Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I book with you instead of an online booking site or direct with a resort?
- PEACE OF MIND
With me, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during AND after your vacation. Whether you encounter unexpected challenges or have questions during your travels, a travel advisor is there to provide assistance and ensure a seamless experience.
- CURATED ITINERARIES TAILORED TO YOUR BUDGET
Budget is important and I strive to get your dream vacation within the budget you've set for it. There's no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with. You can't enjoy your vacation when you're stressed out about paying for it.
- INSIDER KNOWLEDGE & RECOMMENDATIONS
I provide honest advice about all resorts and destinations to help you choose the perfect resort for YOU.
And, as travel advisors, we have the opportunity to tour locations and attend excursions for firsthand experience in all things travel. This experience helps travel advisors provide personalized recommendations tailored to your interests, preferences, and travel style.
- ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE DEALS & AMENITIES
You also benefit from my extensive personal connections that provide access to special offers, discounts, and exclusive amenities that are not available to the general public. I have an easier time getting you perks (like getting your room upgraded, resort credits, and VIP treatment) – it's easier for me to get a "yes" because I work with them often.
Do you charge planning fees?
Currently, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to meet with you and begin the conversation about your travel plans. If you choose to move forward with our services following your consultation, a professional planning fee will apply. This fee allows us to dedicate the time, expertise, and behind-the-scenes coordination required to design a seamless and thoughtfully curated travel experience.
Planning Fee Options:
1. “WORRY-FREE SIGNATURE GETAWAY” PLANNING PACKAGE: $150
For all-inclusive resorts and single-destination trips. This fee applies to comprehensive trip design. It covers personalized research, itinerary development, supplier coordination, booking management, and ongoing advisory support for your complete travel experience.
2. “WORRY-FREE WORLD EXPLORER” PLANNING PACKAGE: Starting at $200-$300
For fully customized multi-destination and complex international itineraries designed for independent travelers who refuse to compromise. We craft tailor-made journeys – whether a three-city European escape, a multi-country adventure, or a carefully sequenced cultural immersion – customized entirely to your travel style, interests, and budget.
3. “FOCUSED” PLANNING PACKAGE: $50
This fee applies when we are assisting with one specific component of your trip such as accommodations, transportation, or a single experience. It includes targeted research, recommendations, and booking support for that portion of travel.
In addition to this, we have an airline ticketing fee. These fees are placed on air-only vacation packages. In order to book airfare through our airline consolidator, we are required to charge $25 per person on domestic airfare and $50 per per person on international airfare.
Our fees are intentionally transparent, and we review them with you during your consultation so you know exactly what's included. Our goal is to deliver exceptional value, clarity, and peace of mind for every trip you take.
Do you provide special pricing?
We have access to hundreds of suppliers and sites that are only available to travel advisors, guaranteeing that you are receiving the best possible price. Our industry relationships allow us to find prices below published rates.
Do I have to pay you up front for my vacation?
No! The deposit requirements are set by the resorts and the tour operators I book through. Deposit rates vary based on the resort or package you select and the time you are traveling.
Can you help me book everything for my vacation?
As a full-service travel advisor, I believe every vacation should feel effortless from the moment you start planning it. Travel is meant to be joyful – not overwhelming – so my job is to take the stress off your plate and handle every detail with care.
From airline tickets and hotel accommodations to airport transfers, dining reservations, tours, rental cars, all-inclusive resorts, and cruise itineraries, I manage the entire planning process for you. You receive one point of contact, one organized plan, and full support before, during, and after your trip.
My goal is simple:
You focus on making memories. I'll take care of everything else.
How early should I start planning my vacation?
The sooner, the better! Popular destinations and travel styles – all-inclusive resorts, cruises, airline tickets, tours, and activities – tend to fill quickly, and booking early ensures the best availability, room categories, and pricing.
For most vacations, I recommend starting the planning process 6-12 months in advance. This is especially important for:
- All-inclusive resorts, where the best room types and family suites sell out early
- Cruises, which often release their lowest pricing when itineraries first open
- Peak travel seasons such as spring break, summer, and the holidays, when demand is highest.
That said, I can absolutely work with shorter timelines too. Early planning simply gives you more choices, better pricing, and a smoother overall experience.
Flights
- When will I get my boarding pass?
Boarding passes are ready 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure. You can use the airline’s website or mobile app to check-in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. Once the check-in process is complete, your boarding pass will be available. You can also speak with an attendant at the airline’s flight desk at your departure airport to check in for your flight and receive your boarding pass.
- Why can't I check in online?
Check-in for flights is not available until 24 hours prior to departure. When check-in is available, check to make sure you are checking in with the correct airline and with the correct confirmation number.
If you are checking in with the correct airline and confirmation number and are still having problems, you may have required information that is still outstanding. This information may include passport numbers and expiration dates, contact tracing, visa information, and more.
If you have completed all necessary information and you still cannot check in online, an in-person document check may be required. In this case, you will be able to check in at your departure airport at the airline’s desk.
The last reason may be due to a system error. Try checking in at a different time or a different device.
- Why is there no space between my first and middle name?
Most airlines put guests’ First Name and Middle Name together with no spaces on the airline website and boarding passes. Please note that this is correct for the airline systems and there is no need to worry if you see your first name and middle name together on flight information.
If your name is misspelled or you are missing a middle name, please reach out to us immediately and we will get your information updated.
- How many bags can I take, and do I need to pay for them?
Most airlines allow you to take one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop) and one carry-on item (carry-on bags should be no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high) per person free of charge.
The number of checked bags included in your ticket and any associated fees for additional bags vary widely among airlines. Additionally, weight and size restrictions apply to checked bags, and exceeding these limits may result in additional fees.
We recommend checking with your airline’s baggage policy or reaching out to us prior to travel before you pack to avoid surprises or unexpected fees at the airport.
Passports, Security & Customs
- How long does it take to get a passport?
It is currently taking up to 10 weeks for routine service and up to 5 weeks for expedited service. You can check the current turnaround time on passports and check the status of your passport application here.
- What is the difference between TSA PreCheck & Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs. TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. Global entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits as part of their membership.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are good for five years once approved. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian without restriction.
For more information on these programs or to apply, click here.
- When do I go through customs?
Upon arrival at a port of entry, such as an international airport, seaport, or land border crossing, travelers proceed to the designated area for customs and immigration processing.
When you are returning to the U.S. from an international destination, you usually go through customs in the first U.S. city you land in. However, there are 14 airports around the world that U.S. travelers clear customs before taking off. These airports include:
Dublin Airport, Dublin, Ireland
Shannon Airport, County Clare, Ireland
Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba
L.F. Wade Airport, St. George’s, Bermuda
Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Lynden Pindling Airport, Nassau, Bahamas
Calgary Airport, Alberta, Canada
Edmonton Airport, Alberta, Canada
Robert L. Stanfield Airport, Nova Scotia, Canada
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, Quebec, Canada
Lester B. Pearson Airport, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport, Ontario, Canada
Vancouver Airport, British Colombia, Canada
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Airport, Manitoba, Canada
- What is the process of going through customs?
Upon arrival at a port of entry, travelers proceed to the designated area for customs and immigration processing. Before clearing customs, travelers must first undergo immigration inspection. This involves presenting a valid passport, visa (if required), and any supporting documentation to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Officers verify the traveler’s identity, purpose of visit, and eligibility for entry.
After completing immigration inspection, travelers proceed to the customs declaration area. Here, they are required to declare any items they are bringing into the country, including goods purchased abroad, gifts, and certain food items. Some travelers may also be required to declare large amounts of currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000.
Next, travelers proceed to baggage claim and receive any bags they previously checked for their flights. CBP officers may randomly select travelers for baggage inspection. During the inspection, officers may ask travelers about the contents of their luggage, examine items, and use x-ray machines and other technology to detect prohibited or restricted items.
Once customs inspection is complete and travelers have complied with all requirements, they are cleared to enter their destination. If this is the travelers’ final stop, they will proceed to the exit area of the port of entry. If this is not the travelers’ final destination, they will proceed to recheck their bags, go through security, and continue to their connecting flight.
- When do I recheck my bags at the airport?
After clearing customs and immigration, travelers proceed to baggage claim and receive any bags they previously checked for their flights. Customs and Border Patrol officers may randomly select travelers for baggage inspection. During the inspection, officers may ask travelers about the contents of their luggage, examine items, and use x-ray machines and other technology to detect prohibited or restricted items.
Travelers will then proceed to recheck their bags, go through security, and continue to their connecting flight.
- How much time do I need to get through security?
For domestic flights, we recommend arriving to the airport no later than 2 hours prior to your departure time. For international flights, we recommend arriving to the airport no later than 3 hours prior to your departure time.
If you have a connecting flight, we recommend layovers no shorter than 1 hour for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
If you are a new traveler, traveling with a group, or have mobility issues, we recommend giving yourself extra time to get through security and to your gate.
Safety & Health
- How do I know the place I'm traveling to is safe?
Our advisors keep up to date on all destination details, natural disasters, civil unrest, strikes, and more. We will notify you if we believe you should reconsider a destination. For more information on specific destinations’ travel advisories and safety, please click here.
- What vaccines do I need to travel?
As travel advisors, we stay up to date on all destination details, requirements, and protocols. During your trip consultation, an advisor will give you a list of any vaccinations that may be required for travel. You can also click here for vaccination information on more than 200 destinations.
- What precautions should I take to avoid food and waterborne illness?
We recommend sticking to bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes in drinks, and eat only thoroughly cooked foods. Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water. If you are in a tropical destination, we recommend having small amounts of coconut based foods and drinks as coconut acts as a natural laxative.
- What should I do in case of a medical emergency abroad?
Speak to your advisor about your travel insurance coverage (if purchased) and emergency contact numbers. Locate the nearest medical facilities in your destination. In case of serious illness or injury, contact local emergency services immediately.
- How can I stay safe when exploring a new city or country?
Ask your travel advisor about common scams and safety tips for your destination. Keep important documents like your passport and money secure and be cautious in unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Consider using reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas.
Not quite ready to book yet?
Subscribe anyway. No pressure, no sales pitch – just planning content on the Caribbean, Europe and beyond – worth reading until the day you are finally ready to go. And trust me, that day is coming.
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