the process
The journey is just as important and memorable as the destination, and our goal is for you to enjoy the process every step of the way! Follow along as I break down how I build your dream itinerary from start to finish.
20 hours
That is the average amount of time it takes to plan and book a comprehensive vacation itinerary. What could you do with those hours instead?
how we work
01. we meet
I get to know you, the client, and what your unique travel style and preferences are. Have a specific destination or property in mind? We can immediately get down to business. Need a bit of inspiration? I will be happy to assist with brainstorming and suggestions. This will be conducted via an initial Trip Design Form and a follow up phone call or email. A planning fee invoice will be sent at the end of the consultation phase - payment is required before proceeding to step 2.
02. we plan
Taking the information gathered from the design form and our recent chats, I will create a proposal for you to review and approve. This will contain a rough itinerary with recommended hotels, a tentative timeline for travel, and suggestions for tours or activities during your time there. We can revise the itinerary up to three times within a 90 day period. I encourage my clients to be involved as much or as little as they wish! Once approved, we will proceed to step 3!
03. we book
Almost there! Once I have received approval on the proposal I can begin to book and lock in all of the components of the itinerary! Once everything is confirmed, you will receive an interactive itinerary with all confirmation details, pertinent travel information, as well as sightseeing and restaurant recommendations (when applicable). I will closely monitor your itinerary in the months and weeks before departure for any changes and also confirm all VIP perks with my travel partners.
04. bon voyage!
Pack your bags, it’s time for departure! All that’s left is for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip. Feel free to reach out at any time with any questions or concerns. I will check in periodically during travel and after you return from your trip to follow up and receive feedback about your complete experience!
preferred partners
faqs
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While I always want my clients to stay within budget and save as much money as possible, the value in my service lies in guaranteeing a quality experience, with insider/firsthand knowledge, and 24/7 support along the way. While I can’t guarantee it will be always the cheapest option, I can guarantee that you will always have a top quality vacation (and no parking lot views!).
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Yes, you can save money using third-party services, but you are losing the human factor! Try speaking to a human when something goes wrong with your Expedia reservation. When you use a travel advisor, you have a real human with real travel knowledge at your disposal 24/7.
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Most of the time you will pay the exact same rate that you see on the hotel’s website. In the rare occurance that you are quoted a higher price, I am happy to rate check and seek alternative options that fit within your budget!
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No worries! Send an email to Sarah.smoak@fora.travel with your confirmation information and I will be happy to check if your reservation is eligible for a “takeover” booking, adding perks and amenities to your reservation for no additional cost!
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At this time, due to the volatile nature of the airline industry, I can only assist with full-fare business and first class tickets (excluding miles/points tickets). I am happy to discuss options, but extra fees may be incurred.
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THE EARLIER THE BETTER! Though 4-6 months is an acceptable window, many popular destinations have been selling out months in advance. So in order to have the best chance of securing a hotspot, reach out ASAP! For Honeymoons, we generally suggest 8-12 months!