Smiles and Miles Travel, based in South Easton, Mass.

, has been invited to join The Affluent Traveler Collection, a hand-picked, elite group of independent travel advisors and leading network of luxury travel specialists.

Now, in addition to helping clients plan typical vacations, business trips and destination and cruise weddings, honeymoons and bar/bat mitzvahs, Smiles and Miles’ founder Ellen Paderson, a 20-year travel industry veteran, is also directly connected to many of the world’s most exclusive resorts, world-class spas, exotic destinations and legendary hotels. As an Affluent Traveler (www.TheAffluentTraveler.com) network member, Ellen can arrange exclusive upgrades and amenities for clientele, expanding the value they receive on travel purchases.

Ellen says she’s excited to expand into the luxury travel segment and to join its network in 14 countries. “Through this network, my clients will have added variety, access to upgrades not available elsewhere; customization of travel tailored to personal tastes; and access to the entire luxury travel network of special offers and destinations.

The Affluent Traveler advisers also have additional contacts and buying power at cruise lines, airlines, hotels, car rental companies and tour operators.

Recently, Ellen was named to the prestigious Editorial Advisory Board of Travel Market Report, one of a very select group representing a cross-section of leading travel agencies from around the country. Last fall, Smiles and Miles Travel, was named one of the top 15 travel agencies by the prestigious Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) consortium representing 500 member agencies.

The Affluent Traveler Collection, www.

theaffluenttravelercollection.com;  Smiles and Miles Travel, www.smilesandmilestravel.com