How to work with a travel agent?

After two decades of working with top travel editors and organizing incredible press trips all over the world, we deliver magazine-worthy trips. You don't have to be a travel writer to get the editor treatment!

Just like you would look to your accountant for financial advice, a travel advisor is your loyal, trusted advisor. For new clients, it all starts with the traveler intake form, followed by a discovery call where we discuss your unique trip needs and budget. The goal is to get to know your travel goals and style, so we can help you to achieve them throughout your lifetime. Each trip is different and should be treated as such. We want to be with you for life to map out all your bucket-list trips to those in between!

A travel advisor is not for the DIY/budget trips to be upfront. We work within the luxury travel space, so prepare and budget for 4-star properties and above hotels to make sure we can deliver on the best experience. We vet properties and partners, so you don’t have to (as seen in The Wall Street Journal - Are Hotel Star Ratings Losing their Shine?).

Our planning fee begin at $250 and vary based on the complexity of an itinerary or group size. The reason for the non-refundable fee is we work for you and not the suppliers. There are hours of work behind the scenes, leveraging hard-earned contacts on your behalf and knowledge. You know you’re getting a professional.

Fees are assessed after the discovery call to make sure that we have captured all the pertinent information, and you’re ready to move forward. This call is a way to make sure we’re the perfect match as travel planner and client too. We should both feel excited before getting into the research phase. A budget is required prior to proceeding and the intake form, so have an amount in mind that you feel comfortable spending.

 

The travel planning flow.

From travel inspiration to the return of your trip, we are your advocate and here to plan and take care of all the details.

 
 
  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to travel to Rome or perhaps you want to learn more about wine through a visit to Napa Valley.

  • We’ll discuss your needs, must-haves, and desired destinations so I can build your ideal travel itinerary.

  • I will ensure you have everything you need so you don’t have to worry when it’s time for your trip. Whether you decide to embark on a grand adventure, or just relax at a luxury resort. I’m here to help you along the way to ensure everything goes smoothly.

 

Airline & Travel Management

Depending on the itinerary, fees may apply:

  • Trip Management Fee is 10-15% of any non-commissionable components depending on complexity; This charge does not apply to commissionable components. It’s best if the trip is centered around your needs and not certain partners. I work for you.

  • Air Booking and Management Fees - Using my air department provides peace of mind and 30+ years of expertise; each booking comes with a small fee $30 for domestic, $50 for international per ticket.

  • Last Minute/Holiday Booking Fees. Sometimes things come up on short notice, and I need to create time to assist you. If I have the bandwidth to help, the fee will start at $500 since urgent rush and pushing partners to confirm all components ASAP. This is typically, 30 days or less notice.

All agent planing fees are nonrefundable. If there are trip components, cancellations or travel insurance claims, I will work to help you with those.

If you know the hotel, scheduled tour, or expedition cruise you would like for me to book on your behalf, there is no fee associated with this service. In many cases when I do the booking, I’m also able to secure perks, upgrades, dining or spa credits when I leverage my agency partnerships.

Scope out all the amazing hotels in the Virtuoso network for starters and perks included when you tag me as your advisor in the portal or send me the property to book and call ahead to my contacts there to know a VIP is coming.

*I’m not able to work on Airbnb and accommodations similar as I won’t be able to guarantee service/booking through the platform on your behalf. You are welcome to section the itinerary and book on your own.

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