Frequently Asked Questions

Why wouldn’t you?! Whether you want someone to take care of all of the details, or you love the planning process, I can help you save time, money and get more out of your trip. I spend most of my time researching new destinations and talking to travel partners around the world, so no matter what your trip is, I can usually leverage my expertise (e.g., I’ve been to 26 countries and travel a lot. When I don’t have an answer, I have a huge network of other travel advisors to draw on their experience).

For hotel-only bookings, I can quickly find you options for the best properties in your budget. I have preferred rates at over 7,000 hotels, which means you get additional benefits for the same price as booking direct.

For more complicated trips, like a 3 week tour around Ireland with a driver, I can help find the perfect local partner to meet your needs. Usually I do not charge a planning fee for tours or cruises, unless there is a complex itinerary that requires me to spend time booking transfers, activities, restaurants, etc.

I usually do not charge a fee for straightforward hotel, cruise, tour bookings, because these travel partners pay travel advisors a commission. For complicated itineraries, I charge a planning fee to cover my time.

Aboslulately! Again, this is where having a travel advisor at the helm really helps, because planning a group trip is a lot of work. We also need to think about all of the needs of the group, such as mobility/accessibility requirements, dietary constraints, or even where the best place to go is based on everyone's location. For high-seasons trips, like the Festive holiday season, it's best to book at least 6 months out.

I do have access to all deals at hotels in a given area, so for example, I can see which hotels are offering a 3rd night free or are having a sale. The true value of working with a travel advisor is that I have access to preferred rates that only advisors can book, such as Marriott STARS, Virtuoso benefits, Hyatt Privé, IHG Destined and Fora Reserve properties, to name a few. These rates usually provide a $100 property credit, daily breakfast for 2, priority for upgrade and early check-in / late check-out — all for the same price if you had booked direct.

I also contact the hotel before you arrive to make sure these benefits are applied, and the hotel team is made away of any special requirements, celebrations or preferences you may have. 

Yes! I work with many local partners in Africa that take care of everything -- from picking you up to the airport, hotel and lodge bookings, internal flights, and of course, the actual safari expeditions. There is a huge range of cost and factors that affect your safari pricing, like time of year, private vs shared vehicles, and the quality of the lodges. This is where having an experienced travel advisor really makes a difference to help make your trip successful. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

I have booked a lot of Dude Ranch experiences, which is a great way to get family or friends together and have all meals, activities and accommodations taken care of.

Trains - I love Belmond trains, such as the Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, day trips on the British Pullman out of London, the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham in Peru....and with all Belmond bookings I have access to additional Bellini Club benefits, such as on-board credits.

Private Villas -- Mexico, Italy, Turks & Caicos, you name it. There are many stand-alone villas that provide a great space for a group to gather. Think private pool, 5+ bedrooms, optional private chef. Sky is the limit.

Transfers, Activities, Tours, etc. -- I have access to thousands of partners across the globe that provide unique tours (e.g., the Keys tour at the Sistine Chapel, to open the Chapel in the morning), as well as point-to-point transfers. 

Flights -- I can book Premium Economy and Business Class flights. I can also secure private air travel.

By Sea -- whether it's a private charred catamaran in the Mediterranean for your birthday, or a sailing yacht in the Caribbean, the options are endless. Want to buy out an entire Royal Caribbean cruise ship for your next company retreat? I can make that happen.

Favorite City: London. 

It is so easy to get around and there is so much history, combined with modern architecture, technology and a melting pot of people from across the world. Great food and drinks, theater and museums. I can't get enough of it.

Most memorable Trip: 3 nights on the Belmond Royal Scotsman Train

Belmond knows how to do luxury trains -- with only 38 passengers and 20 crew, you board the train in Edinburgh and everyone knows your name. Incredible food, drink, service, and amazing experiences traveling by rail through the Scottish Highlands. 

Most Adventurous Trip: Cambodia

Flying into Siem Reap during monsoon seasons and visiting Ankor Wat was a bucket-list experience. There are many, many other temples in the jungle surrounding Ankor, and a few days was barely enough, but it was one of my most memorable trips.

Most fun: Virgin Voyages Cruise

My first cruise was on Virgin Voyages...adults-only, fun, great food. We booked a Rockstar (aka VIP) "Cheeky Corner" suite, which has one of the biggest balconies at sea. Waking up to a new city every morning and having breakfast on a massive terrace at the back of the boat...that is my happy place.