FAQs
Why do I need a travel advisor?
I have been asked by potential clients, what a travel advisor can offer, that they can’t do on their own?
If you are looking for expert advice, someone to help you thoroughly research destinations, hotels, and what to do when you get there, as well as a professional with access to hundreds of on-the-ground local resources that are not available through websites like Expedia, you may want to consider using a travel consultant. I can help you create the perfect trip and remove the pressure of planning so that you can sit back and truly enjoy your trip. And unlike booking through third party internet websites, when things go wrong you have someone with insider connections to call and help you out. Also, hotels treat guests booked by a travel agent differently than those booked directly (and certainly better than those who book through third party internet sites) because they want the agent to keep referring new customers.
Will it cost me to use a travel consultant?
After our initial free consultation, I charge a $100 deposit to start my research to help you create the perfect trip. The $100 deposit will be refunded upon completion of your trip (on all hotel bookings of $4000 or more).
In addition, I can usually offer my guests extra amenities such as free breakfast, resort credit of $100, possible upgrades, early check-in/late check-out upon availability at most 5 star hotels.
Will I pay higher hotel rates if I book through you?
Nope! When you book with me, you will typically get rates comparable, and often less than the hotel’s lowest online rate. The hotel pays my commission, not you!
In addition, because of my exclusive affiliations with luxury travel networks, I can get special benefits at many 5 star hotels that are not available to you as an individual traveler.
BOOKING YOURSELF:
If I know exactly what hotel I want to book and don’t need your advice and guidance, can I book my reservations myself to get the hotel benefits listed above?
Yes, if you are a “do-it-yourselfer” and know exactly which hotel you want to book, but still want to take advantage of the special travel benefits I can offer, you can either book them yourself or I can book them for you without a fee. You will not only have complete control over your reservations and access to VIP amenities, but you will also have me as your personal travel advocate, should anything go wrong or should you need help along the way. In order to do this, contact me with your dates and hotels and I will see if I can get you the extra perks or find you a better rate. Then add my IATA# when making your initial reservation (email me for the IATA#) and you’ll be set!
Are there any fees involved in booking a cruise?
There are no fees to price a cruise. My rates will often be lower than online cruise rates (because of group space my company holds on many sailings), AND you will also get my expert advice to help you book the perfect cruise and to make modifications if need be. You can often get extra on-board credits, which can be as much $100/room, access to special company group rates as well as have an advocate before, during and after the trip. In today’s world, you definitely want someone on your side if things go wrong. (During Covid I spent hours on the phone on behalf of my clients, which meant that they didn’t have to!)
*If you have a group of 8 rooms or more, I can help you create a group which will lead to even more savings!
Can you help me plan daily travel itineraries for Hawaii, cities in Europe or the like, and is there a fee?
Yes. I can help you plan daily itineraries, transfers, tours and even provide you with a daily concierge level experience, including train and restaurant reservations, if desired. The fee, will depend on several factors. It would be best to have an initial consultation, at no cost, and then I can propose a quote.
Can you plan a trip for me to somewhere you’ve never been?
YES! While I have been to many places and love sharing my experiences and travel tips to places I’ve been, I can also plan a wonderful trip to somewhere new. When planning trips abroad, I usually consult and book through experts from that location to help me plan the perfect trip for you. You will get a combination of a consultant who knows exactly what you are looking for and an on-the-ground expert in that location, putting together your ideal vacation.
I’m not sure what kind of accommodation will work for my family, can you book a VRBO or Airbnb accommodation?
As a travel advisor, I have access to many privately owned villas (and sometimes condos) that are available through luxury management companies. If we determine that a villa or condo makes more sense for your family than a hotel, I have many resources to book these accommodations. This is especially true on the luxury end using companies I can trust to give my clients the kind of vacation they expect.
I can also help you search and find options among VRBO and Airbnb. However, these lodging sites (other than AIrbnb Luxe) do not usually pay commission and therefore the $100 research deposit will go toward my services, as well as a booking fee of 10%. (In one instance, the airbnb owner, when asked, agreed to pay my commission, so the client didn’t have to). If we decide to go this route, please understand that I cannot vouch for the lodging standards, as it is managed solely by the owner and I may not be able to help if things go wrong.
Should I take out Travel Insurance and can you help me purchase it?
Yes! and Yes!
Even before Covid, I’ve always recommended travel insurance to my clients and it has helped save them a lot of lost trip funds when unforeseen emergencies arise. However, in today’s day and age, I recommend booking EVERY trip with this security, both for medical coverage and trip cancellation issues. As your travel consultant, I can help you navigate this process and help find you the best option, such as one that will cover you even if you have to be quarantined.
Free Travel Insurance given through credit cards is sometimes a decent option, although it is not always as comprehensive as stand-alone insurance, and doesn’t usually include medical insurance abroad.
I travel a lot for business, can you help me book business travel?
Yes. I can help you and/or your company with business travel. I will set up an initial consultation to ascertain your needs, for now and in the future, and then put together a proposal for you.
Do you book flights and are they cheaper than what I can get online? Do you charge ticketing fees? And can I use my miles to book my own flights?
I book flights only as part of a vacation package.
For economy flights my rates are typically the same rates you see online.
For business or first class seats, I can sometimes offer better rates than you can find online.
There are no fees for first class/business class seats.
There is a $40/ticket ticketing fee for all other flights (up to $100 for a family booking on same flights).
If you are booking a vacation package or hotels with me, I can either book your flights for you, or you are welcome to book your flights on your own, either with points/miles or other options.