How We Work
Recommended Departures
I want to share my perspective with a more sophisticated traveler. Having a private, bespoke itinerary is nice; however, in some parts of the world, the journey should be shared with like-minded travelers, which brings a more enriching experience. We have carefully chosen and vetted our partners for many reasons. Some of the best places in the world are the most remote and require a little more travel. We offer our clients creative, unique, and memorable experiences. Some of the best friendships in the world were created on our group trips. We have a $ 250-per-person management fee; please see the Recommended Departures page for more information. * Additional planning fees may apply.
Custom Itineraries: We welcome the opportunity to work with new clients. Our process is quite easy. We start with a simple “getting acquainted” survey and a meeting to discuss your vision. During the meeting, we want to understand your expectations and collaborate. Should we be a match, the next step will be our strategy to help accomplish your travel vision.
Collaboration: Working side by side through the planning process will result in an incredible first trip. Upon your return from your first trip, we can discuss an invitation to an annual travel subscription to create, organize, and manage your bucket list.
Fees: Prior to your commitment, you will receive an assessment with an estimated amount of time required to complete your trip. The time includes the design, planning, execution, and management of your trip. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your trip; additional fees could apply. Our minimum planning fee starts with 10 hours prepaid, starting at $2500 USD.
Annual Travel Subscription
Enjoy the best of the best with a concierge touch. Our affluent, discerning travelers enjoy the best of the best with a concierge touch. The plan includes designing, executing, and managing all EPIC experiences on your bucket list. Bespoke-tailored itineraries are incredibly special and never mass-produced. All curated trips are made with a thoughtful approach that is authentic, innovative, and, most of all, memorable. We can set the right amount of time to accomplish our travel goals with your specific travel needs. Annual subscriptions from $5,000, including 20 hours of planning time, in addition to the cost of travel. Having an expert who has traveled to over 91 countries and has 36 years of hands-on experience can save you time in planning. Enjoy a candid, direct approach to planning based on your personal interests and personality.
Expertise:
The Agency focuses on Luxury and soft adventure. It guides you to the right trip through personal experience, solid industry relationships, and insider access. Enjoy the experience of expedition cruising, lodges, private jet expeditions, resorts, safaris, ultra-luxurious cruising, and private yachts. Check out my Virtuoso Travel Bio here.
We cannot do everything for all travelers; We do not work with short beach and domestic weekend getaways, Last-Minute Travel, Las Vegas, Mainstream-Mass market resorts, Mega Ship Cruises, Disney, or large all-inclusive resorts with less than a 5-star rating (unless that is the best available where you are traveling).
Loyalty Programs:
We all love earning loyalty with Credit Cards, Airlines, Hotels, and Car rentals. We understand that sometimes we want to spend the rewards we have earned. We do work on a case-by-case basis with some programs. Today, the programs are very complicated with dynamic pricing, availability, blackouts, and restrictions. We can advise on what's best; however, if you’d like the agency to book and confirm, we charge additional fees if we can accommodate the loyalty program on your itinerary. Ticket fees are an extra $500 per person. *You are always welcome to book your airline tickets using loyalty awards. The agency does not accept liability; all changes, flight cancellations, or rebooking must be made directly by the client with the award redemption program or airline. We will advise of the best approach to the situation when we are working with you.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing travel insurance before leaving the United States. Please read your policy and review the “covered reasons to cancel” your trip. Just because you paid for an insurance policy does not mean you will automatically receive reimbursement from the insurance company; all refunds and reimbursements are up to the insurance company.
Passports: all travelers must have a valid passport with a minimum validity period of 6 months. We cannot start on any reservations without a copy of your passport.
Safety abroad: Please visit the State Department website for more information on travel advisories for the country you are visiting.
Visas: Some countries require a Visa; the traveler must obtain all required documents to enter the country. Many countries now require you to download an app and send your personal details to their consulate or government agency to obtain entry.
Inoculations: We recommend visiting the CDC website and speaking to your physician before booking any trip to review the health and safety requirements. The traveler must meet the required inoculations to enter the country on their itinerary.
Accolades and Affiliations
- Conde Nast Traveler, top travel specialist 2020-2026 (6) years
- Forbes Endorsed Agency
- Travel & Leisure A-list 2003, 2004
- Virtuoso Cruise Icon, Top Luxury Cruise, Adventure Travel Producer
- Lindblad Expedition Specialist
- (past) Advisory Board Butterfield & Robinson
- Affiliate of The Travel Society, a Virtuoso agency
- Travel Institute CTA – Certified Travel Associate, LS- Lifestyle Specialist, DS- Destination Specialist – Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Galapagos, Italy
