Why use a travel advisor?

A travel advisor is more than someone who books your trip. We're your advocate, your planner, and your guide. We take the time to get to know your travel style, preferences, and goals to craft a personalized experience that’s seamless from start to finish. From insider tips to exclusive perks and upgrades, we take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not stressing over the details.

Can’t I book the same trip online myself?

You absolutely can, but that doesn't mean you should. Online booking sites can be overwhelming, and what you see isn't always what you get. As travel advisors, we help you avoid common pitfalls, compare options that algorithms might miss, and ensure your vacation matches your expectations. Plus, we have access to supplier relationships, upgrades, and amenities you won’t find online, all while saving you time and hassle.

Will I pay more to use a travel advisor?

Travel advisors often have access to unpublished rates or amenities, so you may be missing out if you don’t use one. Our cruise planning services are complimentary; you won’t pay a planning fee when you book your sailing and pre- or post- cruise hotel stays with us. We do offer additional services with planning fees that are priced based on the length and complexity of your trip and the number of guests. No matter which service you choose, we’re always transparent about any fees and confident in the value, expertise, and peace of mind we provide.

What information do I need before contacting you?

You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out! A general idea of your travel dates, destination (even if it’s just a region), budget, and who’s traveling is a great place to start. If you have preferences like room types, activities, or must see spots, that’s helpful too, but not required. We will guide you through the planning process step by step, whether you know exactly what you want or are starting with a blank slate.

Do I need a passport?

Not if you are only traveling within the United States. If your trip involves international travel, including most cruises that leave from the U.S., you’ll need a valid passport. There are some exceptions on cruises that leave from and return to the same US port, but even on a cruise that does not require a passport, we recommend you travel with one anyway. If there was an emergency at home and you needed to fly back before the cruise ended, you would not be able to do so without a passport. Some destinations require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. We will let you know exactly what’s needed based on your itinerary and help you find the resources to apply or renew in time.

Do I have to pay for my vacation all at once? When is the balance due?

Not usually. Many vacations can be reserved with a deposit, with the remaining balance due closer to your departure date (often 60–120 days before travel). Each supplier has their own payment terms, and we will walk you through your specific payment timeline and options to make sure you’re never caught off guard by a due date.

Do I need travel insurance, and what does it cover?

Travel protection is highly recommended for every trip as it protects your investment and provides peace of mind. Depending on the policy, it can cover things like trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical care (most employer health insurance policies do not provide coverage if you are traveling outside of the United States), lost or delayed baggage, and even travel delays due to weather or unforeseen events.

While some credit cards offer limited travel protection, those benefits are often not as comprehensive as a dedicated travel insurance policy. They may exclude things like emergency medical coverage abroad or cancellation due to illness.

If your trip involves adventure activities, like SCUBA diving, skiing, or hiking in remote areas, you may also need coverage that specifically covers those experiences such as Dive, Adventure, or Sports policies.

We can help you evaluate your options and make sure you’re fully protected based on your travel plans. For more information, read our blog post: Travel Insurance 101.

What if I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs?

Whether you have food allergies, dietary preferences (like vegetarian, gluten-free, or kosher), or mobility or medical needs, we will work with travel partners who can accommodate you.

We will communicate your requirements to hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and transfer companies ahead of time and help you understand what to expect. While we can’t guarantee how every destination or vendor will handle specific requests, we will do our best to make sure you're comfortable and well cared for throughout your journey.

If you have unique needs, let us know early in the planning process so we can recommend the best options and avoid any surprises.

Can I use points or miles when booking with you?

In most cases, travel using airline miles or credit card points must be booked directly with the company, since those programs require the traveler to redeem them personally through their member accounts.

That said, we can absolutely help you build a trip around your award flights or hotel stays and make sure the rest of your travel experience is seamless. If you're planning to use points for part of your trip, let us know early on so we can coordinate the details and fill in the gaps, like transfers, tours, insurance, and any pre- or post-stay arrangements.

Some luxury travel programs do allow for point redemptions in select cases, so feel free to ask. We are happy to advise on the best way to make the most of your rewards.