferences for travel, we have developed a structured format that captures comprehensive information across several categories. This profile enables us to tailor travel experiences to individual tastes and requirements meticulously. Profiles are created for any frequent travelers in your party. We will collect your preferences across a range of topics from flight & accommodation, dining, transportation, leisure & activities, special requests & needs, service and more. We store this information, as well as any ongoing feedback, in your customer profile for any future trips.

• Do you utilize any on the ground teams?

  Yes! KAX utilizes knowledgable on-the-ground providers while you are on your trip. In select locations, we offer exclusive KAX-trained Concierges for an even more personalized experience. We also rely on our lodging concierge teams for localized dining and experience offerings.

• What type of concierge services do you provide?

  Concierge services are provided within all levels of membership, if the trip has a hotel booking within our extended network of providers. Our Retainer Membership level provides full concierge services regardless of whether there is a hotel booking. We often use local hotel concierge teams and our on-the-ground network of specialized providers to assist in booking restaurants, entertainment and wellness services, in order to give you the most localized and personalized experience.

• Can KAX book travel with my rewards points from preferred hotel groups?

  KAX is happy to educate and advise you on the best way to optimize your points, but cannot execute the bookings on your behalf.

• What is the benefit of booking my hotels through KAX?

  Our team members know our preferred partners properties inside and out. Based on your travel preferences, you’ll always get the best room for your needs. KAX has fostered meaningful relationships with all of the best travel, leisure, and hospitality suppliers for over a decade. KAX clients have a face to a name when booking through our channels, so you are known before you walk through every door.

• Can KAX help me book private flights?

  Yes! KAX can book and coordinate any type of flight, from commercial to private and charter.

• Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

  KAX always recommends travel insurance! While KAX is not an authorized insurance agency, the team is available to present all vetted insurance opportunities, associated prices, and put you in direct contact with preferred vendors to answer all your insurance questions.

• I’m an Annual Member, what is considered a trip?

  As long as you are booking a hotel with us as an Annual Member, we will help you with anything else on the trip. We cannot assist with any entertainment bookings if we have not booked a hotel for that particular trip. We do not book Airbnb’s or Vrbo’s, we only book within our extended and worldwide network of lodging providers.

• I want to plan a night out in the city I live in, can you help me with that?

  We sure can! But, please note that we only assist with these requests if you are booking a hotel or lodging through us. If you are a Retainer Member wanting an experience in the city you live, reach out to Kyle to start that discussion.

• Do you book Airbnb’s?

  We do not book Airbnb’s or Vrbo’s, we only book within our extended and worldwide network of lodging providers. That being said, if you are looking for villas or a more private lodging experience, we have several providers within our network to ensure you have the best experience wherever you are .

DURING YOUR TRIP

• What type of itinerary do you provide?

  We have developed a completely custom online itinerary platform (don’t worry, we will send you an ‘offline’ version too!) to hold all your ‘during travel’ information. This will include flight information, hotel confirmations, experiential bookings, dining reservations and emergency contacts.

• What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?

  Before your trip, you’ll be added to a private WhatsApp group with your Concept Team contacts and anyone on your trip. If you have any questions, concerns and need a change during your trip, that’s the place to do it.

  We also provide 24/7 support via a range of emergency contact numbers, which we will provide to you and also explain who to reach out to, depending on the situation.