Questions, answered
How working together works.
A few of the things travelers ask me most. Don't see yours? Just ask.
How do you get paid?
Two ways. For most trips, the hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators pay me a commission after you travel, so a lot of what I do costs you nothing extra. To cover the planning time up front, long before any of that commission is earned, I charge a minimal planning fee.
That fee reflects the research, supplier vetting, and coordination that happen before you ever leave, and it keeps my recommendations built around what's right for you rather than who pays the most. Group trips work a little differently depending on how complex they are. Either way, I'll walk you through exactly how it works on our first call, before you commit to anything.
Can't I just book it cheaper myself online?
Sometimes a headline price online looks lower, at least until you factor in the 40 hours of planning, the resort that isn't what the photos promised, and the scramble when something goes wrong at 2 a.m. in a country where you don't speak the language.
Because I work through a major consortium, I book vetted suppliers and can reach promotions the public doesn't see. And if anything goes sideways on your trip, you have a real person to call.
What does a travel advisor actually do?
Think of me as the person who turns "we'd love to go to Italy someday" into a confirmed, well-designed trip. I recommend where and when to go, design the itinerary around your pace and budget, book the flights, hotels, transfers, guides, and excursions, and handle the details and curveballs so you don't have to.
You get the fun part: the anticipation and the trip. I take the 40 hours of tabs and second-guessing.
How far ahead should I book?
For Europe in summer or over the holidays, six months or more gives you the best availability and value; a tighter timeline can still work, but the lower-cost rooms and flights tend to go first. For cruises and expedition trips like safaris, Galápagos, and Antarctica, plan on six to eighteen months, because the best small ships and camps are limited and go early.
That said, don't count yourself out if you're on a shorter timeline. I work fast, and I'll always tell you honestly what's realistic.
Do you handle travel insurance?
Yes, and I strongly recommend it, especially for big international trips and cruises. I'll walk you through options that fit your trip and comfort level so you're covered if plans change, a flight is missed, or a medical issue comes up abroad.
What about currency, getting around, and the language barrier?
This is exactly where seven years living in Europe pays off for you. I'll brief you on what to expect (payments, trains, tipping, the little cultural things) and build in transfers and guides where they make life easier. You'll feel prepared, not thrown in the deep end.
What kinds of trips do you specialize in?
Three, mainly: custom European trips, cruises (ocean, river, and expedition, with a soft spot for small-group sailings), and wildlife & expedition travel: Galápagos, safari, the polar regions, Peru.
I do book other getaways too: all-inclusives, honeymoons, multi-generational trips, and Disney. If it's not on that list, just ask. Odds are I can help or point you the right way.
How do we get started?
Fill out the quick planning form (or the detailed one on whichever trip page fits) and I'll reach out to set up a short call. The more you tell me up front, the faster we can get to the fun part.