travel concierge icon

Download 101 free Concierge Icons in All design styles.

Get free Concierge icons in iOS, Material, Windows and other design styles for web, mobile, and graphic design projects. These free images are pixel perfect to fit your design and available in both PNG and vector. Download icons in all formats or edit them for your designs.

Also, be sure to check out new icons and popular icons .

• User documentation

• Notifications

No notifications to show yet

You’ll see useful information here soon. Stay tuned!

• Animated icons
• Interface icons

Are you sure you want to delete this collection?

We are sorry you canceled your Premium subscription

You can still enjoy Flaticon Collections with the following limits:

• You can choose only 3 collections to keep
• You can only add up to 100 icons per collection
• You cannot add Premium icons to your collection

The advantages of your collections changed

Keep making the most of your icons and collections

Get 20% OFF our Annual Premium Plan

Select 3 collections to continue:

You have 8 collections but can only unlock 3 of them

Report download

Please, indicate what problem has been found. Thanks!

Base 64 encoded image

Copy the base64 encoded data and insert it in you document HTML or CSS. Need help? Maybe this link can help you

CSS background

Using it for web? Copy this link in your website:

How to attribute for other media?

Don't you want to attribute the author?

You can go Premium easily and use more than 16,499,500 icons without attribution. Get information here

Select a color from the icon

Choose a new color

Custom palette

• Remove color
• Remove palette
• You have exceeded the number of color samples for this palette

Select a shape

Stroke width

You can only save 3 new edited icons per collection as a free user. Upgrade to save unlimited icons.

Your collection is locked, you can upgrade your account to get an unlimited collection.

You have reached the icons limit per collection (256 icons)

This feature is only available for registered users. Login or register .

This icon has a gradient color and cannot be edited.

Group search results

You can group your results by author style, pack, or see all available icons on your screen.

Concierge Icons

• Delete filters

• Add to collection
• Copy to clipboard. Copying this asset count as a download Copy to clipboard SVG PNG

Create your own limits

Gain access to over 16,499,500 icons in formats SVG, EPS, PSD & BASE64

Download whatever, cancel whenever

Related tags

Collection:

Over 16,499,500 icons for 8.25 USD /month

• No attribution required
• 16.5M icons & stickers in SVG, EPS, PSD & BASE64
• Unlimited downloads
• Browse ad-free

You must attribute the author

How to attribute for other media? How to attribute?

How likely are you to recommend Flaticon to a friend?

How about a rating on Trustpilot

If you can spare a few minutes to leave us a review, we'd be super grateful 😃

Please, visit:

• Concierge service
• Customer service

Concierge icons

• Apps & Plugins

Noun Project

• Submit Icons
• Submit Photos
• Customer Support
• Affiliate Program

Browse Concierge Icons

MEET YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL CONCIERGE AND...

Travel wicked., what to expect.

Customer Service Friendly and professional service, tailored to meet your lifestyle and needs

Value Peace of mind that you’re getting the most out of your vacation

Expert Guidance Years of expertise and experience to guide your choices

Confidence Support and reassurance to plan for future travel with confidence

New Special Offers

An Icon For An Icon

Our clients are iconic and so is the brand new ship from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! The Icon of the Seas is now available for booking! Click here to learn more and request a quote!

Travel like an ICON!

ICON Itinerary is a luxury travel concierge service based in Scottsdale. Our vision is to provide the best experiences to both travelers and AZ locals. We’re your one-stop shop for bachelor(ette) parties, birthdays, anniversaries, family vacations + more. We do all the heavy planning so you can kick back and enjoy your time! We’re so excited to learn more about your group and personalize every detail to make it the best experience possible! 

WE DESIGN LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES THAT

Awe & inspire, everyone has a wildest dream. what's yours.

Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in local cultures or to lounge like royalty with a cocktail in hand, Luxury Concierge Travel offers a full suite of travel services to match any style.  With ultra-exclusive properties, exceptional rewards, and unique experiences, we’ll help you put together the trip of a lifetime.

Incentive Travel

Travel is proven to motivate.  Work with us to put together individualized, curated travel packages for your company’s top performers. Individual incentive travel lets your team see the world their way, giving them an unforgettable reward experience.

Private Travel

Looking to plan a family vacation, honeymoon, or a trip with friends?  Work with our expert Travel Designers to bring your travel dreams to life.  With carefully crafted itineraries that match your style and desires, we’ll help you create memories that last forever.

EXPLORE OUR TRAVEL DESIGNS

These are just a few examples of the incredible experiences we’ve planned for both our business and personal clients.  No matter the type of trip or the destination, Luxury Concierge Travel will help you make it happen.  We have years of experience designing bespoke travel experiences all over the globe, for every type of traveler or group.

Known to many as the Land of Light and Darkness, travel to Iceland in summer for all-day adventuring, or in the winter to see the amazing Northern Lights.

Gorgeous scenery, beautiful history and culture, and great food - Greece is a trip for your bucket list.

Take advantage of Luxury Concierge Travel's incredible, worldwide network of exclusive partnerships to do reward travel your way.

Banff is full of amazing things to do and see, any time of year, whether you're a skier, a hiker, or both!

With robust culture, rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling Bangkok, Thailand offers something amazing for every traveler.

THE LCT DIFFERENCE

We bring luxury to a new level with carefully curated experiences just for you or your award recipients. We’re creative, we have an incredible network of exclusive partnerships, and we do all the heavy lifting for you.  With LCT, you’ll fall in love with the world one destination at a time.

OUR TRAVEL DESIGNS ARE BURSTING WITH

Explore the world the way you've always wanted. With LCT, the only limit is your imagination.

OUR TEAM WILL WOW YOU WITH THEIR

We're a team of adventurers, thinkers, dreamers, and movers. We live and breathe travel, and our passion permeates all we do.

24/7 Support

Your personal concierge will provide.

With 24/7 support, you'll never be on your own. Our experts are always on call to make sure your experience is perfect.

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

We’re proud of our incredible network of exclusive partnerships. With access to some of the world’s most incredible properties and benefits, you know you’ll be getting the very best when you travel with LCT.

Luxe Digital

Conscious, elevated living.

• Men's style
• Women's style
• Buying guides
• Stricking superlatives
• Publishing principles
• In the press

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Receive our finest finds, exclusive deals, and luxury news to stay in the know.

The 11 Best Luxury Concierge Services In The World

VIP access to the most exclusive experiences.

by Editorial Team Updated on February 6, 2023

At Luxe Digital, we test and recommend products that we think you will love. If you buy something, we might earn a commission . This supports our team at no extra cost for you.

Personal concierge services are on the rise. With the emergence of digital and the desire for experiences over ownership, modern concierge companies are radically evolving to deliver exceptional services 24/7 to their affluent clients.

Modern affluent women and men know that time is their most precious resource. When you’re always connected and on the go, your time is the one thing you can never get back.

To help you save time and get privileged access to private events that money can’t buy, a luxury concierge is your perfect companion. It’s your secret weapon to unlock a world of exclusive experiences and VIP events.

Looking for a last-minute private jet to take you from New York to Miami over the weekend? No problem! Dying to get a front-row seat at the next Oscar ceremony? Done! Wanting to try the new Michelin-star restaurant in London? Your table is reserved for this evening. It’s that easy.

Well, nearly that easy. You first need to find the luxury concierge service that’s right for you.

To help you find the best lifestyle concierge to fit your needs, we’re reviewing the top 11 concierge companies in the world. Before jumping into the actual list, we’ll quickly look at what exactly is a luxury concierge . We’ll tell you why they might be relevant to you , and, more importantly, what you should pay attention to when selecting your concierge.

What is a luxury concierge?

A concierge is a person or a company that is available to help you in your day-to-day life. Their services can range from planning and booking your family holidays to making restaurant reservations or getting you access to special events. Some concierge companies also provide financial services . Others might focus on event organization or high-end travel reservations.

The word concierge probably comes from the old French word “ comte des cierges .” The comte des cierges was a servant responsible for maintaining the lighting and cleanliness of medieval palaces.

Today’s concierge services extend far beyond just maintaining your candles lit. Concierges are highly skilled people who can add real value to your life by taking care of some essential and time-consuming tasks for you. They also have an extensive network to help you get VIP access to some of the most ultra-exclusive events and experiences around the world.

In general, you’ll find two categories of concierge services today:

• Personal concierge services: if you want to hire the services of a concierge for yourself.
• Corporate concierge services: if a company wants to provide concierge services to its employees as an extra benefit.

Why do you need a high-end concierge?

Not everyone needs a luxury concierge. Some people like to manage every aspect of their life themselves. But if you’re too busy and want to outsource some tasks, a personal concierge makes a lot of sense.

There are three main reasons for wealthy people to subscribe to a luxury concierge service:

• To save time;
• To get exclusive access to private events thanks to the concierge’s network;
• To outsource time-consuming and repetitive tasks.

Continue reading if one of these three reasons appeals to you.

How to select the best luxury concierge for you?

There are more concierge services available to you today than ever before. While the range of options is great, it can be hard to compare services and understand where their expertise truly lies. Here are three tips to help you select the best luxury concierge for you .

Know what you want your concierge to do

Before comparing concierge companies, you first need to think carefully about what it is you want them to do for you. Are you looking for a general lifestyle concierge ? Or a company that specializes in organizing travel or dining experiences ?

You’ll see in our list below that certain concierge companies specialize in specific areas. This gives them a greater depth of expertise. But you might feel constrained after a while if you want your concierge to take on more responsibilities.

Choose the level of support that you want

Some concierge companies are now offering the option to choose between membership packages and on-demand services.

Membership packages are the traditional form of concierge support. You pay a monthly or yearly fee to be part of the concierge program. In exchange, you get 24/7 support from your concierge, who will, over time, get to know you and anticipate your needs.

On-demand concierge services are a new kind of experience where you pay as you go. It’s more transactional and focused on getting particular tasks done on a more ad-hoc basis.

Think about the geographic location of your concierge

Even though most concierge companies provide dedicated service around the clock, their expertise and network might not be relevant if you’re traveling across the world.

Consider your lifestyle and decide if you prefer a concierge with experience in a particular state or country , or if you require the service of a global concierge company with a network of connections across the world instead.

The 11 best luxury concierge services in the world

Now that you know what a concierge is, why you might need one, and how to choose the right one for you, let’s look at the best options available on the market.

We’ve reviewed the 11 best luxury concierge companies in the world. The list is not a rank from best to worst, as each concierge specializes in a particular area. If they are on our list, it means that they provide exceptional value to their members.

You need to review them carefully and decide which company is best positioned to add real value to your lifestyle.

1. Quintessentially

Founded in 2000 by Ben Elliot, Paul Drummond, and Aaron Simpson, Quintessentially is one of the best-known luxury concierge companies in the world. With over 60 offices across the world and a team of more than 1,500 concierge specialists, Quintessentially is a leader in global luxury lifestyle services.

With an average client net worth of $36 million, Quintessentially concierges have fulfilled some extravagant requests over the years. They’ve been able, for example, to close the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a wedding proposal or to arrange a private dinner on an iceberg.

2. Innerplace Concierge

Founded in 2002 in London, Innerplace Concierge is one of the world’s most established luxury lifestyle concierges. With a restless demand for the exceptional, this award-winning members-only luxury concierge company offers crème de la crème access to the more glamorous side of life, with a bespoke, highly personal approach to your every wish and whim.

The luxury concierge company specializes in securing access for its members to private member’s clubs, the finest restaurants, and select VIP events. They also have expertise in everything from bespoke luxury travel to art and even business connections. 

Innerplace Concierge focuses on London, where its influence is at its peak. Still, their unrivaled insider knowledge and exclusive, international connections allow them to cater to members worldwide. 

With two unique tiers of membership, Innerplace Concierge caters to a select few UHNW individuals and families with their Red Membership and young, affluent professionals with their Lifestyle Membership. 

Remarkably, they also offer a short-term Jetset Membership for visitors traveling to London and a Corporate Membership option.

3. John Paul Group

Founded in 2008 by David Amsellem, the John Paul Group is one of the leaders in global corporate concierge services. The group helps companies provide exceptional services to both clients and employees through loyalty programs.

Accor Hotels acquired John Paul Group in 2016 and now counts over 1,000 concierges across 12 separate offices. Noteworthy request that they’ve been able to accomplish: renting a private Caribbean island for a “Robinson Crusoe”-themed trip.

4. One Concierge

One Concierge is the first luxury concierge company to offer both membership and on-demand concierge services to its high-net-worth clients. With access to over 10,000 global service providers, One Concierge has one of the most comprehensive and exhaustive partnership programs in the industry. Each partner is handpicked and screened by their specialists to ensure that they meet the most demanding expectations.

One Concierge handles concierge requests in more than 115 countries around the world.

5. Knightsbridge Circle

Founded by three former American Express Black Card employees, Knightsbridge Circle is an invitation-only, very high-end private concierge service for the UHNWs. With a client base with an average net worth of $800 million and a membership fee starting from $25,000, Knightsbridge Circle helps busy individuals save time and get exclusive invitations.

The group helped organize a wedding vow renewal with the Pope and a private dinner in front of The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci.

6. Pure Entertainment Group

You might have seen some of the Pure Entertainment Group’s work featured in the New York Times, Forbes, Elite Traveler Magazine, or Robb Report . Pure Entertainment Group is a global bespoke event management and luxury concierge company that was founded in 2007.

The company offers high-quality, highly tailored luxury concierge services to discerning high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporations around the world.

7. The Fixer Lifestyle Group

The Fixer Lifestyle group has over 12 years of experience managing UHNWIs and HNWIs demands. Based in the UK, the group specializes in providing luxury concierge services such as high-end restaurant reservations and access to VIP events. One of their most common requests from clients is to get access to sold-out shows such as the Paris Fashion Week, the Wimbledon final, or Premier League matches.

8. Velocity Black

Velocity Black is one of the most progressive luxury concierges on our list. They combine deep human expertise with artificial intelligence to act as a lifestyle assistant that lives on your phone. Members get access to complimentary upgrades and preferred rates to major events, all at the press of a button.

Velocity Black was founded in the United Kingdom by ex-Goldman Sachs Zia Yusuf and Alex Macdonald with a team of ex-Amazon and ex-Uber executives. The concierge company has already delivered over 50 thousand experiences across more than 60 countries.

9. Nota Bene

Nota Bene started as a lifestyle magazine before evolving into a premium concierge company. Founded by Anthony Lassman, Nota Bene caters to discerning travelers seeking the most exclusive experiences. The team focuses on curating unique luxury travel experiences .

10. Bon Vivant

Founded by travel aficionados Emyr Thomas, Bon Vivant is one of London’s leading concierge and lifestyle management services with global coverage. Their expertise naturally lies in luxury travel planning but also in high-end restaurant reservations and access to exclusive and sold-out events.

11. The Billionaire Concierge

The Billionaire Concierge is an invitation-only high-end luxury concierge service with offices mostly in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Monaco, Moscow, and Qatar. The company provides luxury lifestyle services to its HNW members, including shopping for rare watches and jewelry and celebrity chef private reservations.

Resources and further reading recommendations about luxury concierge services

We used several authoritative resources to help us write this guide to luxury concierge companies. We recommend that you read them if you want to learn more about concierge services in general.

These are also great resources if you want to understand a particular aspect of the lifestyle service industry or want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends:

• “ Les anciens prisons de Paris .” Le Cabinet de Lecture et le Cercle Réunis: Gazette des Familles (in French), January 5, 1841.
• “ Concierge services “, Wikipedia, 2019.
• “ Hospitality services “, Wikipedia, 2019.
• “ How concierge roles are changing in an internet age “, by Laura Koss-Feder, Hotel News Now, July 9, 2018.
• “ Business Concierge Services Industry in the US: Industry Market Research Report “, IBISWorld, August 2018.
• “ The Cultivation Of A Concierge “, by David Belcher, The New York Times, October 9, 2013.
• “ The Hotel Concierge: A User’s Guide “, by Sophia Banay, Forbes, August 18, 2006.
• “ Top Luxury Concierge Websites For The Super-Rich “, by R.L. Adams, Forbes, November 14, 2016.

About the author

Editorial Team

Luxe Digital is an independent media brand, and premier online destination inspiring millions of people like you to live their richest lives—beyond bling. Our award-winning editorial team is a global team of content creators and editors. We are journalists, strategists, analysts, creatives, travelers, and luxury insiders—all with high standards and even higher values.

Learn more about Editorial Team

Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker Review: A Chameleon Of A Sneaker

A clean record.

Dubai’s Private Members’ Clubs Are Rising—Just Like The City’s Skyline

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Reset, Renew, Reconnect With The Eco Chic Retreat

Standing Tall: Oakywood Adjustable Desk Doesn’t Sit Still

The Most Exclusive Private Members Clubs In Singapore

Best Italian Car Brands: Power, Passion And Perfection

The 7 Best Sneakers For Men: Master The Casual Look

The Most Expensive Alec Monopoly Paintings Don’t Play Games

Sun, Sand, and Splendor: The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In Miami

Oakywood Brand Story: Nature Meets Technology

Proudly inspiring millions of readers like you .

Your Conscious,

Elevated Life

Starts Here.

• Striking superlatives

Travel Concierge – All You Need to Know

Curious about what exactly it is that a travel concierge does? We’ll tell you that, plus everything else you need to know, in this detailed guide to travel concierges!

What’s in the job description, how are they different from travel agents, and what kinds of services they offer are just some of the topics that are covered in this detailed guide. We’ve also included a list of the top travel concierge agencies that are used by the elite, in case you’re considering hiring one for your next trip.

Read on to learn more about travel concierges, and see whether you should even consider using their services!

What Is A Travel Concierge?

When you think of a travel concierge, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? The concierge desk at the last fancy hotel you stayed at, right? Hotel concierges are similar to travel concierges in their expertise and connections, but their job description is a bit different.

A travel concierge can do the same things a hotel concierge can do for you, plus a few extra things. It’s the person you hire to make all your wishes come true, as long as they’re not against the laws of the country you are in.

Travel concierge services are very pricey, and they’re often used by the rich and famous who don’t have the time or the energy to make travel arrangements on their own.

The duties and responsibilities of a travel concierge extend far beyond making hotel and airplane reservations – their duty is to ensure that everything about the trip is exactly how the customer wants it, from the destination to the daily itineraries.

In addition to that, concierges also provide 24/7 support for customers during their trips. That means that if a customer needs anything, it’s the concierge’s job to make it happen, no matter how difficult or impossible the task may seem.

And since the customers are usually ultra-rich people who don’t have a lot of patience or understanding, if they can’t complete the task quickly and successfully, it’s likely they will lose a customer for good.

This is why a travel concierge is nothing without their connections. They need to know all the right people to call to make even the impossible happen, and that’s how they can keep the customers with insanely high expectations happy. Also, concierges will often rely on word of mouth for recommendations, instead of looking at Yelp or Google reviews.

In other words, if they need something done and they’re not sure who to turn to, they’re going to ask their contacts until they can get a great recommendation.

Travel Concierge Vs. Travel Agent

Although they might have similar job descriptions, a travel agent and a travel concierge do very different things. A travel agent is a person who works alone or with an agency to promote hotels, make travel arrangements for others, and find deals for certain destinations. When you book a trip with an agent or an agency, their responsibilities generally stop once you arrive at your destination.

A travel concierge, on the other hand, will be at your beck and call 24/7 even during your trip.

Concierges don’t have to promote other hotels or restaurants – their sole obligation is to the customer, and to ensure that the trip goes exactly how they wanted. While a travel agent might be able to recommend restaurants and even make reservations on your behalf, a travel concierge can get you into the hottest restaurant in town, even if all the tables are booked for the foreseeable future.

There’s also a difference in how agents and concierges get paid. A travel agent takes a commission and if they work for an agency, the agency will take a cut of their commission as well. A concierge, on the other hand, earns money from fees, commissions, and tips that are often given out by generous customers.

Concierges can also take fees from providers depending on their arrangement, and certain customers can even keep them “on-call” with a monthly or yearly fee, depending on how often they need something done.

With all of that in mind, it should come as no surprise that concierges generally make more money than travel agents. Although the numbers are very individual and dependent on the type of work and clientele a concierge usually works with, but you can imagine that making wishes of the ultra-rich come true is a job that pays quite nicely.

Luxury, Business, Personal, And Travel Concierge Services

The duties of a concierge are varied and plentiful. It’s rare for a concierge to offer only one type of service, so in most cases, these people will offer travel, luxury, business, and even certain personal services at the same time.

Luxury lifestyle concierge services are most utilized by the rich and famous, and they can include everything from planning parties to shipping valuable artwork all over the world. More often than not, luxury concierges will also make various travel arrangements for their customers, which can include anything from finding suitable hotels to chartering a private jet.

Corporate concierges are also a thing, and they’re often employed by large companies whose employees travel often. They do pretty much the same thing as luxury and travel concierges, but instead of being employed by rich individuals, corporate concierges are generally employed by large companies.

Their duties often include everything from making travel arrangements to organizing company events, but instead of needing to please just one individual, corporate concierges must respect the wishes of all the key personnel.

Although you can find concierge services that specialize in working with a particular clientele, more often than not these agencies will be capable of fulfilling your every demand. They might have certain individuals within the company who are specialized in one area, but even that’s not too common anymore.

Why Use A Travel Concierge?

The main reason why most people decide to use a travel concierge is to save time. Keep in mind that concierge services are expensive, and they’re mostly utilized by large companies or very rich individuals. These are people who don’t have the time to spend hours making travel arrangements or ensuring that the caterer got the menu right for their upcoming party.

Another reason why people opt to hire travel concierges, and travel agents for that matter, is because they can get access to exclusive deals. Both concierges and agents have connections with people in the industry, and they can offer exclusive deals to their customers, which they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.

A good concierge should be able to get you a table on the same night at a restaurant that’s booked for the next two months, as well as get you tickets to a front-row seat at a fashion show. And just like travel agents, they can offer exclusive deals to their customers, which often include discounts for hotels, airlines, restaurants, etc.

The mega-rich will often employ concierges to do the work of a personal assistant. It can be closing down a Tiffany’s to purchase a ring, or shipping furniture halfway across the world – in any case, a concierge should be able to complete the task quicker and more efficiently than a personal assistant, because they can use the vast network of connections they’ve developed over the years.

Best Travel Concierge Services (Agencies)

Now that you know exactly what it is that travel concierges do, it’s time to go over some of the best (and most exclusive) travel concierge agencies in the business!

Quintessentially is one of the most popular luxury concierge companies in the world. They offer many types of concierge services, including travel, restaurant reservations, education, everyday errands, and much more.

This luxury concierge company has offices in 60 places over the globe, from Amman to Zagreb, and they work with both individuals and companies. Individual customers are usually the mega-rich, whose requests can range from fulfilling daily errands to closing down the Golden Gate bridge for a proposal.

It’s worth noting that Quintessentially is one of the largest concierge agencies in the business, so it should come as no surprise that they offer so many different services. The company employs more than 1500 people across their worldwide offices, and all those individuals are specialized in something.

Pure Entertainment Group is another luxury travel concierge company that works with private and corporate clients. Although they list some basic services they offer on their site, Pure Entertainment Group wants their clients to know that they’re capable of making all their wishes come true – all they need to do is ask.

The company prides itself on being of service to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients from all over the world, as well as being able to make even the most impossible wishes and dreams come true.

John Paul is a well-known concierge company that works with both private and corporate clients. The range of services they offer is wide and varied – the agency can do pretty much anything from finding VIP basketball tickets to developing customized mobile apps for a specific brand.

John Paul agency was founded in 2008, but in 2015 they merged with LesConcierges – a company that has been around since 1987.

As you can imagine, the concierges who work for this company are seasoned professionals with networks of contacts that allow them to get things done with a single phone call, whether it’s arranging a two-week vacation in the Maldives or getting their client a table at a restaurant that hasn’t even opened yet.

One Concierge is an agency that offers lifestyle management, private aviation, and corporate concierge services. In total, they offer more than 150 different concierge services to both their private and corporate clients, and they’re very popular for their on-demand service.

There’s no subscription or membership fee for their on-demand service – simply fill out a form when you need something, and you’ll be contacted by their team shortly after.

Also, it’s worth noting that the agency offers a wide variety of event management services, which range from planning private events to finding you tickets to the most exclusive events. They also work with quite a lot of celebrities and public figures, and they’re able to offer various talent procurement services to their clients.

Knightsbridge Circle is a concierge service founded in 2012, and it’s one of the best and most expensive companies in the industry. They offer several membership levels to their clients, with their “Elite” tier being the most expensive concierge membership you can purchase.

The £25,000 per year membership gets you a personal manager who works only on your needs and requests, which is amazing. This company has the best staff-to-client ratio – each Personal Manager is assigned up to five clients, with the exception of PMs who work with Elite tier clients.

It’s worth noting that their most expensive concierge membership is by invitation only, and it’s reserved for the richest and most influential people on the planet.

Innerplace Concierge is a London-based company that’s been in the business for nearly two decades. They’re one of the top concierge agencies in the UK, and they’re pretty much the ones you should turn to if you ever need something while you’re in London.

Innerplace Concierge agents can get you in pretty much any London restaurant you want, and the same goes for clubs, VIP events, and even sold-out events.

This agency offers a wide variety of concierge services, which include lifestyle and event management, travel planning, and even corporate services. They also offer several different membership plans, ranging from short-term memberships for people who are traveling to London for a little while, to bespoke membership plans for big businesses.

Innerplace Concierge remains one of the top agencies in the business for London residents who are in need of lifestyle management services because this agency can do pretty much anything for you, from event planning to getting you access to exclusive events and even sample sales.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

Leave a Comment:

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Overview Guide
• 1 Week Itinerary
• Train Journeys
• Epic Drives
• Stunning Lakes
• Historic Castles
• Lauterbrunnen
• Grindelwald
• Chocolate Tours
• Swiss National Park
• Majestic Mountains
• Spectacular Waterfalls
• Famous Things
• Tasty Fondue
• 10 Day Itinerary
• Cherry Blossoms
• Tokyo Shrines
• Dos and Don’ts
• Osaka Guide
• Osaka Itinerary
• Osaka or Kyoto
• Kyoto Day Trips
• Matsumoto Castle
• Tokyo Luxury Hotels
• Island Hopping
• Best Campsites
• Driving Tips
• Beaune, France
• Barcelona Itinerary
• Spain Itinerary
• Greece Itinerary
• Italy Road Trips
• Berlin Day Trips
• Norway Northern Lights
• Netherlands National Parks
• Mostar, Bosnia
• Best Airlines
• Midwest Ski Resorts
• Florida RV Parks
• Washington RV Parks
• Oregon RV Parks
• Utah Camping
• Texas Camping
• Chicago National Parks
• East Coast National Parks
• Colorado National Parks
• Joshua Tree
• Yellowstone
• Alberta Hikes
• Flashlights
• Water Filters
• Sleeping Pads
• Solar Lanterns
• Tent Brands
• 4-Person Tents
• 4 Seasons Tents
• Backpacking Tents
• Beach Tents
• Cabin Tents
• Multi-room Tents
• Pop-up Tents
• Truck Bed Tents
• Underwear (Men)
• Backpacks Under $100
• Microspikes
• Boonie Hats
• In The World
• New Zealand
• Hardisde Luggage
• Lightweight Luggage
• Luggage Sets
• Spinner Luggage
• Durable Suitcases
• Duffel Bags
• Kids Luggage
• Teen Luggage
• Space Saving Luggage
• Business Carry-Ons
• Garment Carry-Ons
• Suitcases Under $50
• Travel Briefcase
• Zipperless Suitcases
• Rolling Briefcase
• Luggage Straps
• Luxury Brands
• American Tourister
• AmazonBasics
• Delsey Chatelet
• Anti-Theft Backpacks
• Backpacks Under $50
• Baby Carrier Backpacks
• Cooler Backpacks
• Backpacking Backpacks
• Climbing Backpacks
• Backpacks for Back Pain
• Beach Backpacks
• Hiking Backpacks
• Business Travel Backpacks
• Laptop Backpacks
• Backpacks for Tablets
• Commuter Backpacks
• Travel Backpacks (Men)
• Travel Backpacks (Women)
• Waterproof Backpacks
• Wheeled Backpacks
• Down Jackets
• Down Parkas
• Fleece Jackets
• Hardshell Jackets
• Rain Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Eco Friendly Jackets
• Gore Tex Alternatives
• Heated Jackets
• Lightweight Jackets
• 3-in-1 Waterproof Jackets
• Parajumper Jackets
• Rain Poncho
• Ski Jackets
• Travel Hoodies
• Travel Jackets
• Winter Coats
• Helly Hansen
• Mammut Jackets
• Patagonia Nanopuff
• Survival Jackets
• Flower Captions
• Waterfall Captions
• Tree Captions
• Sunset Captions
• Sunflower Captions
• Rainbow Captions
• Paddle Boarding Captions
• Hot Air Balloon Captions
• Kayaking Captions
• Airplane Captions For Instagram
• Forest Captions

Click  here to tell us about your travel needs and receive a quote for our services

• Experiences
• TT Advantage
• Leisure Travel
• Corporate Travel

Points Consulting

• A Better Way to Travel
• Our Trip App

A Travel Concierge Service that's all about the details.

Pack your bags and set your out-of-office. We handle the rest. From booking your flights to arranging your hotel and transportation, to curating experiences just for you—because we know details are anything but trivial.

I LOVE this APP so much! I have zero anxiety about travelling now. Honestly, my mind is blown!

" Creative solutions and doggedly persistent for my needs. Highly recommend."

"Simply the Best."

Thanks to the Travelogist's inside knowledge , we ended up getting fully reimbursed for a trip that was cancelled because of Covid-19. Thank you so much!

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Booking travel today may be at your fingertips. But when you use a booking site, you’re just another number. A travel concierge has direct contacts within the travel industry, making it easy to add in personal touches. We fill in the gaps where booking sites can’t. From bookings, pricing, safety and all the travel “what ifs”—The Travelogist has three plans of customization and a mobile app to make your trip as unique as you. All plans include our travel concierge basics:

Our services

Guidance on health and safety protocols.

Including Covid-19 regulations

Access to The Travelogist App

For itineraries and boarding passes

Sourcing hundreds of reviews

To ensure we only book the best to fit your travel style

You're Never Alone Promise

It’s really that simple. You’re never alone. Whether it’s travel disruptions, COVID related issues or losing your laptop whilst travelling. (You’d be surprised how often this happens!) Leave your stress with us and get on with your trip because, we’ve got you! We promise!⁠ ⁠

“There is no magic in magic. It’s all in the details."

A better way to travel

When it comes to planning a trip, two things come to mind; transportation & accommodation. While these are important elements, there are so many more details to consider to leverage your experience.

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES

Safety first.

Post-pandemic travel is not business as usual anymore. Working with a travel concierge who knows the ins and outs of travel puts your safety first to give you peace of mind.

Getting there

Your flight can be so much more than just an aisle or window seat. The Travelogist knows all the details and fine print to make your next journey truly comfortable.

Hotels, transfers and experiences

Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, timing is everything. We help you get from Point A to Point B in the best possible way.

We create magic

Elevating your travel experience is our true purpose. we pride ourselves in providing you with the most comfortable, safest and comprehensive options without ever sacrificing your travel wish list.  that’s how the magic really happens, you’re never alone, whether you’re roaming about in a concrete jungle or the amazon forest, our team is your “on the ground support” accompanying you every step of the way all the while keeping you up-to-date with any relevant information that may impact your trip., it’s who you know and what you know, with over 40+ countries in our portfolio, personal relationships with our partners around the world are an integral part of taking your trip from mediocre to magical., the human touch, because the magic is all in the details, we take pride in getting to know each and every one of our travellers’ personal preferences, and go the extra mile. every time., peace of mind, leave the logistics to us; last-minute cancellations, border closures, unexpected changes – we have you covered, now more than ever..

Find a plan that fits your travel needs.

With all plans, you’ll get access to The Travelogist APP that stores all of your key travel information in one place without the need for WIFI.

Here’s how it works:

• Select a plan that suits your travel style and needs
• Book a free 20-minute consultation or fill out this quick and easy online form 
• Start dreaming of your next vacation while we work our magic!

The Carry-On

For the minimalist traveller .

You know your way around an airport, collect travel points and like having flexibility on vacation. You just don’t want the hassle of tracking down flight and hotel prices. 

• Accessible Itinerary through our APP
• Guidance on health and safety protocols for your travels
• Access to Elite Hotel Benefits
• Immediate emergency disruption response time 24/7/365
• Best Economy and Business Class Options
• See all benefits

MOST POPULAR The Upgrade

For the avid traveller.

You want a detailed itinerary, the most out of your travel rewards programs, and insider knowledge of your destination. Local experiences are what make a long-haul flight worth it. 

• Includes all Carry-On Plan Benefits
• Live Concierge services through our APP
• Reward Travel booking at no extra fee
• Cancellations at no extra fee

For the hands-free traveller.

Packing your bags is the only planning you want to do on vacation. The Valet includes all bookings, 24 hour concierge access, detailed day-by-day itineraries and those special perks that leave you in awe. 

• Includes all Upgrade Plan Benefits
• Priority Early Check-in & Late Check-out
• $100.00 Hotel Credit Toward F&B or Spa
• Complimentary Hotel Breakfasts for Two
• Hotel VIP Status & Room Upgrade

Not sure which plan is right for you?

See what's included, our trip app.

With your plan, you will be granted access to a private APP that stores all your key travel information in one location without the need for WIFI.

Your travel itinerary with day-by-day summaries

Flight, transfer & accommodation details

Essential travel documents

Live flight info

Human assistance and concierge services via live chat function

You have points & miles but not sure how to use them? You’re not alone, in fact many loyalty programs seem complex and overwhelming. Lucky for you, we happen to understand the ins and outs of these programs and will provide you with the optimal approach on where and when to redeem your rewards. In fact, our strategists nerd out when they are tasked with configuring a trip using loyalty programs. So whether it’s Frequent Flyer, Hotel Loyalty or whatever other points or miles programs you may be collecting, we are here to help you create your dream trip one point/mile at a time.

We value technology as much as customer service but, you can’t beat the human touch. Especially if the unexpected happens. We offer one-on-one personal support as your travel advocate when things go wrong—because “bots” don’t always get it right. We’re a human-powered, customer-centric organization where creating magical travel experiences is our ultimate goal, while providing you reassurance that you’re never alone. It’s like having your own personal concierge with you every step of the way.

What you need to know.

It’s really that simple. You’re never alone. Whether it’s travel disruptions, COVID related issues or losing your laptop whilst travelling. (You’d be surprised how often this happens!) Leave your stress with us and get on with your trip because, we’ve got you! We promise!⁠

How can I decide between the plans?

We’ve designed our plans based on your travel style and needs. A free 20-minute consultation with our Travel Concierge can help us determine which plan is perfect for your travel needs.  Sign up for your free consultation here.

Do you help navigate the new Covid-19 regulations and restrictions in different countries?

Yes. We stay on top of the ever-changing regulations, restrictions and legal requirements for each country, along with health and hospital information, so both you and we are fully prepared. We know that health and safety is top priority during these times, so we double check all Covid-19 requirements for each destination and supplier, and we also ensure BioSafety Certification from our suppliers.

What is the difference between your plans?

There’s a plan for everyone in various price ranges depending on your travel style and needs! Whether that’s help with booking key pieces of your trip, or full-on valet service. We take into consideration all the details for your trip, making sure you’re covered for everything you want, and not paying for anything you don’t want. You can get full details on our plans and all their features here, or you can set up a free 20-minute consultation with our travel concierge service to help decide your best Travelogist plan.

If an emergency happens, what will be covered?

Each situation is unique when it comes to an emergency, and much will depend on your insurance coverage. The Travelogist will guide you through the situation and go over your insurance details needed prior to your trip, so you feel secure and at ease. We also provide Disruption Response service, should changes happen during your trip.

Do you book more than just flights and hotels?

Your travel experience is so much more than just flights and hotels! You can see a full list of our benefits here , but we help you arrange excursions, make reservations, and provide itineraries so you can just immerse yourself and enjoy your destination.

What happens if part of my trip gets cancelled?

We work with the suppliers to find an acceptable solution.

What travel insurance provider do you work with?

The Travelogist works with our trusted insurance provider, Manulife and Alliance.

Are there any additional fees?

We value transparency and all other costs that are not trip related are communicated to our clients from the start.

Do you offer plans for groups?

We offer customized pricing for large groups. Contact us for more information about group travel.

The Latest from

Leisure travel, Corporate travel

The healthiest medium and long haul planes.

Leisure travel

Top reasons why costa rica is the perfect pandemic destination.

A 5-step guide to booking your first pandemic trip abroad

Have additional questions, @the_travel_ogist.

• Destination Guides

7 Concierge Recommendations for a Perfect Day Out in Moscow

By Chris Boyle

We asked Moscow’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day in the capital

MS. ANASTASIA TOPOROVA

CONCIERGE, RITZ-CARLTON MOSCOW

+7 495 225 8888

“Start your perfect day in Moscow by exploring the city center, which is also where The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow is located.”

The 8 Best Restaurants in Moscow

Confidante: beautiful branded hotels, azerbaijan, dubai and beyond: fairmont expands luxury portfolio.

“A walking tour around the Kremlin – around 45-60 minutes – will not only give you a great perspective on Moscow’s most important landmark, but also introduce to you the surrounding attractions. A couple well worth seeing are Alexander Garden with its beautiful fountains and flowerbeds, and the Moskva river embankments with stunning views of the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square, from its many bridges.

After your walking tour, enjoy an exclusive shopping experience at GUM department store; an architectural wonder in its own right, located directly on Red Square. Besides offering world-renowned luxury brands, GUM also sells a great variety of local brands – in foodstuffs and fashion.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite walking around GUM, head to Bosco Café. This excellent meeting place is located in the same building as GUM, with its floor-to-ceiling windows directly facing Red Square. An experience not to be missed.

Content from our partners

Nightcap: Enjoy Live Music All Summer at Nemacolin Resort

How to Enjoy America’s Cup 2024 in Barcelona

From Mexico to Manhattan: Clase Azul’s Latest Tequila Captures NYC

A visit to the Winzavod Contemporary Art Center should be on the list of every art lover visiting Moscow. A former winery dating back to Soviet times, Winzavod has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind arts venue representing the diversity of contemporary culture, including Russian modern art.

Before setting out for dinner, stop by The Ritz-Carlton and enjoy a fabulous foot massage in the ESPA spa. Pamper yourself in the Swarovsky lit swimming pool, Jaccuzi, sauna, steamroom and the lounge zone.

Take the lift to the 12th floor of the hotel and order a ‘Vodka Tasting’ in the O2 Lounge rooftop bar. This fabulous experience consists of three stages of vodka enlightenment. The ceremony begins with an introduction from the vodka sommelier. Guests will discover why the perfect vodka should contain 40 percent alcohol, the connection between vodka and famous Russian scientist Mendeleev, why the most popular vodkas are made of wheat, rye or potato, and why some vodka tastes sweet, despite containing no sugar. Then, the sommelier offers a tasting of three Russian premium and luxury vodkas. Finally, according to our tradition, a set of Russian-style ‘zakuski’ dishes in a miniature format, are served as accompaniment to the tasting. Lasting 30 to 45 minutes, this special vodka ceremony is the perfect start to a dinner and a unique introduction to Russian culture.

A lavish dinner ‘à la Russe’ is a must experience for every visitor. Book a table at one of Moscow’s finest restaurants serving upscale Russian cuisine, such as the legendary Café Pushkin.”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Café pushkin.

Cuisine: Russian

+7 495 739 0033

26A Tverskoy Boulevard

www.cafe-pushkin.ru/en

BEST shopping

+7 495 933 7300

www.tsum.ru

Visit Red Square.

Andrey korystov.

SENIOR CONCIERGE AND MEMBER OF LES CLEFS D’OR, RADISSON ROYAL HOTEL, MOSCOW

+7 495 221 5555

Best Breakfast: Café Pushkin

Lunch in: the most cafe.

+7 495 660 0706

6/3 Ul. Kuzentsky Most, bldg. 3 107031 Moscow

+7 495 788 4343

3 Red Square

Cara&Co

+7 495 223 4111

4th Syromyatnicheskii per, h. 1, bld. 9, Moscow

www.caraandco.com

Barvikha Luxury Village

+7 495 225 8880

Odintsovsky District, Moscow 143082

www.barvikhahotel.com

• Visit the heart of Russia: Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and The Kremlin.
• Take a private tour to Meiendorf Castle in Barvikha, one of President Dmitry Medvedev’s residences.
• Enjoy the ballet or opera at the famous Bolshoi Theatre.

BEST COCKTAILS

+ 7 495 229 5519

8, Novinskiy Boulevard, Lotte Plaza shopping center, 21st floor, Moscow 2295519

www.kalinabar.ru

+7 495 988 7444

Savvinskaya Embankment, Pereulok 12, Str 8, Moscow

www.sohorooms.com

MRS VIKTORIA KLOKOVA

CHIEF GUEST RELATIONS EXECUTIVE, BARVIKHA HOTEL & SPA

+7 495 504 1269

29th km Rublevo-Uspenskoye shosse, Ilyinskoe poselok

Tzarskay Okhota

+7 495 418 7982

186a Rublyovo-Uspenskoe shosse, 29th km Khukova

9am – breakfast in the hotel 10.15am – meet the guide in the lobby 10.30am – 6.30pm tour of Moscow including the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM galleries 12pm – Kremlin, the Armory Chamber 1.45pm – Kremlin, the Kremlin Cathedrals, the Diamond Fund 4pm – St. Basil’s Cathedral 6pm – GUM Galleries 7pm – Dinner at Café Pushkin Second day: 9am – breakfast at Veranda y Dachi restaurant (Italian/Japansese/Uzbek) 10.45am – 3pm – transfer from the restaurant to the Tretyakov Gallery with the guide 4pm – 5pm – late lunch at Oblomov restaurant, during the tour 5.30pm – transfer to the hotel

YULIA BORTNIKOVA

MEMBER OF LES CLEFS D’OR ORGANIZATION, ARARAT PARK HYATT HOTEL

“Please note that recommendations are for summer 2011 only.”

Begin your day at Red Square with breakfast at Café Bosco; a perfect location on the first floor at GUM, the famous department store. The terrace faces Red Square and is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral before the crowds arrive. The breakfast menu is full of fresh juices, coffee, omelets and pastries, and is served from 9am until 12pm.

Your private guide can collect you from Bosco and take you to the Kremlin Tour. Walking through the Alexandria Garden you’ll visit some of the major museums of the country, the beautiful grounds, the cathedrals, the Armory Chamber and Treasury Room. All tours to The Kremlin must be organized at least one month in advance.

Lunch can be taken at Strelka Bar, which boasts a fantastic terrace, right above the Moscow River and opposite the beautiful Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

After lunch, remember to walk across Patriarch Bridge, where you can take some wonderful photos.

If you still have enough energy, I recommend a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, which is located near the Cathedral. There are many excellent artists on display: Monet, Gauguin, Degas and Picasso to name but a few.”

+7 495 789 8652

Ulitsa Petrovka 3/6

novikovgroup.ru

• A day trip with a private guide and chauffeur to Suzdal: Suzdal is an authentic Russian village with its own kremlin (fortress). Nearby, you can visit the Spaso-Evfimiev monastery and the museum of wooden handcrafts. Why not spend a day on a Russian estate and take a course in Russian cuisine using organic products from the garden – with a full lunch or dinner afterwards.
• Memorial Museum of Astronautics: The Memorial Museum of Astronautics is located in the basement of the memorial ‘To Space Pioneers’ – a unique monument in Moscow built in honor of the first Earth satellite launch on November 4, 1964. The museum is the brainchild of Sergei Korolev, the Chief Constructor of rocket-and-space systems during the 1950s and 1960s. The Museum Fund contains space technology items, personal possessions of Soviet spacemen, archive documents, video and photo materials, numismatic collections, philately, deltiology and faleristics objects and works of art.
• One day Tour with a private guide and chauffeur to Sergiev Posad: Sergiev Posad is the center of the Russian Orthodox religion, and home to the magnificent medieval Trinity Monastery of St. Sergei. Built in the 14th century, for many years – even under Communism – it was the official seat of the Patriarch of Russia. This is a full day trip of around five to six hours, with a traditional lunch in one of the local restaurants.

EKATERINA SAFRONOVA

CONCIERGE, HOTEL NATIONAL

+7 495 258 7000

The perfect summer weekend:

– Breakfast in Moskovskiy restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Kremlin

– Kremlin tour with the best private guide, including a visit to the Armory Chamber – a world-renowned treasure trove, the Diamond Fund and the Red Square. On Saturdays at noon there is a ceremonial parade by the Presidential regiment (horses and military) in the Cathedral Square at the Kremlin.

– Lunch at the Trellis Terrace at Turandot restaurant between the fountains and marble statues with a marvelous view of the Metropolitan Centre

– Enjoy Russian classical ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre

– Dinner at the elegant Bolshoi restaurant after the performance

– Luxury breakfast served in your presidential suite

– Private tour around Moscow including a view of the masterpieces of Russian Fine Art at the Tretyakov Gallery

– Lunch at ‘The Sad’, a brand new Ginza project restaurant located next to the Tretyakov Art Gallery

– The authentic Russian Banya bathhouse experience at Expeditzia

– Dinner at Expeditzia Restaurant (Siberian, Arctic cuisine), one of the favorite restaurants of our president Dmitry Medvedev. Try omul (whitefish) from Lake Baikal, Kamchatka crab or marinated grilled elk meat.

+7 495 775 6075

Pevchesky lane 6, 109028

www.expedicia.ru

Enjoy a walk around Old Arbat in Moscow’s historic centerat

MICHAEL HOPF

CHIEF CONCIERGE, HOTEL BALTSCHUG KEMPINSKI MOSCOW

+7 495 287 2000

For the perfect day in Moscow:

“Start with breakfast at the Restaurant Baltschug, which has the best buffet breakfast in town.Then head out on foot for a private tour of The Kremlin, including a visit to the Armoury (look out for the Fabergé eggs). For lunch, try the hip Bosco Bar, a modern brasserie-style restaurant on the ground floor of iconic GUM department store with a great view of Red Square. In the afternoon, visit the New Tretyakov Gallery National Museum of Russian Fine Art or visit Garage – a superb contemporary arts center based in a former bus depot in the north of Moscow.”

GQ Restaurant

Cuisine: European and Asian

+7 495 956 7775

5 Baltschug Street

eng.novikogroup.ru

Cuisine: French

+7 495 933 3389

9-21 Nikolskaya Street

www.baccarat.com

Denis Simachev

+7 495 629 5702

12 bldg 2, Stoleshnikov pereulok, Moscow 103031

www.denissimachev.com

PAVEL NIKOLAYEV

HEAD CONCIERGE, SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY

“Begin with a morning tour of The Kremlin, followed by an Italian lunch at Bontempi and a visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, where you can see one of the best Impressionist collections in the world.”

“Then, I recommend a visit to the Lenin Mausoleum or Sparrow Hills on the banks of the Moscow River, which has one of the best views over the city. In the evening make your way to the City Space Bar centerat Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy and enjoy some of finest cocktails in the capital.”

Latest in Luxury

The explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

CNN values your feedback

Instant ramen and influencers: inside the world of south korean convenience stores.

Imagine this: you need to pick up a package, top up your metro card, grab lunch and take out some cash.

In most places, that would probably mean separate trips to the post office, the subway station, a restaurant and an ATM. But in South Korea , all that – and more – can be done at your nearest convenience store. And you probably won’t have to travel far to find one.

South Korea has become the global king of convenience stores, both online and off – with social media influencers and tourists joining locals in flocking to a rapidly growing number of stores across the country.

By the end of last year, there were more than 55,200 convenience stores in the nation of 52 million, according to the Korea Convenience Store Industry Association – roughly one for every 950 people.

That’s more than the total number of McDonald’s branches worldwide – and gives South Korea the highest density of stores per capita, overtaking Japan and Taiwan, both also famous for their abundant and versatile convenience stores.

“The convenience store industry in South Korea stands out for its remarkable density and innovative strategies,” said Chang Woo-cheol, a professor of tourism and the food service industry at Kwangwoon University in Seoul.

“They have become an essential retail channel, with the second-largest share in offline retail sales in the country.”

It’s a far cry from places like the United States, where convenience stores are usually attached to gas stations or strip malls and are rarely seen in residential areas, partly due to zoning laws. In large South Korean cities like Seoul, convenience stores are on every corner, sometimes with multiple outlets from competing companies dotting the same street.

“Convenience stores are open 24 hours a day and play an essential role in our busy lives,” Chang added – calling the South Korean industry a “global success story.”

One-stop shops

There are a few things that set South Korean convenience stores apart.

For starters, they are a one-stop shop offering everything from food and drinks to home goods and lifestyle services. At these stores, customers can charge their phones, pay utility bills, withdraw cash, make online orders and receive deliveries – and, at certain locations, even charge their electric scooters, exchange foreign currency and send international mail.

“Convenience stores in Korea are not only a place where people can (sit) around a table amongst the clutter of beer cans on a late summer night, but also provide essential services,” said Deloitte Korea in a 2020 report , describing the country’s stores as “pampering their customers with extreme convenience.”

Then there’s the food section – a wide variety ranging from instant miso soup to cup noodles in every flavor imaginable, snacks like kimbap and onigiri, and ready-to-eat meal kits.

Combine that with in-store seating areas, microwaves and hot water dispensers, and these stores have become a go-to spot for office workers having a quick lunch, partygoers needing a late-night boost and students fueling up before grueling cram school classes.

Demand has surged over the years as South Korea has urbanized, said Chang, the hospitality professor. More than 80% of the population now live in urban centers, with many residents leaving rural areas to settle down in fast-paced cities.

Related article A Seoul neighborhood is so crowded with tourists that the government is taking over

Another factor is demographics. Fewer South Koreans are getting married or starting families, meaning there are more single-person households than ever – and often on tighter budgets, given the economic hardships facing many young adults.

As of 2021, about 35% of all South Korean households were single residents, according to a McKinsey report released last March. And unlike couples or large families, who may prefer to cook at home and buy in bulk from grocery stores, single residents gravitate toward the cheap, easy option of convenience stores or ordering online.

The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to this trend, with people preferring to order online or to buy things quickly from stores close to home, the report added.

Companies have capitalized on this high demand by strategically opening shops inside other existing business venues or entertainment spaces. For instance, Seoul has convenience stores in karaoke bars and the city’s arts center, the Deloitte report said.

All this has translated to huge profits. Between 2010 and 2021, Korean convenience store revenue leaped more than fourfold from $5.8 billion to $24.7 billion, surpassing traditional supermarkets and department stores, according to McKinsey, citing London-based market research company Euromonitor.

Social media phenomenon

These convenience stores aren’t just popular in real life – they’re also gaining traction on social media, reflecting the global phenomenon many call the “Korean wave.”

South Korean exports have swept the world in the past two decades, from K-pop and Korean TV dramas to beauty products, fashion and food. In the past year, the global obsession with Korean items has turned its attention to the country’s convenience stores.

A quick search on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram shows an endless supply of videos about Korean convenience stores. In these clips, influencers show off the in-store instant ramen stations, review snacks and drinks, or follow online trends such as only eating convenience store foods for a whole day.

These videos have proved to be a winning strategy for their creators.

Jiny Maeng, an Australia-based content creator who was born in South Korea, began making videos on the topic after seeing similar clips going viral online. They are her most-viewed content , with her top three YouTube videos racking up a total of 76 million views – and an additional few million views each on TikTok and Instagram.

“Korea became a trend itself … on social media,” she said. “I guess that’s also why (convenience stores) are so popular, because people idolize going to Korea now, it’s just one of the dream locations people want to go to. So, seeing these videos kind of overtake online is a really cool experience for a Korean, actually.”

Related article South Korea brought K-pop and K-dramas to the world. The Korean language could be next

Part of what audiences enjoy is the sensory satisfaction of Maeng displaying convenience store products, she said – including the crinkling of packaging being torn open or the rattle of plastic “ice cups” before they’re filled with drinks.

But they were also popular among her Australian and American viewers for the sheer novelty factor, she said. Buying, cooking and eating instant ramen noodles at a convenience store is “mind-blowing” for those used to a more spartan, Western-style store, she said.

She pointed to businesses in Sydney, where she lives, as an example. Many cafes and other stores close by 3 p.m. – ludicrously early by Korean standards. And while Australia has 7-Eleven stores, like in the US, they are usually attached to gas stations and have “very limited” processed food options like meat pies, sandwiches, donuts and slushies, she said.

Chang, the professor, said these online videos have helped drive the popularity of convenience stores in Korea. “It’s a combination of both their distinctiveness and effective marketing through social media that has boosted their popularity,” he said.

Indeed, Korean convenience store companies have grown so successful they are even expanding overseas. Three of the largest brands – CU, GS25, and Emart24 – now have stores in parts of Southeast Asia including Vietnam and Malaysia, he said.

He urged the industry to continue expanding by leveraging social media and “the influence of the Korean wave,” adding: “We will have to put in more effort to survive in this (global) competition.”

There may be limits to the online strategy; the internet is now oversaturated with videos about Korean convenience stores, and audience interest is declining, said Maeng, whose most recent videos about the topic haven’t raked in as many views as before.

But when she next returns to South Korea, she will “definitely” still visit a convenience store and hit record, she said.

“There (are) always ways to utilize the trend to make it your own,” she said. “Maybe there’s a different way I can use convenience stores in my videos so it resonates with the viewer even more.”

CNN’s Yoonjung Seo contributed reporting.

Show all

'.concat(e,"

'.concat(i,"

• Features to look for in a rewards tracking app 

Top credit card rewards tracking apps

The best search tools for booking flights on points and miles, track your credit card rewards and book the best award flights with the best apps and tools in 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

• Credit card reward deadlines, expiration dates, and rotating bonuses can be challenging to remember.
• The best reward apps track upcoming offers and expiration dates on the credit cards in your wallet.
• New award travel search tools help you find the best deals on booking flights with points and miles.
• Read Business Insider's guide to the best travel rewards credit cards.

How do you keep track of how many points or miles you have? Some people use spreadsheets, while others log into various bank, airline, and hotel websites to track them individually. But the smartest award hounds are using these popular tools to maximize their rewards

Why use a credit card rewards tracking app?

Playing the credit card game can be insanely rewarding. Racking up points and miles, scoring huge sign-up bonuses , and earning outsized cash-back percentages can feel like winning the lottery.

However, keeping up with the rules of the game can also be challenging. Bonus categories can change every few months, sign-up thresholds can fade to the back of your mind, and travel transfer partners and rates are ever-changing. If you're struggling to keep all those numbers straight, consider one of the apps we recommend below.

Features to look for in a rewards tracking app 

You've worked hard to earn your rewards, so you'll want to keep them safe and make sure they get used before they expire — ideally at maximum value. Here are some questions to keep in mind as you consider different tracking tools.

Comprehensive rewards management

In a perfect world, the ideal app would integrate with every rewards program you use and tell you the best credit card to use each time you pull out your wallet to make a purchase. But no such tool exists as of today, so many dedicated award hounds use a combination of the apps below to track all of their credit card rewards.

Some tools, like CardPointers, link to major issuers such as Chase , Amex , Capital One , and Citi to update you on offers specific to your credit cards. Others, like AwardWallet, help you track every loyalty program and rewards system you use, from travel companies to retailers. 

Security and privacy features

As with any fintech tool, there's some measure of risk involved in sharing your financial information. Credit card tracking apps integrate with your issuers to pull data from your credit card usage, so make sure you understand what each company offers in terms of security before you share your bank credentials. 

• AwardWallet: Best for tracking multiple loyalty programs
• CardPointers: Best for managing your wallet and maximizing credit card offers
• Travel Freely: Best for couples earning points together
• MaxRewards: Best for monitoring credit alongside of rewards

AwardWallet

Cost: Freemium — Free version works for most. AwardWallet+ $30/year.

If you're considering a reward tracking app, AwardWallet is something of a holy grail. This tool monitors nearly 700 loyalty programs and has well over half a million users. From the big names like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards to hotel chains, cruise lines, rental car companies and even retailers like Sephora, this service covers every angle of the rewards game.

• Tracks travel plans and sends email alerts about flight delays or other interruptions
• Analyzes spending to make sure you're using the right cards to earn the most points
• Award concierge service can help find your best redemption offer and save you searching and comparison time
• Has approximately 700,000 users and high marks in both the App Store and the Play Store
• Premium version costs $30/year
• Concierge service costs $50 search fee per traveler and a $100 booking fee per traveler

CardPointers

Cost: Freemium — Free version works for most. Premium is $6.99/month, $59.99/year, or $199.99 lifetime 

CardPointers is a relatively new app that helps you track, manage, and maximize every credit card you own — as long as you take the time to fully set up your account, of course. 

This tool's standout feature is its ability to integrate with Amex and Chase to help you add special offers to specific credit cards in your account. Amex Offers , for example, can be legendary for generous cash back rewards with certain merchants. But you have to add individual offers to your targeted credit card, then make the required purchase on that specific card in order to earn your offer bonus.

CardPointers eliminates the need for all of that tapping and pecking: When you link this app to your credit card accounts, paid members can bulk-add all offers to their credit cards, while free-version members can add them more efficiently than they would on the issuers' websites or apps. If you install the browser extension, CardPointers will suggest which card to use when you visit various retailer websites. 

CardPointers is highly customizable, with a sleek, clean interface that's easy to use. You can manually add each card you own, or sync the app to your accounts and let it suggest cards for you to include.

If you use the correct name for each credit card, CardPointers will automatically input its bonus categories, earn rates, and offer suggestions on which card to use for your next purchase. It even includes sections to input your card anniversary so it can remind you when anticipate a bonus or consider closing the card, and helps you track your progress toward welcome offer requirements.

• Clean, simple app interface with customizable fields
• Tracks annual fee due dates, progress toward welcome offers, bonus categories, and far more
• Free version provides plenty of benefits and features

Default browser extension card suggestions can feel intrusive at times, although you can personalize these settings in your account preferences. 

Travel Freely

Cost: Free for everyone

As the name suggests, Travel Freely is all about traveling without spending any money on the actual trip. The app's bold promise is that you can get more than $2,000 every year by using it, and the big differentiating point with this tool is the ability to track up to two users. So if you and your "Player 2" are both racking up points and miles to put toward big vacations each year, this is a good way to collaborate. 

The main feature of this app is the ability to track when credit card annual fees  are approaching, when a bonus deadline is near, and when you're close to exceeding the Chase 5/24 rule (opening five new cards in 24 months). It's a relatively simple app, and it comes with a CardGenie tool that helps recommend the next card to add to your wallet.

• Ability to track two users' credit card reward activity
• Helps stay on top of deadlines and offers suggestions for downgrading cards to avoid annual fees
• Good way to keep track of the potential of applying for too many credit cards in a certain timeframe

Only focused on travel — so not a great pick if you're looking for cash back

Cost: Freemium — Free version works for most. MaxRewards Gold $7/month or $84/year (with sliding scale discounts)

Most credit card rewards tracking apps are solely geared to monitor how your points are piling up. However, MaxRewards sets itself apart with a running progress bar of the credit card balance you're carrying, and your credit utilization ratio. This can be especially valuable in avoiding the temptation to focus on growing your rewards balance, rather than on paying your outstanding balances in full each month, which keeps your credit score healthy .

You'll also benefit from the company's auto-recommendation tool when you're deciding what card to use at certain merchants. For example, if your card currently has a 5x bonus at grocery stores, the app will tell you when you're ready to pay to make sure you don't use a different — and less-rewarding — card.

MaxRewards also comes up big in one of the small, often-overlooked elements of today's credit card landscape: opt-in offers. Programs like Chase Offers and Amex Offers typically require cardholders to manually activate a new discount opportunity, but the company will automatically activate all those savings for MaxRewards Gold members. 

• Recommends the most rewarding card to use based on bonus categories
• Monitors your card balances and your credit utilization ratio
• Will automatically activate limited-time offers for cardholders
• Many negative user reviews indicate the app has struggled with card issuer syncs for years

Read more: What are points and miles worth? Our complete valuations

How to maximize your credit card rewards

Tracking apps are helpful for managing your rewards, but redeeming them effectively is another matter. You know best what matters to you in terms of benefits, whether that's cruising the Caribbean or flying first-class to Japan. Keep these considerations in mind when it comes to using your rewards.

Regularly monitor your rewards

Your rewards are essentially another form of currency, and deserve to be monitored the same way. Check your points balances from time to time, just like you would track cash in your bank account. Are you earning what you should from recent transactions? Are you suddenly missing some points? Do any of them have expiration dates coming up that require some attention? Rewards tracking apps should help you simplify this chore, but it's still up to you to protect what's yours. 

Keep track of credit card bonus categories and limited-time offers

Your tracking app can be one of the best ways to maximize rewards. But if you prefer to keep things old-school, many people stick labels or stickers onto their credit cards to help themselves — and their families — remember which card is for groceries, which one is for dining out, which is for travel, and so on. Whatever system you choose, find one that works for you and stick with it.

Learn how to effectively book award travel for the best value

Most of us aren't world-class experts on airline transfer partners and open-jaw tickets, but these new tools we review below can help everyday people get better returns on travel rewards. 

• point.me: Best for great deals on last-minute award flights
• Roame: Best for helping newbies find award flights on specific routes
• seats.aero: Best for finding premium redemptions across a wide range of dates and locations
• Points Path: Best for comparing cash vs. points on Google Flights

Award travel search tool reviews

Cost: Freemium — $5 for one-day pass, standard plan for $12/month or $129/year, premium plan for $260/year. Concierge services available for an additional fee. Certain Amex cardholders get free access. 

Point.me  can reduce many of the hassles of comparing options, and introduce you to opportunities you didn't even know existed. 

Rather than going through the maze of manually comparing different transfer options for your points, this tool syncs with all of the major card programs to help you easily see how you'll be able to get the best deal. point.me regularly finds economy redemptions worth 6 to 8 cents per mile, and first- and business-class deals top out with some serious value in the neighborhood of 24 cents per mile.

If you aren't used to paying for award search assistance, you'll have to acclimate to this platform's price tag. You can buy a day pass with unlimited searches for $5, or subscribe on a monthly basis for $12 (or get a 10% discount if you opt for an annual bill of $129). But if you're sitting on hundreds of thousands of points, that investment can help you maximize your rewards before they expire or devalue.

• Saves time by eliminating the need to search different airline sites
• Offers step-by-step instructions on how to transfer points and book available redemptions
• Helpful tips for booking flights on a preferred airline via another airline's site for fewer points (example: booking a Delta flight through Aeromexico)
• Free for many American Express cardholders as of March 2024
• Paid concierge booking services available for complex trips 
• Subscription plans ranges from $129 to $260 per year
• Solely focused on flights, so you're on your own for searching for hotel deals

Cost: Freemium — Free version works for most. Basic version $109.99/year, business version $3,499.99/year.

Award travel search tools have proliferated since revenge travel boomed post-pandemic. Roame was initially designed for award travelers who didn't want to pay a monthly subscription fee for point.me. (Of course, Roame now offers a premium subscription plan, and some cardholders can now access point.me for free.)

Roame is great for coaxing friends and family to expand their points and miles travel, since the clean, simple layout is all but fool-proof. Simply pop in your departure and arrival cities, desired departure date, and choose whether you're flying in economy or business/first class. The algorithm spits out a list of options, and you can filter or sort your search results by travel length, price, and departure time. 

Roame even helps you figure out which loyalty program is a transfer partner for the airline operating each flight, so you can quickly see if you can book that redemption or not.  

• User-friendly interface is easy to use
• Can search for multiple seats on the same flight
• Compares more than one dozen airline programs to find you the best rate
• Premium version can show availability within a seven-day date range
• Free account requires sign-up, and offers slightly limited search capabilities
• Primarily focuses on direct or one-stop routes
• Can't search round-trip or multi-stop itineraries
• Defaults to business/first class seats, which can throw off first-timers

Cost: Freemium — Pro version is $9.99/month or $99/year

Deal hunters and regular travelers travel differently: Most people book flights based on their availability, while sale-seekers plan their trips around great travel deals. 

Seats.aero isn't as sleek-looking as Roame, but it's far more powerful in other ways. This tool allows you to search award flights by city, region, country, and even continent to find the best, elusive deals on award travel sweet spots in economy, premium economy, business class, and even first class. 

Business Insider experts have flown in first-class cabins from Asia to North America for less than 100,000 points, and spent nearly 24 hours in Singapore business class for the cost of a single welcome bonus . 

Seats.aero offers a paid version with access to premium search capabilities such as looking up flights more than 90 days in advance. But the free version will be more than sufficient for most beginner and advanced award travelers.

• Powerful search capability can search a broad range of departure and arrival opportunities across multiple dates
• You can look up flights for a specific date, or find more options using the ±1, ±3, and ±7 day search function
• Layout isn't as beginner-friendly as some of the other tools reviewed in this guide
• Searching 90+ days in advance or filtering out flights with high award taxes and fees requires a paid subscription

Points Path: Best for Google Flights price comparisons

Points Path requires the least amount of work out of every tool listed in this guide. Simply download this nifty little Chrome browser extension , then open Google Flights and run a flight search as usual. A new field will pop up in your search results, showing you how much each flight costs in miles or points and pointing an arrow toward the better deal. 

Points Path has some limitations — it doesn't search all major airlines or work well with alliance partners yet, so you'll have to manage those redemptions independently. But it's fantastic for quickly evaluating your next trip budget, eliminating the cash vs. points dilemma of calculating the value of your rewards. You can also use Points Path to help you understand which rewards program or welcome offer you should target next. 

• Google Chrome plug-in is incredibly easy to use and doesn't require future maintenance
• Helps you compare the cash vs. award redemption price of specific flights
• Doesn't cover all airline award programs

FAQs about reward tracking apps

CardPointers manages all of your credit cards within a single app. It tracks your progress toward new welcome bonuses, shows how much you pay in annual fees each year, suggests the best card to use for different purchases, and tallies the total value you can maximize from your credit cards.

A good rewards tracking app should help you maximize your credit card rewards, keep track of expiration dates and upcoming annual fees, and help you take advantage of special offers that are available.

Many credit card tracking apps integrate with your bank accounts. Carefully research any financial institution's policies on digital security before you submit any confidential information. 

A number of new tools help travelers search for award flights. Points Path is a Chrome browser plug-in that integrates with Google Flights that shows the miles cost of a flight next to the cash price, and automatically suggests the better deal for you. Other tools like point.me, seats.aero, and Roame search dozens of airlines at once to find the best or lowest-priced flights on points or miles. 

• Small business finances
• Credit cards
• Points and miles travel
• Travel insurance
• Real estate investing

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Moscow Investigates Ukrainian Video Showing Shooting of Wounded Russian Soldier

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian investigators said on Tuesday they were looking into the shooting of a wounded Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces in a video published online by Ukraine's Azov Brigade.

In the graphic footage, posted on YouTube and on the brigade's social media channels on Monday, an Azov soldier is seen clearing a Russian trench and repeatedly shooting what appears to be a wounded Russian soldier leaning prone against a trench wall. He had no visible weapon in his hands when he was shot.

While Reuters was able to verify the location of the video, Reuters was not able to verify the date on which it was filmed or the identity of the wounded Russian soldier.

Both Ukraine and Russia are signatories to the Geneva Conventions which establish international legal standards for conduct of armed conflict and stipulate that wounded combatants must not be killed or tortured and should receive adequate care.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff redirected questions on the incident to the National Guard which did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. A spokesperson for Azov could not immediately be reached by telephone for comment.

Azov, initially a nationalist militia which attracted far-right fighters, is now a regular unit in the Ukrainian national guard and denies having any far-right ideology.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said in a statement it would "establish all the circumstances of what happened and the circle of persons involved in committing the crimes."

Apty Alaudinov, deputy head of the military-political directorate of the Russian armed forces, told the TASS news agency he believed the episode constituted a violation of the Geneva Conventions.

Alongside the video, which was published on YouTube as well as on X and Telegram, Azov said the footage had been filmed during an operation by fighters from its 12th Brigade to clear out enemy dug-outs in the Serebryansky Forest, which is in Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region. It did not say when it was filmed.

Azov said last month it had pushed Russian troops from positions in the forest.

Reuters verified the location of the video as approximately 7km southeast of Dibrova in Luhansk Region. This was done using roads, terrain and trench lines seen in the video that match satellite imagery of the area. Reuters was not able to verify the date on which the video was filmed.

Ukraine has said it has launched investigations into nearly 130,000 suspected cases of war crimes, including against Ukrainian prisoners of war, something Moscow denies.

Since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, the International Criminal Court has issued six arrest warrants against senior Russian suspects, including President Vladimir Putin and former defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

Russia, which has dismissed the ICC warrants as legally meaningless, itself accuses Kyiv of war crimes, something it in turn denies.

(Editing by Jon Boyle)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - July 2024

Join the Conversation

Tags: Ukraine , Russia , crime , Europe

America 2024

U.S. News Decision Points

Your trusted source for the latest news delivered weekdays from the team at U.S. News and World Report.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

The Best Cartoons on Donald Trump

July 18, 2024, at 3:05 p.m.

Joe Biden Behind The Scenes

July 16, 2024

A Kinder, Gentler Trump?

Lauren Camera July 19, 2024

The End of Biden’s Reelection Bid?

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton July 18, 2024

20 Years of Secret Service Scandals

Aidan Pittman July 18, 2024

What We Know About Trump’s Shooter

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton and Alan Kronenberg July 18, 2024

The Biggest Moments of the RNC So Far

Laura Mannweiler July 18, 2024

Economy Slowing but Not in Recession

Tim Smart July 18, 2024

3 Takeaways From J.D. Vance's RNC Speech