Spicy Pineapple Vacays

A common question I get is why use a travel advisor.  And I get, it can be easy to book travel yourself online, depending on your own comfort level with online booking tools and where you are going.  Here are some reasons for using a travel advisor:

• You support a small local business!  By booking with me, you help support my family, not a large corporation. 

• It saves you time and stress!  Travel advisors handle the research, the booking, all the details that go into a relaxing vacation. If you run into any problems while traveling, a travel advisor can act as your advocate.

• You save money!  A travel advisor can often save your hard-earned money!  Travel advisors sometimes have access to special rates that are not available to the general public.  A good travel advisor also keeps an eye out for rate drops and will re-price your trip to save you money.  Sometimes travel agents (including me!) offer booking bonuses, like on-board credit (OBC) for cruises.

• It is FREE!  (most of the time) Commissions are how travel advisors get paid, and those are already built into the cost you pay regardless of how you book.  Even if you book directly with a hotel or through a site like Expedia, the price is generally the same.  Some travel advisors do charge planning fees.  I generally do not charge a planning fee, unless a trip is complex and includes a lot of non-commissionable components.  Any fees should be clearly explained and agreed to upfront.

• Sometimes, if you prefer, you can still even book your vacation yourself but have me as your personal assistant waiting in the wings.  Virgin Voyages and other travel partners make this possible, just ask me how!

Yes, chances are I can still help.  Sometimes it is possible to transfer the servicing of your reservation to me.  When transferring a booking, NOTHING changes about your booking - you confirmation #, payments, booking terms - all stays the same.  What does change is that you have access to my planning services and trip support, and of course, I check to see if I can apply any price drops.   

I hope the process of working together is easy, and stress-free for you! The process varies because no clients and trips are the same.  I communicate with clients via email, FB messenger, text, phone, video conference - whatever you prefer!  Contact me today!

First, I need to understand your priorities, preferences and budget.  Sometimes a client knows exactly what they want and just needs assistance with the bookings.  Other times, a client know they want in general, but needs help sorting out the options, and then planning the other details like transportation.  And then there are times where clients aren't really sure what they want and need a lot of help narrowing down their options.

Second, I prepare an itinerary/quote for you to review.  If you are deciding between multiple options, I will provide multiple itineraries/quotes and highlight the differences.  These can be tweaked as necessary.

Third, once your itinerary is finalized, I book the vacation components.  I shop around with various trusted suppliers to ensure your get the best pricing.  You will need to complete a credit card authorization form for any payments that are due. Payment policies vary and will be detailed with the itinerary.

Fourth, I answer any questions you have pre-travel and follow-up with you to make sure payments are made as scheduled.  Need packing list and tips?  Have any questions about your destination?  Want to add additional vacation components, such as tours?  Debating if you should get a cruise drink package?  That's what I am here for.

Lastly, once you get back from your trip, I like to connect to learn about your experience both while traveling and working with me.  I use your feedback to help inform future planning and improve my value to clients.

I help with travel big and small .  Just need a hotel room for 1-night?  Yes, I can help with that!  No booking is too small.  Any booking helps a small business owner.

Yes!