Vicki
Upchurch

Vicki Upchurch has always had "the wanderlust." As a toddler, her parents would ask her, "Do you want to G-O?", then look around for her. She'd already be in the car. In her 20s, she'd head to the airport on weekends to find out how far she could go with what was left of her paycheck, and fly "sight unseen" for a quick getaway.

Vicki become adept at finding "just the right fit" for
clients nationwide, talking with them to discover their special interests. This often includes arranging opportunities that help them get to know the locals, such as a cooking class in someone's home: "They always come back and say those kinds of experiences were the highlight of their trip."

Virtuoso's Air, Space and Specialty Products offerings have been invaluable in helping her meet clients' needs. She was thrilled to be one of the original 47 Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agents and still maintains her ASA status. On the Air, Space and Specialty Products committee, she plans to promote services she feels fortunate to utilize, such as insurance and car rental, as well as bring fresh ideas to the table.

Vicki travels extensively with her husband Ken, who shares her love of adventure. She learned to ski in the Swiss Alps and is a Master Scuba Diver, diving all over the world. In 1988, she and Ken took a four-month trip from London to Moscow by motorcycle, even though she hadn't ridden one much before. By the end of the trip, she was an expert. Russian media, who filmed their arrival, told her she was the first woman to ride a motorcycle into Red Square.

Vicki wishes everyone had the wanderlust and believes travel helps foster world peace. "If you really talk to the people who live where you travel, they don't have animosity towards you." That's why she helps anyone who seeks her services. "I'll sell anything from a La Quinta to a fabulous FIT to facilitate a journey," she says. "It's more about the passion than the budget."