The Conversations That Shape Your Trip

When we first start planning a trip, of course I need to know where you want to go, when you want to travel, how many are traveling and what you want to spend per trip or per person.

But honestly, that's the easy part.

The conversation that happens around those answers is usually where I learn the things that actually help me plan your trip.

I might find out that the beautiful resort you've been looking at isn't going to work because you really want to be able to walk the beach every morning. Or that the itinerary that looks amazing on paper is going to have you packing your suitcase every other day when what you really wanted was time to slow down and enjoy where you are.

Sometimes it's something even smaller. You mention that tight airport connections make you nervous, you really want a balcony where you can have coffee in the morning or you'd rather skip something everyone says is a “must-do” because it simply doesn't interest you.

Those conversations matter.

I don't need you to like what everyone else likes. I need to understand what you like.

And I need to know about the things that could affect your trip too. Food allergies, mobility concerns, medical needs or anything else that might change what makes sense for you shouldn't be an afterthought. They can influence everything from the destination and resort to the itinerary, excursions and even how we get you there.

There are also some less exciting conversations we need to have from the beginning. We'll talk about passports and whether your travel documents meet the requirements for the trip we're planning. When it's time to make that deposit, we'll talk about travel insurance, cancellation terms and what happens if plans change.

They're not the fun parts of planning, but they're important parts of protecting the trip we're putting together.

The Conversation Doesn't End When You Book

Once your trip is booked, the conversation changes as we get closer to travel.

Now we may be talking about things that couldn't be completed months earlier. Your destination may require an entry or exit form, visa or electronic travel authorization. There may be forms that can't be completed until your flights are confirmed or until you're within a certain window before arrival.

We'll talk about what's coming up, what still needs to be done and what you need to know before you leave.

You shouldn't have to know every question you're supposed to ask or every requirement you're supposed to be looking for.

That's part of my job.

Talk to Me

I ask questions because sometimes something you say almost in passing is the thing that changes my recommendation.

But I also want you to ask questions.

If something doesn't make sense, or something I've suggested doesn't feel right, tell me that. If you've heard something that's making you second-guess part of your trip, let's talk about it instead of letting you worry about it. If you change your mind and want to make a change, you should feel comfortable asking me if it's possible.

Travel planning shouldn't feel like placing an order.

It's an ongoing conversation from the first idea until you're ready to leave.

The better I understand what matters to you, the better I can help you plan a trip that actually feels like yours.