05/28/2026
Things you may not know. What do I do as a travel advisor? Of course I can help you will all of the mainstream trips, all-inclusive beach resorts, cruises, etc. Can you book these yourself? Yes. But, if you book with me, you have someone in your corner for those times when things go wrong, a reservation needs changed, you have special requests, etc. Not always, but at times I can even get a better price than what you can. At the very least you will get some perks from me that you won't get when booking direct, and it doesn't cost a penny more, because the resorts, tour operators, and cruise lines have commission already built into their prices. They don't give you a discount for booking direct, they just pocket that extra cash instead of paying a travel advisor like me.
What I also have are connections in almost every destination/country you would want to travel to. These are "boots on the ground" people who know the destination inside and out. For example, today I met with a young South African couple who has a tour business in South Africa. The personalized trip they can design for you is a dream, and they are with you every step of the way from the moment they pick you up from the airport. From 3 different types of safaris, to a stay in the booming city of Cape Town, to helicopter over Victoria Falls, whale watching, penguins, and wine tasting. They even include a photographer throughout your trip so that you don't have to be glued to your phone. These are the types of trips that would be hard for the average person to know where to start planning. I have the ability to put you in touch with the people who can make your dream trip a reality, because of the connections I have.
What don't I do? I don't book stand alone flights that don't include any other components. I will book them if they include at least a hotel stay in the package. I also have not implemented a "planning fee" yet, even though many travel advisors do charge one. Has this burned me? Yes. I can't tell you the number of hours I have put in researching and planning for someone, only to have them either book direct after I supply them the information, or they say that they weren't even sure they wanted to take a trip at all. I can only hope that they didn't realize the number of hours and work that I put in for them, only to get paid zero. It's the cost of business. Maybe, I don't ask enough upfront questions, or need to get better at explaining how everything works and how I only get paid if a trip is booked. Opinions?
Is there anything you have wondered about how booking with me works? I'd love to answer your questions. I would also love to earn your business and help with your future trips, no matter how simple or how elaborate. I'm easy to reach, easy to talk to, and no pressure. Anything you are curious about, I will be happy to answer.
This pic is a sample itinerary for a trip to South Africa through the couple I met with today. They are so personable.