Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions you may have about working a travel advisor, or the services that I offer.
Please feel free to contact me if there's anything else you'd like to know.
Do you charge a fee for your services?
Based on how complex your trip is, I may require a nonrefundable fee to help create your perfect itinerary. I use my extensive travel knowledge, industry connections, and years of expertise to free you from the burden of doing hours of research yourself. The fees I charge begin at $500 per trip, and I work hard to make sure that you have the perfect vacation.
Why should I book my travel with you?
In addition to saving you time and unnecessary travel stress, I use my personal and agency connections to get you additional amenities like room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, spa/food credit, and more. These are benefits that you typically wouldn’t get if you booked directly. While not always possible, I can also often get better rates with hotels, tour operators,, cruises, and other travel providers than you will find online. But the real value you get from booking with me? I take care of all the arrangements on your behalf, so that you can just show up and enjoy YOUR trip.
If I only need help with a hotel or another accommodation, is there still a fee?
If you need help finding a single accommodation booking, I typically won’t charge a fee for that. If you already have a particular hotel or villa in mind and want to see if I can get you added complimentary perks, let me know and, if so, I’d be happy to book it for you. I truly love researching luxury hotels, and my agency has preferred partnerships with countless 4 and 5 star properties around the US and the world. Most of these properties provide my clients with hundreds of dollars in amenities that you wouldn’t receive if you booked on your own. Some of our preferred partners include: Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Fairmont, Auberge, Relais and Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Leading Hotels of the World.
Can you book flights for me?
While I am happy to offer flight advice and make air recommendations for your trip, I typically don’t handle airline reservations unless you’re booking a business class seat or above. That being said, many of the suppliers and tour operators that I work with can incorporate air reservations of all fare classes into your itinerary.
Can you help with transfers, tours, rail tickets, and other elements once I’ve landed at my destination?
Absolutely! I have relationships with fantastic ground operators in countries all around the world, and I can work with them to connect all the dots in your itinerary. I can make your transfers seamless, comfortable, and fun. I can also organize private tours with some of the most reputable and knowledgeable guides in a given area. Please note that finding and building in these items will likely come with an additional service fee due to the additional research and planning required.
Are there cruise benefits that come with booking through you?
Cruises are one of the areas where travel advisors can get you the most benefits and value! Nowadays, every type of cruising is available out there. Large ship, small ship, active, culinary… you name it, there’s a cruise company that’s doing it. By booking through me, you’ll receive a match on the direct booking price (or better) AND certain amenities like shipboard credit, all-inclusive packages, free pre/post hotel stays, and more depending on the date, ship, and destination. Group cruise bookings tend to receive even more benefits, including a complimentary tour conductor credit when your group hits a certain size. Bottom line: If you’re considering a cruise, you should give me a call to see what I can get you!
What about travel insurance? Do I need that?
I recommend that all of my clients consider purchasing travel insurance, and I would be happy to connect you with some reputable providers and send you quotes. While you and I certainly hope that every aspect of your trip is flawless (and it almost always is!), travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment and give yourself some peace of mind.
Will you help me navigate passport, visas, and other entry requirements?
Travel is more complicated than ever, and we can provide you with access to information and resources so that you have the travel documentation and vaccination requirements you need in order to travel hassle-free.
Can I contact you during my vacation if I need to?
If you have an emergency during your trip, you can absolutely contact me. I will do everything I can to assist you, but please understand that I may not be immediately reachable, especially if it’s day time where you’re traveling but it’s the middle of the night back in California. If it’s a true emergency, your best and fastest source of assistance will be to call the local emergency authorities. If it’s a non-emergency issue, like your transfer hasn’t shown up yet or there is an issue with your hotel room, I encourage you to first contact the transfer company, tour operator, or hotel reception. You will have their contact information provided to you in your pre-departure packet, and they will be able to solve the problem the most efficiently.
What are you office hours?
My normal “office hours” are Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm. Unless we have a meeting or consultation scheduled outside these hours, I will typically respond to any emails, calls, or texts first thing on the following business day.
Anything else we should ask you?
If you think of anything, feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you!