The Process of Working With Me

Planning a vacation can be stressful and time consuming. A lot of things go into travel planning – researching new destinations or attractions, best times to visit, things to do and see, best places to stay, where to eat, budgeting, and more.

When you choose to work with me as your travel agent, I take all that responsibility off your shoulders. I do all the behind-the-scenes work of researching, planning, organizing, budgeting, and problem solving for you. Your travels become stress-free, relaxing, and enjoyable. You can now get the rest and rejuvenation that vacations are supposed to give you. When you work with me, the only thing you need to do is just go and enjoy your trip!

How to begin working with me

The first thing that I have all my clients do before working with me is a couple housekeeping items. A couple of paperwork items need to be reviewed and signed before I can even begin working on your trip. A Client Agreement, Terms and Conditions, and Service Fee Authorization must be signed.

After those documents have been reviewed and signed, I can begin discussing your trip with you. But first I need to understand what exactly you want, like when and where you want to go, what you want to do, how many travelers, which travel components you need booked, your budget, and whatever else I should know before I begin putting your vacation together for you. This question-and-answer session can be done over the phone, email, or online by requesting a quote.

My process of planning your trip

Once I have this information, I can begin actually working on planning your trip. I begin researching within your parameters, finding the best deals and discounts available, and put together a vacation package that includes all the components you asked for within your budget and requirements.

Once I have everything you requested put together, I send you two proposals. It can be two proposals based on your ideas (with a different lodging option, attraction option, upgrade option, etc.) or one that is exactly everything you wanted within your budget and one that I recommend with a more immersive and authentic in-destination experience. The majority of the time, my recommended proposal is only slightly different, as it does include the most authentic experience available at that time. So, do not be afraid to review different experience options if there is a more immersive and authentic experience available.

After you have reviewed the proposals, we will schedule a time to go over any questions and changes that need to be made. Unless specified, one proposal will be sent to you for review per each set of changes we make to the trip and/or itinerary.

Booking your trip

Once you are happy with the trip and itinerary, I send you an Invoice with a Credit Card Authorization form. The Invoice financially breaks down your entire trip so you understand how much each thing costs and the charges that will appear on your credit card. The Credit Card Authorization gives me permission to charge your chosen credit card only for the items on the Invoice.

Upon authorization to make such charges, I immediately book all the components of your trip. You will receive a copy of the confirmation, supplier Terms and Conditions, and all the necessary information.

(I should note that information on disputing credit card charges can be found in my Terms and Conditions. If you decide to dispute any charges that were authorized for the trip, I will provide a copy of the signed Terms and Conditions, Invoice, and Credit Card Authorization to the proper parties involved in the dispute.)

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended for those who are flying, going on a cruise, or traveling internationally. It also has benefits for those with medical conditions, group bookings, and when booking in advance. Overall, travel insurance is a great thing to have when traveling regardless of when or where you go. It protects you from so many things and can provide refunds, cover car rentals, medical expenses, personal loss and damages, and so much more!

I always include travel insurance in my proposals. I send policy information along with it so you can understand what exactly it includes. Other packages are offered if you want something different. Purchasing travel insurance is an easy process and understanding what is included is as easy as a bullet list with checkmarks.

However, should you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you will need to sign a Travel Insurance Waiver.

Questions, Problems, Cancellations, Refunds

Should you have any questions, I am always available to my clients. You can email, call, or text me questions, concerns, etc., anything pertaining to your trip. Likewise, if you encounter any problems before, during, or after your trip, contact me immediately and I will handle the situation for you. Afterall, one of the benefits of working with a travel agent is that they handle any and all problems while you are traveling.

If something unforeseen or unfortunate happens and you need to cancel, contact me immediately. Each supplier has their own set of Terms and Conditions, cancelation and refund policies that must be abided by. However, I can work with them to try to get a refund from a cancelation if it is not within their terms. If the suppliers are unable to provide a refund, then I will help you make an insurance claim (if you purchased travel insurance).

What next?

After your trip is booked, I will stay in contact with you until you return from your trip. I will provide you with the necessary information, weather updates, destination guides, etc. up until your travel date. While you are on vacation, I will check in with you to make sure everything is going well. Once you return, I will check in with you one last time to ensure you returned home safely and had a great time.

Should you choose to receive promotional offers, I will send them to you along by email or text (your choice). When you are ready to book your next trip, just give me a call and I will get started on your next vacation!

If you have any questions about the process of working with me, please contact me!