Frequently Asked Questions

 You absolutely can book travel yourself—but working with a travel advisor gives you someone in your corner. I can help you research destinations, compare options, navigate the details, and find the right fit for your travel style and budget. I also bring experience, industry knowledge, and the insight to help you avoid some of those “I wish I had known that before I booked” moments. My goal is to make the planning process easier and your trip more enjoyable. 

 Not usually—and there is no additional planning fee when you work with me. I am compensated through commissions paid by travel suppliers when you book eligible travel through me. I share that commission with my host agency, Atlas Travel Group. The price you pay for your trip is typically the same as booking directly with the supplier, and in some cases I may be able to find a better price, promotion, or added value. 

 No—and please don't feel like you need to have it all figured out! You can come to me with a destination and dates, a general idea, or simply a dream. Maybe you know you want a European river cruise but don't know which one. Maybe you want a warm-weather getaway but have no idea where to start. That's where I come in. We'll talk about what matters to you, explore your options, and find a trip that feels like your kind of adventure. 

  Travel suppliers—such as cruise lines, hotels, resorts, tour companies, and other travel providers—pay travel advisors a commission on eligible bookings. I work with Atlas Travel Group, my host agency, which provides industry resources, supplier relationships, and support. When I make a qualifying booking for you, the supplier pays a commission, which is then shared between Atlas Travel Group and me. You don't pay me an additional fee for my services. 

 Absolutely! In fact, that's one of my favorite parts of travel planning. You don't have to come to me with a destination already picked out. Tell me what you're hoping to experience—relaxation, adventure, culture, family time, food, history, romance, or simply a much-needed escape—and I'll help you explore possibilities that fit. I can help turn “We just want to go somewhere!” into an actual trip. 

  My relationship with you doesn't end when you make your reservation. I'll be available to help you navigate the details of your trip, answer questions, and help you understand what you need to do before you leave. Depending on the type of travel you've booked, I can also help with things like travel documentation, excursions, transfers, and other trip details. My goal is for you to feel confident and prepared—not like you're on your own after clicking “Book.” 

  Absolutely! You don't have to start from scratch. If you've already found a cruise, resort, hotel, tour, or vacation package you love, I can often book it for you and become your point of contact for the trip. When possible, I'll also check to make sure you're getting the best available rate or promotion. You can do the research, and I can help take care of the details. 

  Not at all. You are always in control of your travel decisions. My job is to provide recommendations, options, and guidance—not to tell you what you have to book. You can choose which parts of your trip you'd like me to arrange and which you'd prefer to handle yourself. I'm here to make travel easier, not take away your independence. 

  That's one of the biggest advantages of having trip insurance and a travel advisor. If an unexpected issue comes up, you don't necessarily have to figure everything out by yourself. I'll help you understand your options and, when appropriate, work with the travel supplier on your behalf. While I can't control weather, airline delays, cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances, I can be an advocate and a resource when you need one. 

 Yes! Travel can include much more than a flight and a hotel. Depending on your trip, I can help arrange cruises, resorts, hotels, tours, vacation packages, excursions, transfers, and other travel experiences through my network of travel suppliers. Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway, a family vacation, a milestone celebration, or an adventure halfway around the world, I can help you put the pieces together.