Meet the travel agent to the stars
Working in travel is a dream that is envied the world over. Though Jaclyn India, founder of Sienna Charles, a boutique travel firm for the ultra rich, may be able to one up us all.
At the ripe old age of 35, India has ticked off bucket list must-dos that would make Oprah jealous.
According to a recent interview with Forbes, India has travelled with the Bushs, arranged a private breakfast on top of the Arc D’ Triomphe, brought in a private yacht into the Galapagos, organised a private viewing of the Mona Lisa and secured last-minute sumo wrestling tickets, all without breaking a sweat.
India began her career at Le Bec Fin, an iconic five-star restaurant in Phildelphia.
Speaking to Forbes she said, “People were spending ten times as much for a trip as they were for one meal at Le Bec Fin, yet nobody was looking at details in a start-to-finish way like they did at the restaurant.”
“I thought, ‘What if I could create the most amazing customized luxury service, but for travel?'”
And so she did in 2008.
Sienna Charles specialises in working with clients that routinely spend $500,000 on a single trip and boasts a customer pool that ranges from CEOs to bankers and of course, Presidents and First Families.
According to the article, India charges $1,000 for a hotel reservation, which includes India’s selection of the property and room and any transfers needed.
It’s $2,500 for more complex requests, and if clients need her full attention, they will put Sienna Charles on retainer for $36,000 a year.
Latest News
Viking to welcome more than 1000 agents for cruise inspections this summer
Don't be shocked if you bump into another agent on a Viking ship this summer. Just remember to apologise after.
Carnival & Cunard cancel Melbourne port stops over tax hike
Sorry cruisers, you'll have to settle for Sydney coffee instead (which we think is actually better than Melbourne's).
Wendy Wu Tours launches new educational scholarship scheme in Cambodia
The initiative is Wendy Wu Tours' first major charitable contribution since the pandemic.
Journey Beyond announces 2025 offerings with iconic train journeys and the best of West Oz!
The best of 'West Oz' here refers to Western Australia, not the part of Oz that has the Wicked Witch of the West.
PHOTOS: Travel Associates stylishly celebrates 25th anniversary at its flagship store
It's safe hands at Travel Associates, as seen by the steady pouring on this gorgeous champagne fountain!
Metropolis of cool: The ultimate guide to Hong Kong’s nightlife
If your clients were bedazzled by the gorgeous cinematography of the Rush Hour films, a HK venture would be perfect!
Norwegian Viva christened by ‘Despacito’ singer at huge Miami ceremony
That's right, the guy who sang 'Despacito' christened the ship! If you know any of his other songs we'll be impressed.
Ahoy Cairns: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady enters the home straight of her repositioning voyage
Judging by their Instagram, the crew members have been having an awesome time Down Under.
Fiji Airways launches inaugural flight to New Caledonia
Fiji’s National Airline is connecting Aussies to more of the Pacific.
The snacksperts have spoken – Air New Zealand reveals its newest onboard snacks
Not a serving of fush and chups in sight!
Hong Kong is serving up world-class cuisine experiences for lovers of food and drink
You're guaranteed good food and drink anywhere in Hong Kong! Just look at that cocktail for goodness sake!
INCENTIVE: TTC Tour Brands announces 2024 top achiever agent famil to undisclosed location
Not sure which of the five TTC brands is for you? You best read our Europe feature in today's newsletter!
WATCH: Southwest passenger climbs onto plane’s wing via emergency door, gets arrested on tarmac
This guy got off the plane before it'd even gotten wheels up! Clearly, the front or back seemed to obvious of an exit.
Travelex launches more than 75 new bureaux, kiosks and ATMs worldwide
Travelex is making sure you can get cash in more airports. An overpriced airport sandwich has never been easier to buy!
FAMIL: Club Med and Jetstar take 43 Aussie agents on a mega trip to Phuket
Nothing like a famil to acquaint yourself with your industry colleagues. The free booze, food and travel is nice too.
What were Aussie travellers booking in 2023? Flight Centre tells all in new report
This article has so many lists that you'll mistake us for Buzzfeed! Don't expect us to start doing cooking videos too.
Cathay Pacific becomes the first carrier in APAC to offer Disney+ in flight entertainment
Can you think of a client with really annoying kids? Do them a favour and book them on Cathay for their next holiday.
Jet across the Pacific on the cheap with Qantas’ North America sale
Hopefully the Flying Kangaroo doesn't drop roo poo on Fiji along the way to North America.
Why nib is walking the walk when it comes to advocating for women in the travel industry
Just like Aerosmith, nib is going to 'walk this way'! 'This way' being towards gender equality, in this instance.
The best ways to explore Europe in 2024
Miss out on Europe this year? Join the list... Here's to hoping we all make it over in 2024!
Viking ventures to Antarctica for third expedition, announces 87-day itinerary
How's 87 days with Viking sound? Certainly a lot better than 87 days at sea with actual Vikings.
Tourism Research Australia data shows international travel’s boom has hindered domestic growth
It's hard to believe, but Australians are keener on international rather than domestic after COVID's border closures.
China to see seventh Four Seasons hotel open in 2024 with new Hangzhou Centre offering
A partnership between Greentown China Holdings Limited, China Resources Land Limited and Hangzhou Metro Development Company Limited and the Four Seasons will see the opening of China’s second Four Seasons hotel next year. At the heart of the city’s newest mixed-use development project, Hangzhou Centre Towers, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre will offer […]
ONE WEEK AWAY! The Women In Travel Awards is nearly here!
One week to go! Oh my gosh, now's the time to get your frock/suit/elaborately stylish onesie ready!
Travel Weekly TV: Ari Foo, area director (sales, marketing), Skye Suites
Recognise Skye Suites from Married at First Sight? We don't, but only because we save ourselves from the show.
Agents! Luxury Gold has an exclusive sale with your name on it
Luxury Gold has rolled out the red carpet for agents. Well, the company's called Luxury Gold, it rolls it out for all.
Icon of the Seas has officially been delivered to Royal Caribbean
Curious about that famed 'world's biggest ship'? Put your high seas wonders to bed right here.
Compass Expeditions’ off-road tours get a permanent price drop
With Compass Expeditions your clients can hit the road on the cheap, leaving more money for knickknacks and doohickeys!
This Sydney CBD stay just got a $20m refurbishment
The hotel put $20m into an upgrade, but if they went to the blackjack table they could've turned it into $40m (or $0).
Pullman Melbourne on Swanston transforms into Pullman Melbourne City Centre
The hotel is just changing its name. Don't expect a radical overhaul or anything like that next time you visit.
CLIA welcomes national framework which will see Australia become a ‘leader in sustainable tourism’
Joel Katz and CLIA are embracing the green. Not Snoop Dog green, more Greta Thunberg green.
Is Malaysia the best destination for foodies in Asia?
From dining in the dark, on the back of a scooter or in a lavish restaurant, Malaysia has something for all foodies.
Brisbane Airport hoping to top last year’s $66k charity donations at 2023 lost property auction
Someone managed to leave behind a brand new Dyson vacuum still in its box. It'd really 'suck' to leave that behind.
No Ship! 3-year-long cruise gets the axe just before sailing
The chance to live at sea has been hindered by one tiny detail. Any guesses what it is? Oh it's just there's NO VESSEL!
Calling all foodies and wine connoisseurs, the Southern Highlands Food & Wine Festival is back for 2023
Go for the food, or for the wine. If it were us, we'd be going for both!
“The best Virgin company ever”: Sir Richard Branson speaks to agents in exclusive online chat
Branson has praised one of his many 'Virgin' companies, leaving the others to scrap over second best.