That’s a great question—and honestly, it comes up all the time.

Sure, you can book your own trips online, but those big sites like Booking.com or Expedia see you as just another reservation number. Hotels often hold back their best rooms and perks for guests who book through trusted advisors like me. Because I have partnerships with top hotel brands and networks like Virtuoso, my clients get treated like VIPs, with better rooms, upgrades, and extra touches you just won’t get booking on your own.

Plus, if something goes sideways—like a canceled flight or a mix-up at the hotel—you’re not stuck on hold with an overseas call center. You call me, and I’m in your corner fixing it. Working with me isn’t just about booking travel—it’s about having someone who knows you and has your back every step of the way.

For many hotel stays, cruises, or simpler trips, there’s usually no extra cost because I’m paid by my travel partners. You get all the perks, and I handle all the details.

For more complex trips—like multi-country itineraries, unique experiences, or detailed custom planning—I do charge a planning fee, which starts at $250. The exact fee depends on how long and complex your trip is, and how much research and customization is involved.

I don’t have a rigid price list because every trip is unique, but I’m always completely upfront about any fees before I begin planning, so there are never any surprises.

To protect the time and effort I invest in designing your perfect trip, I also hold a credit card on file once we start working together, in case we complete significant planning and you ultimately decide not to book through me.

Most of my clients find that the exclusive perks, insider access, and peace of mind make investing in professional travel planning more than worthwhile.

It all starts with a conversation. I’ll ask you about where you want to go, how you like to travel, your interests, and your budget. I love figuring out what makes a trip special for you personally.

Then I’ll research and create a custom itinerary for you to look over. We’ll fine-tune it until it’s perfect. Once you’re happy, I handle all the bookings and confirmations, so you don’t have to deal with the details.

And while you’re traveling, I’m just a phone call or text away if anything comes up. My goal is for you to feel taken care of from start to finish.

One of the best parts of working with a travel advisor is the perks. Because of my partnerships with top hotel brands and Virtuoso properties, I can often get you:

• Complimentary daily breakfast

• Room upgrades (if available)

• Early check-in or late checkout

• Resort or spa credits

• Special welcome amenities

These perks usually come at no extra cost to you and often go beyond what even fancy credit cards offer. Plus, hotels tend to take extra good care of my clients because they know you’re working with a trusted advisor. It’s like having a little extra VIP magic sprinkled into your trip.

Absolutely—that’s one of the biggest reasons people work with me instead of booking on their own.

If your flight’s delayed, your room isn’t ready, or you want to switch things up mid-trip, I’m your point person. I have direct contacts at hotels and travel partners who can help resolve issues quickly.

Instead of spending hours on hold with a giant website’s customer service, you just reach out to me, and I’ll handle it. I want you to travel feeling confident and taken care of.

Yes—absolutely. Everyone deserves to travel comfortably and enjoyably.

Whether it’s gluten-free meals, mobility needs, private guides who speak your language, or special experiences like cooking classes or behind-the-scenes tours, I’m happy to make those arrangements. The little details can make a huge difference in how much you love your trip.

It depends on where you’re going and what time of year. For big trips, like multi-country itineraries or special events, I’d say at least 3-6 months ahead. For simpler trips or off-season travel, we can often pull things together faster.

That said, don’t worry if you’re last-minute—I’ve helped people book amazing trips on short notice, too. The sooner we chat, the more options you’ll have.

I do both! I love working one-on-one to create custom trips for individuals, couples, families, or private groups.

And I’m also launching my own small-group tours under Grateful Tours. These are thoughtfully designed trips where you can travel with a small group of like-minded travelers, enjoy curated experiences, and still have time for yourself. Each tour has its own details and FAQs, so if that interests you, let’s talk!