FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what most people want to know before we start working together.
Working With Me
How do you get paid?
Two ways. For hotel-only bookings, I earn a commission from the hotel. You pay nothing extra. For full trip planning, I charge a $500 planning fee upfront, plus earn commission on the bookings I make on your behalf. The planning fee covers my time designing your trip. I direct my energy toward what is commissionable and meaningful so your budget goes further.
Do I pay more booking through you than booking direct?
No. You pay the same rate as booking direct. In most cases, you pay the same and receive more: complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, and priority service that direct booking cannot access. That is the Virtuoso and SmartFlyer advantage.
What is the minimum trip spend?
$5,000 for full trip planning engagements. Hotel-only bookings have no minimum. If your budget is below that threshold for a full itinerary, I am probably not the right fit. I would rather tell you that upfront than waste your time.
What do I actually get with Virtuoso?
Access to exclusive amenities at more than 2,000 luxury properties worldwide. That typically includes complimentary breakfast for two daily, a room upgrade at check-in, a property credit (usually $100), early check-in and late checkout when available, and a personalized welcome from the hotel. You cannot get these benefits booking direct or through Expedia. You get them only by booking through a Virtuoso advisor.
What is SmartFlyer?
SmartFlyer is the agency I am affiliated with. Beyond hotels and travel planning, SmartFlyer has a dedicated flight team that books, monitors, and manages your flights. If your flight gets canceled, rerouted, or disrupted, the SmartFlyer flight team handles it. You are not on hold with an airline. I earn commission on business and first-class flights, so premium air is built into the advisory relationship at no extra cost to you.
What I Do
What types of trips do you specialize in?
Luxury hotels and resorts. Ocean and river cruises. Honeymoons and milestone travel. Custom independent itineraries. Group travel. I focus on experiences that match who you are, not just where you want to go. I work best with clients who value getting it right over getting it fast.
Do you book flights?
Yes. Most advisors handle hotels and leave flights to you. I do not. Through my SmartFlyer affiliation, you have a dedicated flight team managing complex air routing, premium cabin strategy, and real-time changes. If something breaks, you have a team on it, not a hold queue.
What destinations do you cover?
Worldwide. I have been to more than 50 countries and maintain relationships across Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and beyond. If I have not been somewhere personally, I have vetted it through partners and colleagues I trust. I will tell you the difference.
Do you handle group travel?
Yes. Family reunions, friend groups, corporate retreats. Group travel has a different logistical complexity than individual travel. I manage it so everyone can actually enjoy the trip instead of coordinating it.
The Process
What if I already know exactly where I want to go?
That is a great starting point. You bring the destination. I bring the expertise on where to stay, what to skip, what is worth the money, and how to make the experience better than you expected. Knowing the destination narrows my work. It does not replace it.
How far in advance should I reach out?
The earlier the better, especially for peak travel periods, high-demand destinations, or milestone trips. For most trips, 3 to 6 months is workable. For Safari, expedition travel, or complex multi-country itineraries, 9 to 12 months is ideal. I can sometimes work with shorter timelines. Reach out and I will tell you what is realistic.
What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?
You call me. I handle it. That is the difference between booking with an advisor and booking on your own. If a hotel has a problem, I have a contact. If your flight is disrupted, the SmartFlyer flight team is already on it. You are not navigating a customer service phone tree. You have a person.
How do I get started?
Fill out the trip planning form. Tell me where you want to go, your travel style, budget, and what matters most. I review every inquiry personally. You will hear from me within one business day.
LGBTQ+ Travel
What if I am not LGBTQ+?
Everyone is welcome. My specialty in LGBTQ+-inclusive travel means I know which destinations and properties are genuinely welcoming, not just ones with a rainbow flag during Pride month. That knowledge benefits all travelers who care about authenticity and values-aligned experiences.
What does LGBTQ+-inclusive travel actually mean?
It means I have done the work. I travel within this community. When I tell you a property is welcoming, I am speaking from experience, not a checklist or a marketing brochure. There are destinations where legal protections exist on paper but daily reality tells a different story. I know the difference, and I share it with my clients.