Travel can be stressful and moving about by car in London is especially challenging. I have no sense of direction and don’t use public transportation unless with a local; I fear I will end up in China on my own. Locally, a dear friend always responds to my 911 Damsel In Distress calls when my GPS leaves me lost and tearful. He wonders how I manage to travel worldwide without dialing him.Out of the country, my survival is guaranteed by a fabulous driver who knows shortcuts, the scenic route, and has his own 911 number to determine why traffic is at a dead standstill (London), where the police drop highway cones at a moments notice and suddenly a street is closed, for no apparent reason – usually the Queen is passing or the PM, who passed me twice within two hours while we sat in London traffic.

Resourcesare essential to our Journey’s and we are very particular in selecting the VV best local resources worldwide. A significant aspect of my international site inspections meeting local providers, is assuring we have reliable ground teams where ever we send our clients. Our drivers are well versed in local customs and act as cultural ambassadors, advising acceptable attire in sacred temples, protector, keeper of local currency for those emergency purchases. They park in challenging locations and fetch porters, drinks, papers whatever a client may need.In London, this is Neville. We have been working with him for eight years and my clients adore him. Neville can double as a guide and is extremely protective when caring for our clients. You won’t get out of his sight without thorough instructions on finding him after your museum visit or dinner engagement. Knowing my lack of directional sense, as he drops me at a meeting, he sternly advises a doorman don’t let her go anywhere if she finishes her meeting early. Like all of members of our land teams, they truly care for our guests, looking out for them in more ways than merely driving, they become family, friendly but not familiar.

Neville has the latest scoop on the Royals and can advise the most authentic pub! He knows which bag contains the laptop and jewelry and practically sits on it till check in – advising a bellman she will kill me if the bag leaves my side. Our land teams reflect our sensibilities and understand they are a reflection of our firm. Neville is a brilliant example of one of our most wonderful team members away from home.

In India, we begged our driver to come home with us, all of us in tears when we bid farewell.

I also pleaded with Neville to come to California, I expect to see him soon!