Your Questions, Answered

  • I offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your travel vision and determine if we're a good fit. There's no obligation—just a conversation about making your dream trip happen.

    If you decide to move forward, I charge a planning fee based on the complexity and duration of your trip:

    • Weekend getaways (2-3 days): Starting at $250

    • Week-long vacations (per family of 4): $750 per week of travel

    • Extended trips or multi-destination itineraries: Custom quote based on the scope of planning required

    • Hotel bookings only (no itinerary planning needed): Typically no planning fee

    What's included in the planning fee? Everything! Custom itinerary creation, hotel research and selection, private tour arrangements, transportation logistics, activity bookings, and a detailed day-by-day plan tailored specifically to your preferences.

    What about the actual trip costs? The planning fee covers my expertise and time. The actual costs of your trip (hotels, flights, tours, etc.) are separate and billed directly. As a Signature Consortium advisor, my clients often receive complimentary upgrades, breakfast, and hotel credits that can offset hundreds or thousands of dollars in value—perks you can't access booking on your own.

    Why do you charge a planning fee? Complex luxury itineraries require significant expertise, research, and relationship management. My planning fee ensures I can dedicate the time needed to create a truly exceptional, customized experience for you. Think of it as insurance that your vacation will be perfectly planned, stress-free, and worth every penny you invest in the actual trip.

  • Great question! Here's what I hear most often from clients:

    "My time is valuable."
    Planning a complex international trip takes 20-30 hours of research. Most of my clients would rather spend that time with family, working, or relaxing—not reading hotel reviews and mapping out logistics.

    "I want insider knowledge, not Google results."
    I've actually been to these places. I know which hotels have the best locations, which restaurants are worth the hype, how to structure your days efficiently, and how to avoid tourist traps. That kind of knowledge comes from years of experience, not internet searches.

    "I don't want to make expensive mistakes."
    Booking the wrong hotel neighborhood, missing must-do experiences, or poor timing can ruin a trip you've invested thousands in. My expertise helps you avoid those mistakes.

    "I want exclusive perks I can't get on my own."
    This is huge. I'm affiliated with Signature Travel Network, giving me access to over 10,000 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. When you book one of my recommended Signature partner properties, you automatically receive VIP perks that aren't available to the public or through booking sites like Expedia:

    ✓ Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
    ✓ Daily breakfast for two
    ✓ $100 hotel credit per stay
    ✓ Early check-in / late checkout when available
    ✓ VIP recognition and priority service
    ✓ Special amenities and welcome gifts

    These perks can be worth $500-$2,000+ per trip—and they're only available when booking through a Signature advisor like me. You cannot access them booking directly or through online travel agencies.

    Part of my expertise is knowing the Signature portfolio inside and out. I recommend properties where the hotel is excellent for your needs AND the Signature perks add significant value. With over 10,000 partner properties including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Belmond, and thousands of boutique hotels, chances are your dream hotel is already a Signature partner.

    Of course, if you have your heart set on a property outside the network, I can book that too—I just want you to know what's available so you can make an informed choice.

    "I need support if something goes wrong."
    Flight canceled? Hotel issue? I am here to help. When you book yourself, you're on hold with customer service. When you book with me, you have an advocate with direct contacts.

    Bottom line: If you're spending $30,000-$75,000 on a vacation, investing $750-$2,500 in expert planning (that often pays for itself in Signature perks alone) ensures that expensive trip is perfectly executed and stress-free.

  • Complex luxury itineraries require significant expertise, research, and relationship management. My planning fee ensures I can dedicate the time needed to create a truly exceptional, customized experience for you.

    Here's what my clients tell me the planning fee saves them:

    Time: 20-30 hours of research, comparison shopping, and logistics planning
    Money: Avoiding costly mistakes like booking hotels in wrong neighborhoods or missing must-do experiences
    Stress: No uncertainty about whether you've made the right choices
    Value: Access to Signature perks worth $500-$2,000+ that offset the planning fee

    One client told me: "Your planning fee was the equivalent of 3-4 hours of my billable rate. You saved me 30 hours and got us perks worth $1,500. Best ROI I've had all year."

  • After our free consultation, if you'd like to proceed, I'll send you a T&C Agreement form and a few other forms to gather details about your trip. (You can also find these on this website under the tab “forms”) Once that's completed, I'll send an invoice for the planning fee. I begin creating your custom itinerary once payment is received.

  • The planning fee covers the time and expertise invested in creating your custom itinerary and is non-refundable once work has begun. However, I work closely with you throughout the planning process to ensure you're thrilled with every detail before any trip bookings are made.

  • If you already have your itinerary planned and just need hotel bookings, I can typically handle that without a planning fee. You'll still receive all the Signature Travel Network perks (upgrades, breakfast, credits) that aren't available when booking directly—which alone can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

  • My clients typically invest $20,000-$100,000+ in their vacations. If you're considering luxury accommodations, private experiences, and stress-free logistics, let's talk about what's possible within your budget during your free consultation.

  • No problem! I can book any hotel, resort, or villa worldwide. You won't receive the Signature perks at non-partner properties, but you'll still benefit from my expertise, custom planning, and 24/7 support throughout your trip.

    That said, with over 10,000 properties in the Signature network—including most major luxury brands and countless boutique properties—there's usually an excellent option that offers both the experience you want AND valuable perks.

    I'll always present your options and let you decide what's most important to you.

  • Unfortunately, no. These perks are contractual agreements between Signature Travel Network and the hotels—they're only available when booking through a Signature advisor like me.

    The hotels partner with Signature because we bring them high-value guests and maintain strong relationships. In exchange, they provide exclusive VIP benefits to our clients.

    If you call the hotel directly, they'll tell you: "Those benefits are only available through Signature Travel Network."

    This is one of the biggest advantages of working with me instead of booking on your own.

  • For peak season travel, I recommend 6-12 months in advance to secure the best properties and ensure availability. This is especially important for:

    • Summer in Europe (June-September)

    • Winter in the Caribbean (December-March)

    • Holiday periods and school breaks

    • Popular destinations like Amalfi Coast, Santorini, or St. Barths

    That said, I've planned incredible last-minute trips as well! It's never too early or too late to reach out—availability varies, and I'll work with what's possible for your timeframe.

  • Life happens, and I understand that plans can change. Cancellation policies vary by hotel, airline, and tour operator, and I'll make sure you understand the terms before booking anything.

    Many luxury properties offer flexible cancellation up to 7-30 days before arrival. Some bookings (especially during peak season or special rates) may be non-refundable.

    I always recommend travel insurance for international trips, which can protect you against unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel disruptions. I can help you secure appropriate coverage as part of your planning.

    Throughout the process, I'm your advocate—if something changes, I'll work with hotels and suppliers to find the best possible solution.

  • Yes! I can handle flight arrangements as part of your itinerary. I also work with private jet charter companies if that's something you're interested in.

    For commercial flights, I typically recommend the best routes and options, and can either book them for you or guide you on booking with miles/points if that's more advantageous for your situation. Please note that per airline rules, I cannot book your flights with your points for you.

  • However you prefer! I'm available via:

    • Email (best for detailed information and documents)

    • Phone calls (great for quick questions or discussions)

    • Zoom video calls (ideal for reviewing itineraries together)

    • Text (for time-sensitive questions while you're traveling)

    Most planning happens via email and scheduled calls, but I'm flexible and will adapt to your communication style.

  • Once I receive your completed intake form and planning fee, I typically deliver your first itinerary draft within 5-7 business days.

    We'll then review it together, make any adjustments, and finalize the details before I proceed with bookings. The entire process from consultation to departure usually takes 2-4 weeks for straightforward trips, or longer for complex multi-destination journeys.

    If you have a tight timeline, let me know—I can often accommodate rush requests.

  • No problem! The itinerary is completely customized to you, and I want you to love every detail.

    After I present the first draft, we'll review it together and make any changes you'd like. Want to swap hotels? Prefer a different restaurant? Want more free time or more structured activities? I'll adjust until it's perfect.

    Nothing gets booked until you approve the final itinerary.

  • Yes! You'll receive your complete itinerary in three convenient formats:

    1. Axus PDF Itinerary
    A comprehensive digital document with your complete day-by-day plan, confirmation numbers, contact information, maps, insider tips, and my 24/7 emergency contact.

    2. Axus Web Link
    A clickable link to access your full itinerary online from any device—perfect for sharing with travel companions or accessing from your laptop.

    3. Axus Travel App
    Personalized login credentials for the Axus travel app, putting your entire itinerary conveniently at your fingertips on your phone:

    • Day-by-day schedule with timing and activities

    • Hotel confirmation numbers and addresses

    • Transportation information (drivers, flight info, etc.)

    • All your travel documents in one place

    Use it however you prefer: Print out the PDF for a physical copy, keep everything handy in the Axus app on your phone, or access via the web link. You'll have your complete itinerary available exactly how you want it—at home, on the plane, or exploring your destination.

  • That's totally fine! Some clients prefer to book their own flights with miles, or they have a specific hotel they've already committed to. I'm happy to work with whatever you've already arranged and handle the rest.

    Just know that if you book hotels outside of my process, you won't receive the Signature perks at those properties—but I can still plan everything else around your bookings.