FAQ
The first step is a (free!) 15ish minute phone call. Planning travel can be an intimate experience, and this gives us a chance to make sure we vibe!
One of my biggest fears when I first started traveling with kids was having to cancel. Let’s be honest–kids get sick A LOT! We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance so you are protected if you have to cancel. The Travel Design Fee is non-refundable, but if we are only making minor tweaks or simply rebooking on new dates, you won’t be charged a second design fee.
1. Custom Itinerary: The travel agent will create a personalized itinerary based on your preferences, interests, and requirements. This includes suggesting attractions, parks, restaurants, and activities that align with your family’s ages and interests. They will take into account factors like budget, duration of the trip, and any specific requests you may have.
2. Research and Planning: The agent will conduct thorough research on various destinations and accommodations to find the best options that suit your needs. They will consider factors like accessibility, amenities, safety, and reviews to ensure a seamless travel experience.
3. Coordination of Transportation: If required, the travel agent will assist in arranging transportation during your trip. This could involve booking flights, train tickets, car rentals, or providing guidance on public transportation options based on your itinerary.
4. Booking Accommodations: The agent will help you secure suitable accommodations based on your preferences, such as hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, or bed and breakfasts. They will consider factors like location, amenities, and budget constraints while making these arrangements.
5. Exclusive Deals and Discounts: As travel experts, agents often have access to exclusive deals, offers, and discounts that may not be readily available to the general public. They will use their industry connections to secure the best prices and value for your travel arrangements.
6. Road Trip Suggestions: If you are planning a road trip, the agent will provide suggestions for interesting stops along your route. They will identify attractions, landmarks, scenic spots, or hidden gems that you can explore during your journey, making it more enjoyable and memorable.
7. Destination Information: The agent will provide you with detailed information about your chosen destinations, including local customs, important landmarks, safety tips, and any necessary travel documentation. This ensures that you are well-prepared and can make the most out of your trip.
The Travel Design Fee is an essential component of our service, aimed at delivering the utmost level of professional assistance. This fee enables us to offer personalized planning services that go beyond conventional bookings, such as crafting road trips, suggesting Airbnb accommodations, and arranging services that may not generate commission. By charging a design fee, we prioritize designing an exceptional itinerary tailored specifically to your family’s needs and preferences, rather than being limited to services that solely provide commission. This ensures that we can dedicate ample time to researching your chosen destination and curating the perfect trip for your family.
Our Go Free Design is for families interested in booking cruises, tours, or all inclusive resorts. This plan lets you delve into the exploration of up to 2 destinations of your choice without any extra charges.
Here is how it works:
Engage us to research and curate a personalized proposal to make your dream trip a reality. We will consider your preferences, budget, and other specific needs to provide the best personal recommendations.
When you book your trip within three months of initial engagement, this fee will be credited toward your vacation.
However, if expanding your horizon is what you’re after and you wish to explore more than 2 destinations, a design fee comes into play. A $100 design fee will be charged for each destination beyond the initial two. This is to cover the extended effort and resources that go into crafting each additional unique experience.
We are committed to making your travel dreams come true and we’re offering comprehensive and personalized plans to make your journey as smooth and memorable as possible.
See our full Fees & Payment Policies here. We’ll do our best to work with you, but we HIGHLY recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment should you need to cancel.
Understanding your travel budget is a key component for us in designing your perfect trip. The goal here is not to exhaust your funds but to tailor the best possible journey that aligns with your financial comfort zone. Whether it’s a $3000 trip or a $10,000 one, each has a unique set of opportunities and it’s our job to maximize those for you.
A specified budget provides a clear framework within which we can explore options, negotiate deals and make arrangements. It allows us to focus on experiences that will give you the most value, personalized to your preferences.
A larger budget might involve more luxurious accommodations or exclusive experiences, while a smaller one would look at maximizing more budget-friendly choices.
What’s important to stress is that the budget is more of a guiding light than a spending target. Our goal isn’t to deplete your resources, but instead to stretch them and create the best possible travel experience, personalized just for you. We respect and value the trust you place in us; your satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities. If we find the perfect vacation much lower than budget, we will absolutely offer that during proposal!
We LOVE finding great deals! Watch our social media for inspiration, and when you’re ready to book, give us a call. No matter when or where you are going, we will work with our suppliers to find who is offering the best bang for your buck.
When planning a trip, it’s important to distinguish between ‘best deals’ and ‘cheapest options’. They may seem similar, but they provide very different travel experiences.
The ‘cheapest options’ are the lowest-priced offers available. While they save the most money upfront, they might not always provide a balanced quality-to-cost ratio. These options often involve compromises, such as less convenient travel times, basic accommodations, or limited access to experiences.
Conversely, the ‘best deals’ focus on maximizing the value of your experience, known as getting the ‘bang for your buck’. These deals may not always be the least expensive, but they aim to provide the deepest discounts on high-quality experiences. It’s about stretching your dollars to ensure you enjoy the best possible experience within your budget.
A ‘best deal’ could be a four-star hotel at a discounted rate, a bundled deal including extra activities, or a special ‘off-season’ package for a popular destination. These offers are worth it because they enhance your overall experience and make your trip more memorable.
In essence, while the ‘cheapest experience’ focuses solely on cost, ‘best deals’ concentrate on delivering the best overall value for your investment. They ensure that every dollar you spend contributes positively to your travel experience.