FAQ & Resources

FAQ

Travel agents operate on the same terms that agents in many other industries do: we have suppliers and vendors we know and trust, and those suppliers pay us a commission on the sales we make. This includes hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, car rental companies, and more. Larger, corporate online agencies operate the exact same way only they are not offering you an agent to represent their suppliers with personal knowledge but rather a point-and-click portal of information.
The suppliers set the price with commission in it so you are going to pay it regardless—it’s either being paid to an agent, an online agency, or absorbed back into the company supplying the service. In any scenario, the cost is the same, so it’s to your benefit to use an agency.
Why use a Travel Agent over a larger online agency?

Because we are people, and we have a direct line. Call us, you won’t have to wait on hold or listen to a keypad menu only to be routed to an automated system. We will answer, we will call you back, text you back, email you back. You don’t have to go online and submit a request. It’s as simple as this: we offer personalized service, provided by people, and that is what you get. Because we listen. An agent’s job is to consult with the consumer, to ask questions at the early stages of planning and develop a comprehensive list of suggestions based on the client’s wants and desires for a travel experience. Because we remember you. When you want to book another trip, we know where you went last, we know what you did and did not like about that trip and how to make your next even better.
Yes, that is one of the many benefits to using an agent. Whether you need to make changes, your luggage was lost, you missed your flight, or any number of things that can go wrong even when rock solid plans have been made, rest assured that we have been there, and we will be there for you. We can help you find the right numbers to call and often navigate the automated systems for you or make the appropriate contacts. Just having someone listen helps and sometimes we can navigate the process toward a solution while you enjoy your trip.
We have personal travel experience and our hundreds of clients do too. Each of us has a network of knowledge built through years of experience that helps us better inform you. For example, did you know that if you enter Chile through Easter Island you avoid the Reciprocity fee at the airport? Did you know the wrapping you see on luggage at carousels in the airport is for theft prevention and not protection? Do you know that you can cruise out of a US port without a passport as long as it is round trip to that port but if you have a problem at a foreign port or need to get home in a hurry, you can't fly back to the USA without a passport? We constantly access our database and experiential knowledge to better inform and prepare a client for a trip of any type in hopes to make your experience a more enjoyable one.
Most booking websites reflect the inventory and pricing of a single, large wholesaler. We shop rates across all wholesalers, many of which are not publicly available. This means that we are usually less than what you find online.

In some cases, our rates will match (not beat) the lowest price online but include benefits.
Please note that we are vendor agnostic. Many travel agencies work with specific wholesalers, limiting their pricing options. We work with all available travel vendors to ensure we have the best rates, even when compared to other agencies.
The process is simple.

Complete our new client form
We will reach out to confirm trip details and ensure they understand your expectations and priorities
We will price shop across all available rates and provide your a quote
You confirm your itinerary
We send an encrypted credit card authorization form Your trip is booked The entire process takes between 15-45 minutes for most bookings. You will have our personal cell phone number and we will be there to service you before, during and after your trip. If you need anything, just text or call us. From car transfers, tours and restaurant reservations to travel changes and general assistance, we will be your dedicated contact to wrap up any and all details for your trip.
For leisure bookings our agents are trained to provide quotes within 15-45 minutes. There are some outliers where we may need to refer to our rolodex to secure reservations or negotiate upper level suites (I.e. Penthouse Suite at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston). In those cases, there is still a sense of urgency and your agent will keep you updated throughout the process.

For group contracts we can bid, aggressively negotiate and secure a contract within a week.
We are a comprehensive travel agency offering a wide range of services designed to cater to your every travel need. Our expertise spans the following categories:

- **Hotel Planning & Booking**
- **Car Rentals & Chauffeur Services**
- **Client Profile Creation & Implementation**
- **Group Bids & Negotiation**
- **Flights & Private Charters**
- **Restaurant Reservations**
- **Train Routes & Bookings**
- **Trip Planning & Management**
- **Cruises & Yacht Rentals**
- **Tour & Excursion Planning**
- **Crisis Resolution**
- **Trip Insurance**
- **Concierge Services**

When you work with your dedicated travel agent, you can trust that they will invest the time to understand your unique preferences and requirements. We welcome your specific or unconventional requests and encourage open communication with your agent. If your request pertains to a trip booked through us and aligns with your budget, we’ll do our utmost to accommodate it.

For example, if you crave olive-fed Kobe beef during your stay in Seychelles and it's unavailable locally, we can arrange its transportation directly from Japan and ensure its delivery to your destination. We are committed to exploring practical and lawful solutions to bring your vision to life, provided you’re willing to cover any associated costs.

At our agency, every journey is tailored to create a truly personalized and unforgettable experience.
Absolutely, we specialize in managing group bookings and delivering exceptional value. For hotel room blocks of 10 or more and cruise bookings of 8 or more, we consistently secure discounts of 40-50% off the average daily rate, ensuring significant savings for your group.

Our group booking services cover a wide range of events, including conferences, corporate incentive trips, destination weddings, family reunions, and more. Whether you're planning a professional gathering or a memorable celebration, we’re here to simplify the process and make your event extraordinary.
As our valued client, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and privileges not available to the general public, including:

- **No Service or Membership Fees—Ever**
- **Complimentary Upgrades Upon Arrival (When Available)**
- **Resort and Onboard Credits for Hotels and Cruises**
- **A Dedicated Travel Agent Focused on Your Needs**
- **Welcome Amenities Upon Arrival**
- **No Hold Times—Direct Access to Your Agent**
- **Complimentary Daily Breakfast for Two**
- **Exclusive Special Rates from Global Vendors**
- **Preferred Treatment and Personalized Attention at Hotels**
- **Early Check-In and Late Check-Out (When Available)**
- **Access to a Forbes Five-Star Trained Concierge Team**
- **Stress-Free Travel Planning and Logistics**

*We proudly partner with elite programs such as Rosewood Elite, Four Seasons Preferred Partners, and Travel Leaders, among others. While some properties may not offer these benefits, the majority of luxury brands we work with do provide these exclusive amenities.*

Let us handle the details while you focus on enjoying your dream vacation with unparalleled ease and comfort.
Clients who book accommodations at $750 or more per night gain exclusive access to our concierge team, providing personalized assistance with reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, arranging unique private experiences (like a post-game meet-and-greet with Messi), and curating your personalized client profile.

**Client profiles** are a signature service reserved for our VIP clients. These profiles document your unique preferences, such as specific pillow types, mini-fridge stocking requests, and any special arrangements you'd like the hotel to prepare before your arrival.
Your dedicated travel agent and concierge team will strive to implement as many of your preferences as possible at every property you visit. You’re welcome to update your client profile at any time to reflect new requests or preferences.

Please note, some requests may incur additional charges from the vendor. Your travel agent will always notify you of these costs and obtain your approval before proceeding. The level of influence your agent has in fulfilling your client profile often depends on your suite category—higher-tier accommodations offer more leverage for added perks. For example, a guest in a $10,000-per-night Presidential Suite will typically receive more customized benefits than a guest in a $1,000-per-night Junior Suite.

This elevated service ensures every detail of your stay aligns with your expectations, making your journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
When appropriate, we negotiate upper level suites and group bookings. We are known for being formidable in our approach to secure the best value for our clients.
Some of our clients choose to use points to book portions of their trips, and we fully support making the most of your rewards. However, please note that your travel agent cannot manage or service the parts of your trip booked with points, as they are not listed as the agent on record. Any changes or special requests for these bookings must be handled directly with the vendor where the points were redeemed.

We highly recommend using points for flights, as this often offers exceptional value. If you have a substantial points balance and prefer to use them for hotel bookings, your agent will completely understand. Just keep in mind that any arrangements made with points will fall outside your travel agent’s management and will need to be addressed directly with the booking vendor. This ensures we can focus on optimizing and personalizing the other aspects of your trip for a seamless travel experience.
Yes, give your travel agent your rewards program details, and they will add them to your profile. Your agent will automatically include your rewards program information on applicable bookings to maximize your value.