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 as a travel publicist, we deliver magazine-worthy trips. You don't have to be a travel writer to get the editor treatment!
We spend our time researching the best places to stay and hotels around the world from over-the-top-luxury hotels to your townhouse boutique hotel. We have access to expert guides and memorable experiences. We meet with our partners at events and ongoing meetings with key partners to secure the best services and concierge treatment for you.
We are able to book a trip for a fall-foliage weekend in Vermont or a complex multi-country trip in Southeast Asia. We’ve done it all and want to be your go-to for your travel needs.
Personalized Service
Like you would turn to your accountant for financial advice, a travel advisor is your loyal, trusted advisor. For new clients, it starts with the traveler intake form, followed by a Discovery Call where we discuss your unique trip needs and trip investment level.
The goal is to get to know your travel goals and style, so we can help you to achieve them each trip. There’s no such thing as oversharing. We want to gather all your likes and dislikes. 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. We work in the luxury travel space, so prepare and allocate for 4-star properties and above 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?).
For those with very defined hotel(s) in mind, please let us know which ones as we can quickly check to see what perks we can secure for you that are unique to our relationships as a travel advisor.
Based on your request, we can determine the planning fee and other items on your trip wishlist.
For bespoke itineraries, our planning fees begin at $500 to secure our time and expertise, which can vary based on the complexity of an itinerary or amount of travelers. Since we have limited time, we want to focus on a handful of clients that are committed to the partnership. 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. Our time is being compensated that we invest in you, and you know you’re getting a professional.
Fees are assessed after the complimentary Discovery Call to make sure that we have captured all the pertinent information, and services necessary. This call is a way to make sure we’re the perfect match as travel planner and client. We should feel excited before getting into the research phase. We insist on having a budget in mind prior to proceeding and complete 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.
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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.
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We’ll discuss your needs, must-haves, and desired destinations so we can build your ideal travel itinerary. The planning process will bring you into the fold and decision process.
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We 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. We're 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. We 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 $45 for domestic, $75 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 $750+ 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, we will work to help you with those.
If you know the hotel, scheduled tour, or expedition cruise you would like for us to book on your behalf, there is no fee associated with this service. In many cases, through our relationship and networks, we are able to secure perks, upgrades, dining or spa credits when we 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.
*We do NOT work on Airbnb and accommodations similar as we won’t be able to guarantee the level of service or able to book through personal profiles on the platform.
