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How are you different from a regular travel agency?
Unlike traditional travel agents who are solely focused on transactions, we take a more personalized approach. Our team invests time in getting to know you and your travel preferences allowing us to guide you through every stage of your trip. From research and planning to acting as your advocate while on the road, we strive to be your trusted advisor for all your travel needs. We don't just plan your trip; we help you craft a lifetime of unforgettable travel experiences.
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Why should I hire you?
Here are a few reasons why you may consider using a travel advisor rather than booking your trip online:
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Personalized service: Travel advisors can provide personalized recommendations and advice tailored to your preferences and travel style. They can help you create a customized itinerary and provide insider knowledge on local customs, cuisine, and culture.
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Value for money: Travel advisors can often secure perks and amenities such as room upgrades, free breakfast, or resort credits that you might not be able to get on your own.
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Time-saving: Booking a trip can be time-consuming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the destination. Travel advisors have the expertise and knowledge to research and plan a trip with minimal effort on your part.
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Emergency assistance: A travel advisor is available to assist you in case of any emergencies that may arise during your trip, such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
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Consistency: A travel advisor can take care of all the details, ensuring that your trip is consistent, comfortable, and safe.
Overall, using a travel advisor can help you achieve a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.
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Does it cost more to work with a travel advisor?
Booking through a travel advisor does not equate to paying extra. In fact, not only do we have access to equivalent or improved pricing compared to what's listed online, but we also have the ability to obtain VIP benefits, upgrades, amenities, and exclusive promotions that others may miss out on. With personalized service and attention to detail, the quality of your travel experience will be incomparable, and you'll save precious time and effort that would otherwise be spent planning and booking on your own.
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Do you charge fee?
Yes, we charge a non-refundable design fee based on the location and length of your trip. See the trip planning fee chart.
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Will I get travel perks?
As part of our affiliation with Virtuoso, perks are guaranteed at Virtuoso properties. For non-Virtuoso properties, we will do our best to obtain the best travel perks we can.
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Do you book airfare too?
Yes, we can book anything you need.
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What destinations do you book?
Our vast network gives us expertise all over the world. We can even book you a ticket to space if you are so inclined!
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What is Virtuoso?
Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, who work with top destinations and a vetted portfolio of the best travel brands globally. Travelers who have a Virtuoso Advisor tap into a world of in-the-know expertise, unbelievable travel perks, support throughout their travels, and – most importantly – warmer welcomes, deeper connections, and superior experiences in the places they visit.
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What happens if my plans change after everything is booked?
We always recommend the purchase of travel insurance. This helps to protect your investment in travel in case the unforeseen happens. We will do everything we can as your travel advisor to make the necessary adjustments to your travel plans.
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How are you compensated?
We earn money from our travel design fees and commissions that service providers pay to travel advisors. Commissions can vary drastically.
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What types of clients do you work with?
We work with all types of clients! Families, honeymoons, boy’s trips, girl’s trips, solo trips, we cover it all!
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Will I still get points and miles if I book through you?
Yes, we will collect all of your frequent traveler numbers and attach them to your reservations so you earn your points and miles.
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Can I book a villa or private yacht through you?
Of course! Through our Virtuoso affiliation, we have access to some of the best villas and yachts around the world!
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How far in advance should I plan my vacation?
It depends on where you want to go, but definitely a year before you want to travel if you can. If you are planning a safari, try for more time than a year. We are always happy to work on last-minute trips as well!
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How long does it take to plan a trip (normally)?
Planning a vacation usually depends on various factors such as the length of the vacation, the destination, type of accommodation preferred, mode of transportation, availability of flights, and travel documents like visa and passport. In general, planning a vacation can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the trip and the level of detail involved in the planning process. Some people may prefer to plan a trip well in advance to secure the best deals and have plenty of time to make reservations, while others may be comfortable planning a last-minute getaway.
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What if I don’t know my budget?
Having a general idea of what you want to spend helps your travel advisor during the travel design phase. There are many factors that should influence your budget. Are you interested in group travel which is less expensive or do you prefer a private trip for your family? Do you want to have your trip hosted by SafariSmiths so we are there every step of the way? Are you looking for photographic tutoring on your trip? Are you looking for an epic golf experience in some of the wildest locations? Many trips you might see posted online for seemingly really low prices, don’t include international airfare or use the lowest level of rooms. There is a big difference between $1,000/day and $2,000/day for a trip in the level of room you might get and your mode of transportation between locations. Let's have an honest conversation about that you are looking for in your vacation and what that will cost.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any trip. Travel insurance can provide financial protection in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, accidents, lost baggage and more. Without travel insurance, these unforeseen events can cost you a significant amount of money and can ruin your entire trip. Therefore, it is always better to be prepared and buy travel insurance to ensure a worry-free and safe trip.