Our (Usual) Vacation Planning Process
Our goal is for you to become a lifelong client so the more we work together the smoother this process will be.
Contact Us - Get in touch and tell us a little bit about what you have in mind. It can be as general as “somewhere warm” to as specific as seeing a certain sight or attending a special event. Best way to do this is to fill out this quick trip inquiry form. Make sure to tell us if someone referred you as we’d like to thank them! We will then get in touch (usually within 1 business day) with follow-up questions and info. We can also arrange a phone appointment to discuss in detail if that is what you’d prefer. If we're a good fit to work together, we will send you our Custom Vacation Plan agreement and we will get started. The Custom Vacation Plan is for our services - more details below. We do request this to be returned before we begin the second stage.
Planning and Proposal Stage - We usually begin this next stage by putting together a basic outline (or two) of how we can construct the itinerary. This will have some logistical information regarding transportation/distances (especially if we’re doing multi-destinations) and what there is to see/do in each place. Once we have the basic outline agreed upon, we will start putting together the more comprehensive trip proposal. This is when we delve into the details to craft a personalized trip tailored to your needs and preferences. We handpick and select each component including accommodations, activities, tours and more. We can make tweaks to it as needed until we have the perfect itinerary for you.
Booking Stage - Once we have your plans agreed upon, we will start booking and confirming the arrangements. We will then prepare the invoice “paperwork” and a deposit will likely be due at this time (if you’re planning a last-minute trip, full payment would likely be due at this stage).
Deposit and Payments - Every trip is different but there’s usually a deposit required during the Booking Stage with the balance due closer to departure. All of the important details including payment amounts and due dates will be provided to you during the Booking Stage. We usually work with several different suppliers for each trip and they will be listed on the invoices we will send to you.
Almost Departure Time - Approx 2-3 weeks prior to departure, we will send you your detailed travel documents and details via an app called Pocket Travel. This will have all the important information including directions to tour meeting points, phone numbers/contact info for each driver/guide as well as all necessary tickets and vouchers. The documents will also have things like restaurant recommendations, additional sightseeing ideas, custom city maps and more.
During and After Your Vacation - We are here every step of the way - tracking flights and keeping an eye on how things are going. We’re here if you need anything during your trip or after you return.
Custom Vacation Plan
Plan Includes:
Personalized assistance from an experienced and certified travel consultant - think of me as your travel advocate with you every step of the way from the early trip planning stage to after you return. I have been in the travel industry for over two decades so have a lot of experience with putting together amazing vacations and itineraries!
Land itinerary customization - handpicked arrangements based on your interests and travel style. Includes recommendations and reservations for accommodations (including cruises), sightseeing and activities, air and ground transportation, and more
Cruises - Whether you are interested in a large ship, small ship, ocean or river cruise, I have the experience to narrow down the ideal options for your vacation. I can assist with all aspects of your cruise vacation including any additional arrangements such as flights, pre-/post-cruise stays, restaurant reservations and more. I have amazing contacts with all the leading cruise line companies which allow me to often get exclusive rates and perks for you!
Flight recommendations - I take cost and convenience into consideration when recommending flight schedules. I can often get discounted rates (especially for business class or international flights). I can also give you guidance on which flights you should choose if you wish to use points towards your flights.
Detailed travel documents - You will receive access to all your documents on a complimentary travel app (or on a website). The documents will include all required confirmations, vouchers, tickets, etc as well as destination information, travel tips, Covid guidelines, emergency contact info (for your family/friends) and more. Printed documents still available upon request.
Emergency assistance while you are traveling
Guidance on Covid-19 testing and requirements or other entry requirements
Travel concierge services including restaurant reservations, spa appointments, golf tee times and more.
Peace of Mind: Trust in that I have your best interests at heart and want every vacation to be the best ever! I'm here to assist you from the beginning planning stages all the way to after you return.
Answers to all your questions
Signature Travel Network - complimentary perks and rates at hundreds of luxury hotels and resorts, and cruise lines
And more!
The cost of the Custom Vacation Plan is dependent on several factors including complexity of your trip, how many travelers and when you’d like to travel. We will send you the agreement with the pricing details before we begin planning your trip in detail.