Frequently Asked Questions

My standard answer is below, but if the Corona Virus situation has taught me anything, it's the value of a professional.  I, not my clients, was on hold with airlines, hoteliers and wholesalers for hours on end, negotiating fee forgiveness and talking to insurance companies.  All this, while my clients were at work, or home, carrying on their lives and caring for their families, patiently waiting while I cancel or postpone their getaways for them.  Should you use a travel advisor?  Yeah, you should.

A travel agent is a professional service provider with special training and experience to help you in ways you might not be able to help yourself.

A travel agent is kind of like an auto mechanic.  If you hate fixing and maintaining your car, or don't have the expertise or time to do so,  you probably have a mechanic on speed dial.  Even if you love  working on your car there are times when you might encounter a problem you just don't have the time, equipment or tools to deal with and need to call a mechanic.

Travel is a similar situation. If you don't like planning your own travel, or don't know how, are overwhelmed by all the options or maybe you just don't have the time right now; I can help.  Maybe you don't trust the vast information overload available on the internet. (Are those hotel pictures current?  Are these reviews real?)  A professional has other resources and relationships to draw from, not to mention personal experience.  Maybe you normally like doing your planning, but a particular situation or destination is making you uneasy....I can help.  Let's chat and see if we make a good team to plan your next great escape. 

There is risk with everything and travel is no exception.  Everyone has a different comfort level with risk, especially as it pertains to protecting things like money, time, family and friends.  I personally think travel insurance is a great way of protecting your investment in any trip.  Depending on the policy you choose, this relatively low-cost protection can assist with medical issues, emergencies, evacuations, lost luggage, missed, delayed or cancelled flights, problems with other travel components, and more.  It can literally be a life-saver or maybe just a vacation-saver, but certainly peace of mind.

Before purchasing a travel insurance policy, first contact your current medical insurance provider to see what coverage you have at your intended destination(s) and while en route.  Even for travel within the US, your insurance may consider medical issues while on vacation out-of-network and offer little to no coverage.  Specifically ask about emergency services and rescue/evacuation coverage and procedures.  Contact your credit card company as well with the same questions but also their coverage if any for lost luggage, trip cancel or interruption, etc.  Ask what reasons for cancel or interruption are considered valid and applicable.

Once you have gathered your intel, I can provide you with a quote for travel insurance and connect you with a licensed insurance provider to answer any questions you may have.  (I am not a licensed insurance agent, so connecting with an expert that is licensed, is crucial to getting current and correct info and answers to any questions you may have.)

I work primarily on commission.  Therefore, I do not get paid unless you book your vacation through me, pay for it in full and then actually travel.

There are situations where a planning fee may be necessary.  Multi-destination plans with several components in each, plus concierge services would require a planning fee.  (For example, a custom independent vacation through several European countries with air, hotel, rail, transfers, tours, dinner reservations, and so on...this would require a fee.) That fee is $15 per person per day of travel.

First, we need to talk.  Over the phone or face-to-face is preferred.  I need to fully understand what you are looking for and you need to feel comfortable with me being your planning partner.

Next, I begin my research, form a plan and present you options to explore.  You let me know your thoughts and I make adjustments until the final plan is perfect.  Sometimes initial plans include only logistic components.  Then once those are secured, we can add experiences, tours, concierge reservations, etc.

Once we are satisfied with a full or logistic plan, we will make a deposit and secure your arrangements.  Until plans are booked and a deposit is paid, prices and product availability are not guaranteed.