FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions & Answers
Everything you want to know about working with a travel advisor — and with me specifically. Don't see your question here? Reach out and I'll be happy to help.
About Travel Advisors
Are travel agents still relevant? What's the value of a travel advisor?
I used to ask this too — why would I use someone else when I have the internet? The old travel agent was a gatekeeper. The modern travel advisor is a guide. Travel agents of the past were valuable because they had access to information and inventory you simply couldn't get on your own — booking systems, airline seats, hotel rates. The internet changed all of that. Today anyone can book a flight or hotel in minutes. Today's travel advisor is valuable for the opposite reason. Not because we control access to information, but because we know how to navigate the overwhelming amount of it. We bring firsthand expertise, exclusive supplier relationships, and personal attention that no algorithm can replicate.
How do travel advisors get paid?
Travel advisors are paid commissions by hotels, cruise lines, and other travel suppliers — not by clients. In some cases, advisors may charge fees for complex travel planning and research to cover their additional time. Fees should always be stated up front and in writing.
What is Fora?
As an independent travel advisor, I became affiliated with Fora as my host travel agency. Fora is a modern, technology-forward network of travel advisors with preferred relationships at hotels and travel suppliers worldwide, and has been named one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies for 2026. As a Fora affiliate, I have access to exclusive rates, perks, and a global network of expertise that I bring directly to my clients so they get the absolute most value possible.
How do Fora Advisors get access to priority perks?
The travel industry is all about relationships and my relationships go deep through my affiliation with Fora. I'm part of nearly every major preferred partner program including Four Seasons Preferred, Marriott Stars & Luminous, Hilton Impresario, Hyatt Prive, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Relais & Châteaux Preferred, and more. These preferred partnerships aren't easy to get — they're by invitation only, and the clients I book with preferred partners get special treatment and flagged as VIP guests prior to arrival. See how working with a Fora travel advisor compares to other booking options.
Working With Me
How do I work with you on planning my upcoming vacation?
Here's a sample flow from initial consultation through travel support:
1. Initial Consultation: Once you submit the Contact Form, I respond within 1-2 business days to set up a phone/video meeting to discuss your travel needs, style, budget, and timing. We review and sign a simple contract that lays out service terms and conditions so everything is clearly stated upfront.
2. Research & Planning: I do the research, review and narrow options that meet your preferences, and share recommendations and pricing for your review.
3. Refinement: We refine plan components until you are confident with your travel decisions.
4. Booking & Support: I book your travel using my travel advisor industry codes for preferred rates and perks and your credit card for upfront payments paid directly to travel providers. I prepare a detailed itinerary for your trip, and communicate important pre-travel dates for payments and cancellations.
5. Pre-Travel Confirmation: Two weeks before your travels, I confirm all details with hotels and travel providers on your behalf..
6. Travel Support: While you travel, I am available to handle any issues with travel providers I have booked on your behalf.
I love researching travel - why would I need your help?
The beauty of working with me is you can be involved in the planning as much or as little as you'd like. You can still do the research and come to me when you're ready to book so I can add the finishing touches — preferred rates, exclusive perks, and priority status for upgrades — and make sure you get the most out of your trip. I then can handle any issues with travel providers I have booked on your behalf.
Do you book my flights?
I can research and advise you on best routes and connections, and you book directly with the airline. Flights are the most complex part of a trip to manage and are best held under your name for any contact with the airlines. An exception is on some international business and first class flights that I can book on your behalf through our Fora partners.
Can you book hotel rooms and activities for my large group?
Yes, group travel is one of my specializations. I provide travel planning for groups of all sizes, including family gatherings, friend getaways, destination weddings, team travels, student educational overnights, graduation celebrations, class reunions, club excursions, and professional retreats.
Is it more expensive to book through a travel advisor?
Hotel and travel partners love the clients Fora advisors bring to their properties — so my commission is paid by the supplier, not by you. For most bookings this means working with me costs you nothing extra, and in many cases you'll pay less through my preferred rates. Either way you gain my personal expertise, exclusive perks, and the peace of mind that comes with having a dedicated advisor in your corner.
When do you charge additional fees for services?
Most of my travel bookings are provided at additional no charge to my clients. There may be exceptions for particularly complex itineraries or group bookings requiring extensive coordination — but I will always be transparent with you upfront about any such circumstances.
Why did I find a lower price when I looked myself?
Working with me is a value add service, focused on more than a discount price. I will always work with hotel partners to get you the best rates and the best experience possible. You might be able to find the cheapest room online, but did you know that room is right above the hotel nightclub and looks directly at a brick wall? And sometimes what might look like the cheapest rate is often not including taxes and fees that show up later in the booking. By working with me, you’ll have insight to make sure your experience is the best it can be. And if the rate you’ve found online is in fact the best, I can also book that for you, while flagging you as a preferred VIP guest with the hotel directly.
Can't I book the same thing on my own?
Not quite. I have deep relationships with hotels and partners worldwide that allow me to secure priority status for my clients — creating the best possible experience for your next trip through priority room upgrades, preferred rates, and resort credits. And through my Fora affiliation, you're not just getting my expertise. You're getting the collective knowledge of an entire global network of travel advisors.
I previously booked my hotel room on my own. Can you help me get perks added?
In some cases, yes. If you've already booked your hotel directly, I may be able to transfer your reservation and add perks for your stay — though there are restrictions depending on how and where you booked. Reservations that would not qualify include stays that have already begun, bookings made through an online travel website or credit card portal rather than directly with the hotel, or bookings at Marriott properties. In those situations, if your reservation is refundable, cancelling and rebooking through me is often the best path to getting the perks you deserve.
Perks & Benefits
What perks can I get through you?
Through my preferred supplier relationships, I can offer perks that are simply not available to the public — including complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and on-property credits at hotels and resorts worldwide. On a longer trip or a luxury stay, those perks have real and significant value.
I get perks through my credit card and loyalty programs. What's different about booking with you?
Credit card and loyalty programs often offer things like early check-in, late check-out, resort credits and free breakfast but here's something most people don’t realize: booking with me means you get all the same perks and you're prioritized for room upgrades above all other guests. Plus you get the value I add as your travel advisor, including personalized service, experience and destination knowledge, and assistance and support. See how working with a Fora travel advisor compares to other booking options.
Can I still earn hotel loyalty points when booking through you?
Yes. You can still earn loyalty points at preferred partner hotels when booking through me, while also receiving exclusive perks through my partner relationships. For example, when I book your hotel room at a Westin resort and enter your Marriott Bonvoy number on the reservation, you receive Luminous perks + Bonvoy points + elite recognition for your stay.
What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?
I have a direct line to the places and people taking care of your stay. I can quickly and effectively address any issues or concerns that may arise during your trip and resolve them in real time. This means you can focus on being present for your vacation and not waiting on hold for the next call center agent to pick up.
The Planning Process
How do we get started?
Simply reach out through my Contact page and tell me a little about your travel needs — where you're thinking of going, when, and what matters most to you. I'll follow up to schedule a conversation and we'll go from there.
How far in advance should I contact you?
The earlier the better — especially for group travel, peak travel seasons, or river cruises, which can sell out a year or more in advance. For most leisure travel, reaching out three to six months ahead gives us the best selection of options. That said, I'm happy to help with shorter timelines and last-minute weekend getaways.
Can you help with just one part of my trip?
Yes. I have supplier relationships across the industry and can book any part of your trip or all of it — lodging, activities, transportation, and travel insurance. I'm here to help with as much or as little as you need.
Do you book flights?
I provide flight advice to help you identify the best routes and connections for your journey. For complex international itineraries I can recommend the best options — and in some cases book directly.