FAQ
Have questions about working with a travel advisor? Here are some of the things travelers ask me most often.
WORKING TOGETHER
Not at all. “We want to take a cruise” or “We’re thinking about Alaska” is enough to start a conversation. I’ll ask questions, help you think through the possibilities, and narrow things down with you. You don’t need to do hours of research before you’re allowed to talk to a travel advisor.
That works too. If you already have the ship, resort, itinerary, or dates picked out, we don’t need to reinvent the trip. I can start from what you’ve chosen, make sure we’ve considered the details that matter, and take it from there.
I start with you. I want to understand how you like to travel, what matters most on this trip, what you’ve loved or hated before, and where your priorities are. Then I research and narrow the possibilities. I’m not looking for something I can simply sell you—I’m looking for options I can explain and recommend with a reason behind them.
Tell me. Really. Honest feedback makes the planning better. If the hotel feels too formal, the itinerary feels too busy, the ship isn’t your style, or something simply doesn’t excite you, I want to know. Your reaction helps me understand you better and refine the trip from there.
Absolutely. I’m here to make planning easier, not take your trip away from you. I’ll do the research and heavy lifting, bring you recommendations, and explain what I think. Together, we’ll shape the trip around what matters to you.
I use Tern, a travel planning platform that gives us one organized place to work together. It’s where I’ll share proposals and quotes, build your itinerary, and keep important trip information together as our plans take shape.
You’ll interact with me through Tern throughout the planning process, so instead of digging through old emails trying to find a hotel option, confirmation, or the latest version of your itinerary, you’ll have a central place to come back to. I’ll help you get comfortable with it—you don’t need to learn a complicated new system before we can start planning.
I work best with travelers who want expert help without giving up their voice in the process. You don’t need to know everything about travel—you just need to be willing to tell me what you want, give me honest feedback, and let me know when something changes. I’ll take on the research and details; together, we’ll make the decisions that shape the trip.
BOOKING WITH ME
For most trips, you don’t pay me a separate fee simply for booking your travel. Travel suppliers typically pay a commission when you book through me. If a particular trip requires a planning or professional fee, I’ll explain that before we begin—no surprise charges later.
Not simply because you’re working with me. In many cases, I have access to the same supplier pricing you could book directly, along with promotions or amenities that may be available through my travel network. More importantly, I’ll help you compare what’s actually included so we’re looking at value, not just the number at the bottom of the screen.
Because booking the reservation is only one part of what I do. I help you sort through the options, explain the tradeoffs, make recommendations based on what matters to you, and stay involved after you book. If a question or problem comes up, you have a person who already knows you and your trip—not just a reservation number.
I’m going to recommend things when I genuinely believe they can make your trip better, safer, easier, or more enjoyable. And I’ll tell you why I’m recommending them. That doesn’t mean you have to say yes. My job is to give you good information and professional recommendations; your job is to decide what makes sense for your trip.
Yes, strongly. Travel can involve a significant investment, and unexpected things happen. I’ll explain the coverage options available, why I think protecting your trip is important, and some of the risks of traveling without coverage. The decision is ultimately yours.
THE RELATIONSHIP
Yes. My job doesn’t end when your deposit is processed. I stay involved as your trip gets closer, help keep the planning moving, answer questions along the way, and remain someone you can contact when you need help with the trip we’ve planned together.
Travel doesn’t always go exactly according to plan. I can’t promise that I can prevent or fix every disruption, but you won’t be starting from scratch with a stranger who knows nothing about your trip. I can help you understand your options, work with the appropriate suppliers when I can, and help you figure out the next step.
Absolutely. LGBTQIA+ travelers are welcome here. When it’s relevant, we can talk openly about destinations, suppliers, safety, comfort, and anything else that matters to you or the people you’re traveling with. You shouldn’t have to edit yourself to plan a vacation.
STILL WONDERING ABOUT SOMETHING?
READY WHEN YOU ARE
