Upgrades, FAMs, and Points: How Advisors Experience Luxury Travel for Less

Travel advisors often find ways to experience luxury travel at lower prices, utilizing upgrades, familiarization trips (FAMs), and loyalty points. These strategies allow them to better understand...

June 22, 2026 2 Mins Read

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Upgrades, FAMs, and Points: How Advisors Experience Luxury Travel for Less

Travel advisors often find ways to experience luxury travel at lower prices, utilizing upgrades, familiarization trips (FAMs), and loyalty points. These strategies allow them to better understand high-end offerings while managing expenses.

Leveraging Familiarization Trips

FAM trips are a primary method for advisors to explore luxury destinations and properties. These trips are typically organized by suppliers, such as hotels, cruise lines, or tour operators, to showcase their products to travel professionals. Advisors are invited to participate, often at a significantly reduced rate or complimentary, in exchange for learning about the offerings and potentially recommending them to clients.

“FAM trips are invaluable for gaining firsthand knowledge,” said Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations Inc. “Experiencing a property or destination allows us to provide authentic recommendations to our clients.”

Utilizing Loyalty Points and Upgrades

Many advisors also rely on loyalty programs to access luxury travel. By accumulating points through frequent travel or business-related purchases, they can redeem these rewards for premium flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. Some advisors use credit cards that offer travel rewards, which can be applied toward luxury experiences.

“I use points for flight upgrades or hotel stays whenever possible,” noted Stacy Small, founder of Elite Travel International. “It’s a great way to experience luxury without paying full price.”

Supplier Discounts and Industry Rates

Travel advisors may also benefit from industry rates or special discounts provided by suppliers. These reduced rates are designed to encourage advisors to experience the products firsthand, with the expectation that their knowledge will translate into future bookings for the supplier.

“Suppliers often extend exclusive rates to advisors, making it more affordable for us to stay at luxury properties,” explained David Rubin, founder of DavidTravel. “This firsthand experience is essential for advising clients.”

Balancing Value and Experience

While these opportunities allow advisors to experience luxury travel at a lower cost, they emphasize that the primary purpose is professional development. Advisors note that participating in FAMs, using points, or accessing industry rates helps them provide better service to their clients by offering informed recommendations.

“We’re not just traveling for leisure,” said Doncsecz. “Our goal is to enhance our expertise so we can deliver the best possible advice to our clients.”