We start with a free 30-minute call about your travel ideas. Maybe you have a plan that needs refining, maybe you just have inspiration. Both are perfect starting points. If you are booking with points, we will work with them to create a personalized experience.
Come prepared with a budget in mind. A deposit, typically one third to one half of your expected trip cost, will be needed within two weeks of our planning call. If a payment plan would help, we can look at some options together. Not all are interest free, and we cannot guarantee one, but we will always tell you exactly where things stand.
After our call, we will send simple directions for the planning fee payment, along with our terms and conditions so everything is clear from day one. We charge a one-time planning fee so we are never obligated to book a high-commission trip to cover our costs. The fee varies with the complexity of your trip: the more intricate the plans, the higher the fee. Unlike agents who rely only on commissions, we choose suppliers based on what best suits your needs.
You will pick your travel dates and set your budget, and be prepared for that one-third-to-one-half deposit. Then comes the fun part: tailored suggestions for locations, tours, and activities. You will have 3 to 5 days to review and reply with your comments, and we will have another two calls to make revisions until it feels right.
We lock in your transportation first, then your accommodations. Decisions need to be made promptly, within 3 to 5 days, to secure the best available options. Delays that lead to a requote will carry an additional fee, and we will always flag that before it happens.
For payment, we will send a credit card authorization form for the expected amount as each expense arises. Your card details are used solely to pay the supplier, whether that is the airline, lodging, or a tour operator. The authorization expires in 30 days, and we do not store your information.
From first call to a booked trip with transportation and lodging usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
We stay with your trip. About two months before departure we will circle back to fine-tune your tours and details, and you will receive an internet-based itinerary plus printable PDFs with everything you need, vouchers included. If your flights change or questions come up, we are here to help adjust days or activities. Rescheduling and changes in route need additional time and carry an additional fee, and we will walk you through it.