Frequently asked questions

I thought travel agents were a thing of the past. How do I work with you?

Travel advisors have evolved.  We’re no longer just booking trips, we’re designing experiences.

I take the time to get to know how you like to travel, what matters most to you, and what kind of experience you’re truly looking for. From there, I recommend a proposal tailored specifically to you. Together we’ll refine it and I’ll book it. My support continues through your travel until you return home.  

I see a lot of ads for Travel Agents who are “free”. Why do you charge fees?

Great question and an important one.

Many “free” agents are primarily compensated through commissions and focus on the booking itself. My Trip Design & Support Fee allows me to dedicate the time needed to thoughtfully design and support your entire experience, not just secure a reservation.

That includes researching options, customizing your itinerary, answering questions, and being a resource if something unexpected comes up along the way.

Travel is rarely one-size-fits-all, and my fee reflects the time and care it takes to plan something that truly fits you.

Do I even need to hire a travel advisor?

That really depends on how you like to plan.

If you enjoy spending hours researching, comparing options, and managing all the details yourself, you may not need one.

But if you’d prefer to have someone guide you, streamline the process, and help you make confident decisions without the overwhelm, working with an advisor can make the experience much smoother.

I’m here to simplify the process and support you, but how involved you want to be is always up to you.

Can you help me book a vacation at the cheapest rate possible?

I focus on helping you get the best overall value for your trip, not just the lowest price.

That means considering location, experience, quality, and how everything fits together. I’ll always be mindful of your budget and present options that align with it, while also helping you avoid choices that could lead to frustration or added costs later.

It’s about making your investment in travel worth it.

I want to go on vacation, but I don’t have a big budget. Can you help me?

Absolutely. A meaningful trip doesn’t have to be a luxury trip.

I’ll help you prioritize what matters most, explore destinations that offer strong value, and make thoughtful choices.

It may take a bit more strategy and flexibility, but that’s where my planning time really comes into play.

I want to travel more, but I don’t have anyone to go with me. What should I do?

This is more common than you might think and you have options.

I can help you explore group trips, retreats, or experiences where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded travelers. If you’re considering solo travel, I can also help you plan something that feels comfortable and well-supported.

The goal is to help you travel in a way that feels right for you, not hold you back.

Airline tickets are SO expensive! Can you find me a better price?

Airfare can definitely be one of the more frustrating parts of planning.

While I don’t have access to special airline pricing, I do help you make informed decisions like when to book, which routes make the most sense, and how your flights fit into your overall trip.

My focus is making sure your travel plans work smoothly together, not just finding a standalone deal.

What happens after you book my reservations? If I need to change something or I have a problem while I’m traveling, will you help me?

Absolutely!  My role is to guide, support, and help you navigate your options.

Because I’ve been involved in your trip from the beginning, I can step in to help you understand policies, adjust plans when possible, and coordinate next steps if something unexpected comes up.

While I can’t control every situation, you won’t be left trying to figure it all out on your own.

I lost money on a previous vacation when I had to cancel/change plans. How can I prevent that from happening again?

That’s a frustrating experience and unfortunately a common one.

Part of my planning process is helping you understand your options ahead of time, including cancellation policies, flexibility, and travel insurance.

While no trip is completely risk-free, taking the time to plan with those factors in mind can help protect your investment and avoid surprises later.

I see in your bio, you are a military veteran. Can you help me with military discounts?

Yes.  When they’re available, I’ll absolutely help you take advantage of them.

Not every supplier offers military pricing, but I’ll always factor in any applicable discounts as part of your overall plan. I also understand the unique needs of military families, which helps me better support your travel experience.

I know someone who hires a travel advisor and always receives extra amenities and credits. Can you do the same for me?

I completely understand why this comes up and there’s definitely a perception that travel advisors can always add perks to a booking.

The reality is that amenities and credits are typically offered by the supplier, not created by the advisor. For example, cruise lines, resorts, or tour companies may run promotions that include things like onboard credit, resort credits, or added extras.

When those offers are available, I always make sure they’re included in your booking.

In some cases, additional perks may be available through certain partners or programs, but they aren’t guaranteed on every trip or for every price point.

My focus is to make sure you’re getting the best overall value and experience available for your specific trip, including any applicable amenities without building expectations around perks that may not apply.