Yes. I charge planning fees for all services to ensure I can provide the level of personalized attention and expertise your journey deserves.
Planning fees vary based on the complexity and type of travel.
All fees are outlined in your service agreement before we begin working together.
No. Planning fees are non-refundable as they compensate for the time, research, and expertise invested in designing your itinerary.
These fees are separate from the cost of your travel components.
For cruise and expedition travel, I recommend 9-12 months in advance to secure the best availability and pricing.
For African safaris, 8-12 months is ideal for premium lodges.
For custom itineraries, 4-6 months allows for thoughtful planning.
However, I can accommodate shorter timelines when needed (a rush fee applies for departures within 4 weeks).
I specialize in:
• Small-ship, yachts and river cruises worldwide
• African safaris (Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda)
• Expedition voyages (Antarctica, Arctic, Galápagos, Patagonia)
• Sun & sand escapes (Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean)
• Hawaii
• Europe
While these are my core areas of expertise, I'm happy to discuss other destinations during your consultation.
Virtuoso is the world's leading luxury travel network, connecting top travel advisors with premier hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators.
As a Virtuoso advisor, I provide clients with exclusive benefits including:
• Complimentary room upgrades (when available)
• Daily breakfast for two
• Resort or shipboard credits ($100+ value)
• Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)
• VIP recognition and treatment
• Access to exclusive experiences and properties unavailable to the general public
These benefits are provided at no additional cost, simply by booking through me.
All Virtuoso benefits are subject to availability at time of booking and may be modified or withdrawn by suppliers without prior notice.
I strongly recommend travel insurance for all trips and require it for expedition voyages and African safaris.
Insurance protects your investment and provides coverage for unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions.
I can provide recommendations for reputable insurance providers.
I'm available for real-time support throughout your journey. If issues arise flight delays, reservation problems, itinerary changes.
I work behind the scenes with suppliers to resolve them quickly. Emergency contact information is included in your final travel packet.
Absolutely. During our discovery process, I ask about dietary requirements, mobility considerations, and any special needs.
I communicate these to all suppliers and ensure accommodations are made throughout your journey.
Once your itinerary is finalized and booked, you'll receive a comprehensive travel packet including:
• All confirmations and vouchers
• Detailed day-by-day itinerary
• Insider recommendations and tips
• Emergency contact information
• Mobile-friendly digital access
I'll stay in touch leading up to your departure, providing updates, answering questions, and ensuring you're fully prepared.
I remain available for support throughout your journey.
Payment schedules are determined by supplier requirements. Most travel components require deposits upfront with final payment 60-90 days before departure.
I'll outline all payment deadlines clearly in your booking confirmation.
1. Full Name (required)
2. Email Address (required)
3. Phone Number
4. Preferred Destination(s) (required)
5. Approximate Travel Dates (required)
6. Number of Travelers (required)
7. Estimated Budget Range (required)
8. Tell Me About Your Trip Vision (required)
• What are you hoping to experience?
• What matters most to you about this journey?
Custom Itinerary Design - $300
For tailor-made trips, villa stays, multi-destination itineraries, and complex travel planning.
Cruise & River Cruise Planning - $250
Includes ship selection, cabin recommendations, shore excursion planning, and pre/post-cruise arrangements.
African Safari Planning - $300
Specialized planning for safaris, including lodge selection, game drive coordination, and multi-country itineraries.
Expedition Voyage Planning - $350
For polar expeditions, Galápagos voyages, and remote adventure travel requiring specialized knowledge.
Sun & Sand / Beach Escapes - $200
For resort-based travel, including accommodations, spa bookings, and dining arrangements.
Hotel-Only Booking (Non-Virtuoso) - $125
For standalone hotel reservations outside the Virtuoso network.
Group & Multi-Generational Travel - Starting at $450
Custom pricing based on group size, complexity, and coordination requirements.
Rush Planning Fee - $150
For itineraries requiring expedited turnaround (less than 4 weeks to departure).
Revision Fee - $100 per round
Applied after the second round of revisions to the itinerary.
In-Person Consultation - $50
Available for clients in the Elko area. The fee is credited toward planning fees when booking.
Concierge Upgrade - $150 per trip
Enhanced communication, additional research, and personalized destination guides.
Planning fees ensure i can provide:
• Dedicated time for research and itinerary design
• Personalized recommendations based on your preferences
• Advocacy with suppliers on your behalf
• Pre-travel preparation and support
• Real-time assistance during your journey
• Long-term client relationships built on quality, not volume
You're not paying for bookings. You're investing in judgment, access, and expertise.
What's included in every planning fee:
✓ Initial consultation and discovery
✓ Custom itinerary design and proposal
✓ Up to two rounds of revisions
✓ All reservations and confirmations
✓ Final travel documentation and digital access
✓ Pre-departure support and guidance
✓ Real-time support during travel
✓ Post-trip follow-up
Luxury Travel Consultancy | Virtuoso Advisor
.svg)
.svg){kind=logo}