08 Jun Condé Nast Traveler names Craig Mungary, Owner of Elite Global Journeys, Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2023

FRESNO, California – Fresno-based travel agency owner and luxury travel advisor, Craig  Mungary, was named a “Top Travel Specialist for 2023” by Condé Nast Traveler in the April  2023 issue of the prestigious travel publication.  

The Condé Nast Traveler annual list of Top Travel Specialists is a highly coveted accolade  that recognizes the best luxury travel advisors across the globe. These advisors pull off the  impossible and spare you the logistics by providing unparalleled luxury travel experiences  

through their extensive knowledge, passion for travel, and dedication to the travel  industry. The well-respected annual list recognizes top advisors for their experience,  expertise, resourcefulness, and customer care.  

“These are the pros who assemble many of the elaborate itineraries that appear in this  magazine, and since the dawn of the pandemic, their up-to-the-minute insights on shifting  safety protocols have made them even more essential,” the print article stated. “If you don’t  rely on them yet, now is the time to start.” 

In the publication’s April issue, Condé Nast Traveler gives readers all the reasons to book a  trip with a travel specialist. The magazine also shares some of the most special experiences  the travel experts have put together—not just to demonstrate the scope of their work, but  also to remind travelers of the importance of having an advocate and line of defense when  the unexpected occurs on the road. 

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https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/craig-mungary

What do you do that competing specialists can’t/won’t? 

My clients appreciate the vast experience and skill I provide in many areas including one of  my personal passions: Car-oriented activities for the supercar enthusiast. Luxury and  specialty car rentals in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland (including a drive on Gotthard  Pass) include visits to racing tracks and private tours at auto manufacturers. A recent  Dubai experience included luxury vehicle rentals (Lamborghini and Ferrari), including car  delivery and pick-up at client accommodations, a private guided driving tour — clients drive  luxury cars, stop for photos, etc. and an F1 driving experience at Yas Marina Circuit. 

What is one of your all-time favorite experiences you’ve been able to pull off for  guests? 

Creating an OVER-THE-TOP journey for clients on their 180-day world cruise is one of my  many all-time favorite experiences. Using the world cruise as a starting point, I custom  designed exclusive experiences in multiple destinations including a 15-day overland Africa  journey with private jet charters, stays at safari lodges in South Africa and Kenya, shark  cage diving and helicopter wine tours in Stellenbosch. They loved all of the custom  experiences, especially the adventurous 18-day overland journey in Australia and New  Zealand including a stay at Lizard Island and a visit to Hobbiton. At their port stops in Japan  I customized 5 days of private touring in Hiroshima, Nagasaki & Kyoto that included  private tea ceremonies, first class tickets on the bullet train, and stops at all the main  attractions – all escorted by knowledgeable local guides. At their stop in Bali, I organized an  overnight stay at the St. Regis along with private tours of central Bali and a private Komodo  Dragon Tour with a guide and ranger on Komodo Island. In Hawaii the clients were off  exploring again with a custom 7-day land itinerary.  

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Near the end of their world cruise, I arranged for a stay in Cabo San Lucas, including private  scuba diving excursions. Not to mention all the private tours organized with our trusted  Elite Global Journeys’ suppliers for their day stops all around the world! This journey was a  favorite of mine because every week was a new destination and new experience to design  and share with my client! It was both challenging and rewarding to create. 

Do you think the events of recent years have permanently changed the role of the  specialist/agent? Any forever pivots that you’ve made? 

Yes, in my experience the role of the advisor is even more crucial than ever. My clients  understand the value of having me as their agent and trust they can pick up the phone with  any question or request knowing I will do everything in my power to make it happen. Since  the travel disruption of COVID to the global community I have evolved to always have a  back-up plan in place for clients so that should something happen, I can easily react and  respond by redirecting to ensure a smooth experience for my clients. Our Elite Global  Journeys Travel App has been a game changer for us and for our travelers before, during  and after travel. Our custom travel app allows me to share real-time updates with our  clients ensuring a smooth travel experience. Our Elite Global Journeys Travel App puts all  their travel information right at their fingertips. The ability to instant message within the  app allows efficient communication between my office staff and the traveler 24/7. Prior to  departure they can review options and see tour details, and during travel it provides  convenient access to contact information and meeting locations. Then, upon their return  the itinerary is available for them to continue to reflect upon and share with friends and  family. 

About Elite Global Journeys 

Address: 7468 N Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93720 

Phone: 559-431-7440 

Elite Global Journeys is proud to be the only Virtuoso full-service agency in Central  California and specializes in luxury travel — including customized land tours, upscale  cruises and preferred hotel reservations. Elite Global Journey’s membership in Virtuoso  brings a host of rare travel opportunities and exclusive values to our clients. Less than one  percent of travel agencies in America are admitted for membership in Virtuoso. For the  clients of Elite Global Journeys this translates to complimentary room upgrades, airport  transfers, special dining experiences, exclusive shore excursions and custom itineraries,  offered by the world’s best providers of upscale travel. Our worldwide contacts and  expertise provide our Elite Global Journeys clients with a VIP gateway to the most  luxurious destinations in the world.