As we discussed in a previous post, one of the most important things to consider when hiring a lifestyle manager is their ability and commitment to getting to know you and your family on a personal level. This is someone who will look beyond the surface requirements – such as managing daily schedules and overseeing travel and events – and cultivate a nuanced understanding of what you need to simplify your complex lifestyle. If you’re still not sure you need a lifestyle manager, or have yet to connect with the right person or company, you might consider looking closer to home and hiring an estate manager. With an estate manager, you do not need to worry about receiving specialized attention, because by the very nature of their position they are already familiar with, and focused upon, you and your…

Back in the “olden days,” planning a family vacation was a complicated undertaking, involving numerous phone calls to airlines and hotels to comparison shop about availability and cost. Booking extra excursions and reservations at local restaurants beforehand were all but impossible. Everyone had “their” travel agent who took care of everything and was often the difference between a fantasy voyage and a bad Chevy Chase movie. The internet made these middlemen virtually obsolete (pun intended), as most travelers were able to book their flights and resorts online in a matter of minutes; eateries, and their customer reviews, were also a click away. Even online travel giants such as Expedia were not safe; in fact, this 2019 Forbes article served as a warning that Google, with its “Flights” tool, was nipping at their heels.   Enter Covid, the ultimate disruptor.…