Using a travel advisor can bring up a few questions.
These are some of the questions I’m asked most frequently that might help clarify how I work and what I can do for you.
What type of travel can you book for me?
Anything and everything! From staycations to safaris, to business or Backroads trips – I can do it all. Whether it’s a one-night staycation in your hometown or a fully planned itinerary to a far-flung destination, I’ve got you.
Is it expensive to use a travel advisor? What does it cost me on top of my trip cost?
Usually, nothing! I can book most hotels at no extra cost to you – plus you get all the perks I can offer through my association with FORA. Hotels pay me for each booking I make for you. You won’t pay any more than you would if you booked directly with the hotel or through a 3rd party website. Hotel and travel partners love that travel advisors bring clients to their properties, so they (not you!) pay me a fee to make your booking.
For more complicated multi-day itineraries, I do have a planning fee. This will always be transparently presented. (and I promise it’s so worth it)
How does working with you…work?
You let me do all of the planning (or as much of it as you want me to). All I need are the basics: where and when you want to go (and for how long), the occasion (or lack thereof!), your budget, and what kind of travel you like. I’ll get back to you with hotel options based on your preferences and the perks you’ll get at each.
Plus, I’ll always have a direct line of contact with the hotel and any other services I book for you, so you can rest assured that the nitty-gritty is taken care of.
Can’t I book the same stuff on my own?
No! I have thousands of relationships with hotels and partners that allow me to secure priority status for my clients. This means I can create the best experience possible for your next trip – like getting you priority room upgrades, preferred rates, and even spa credits. Plus, I have a network of thousands of fellow advisors who are happy to provide me with their expertise any time I might not be an expert on a topic.
I already get upgrades with my credit card. Why is it better to book with you instead?
Sure, credit card travel perk programs offer things like $100 resort credits and free breakfast but here’s a secret: booking with me means you get all the same perks but you’re prioritized for room upgrades above all other guests.
How?
The travel industry is all about relationships and my relationships go deep. It doesn’t stop at upgrades – I’m part of nearly every major preferred partner program including Four Seasons Preferred, Hilton Impresario, Hyatt Privé, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, and Virtuoso.
Why does this matter?
Preferred partnerships aren’t easy to get – they’re invitation-only and the guests booked via preferred partners (like me) get special treatment. When you book through me, you’ll be flagged as a VIP guest before your arrival. This activates bespoke welcome amenities, hyper-personalized attention, and maybe even your favorite slice of cake from that local bakery waiting in your room at turn down.
My credit card offers support if something goes wrong. How does that work with you?
My team has long-standing, personal relationships with our partners, hotel managers, and their staff. This means I have a direct line to the places and people taking care of your stay.
Why does this matter?
I can quickly and effectively address any issues or concerns that may arise during your trip and resolve them in real-time. This means you can focus on being present for your vacation and not waiting on hold for the next credit card call center agent to pick up.
Why should I use you as my travel advisor?
I do the heavy lifting for you. You tell me your needs; I’ll leverage my advisor network’s expert travel intel and first-name-basis relationships with general managers to maximize your vacation. I’ll match you to the perfect hotel for your taste and ensure you get the very best value for your money.
What is a FORA Advisor?
A FORA advisor curates, plans, and books travel as an independent agent under the umbrella of the FORA agency. I can create a trip from scratch, or help book a hotel you’ve already decided on — and everything in between. Plus, I can unlock perks and VIP amenities at hotels, resorts & cruises around the world.
What is a Booking Takeover?
A booking takeover is a helpful way for me to snag perks and upgrades for you if you’ve already booked your hotel without my assistance. I can contact your hotel and become your agent of record for the booking. This allows me to request perks and upgrades for you (at no extra cost) and gives me a direct line of contact with the hotel, so you can rest assured that the nitty-gritty is taken care of. *Some exclusions do apply. I cannot do takeovers for Marriott properties or for any bookings made with loyalty points of any kind.
What perks can you offer me?
As an agent with FORA, I’m proud to leverage our relationships with hotels worldwide. Expect perks such as:
-Complimentary breakfast
-Early check-in / late check-out
-Room upgrades
-Welcome amenities (think drinks on arrival, a fruit basket, a welcome note, etc.)
-Credit to spend at the hotel.
I don’t mind researching my own travel. Why should I work with you?
The beauty of working with me is you can be involved in the planning as much or as little as you’d like. You can still do the research and come to me when you’re ready to book so I can add the finishing touches (access to an upgrade, free breakfast, spa credits, etc.) and make sure you get the most out of your trip.