FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all. We serve a variety of clients, with various budgets, destinations, and travel goals.

    Some of our first time clients come to us for a big, meaningful trip that deserves more time and attention than you have to give. That’s often when even seasoned DIY travelers realize how convenient it is to have expert support—especially for honeymoons, milestone birthdays, or more complex itineraries. Once they experience the ease, they rarely go back to the DIY.

    Other times, it’s about tackling something ambitious—like climbing Kilimanjaro or visiting Antarctica —and needing the right outfitter plus a smart pre- and post-trip plan. And sometimes, it’s as simple as booking a single hotel for a holiday weekend and enjoying the added value of perks and upgrades.

    Beyond personalization, there’s peace of mind. When the unexpected happens—weather, advisories, last-minute changes—you have someone who knows you and your trip, ready to step in with clear answers and quick solutions, and to handle the calls, the rebookings, and the “What now?” moments you’d rather not deal with.

    Destination-wise, we cover the globe. Hadiel has either been to your destination, or has a trusted partner based there, so our network really helps ensure we are leading with expertise and local insights to craft your trip.

    Our sweet spot is high-end travel for people who genuinely care about where they spend their time. Star ratings can be misleading — a three-star jungle lodge in Peru can feel unforgettable in a way a bland three-star hotel in Plano never will — but generally, our clients would never say, “The hotel doesn’t matter; we’ll barely be there anyway.” If that’s your mindset, we’re probably not the best match. But if you care about staying somewhere that feels special, value good service, concierges who can make great recommendations for last minute lunch, and toiletries that mean you don't need to bring your whole vanity with you, that sounds more our speed.

  • We’re happy to do either. Some clients come to us just for a hotel stay with extra perks; others want every detail handled, from flights and transfers to daily activities.

    Reach out to us for access to our easy self-service booking portal if you’re a DIYer who wants to secure extra perks. Once you have access, you can easily browse hotels and other services and book online. We just ask you complete our simple onboarding process first.

  • The best time to start planning is as soon as you know you want to travel and have a reasonable idea of your target dates. Early planning opens the door to the best flight schedules, the most coveted hotel rooms, and those hard‑to‑secure experiences that make a trip unforgettable. Reach out for guidelines, but here are some general tips:

    Ideal Booking Timeframes by Trip Type and Destination

    • International Flights:
      Book 7–11 months in advance for the best combination of schedules and pricing. Waiting too long can mean fewer choices or higher fares.

    • Australia & New Zealand:
      Their summer runs December–February, which overlaps with the festive season. Demand peaks during this time, so booking a year ahead is ideal for premium accommodations and internal flights.

    • Japan (Cherry Blossom Season):
      Bloom timing is unpredictable and demand is sky‑high. Either book 9–12 months out for peak bloom (expect premium pricing) or be flexible to travel 1–2 weeks before the forecast bloom if you want to be certain about timing and have a flexible budget.

    • African Safaris:
      Safari camps and lodges are small and exclusive, often selling out 12–18 months in advance for peak seasons like the Great Migration or the June–October dry season.

      • Holiday peak (Christmas/New Year): Book 18 months ahead.

      • Shoulder/green season:6–9 months is often enough, with more flexibility and value.

    • Europe (Summer Travel):
      Iconic properties in destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and the Cyclades in Greece can sell out quickly during June–August. Planning 8-10 months in advance is ideal for securing top accommodations, private guides, and smooth logistics. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are more forgiving for many European countries generally, but 3–5 months ahead still ensures a good selection.

    • Holiday Travel (Worldwide):
      Thanksgiving through New Year’s is peak season almost everywhere. 12–15 months out is recommended, especially for the Caribbean, Hawaii, or family‑friendly resorts.

    Sometimes, it pays to be fashionably late.

    A few extraordinary opportunities only appear at the eleventh hour—like unsold expedition cabins to Antarctica or Alaska, last‑minute seats for an intimate Andrea Bocelli performance, or premium access to major golf tournaments or tennis opens released just weeks before the event.

    These aren’t the kind of openings you’ll find online. We hear about them first because our network of trusted partners alerts us the moment something special becomes available. When we onboard you, we learn not just where you want to go now, but the experiences you dream of for the future. That way, we can slip the right last‑minute invitations and exclusive offers into your inbox—before the rest of the world even knows they exist.

  • We love this question because the answer is super broad, although it does evolve.

    We are privileged to have spectacular connections in this industry and access to a wide variety of preferred partner programs. This includes Virtuoso — one of the most trusted luxury travel networks in the world — which gives you exclusive benefits like daily breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late check-out, and special touches you won’t get by booking direct.

    Beyond Virtuoso, we have access to exclusive perks and value through additional programs like Four Seasons Preferred, Hyatt Prive and Marriott STARS, plus a wide range of luxury brands and collections. That includes names like Belmond, Rosewood, Aman, Six Senses, Oetker Collection, Dorchester Collection, Rocco Forte, Relais & Châteaux, SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), and more. We also work with a variety of boutique hotels around the world that offer unique perks.

  • CONSULTATIONS

    New client consultations are complimentary. We do not charge for any initial inquiry/consultation appointments or calls. 

    When return clients want to discuss a new trip or have questions about travel, we handle this as a standard dialogue and do not charge unless clients are requesting extensive research. Those fees are determined based on scope.

    HOTELS

    Hotel-only bookings are not subject to a planning fee. However, if your needs evolve after the booking and you need additional services, we outline fees at that point.

    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    We provide travel insurance quotes and assist with purchase on a complimentary basis.

    GROUP TRAVEL

    Fees for group travel vary depending on the group size, needs, and overall scope of the trip. Group planning fees start at approximately $1,000. Reach out to learn whether your trip qualifies as a group trip.

    If you have any questions regarding any of the fees, please reach out. We’re happy to provide you with more information. 

    FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING FEES, PLEASE REACH OUT.

  • Absolutely. Safari planning can feel overwhelming because the options are seemingly endless: which country, which reserve, what time of year, what level of camp or lodge, how to combine it with other stops, and what to pack. We’ll talk through your priorities — whether that’s spotting the Big Five, curating a special moment, or adding time on the beach afterwards — and guide you toward the regions and partners that match your style.

  • Yes — these can be some of the most memorable trips we design. Big events like this naturally drive up demand for the best hotels, restaurants, and local services, so planning ahead helps secure the experiences you really want. That said, even when timing is tight, our industry connections and trusted partners can make a big difference in finding those premium spots and access you won’t see online. If you’ve got your heart set on a major sporting or cultural event, we love helping make it happen.

  • Ah, the trip rescue request. While we can make a lot of magic happen, course correcting an existing trip that you’ve booked independently may be challenging. Reach out and we’ll explore what’s possible. No promises, but we will do our best. Fees apply for assistance with trips that have been independently booked. Inquire for details.

  • You may know how to cook but that doesn’t stop you from visiting restaurants when you want something chef-prepared in a great ambiance. Or more simply: you can cook for yourself, but sometimes it’s nicer when someone cooks for you. The same idea applies here: if you value the experience and perspective of a professional who has dedicated years to doing this well and letting them sweat the details instead of you, then we’d love to help.

    You absolutely can spend hours researching. But that often means starting from scratch every time, with no way to know if what you’re booking will really deliver. We’ve spent years building trusted relationships with vetted partners, so you’re not sifting through random tour companies online. When we recommend a hotel, it’s because Hadiel (or her colleagues) has actually inspected it — we know what works and what doesn’t, and we’ll tell you honestly.

    We get it. Plenty of people are new to the idea of working with a travel advisor, and we understand the hesitation. That’s why our consultations are complimentary. They’re a chance for both of us to see if we’re a good fit.