Frequently Asked Questions

When you contact me for travel planning assistance–by phone, email, or by completing a Contact request form on my website–I will make every effort to respond to your request within 1-2 business days.

Once we connect, we'll discuss your trip at length, and I'll ask you a ton of questions about your past travel experiences in addition to identifying your current needs. This initial consultation to discuss your trip is complimentary, and we can have that conversation over the phone or in person at a mutually convenient location, day and time. This is another way I'm different from other travel advisors–I tailor the planning process to you–starting with the initial consultation to discuss your trip.

New clients will be asked to complete online agency forms to gather additional information I will need to arrange your trip, such as basic contact information, allergies/physical needs, budget for the trip, and any travel preferences you may have, such as favorite airports, hotel chains, and so forth. I'll review the information, follow-up with any questions, and then I will make my initial recommendations to you (at least two travel solutions). Sometimes, that may be a list of resorts or destinations I feel will meet your needs, or a specific cruise line/itinerary for you to look at and provide feedback to me. Based on your feedback, I'll know what our next steps in the travel planning process should be. I'll also present my recommendations in the format you prefer–email, spreadsheet, photo-rich content.

Arranging your travel takes place after all questions and concerns have been addressed, and you're completely satisfied with your travel-buying decision. At that point, pertinent traveler identification will be collected, such as passports for international travelers, and credit card information will be gathered in order to confirm your reservation with deposit payment to the preferred travel supplier(s) with whom your trip is being arranged. Once the trip is confirmed with deposit payment, I'll provide you with a receipt for your payment to the travel supplier, and I will continue to provide you with ongoing support up until your travel is completed–answering questions as they pop up, arranging tours and entertainment, or making adjustments to your travel plans when life brings unexpected challenges which interrupt your travel plans. I also provide assistance in the event you need to file a claim for reimbursement with a travel insurance provider. Having worked with insurance companies in a previous career, I'm exceptionally good at helping my clients with their insurance paperwork.

After your trip, I'll follow-up with you to obtain your feedback on how everything went, and what your future travel plans are. I'll invite you to continue to stay in touch through social media, electronic newsletters, and periodic updates on any sales my preferred travel suppliers are offering that I feel are worth noting. I'll also keep you informed about exclusive offers and benefits available to returning clients.

Need more information? Visit the Reviews page to read client comments.

Want to receive great value for your money? Interested in having someone advocate for you, so you don't have to go it alone? Too busy to spend hours online, researching and comparing travel options that might sound too good to be true? Seeking personal advice on a destination or hotel you're unfamiliar with and wondering if it's the right place for you? Wondering whether you have the proper paperwork and vaccines for international travel?

Why would you not use a travel consultant, would be a better question to ask yourself.

A travel agent takes orders and processes transactions, such as an online travel site where you input basic data and the website spits out a list of options which may or may not meet your needs and interests.

A travel consultant not only collects basic information from you, but he/she will also get to know your interests and preferences to identify a travel solution that's perfect for you. A travel consultant will also provide assistance before, during, and after the trip as well as serve as your advocate should anything go wrong.

What's right for you–a travel agent, or a travel consultant? Think of it this way…if you have a travel-related emergency, would you rather be able to pick up the phone and speak with someone who knows you well, and whose purpose is to provide assistance, or would you prefer to take your chances with a website?

In most instances, travel advisors will receive a commission from the travel suppliers we work with. Payment typically arrives approximately 60 days after your trip is completed. If the travel advisor is not being compensated by the travel supplier with whom arrangements have been made, a Professional Planning Fee may be collected.

Rest assured, I will not surprise you with a fee late in the travel planning process. I also do not base my recommendations to you on the amount of commission I expect to receive–my focus is always on serving your needs.

The best resource for current information about the safety and entry requirements of a particular destination is the US Department of State's website.

The Centers for Disease Control website is the best resource for health-related questions, such as required vaccinations or health warnings, for a given destination.