1. Why should I work with a you?
The #1 reason why luxury clients opt to work with a professional advisor is to save their most precious resource – TIME! Through my expertise and global connections, I free you up so you may be able to do other things while I spend hours on researching, planning, and performing due diligence on your behalf.
As your certified travel advisor, I will…
It is my job to make your life easier, heighten your travel experience, and eliminate worry and fatigue so you can enjoy some peace of mind. If you are on the fence, check out these additional resources that clarify the benefits of working with a professional travel advisor.
As your certified travel advisor, I will…
- Thoroughly research and investigate travel options based on your unique needs, wants, and non-negotiables.
- Contact my destination experts on the ground to start crafting a proposal tailor-made especially for you.
- Present the draft proposal to you merely as a starting point towards designing your ultimate travel experience.
- Incorporate your feedback and continue to collaborate with you to edit and refine the itinerary (with unlimited revisions) until you are completely happy with the result.
- Keep in contact with you before, during, and after your journey, including 24-hour emergency service to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
It is my job to make your life easier, heighten your travel experience, and eliminate worry and fatigue so you can enjoy some peace of mind. If you are on the fence, check out these additional resources that clarify the benefits of working with a professional travel advisor.
2. How long have you been in the travel industry?
I have been in the travel industry by working in luxury hotels for 10 years. I have been a front desk agent/trainer, night auditor, spa concierge, reservations sales agent, reservations sales supervisor, reservations sales manager/department head, and most recently director of sales.
I have worked for the Disneyland Hotel/Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Hilton, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, Grand America Hotel and Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC (including Central Reservations and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe), and Mr. C Miami-Coconut Grove.
While working for these companies I have always been the person my employers can count on and now my clients. I ensure that the genuine care of my clients come first and that I am with you every step of the way. Additionally, I have extensive relationships with many hotels and suppliers which means a great experience for you.
I have worked for the Disneyland Hotel/Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Hilton, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, Grand America Hotel and Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC (including Central Reservations and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe), and Mr. C Miami-Coconut Grove.
While working for these companies I have always been the person my employers can count on and now my clients. I ensure that the genuine care of my clients come first and that I am with you every step of the way. Additionally, I have extensive relationships with many hotels and suppliers which means a great experience for you.
3. How are travel advisors paid?
1) DESIGNING FEE
Please review my current packaged rates
The Nature and Poetry package is $500 USD for trips up to 7-days for 2 clients. The Thistle package is $750 USD for 10-day trips for up to 4 clients. The Highlander package is for 14-day trips for up to 6 travellers. The Majestic Stag package is $2,000 for 10+ days for my discerning clients including couples and families, looking for individualised and experiential travel. The Adding clients to your trip will be an additional $150 per client.
My designing fees covers the time and expertise involved in researching and crafting a highly customised travel experience for you.
Be advised that my planning fees are non-refundable.
2) COMMISSION
Most hotel properties, destination management companies, tour operators, and suppliers will pay out a commission to travel advisors. These commission rates are generally negotiated by the travel consortium with whom the travel advisor is affiliated, and in no way affects your final cost. Royal B Travel is an affiliate of Departure Lounge (a Virtuoso member agency) which means that my commissions are negotiated by Virtuoso in most cases.
3) REFERRALS
If you find that working with me as your luxury travel advisor has been a rewarding experience, please do tell your friends, family, and colleagues about me. This is another way that I earn future compensation in what is mainly a referral-based industry.
Please review my current packaged rates
The Nature and Poetry package is $500 USD for trips up to 7-days for 2 clients. The Thistle package is $750 USD for 10-day trips for up to 4 clients. The Highlander package is for 14-day trips for up to 6 travellers. The Majestic Stag package is $2,000 for 10+ days for my discerning clients including couples and families, looking for individualised and experiential travel. The Adding clients to your trip will be an additional $150 per client.
My designing fees covers the time and expertise involved in researching and crafting a highly customised travel experience for you.
Be advised that my planning fees are non-refundable.
2) COMMISSION
Most hotel properties, destination management companies, tour operators, and suppliers will pay out a commission to travel advisors. These commission rates are generally negotiated by the travel consortium with whom the travel advisor is affiliated, and in no way affects your final cost. Royal B Travel is an affiliate of Departure Lounge (a Virtuoso member agency) which means that my commissions are negotiated by Virtuoso in most cases.
3) REFERRALS
If you find that working with me as your luxury travel advisor has been a rewarding experience, please do tell your friends, family, and colleagues about me. This is another way that I earn future compensation in what is mainly a referral-based industry.
4. How much does luxury travel cost?
Budgets vary greatly depending on where you are going, when you are going, number of days travelling, how active you want to be, and whether any touring is done in small groups or privately. Roughly speaking, the prices begin at a minimum of about $300 per person, per day not including airfare. That is not to say that I cannot book plan trips for less depending on the logistics of the vacation or destination, however, in order for me to provide the most value to your trip and work with our highly vetted and esteemed luxury travel partners, this is the standard recommended starting point. But it really depends on what you are looking for. Luxury means different things to different people.
For me luxury is all about the personal experience and the memories you create that will last a lifetime.
My best recommendation to you is this: simply schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your trip. There is absolutely zero commitment and it will give you some insight into whether or not I am a good fit for you. You decide where we go from there.
For me luxury is all about the personal experience and the memories you create that will last a lifetime.
My best recommendation to you is this: simply schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your trip. There is absolutely zero commitment and it will give you some insight into whether or not I am a good fit for you. You decide where we go from there.
5. What does the process of working with a travel advisor typically look like?
There are five phases to the travel planning process:
DISCOVER
A brief conversation to see if we are the right fit. I will ask you a series of questions to get to know you and your expectations for your next epic travel event. And of course, you will have questions for me too!
To begin, book an appointment and secure a spot on my calendar. I look forward to speaking with you!
DESIGN
I will get to work researching the best available options for you, based on your unique non-negotiable and nice-to-have. But I am not flying solo here! I do have access to destination experts who are on the ground and have direct knowledge about bespoke experiences that you might not find in any internet search. Together with my destination experts, we craft a tailor-made itinerary based on your needs and preferences gathered from our initial conversation.
COLLABORATE
Your feedback is essential as we continue to cultivate the perfect travel experience just for you. We will keep revising with unlimited revisions until you are thrilled with the end result. It is your journey, so you are the boss!
EXPERIENCE
You are off! I have coordinated the logistics of your accommodations and experiences for you in order that everything goes smoothly and stress free from start to finish. All my on-the-ground contacts and I have your back when you need us should anything go awry.
DEBRIEF
Welcome home! Half the fun is reliving all the memories of a great travel experience. I cannot wait to hear all about it, including any feedback you have for me as your travel advisor. It can only help me be a better travel advisor for next time!
DISCOVER
A brief conversation to see if we are the right fit. I will ask you a series of questions to get to know you and your expectations for your next epic travel event. And of course, you will have questions for me too!
To begin, book an appointment and secure a spot on my calendar. I look forward to speaking with you!
DESIGN
I will get to work researching the best available options for you, based on your unique non-negotiable and nice-to-have. But I am not flying solo here! I do have access to destination experts who are on the ground and have direct knowledge about bespoke experiences that you might not find in any internet search. Together with my destination experts, we craft a tailor-made itinerary based on your needs and preferences gathered from our initial conversation.
COLLABORATE
Your feedback is essential as we continue to cultivate the perfect travel experience just for you. We will keep revising with unlimited revisions until you are thrilled with the end result. It is your journey, so you are the boss!
EXPERIENCE
You are off! I have coordinated the logistics of your accommodations and experiences for you in order that everything goes smoothly and stress free from start to finish. All my on-the-ground contacts and I have your back when you need us should anything go awry.
DEBRIEF
Welcome home! Half the fun is reliving all the memories of a great travel experience. I cannot wait to hear all about it, including any feedback you have for me as your travel advisor. It can only help me be a better travel advisor for next time!
6. What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work as a luxury travel?
My education is ongoing through my affiliation with Virtuoso Travel Consortium, as well as my host agency Departure Lounge who provided me with continuing education and training to learn all that I can in my areas of expertise.
I take part in as many travel conferences as I can be a part of including Departure Lounge’s Annual Conference in San Antonio 2020.
To delve into those areas of luxury travel that I am personally passionate about. I have become an active member of the following Virtuoso Communities which means I receive focused training and support targeting these specific niches:
I take part in as many travel conferences as I can be a part of including Departure Lounge’s Annual Conference in San Antonio 2020.
To delve into those areas of luxury travel that I am personally passionate about. I have become an active member of the following Virtuoso Communities which means I receive focused training and support targeting these specific niches:
- Virtuoso Adventure Travel
The Virtuoso Adventure Travel Community brings together advisors & partners with a shared passion for adventure & active travel experiences, including those focused on nature, exploration of unique cultures, & physical activities.
- Virtuoso Culinary Travel
The Virtuoso Culinary Travel is the perfect pairing of advisors and partners who have shared passion for epicurean travel, featuring experiences that go beyond traditional dining with well-rounded culinary experiences that are immersive, interactive, and educational.
- Virtuoso Sustainability Community
The Virtuoso Sustainability Community brings together Virtuoso partners and advisors who are passionate about sustainability. This shared space will allow the network to grow our collective impact through learning and sharing sustainability best practices, inspiration, and success stories.
7. How did you get started doing this type of work?
Growing up in sunny Los Angeles I was exposed to a world diversity and multiculturalism. I have been travelling for as long as I can remember and based on my own family research, luxury travel has been in my family since 1924. What I love about travel is the people and culture that make a country. For without the people there would be no culture and history.
8. What types of clients have you worked with?
I have worked with people who opt to work with a professional travel advisor and want customized (tailor-made) travel experiences uniquely designed for their interests and needs. I work with clients who do not have time or connections to plan their own, and who do not want cookie-cutter off-the-shelf vacations.
Most of my experiences is planning for professionals who solo travel, couples who want expertise on the unknown, and families who want to adventure into history and culture.
Most of my experiences is planning for professionals who solo travel, couples who want expertise on the unknown, and families who want to adventure into history and culture.
9. What advice would you give a client looking to hire a professional travel advisor?
The most important advice I would give any client would be to take your time and do not rush your travel experience! If you only have 10 days, do not try to cram to many cities in the short time span of time as it will not be as experiential or memorable. Moving around too much can drain your enjoyment and relaxation. Stay long enough to savour the local culture, the sounds of the environment, the fragrances, the feast for the eyes. Meet some people and make new friends.
Work with a professional travel advisor affiliated with a host agency connected to global contacts and suppliers on the ground that can help you in the event of an emergency or a change in plans. Work with people that are there for you when you need them.
Work with a professional travel advisor affiliated with a host agency connected to global contacts and suppliers on the ground that can help you in the event of an emergency or a change in plans. Work with people that are there for you when you need them.
10. What questions should potential clients consider before consulting with a professional travel advisor?
Some things you might want to give thought to prior to speaking with a professional travel advisor are:
Thinking about these questions before that initial consultation with a professional travel advisor facilitates the conversation and helps your advisor get to know you and what you desire, so they can provide you with options that fit your particular needs and expectations.
It is all about YOU – it is your journey!
- What places would you like to visit, and more so, WHY?
- What are your interests and hobbies (travel advisors know how to customize an itinerary centred around the answers to these questions)?
- Do you (or anyone travelling with you) have special needs, physical or dietary restrictions that a travel planner should know about and make arrangements for?
- Do you want your days loaded up with lots of activities, or would you rather have your days open to have on-the-go flexibility? Perhaps a mix of both?
- What is your bucket list items for this trip? Consider your top three non-negotiables.
- What do you definitely NOT want to do or see?
- Thinking about your most favourite travel experience, what was it that made it so?
- Thinking about your least favourite travel experience, what was it that made it so?
Thinking about these questions before that initial consultation with a professional travel advisor facilitates the conversation and helps your advisor get to know you and what you desire, so they can provide you with options that fit your particular needs and expectations.
It is all about YOU – it is your journey!
11. What happens if I run into any issues during my travel period?
Is there anything scarier than travelling across the world without backup? When you work with me, you also work with my network of trustworthy partners who are there to ensure that your trip is as easy and effortless as possible. Should you run into any travel snags, weather delays, or lost luggage, rest easy knowing that all of us have your back 24/7. We are a team and we will not let you down.
12. How long does it take to plan a trip?
The amount of time it takes to plan a trip from the initial chat to final booking of the last component depends on a variety of factors, including how far in advance of the trip you have contacted me, the complexity of the itinerary, how many suppliers I am coordinating with across the globe, as well as the number of revisions you decide to make to the initial proposal.
In general, it takes 7 to 10 business days after the initial chat for me to complete the first draft proposal. After the draft proposal is delivered, I ask that you review and respond as soon as you are able to thoroughly review it, in order not to lose the held space and prevent it from being booked by someone else in the interim. Please note that while I always try to stick to my estimated delivery date for the first draft, there are events outside of my control that may result in a delay (an emergency with a currently travelling client for example). I ask for your understanding when then need to take a few more day arises.
In general, it takes 7 to 10 business days after the initial chat for me to complete the first draft proposal. After the draft proposal is delivered, I ask that you review and respond as soon as you are able to thoroughly review it, in order not to lose the held space and prevent it from being booked by someone else in the interim. Please note that while I always try to stick to my estimated delivery date for the first draft, there are events outside of my control that may result in a delay (an emergency with a currently travelling client for example). I ask for your understanding when then need to take a few more day arises.
13. How far in advance of trip should I contact you to kick off the planning process?
Early booking ensures better options
Advanced planners rule! Even if it is a year out, I would still love to work with you. Some of the world’s most alluring destinations and experiences book 12-15 months in advance. The same is true during busy holiday times. If you are planning for a milestone celebration that takes over an entire hotel property (wedding, anniversary, 50th birthday, etc.) 18-24 months prior is a good time to open this dialogue. Apart from those exceptional types of trips, the sweet spot has proven to be 6-9 months in advance. This way, I can ensure that you have the best guides, space in the hotels you want, and access to those highly sought, after dinner reservations at a 3-star Michelin restaurant, if you like!
In order to make the trip planning process most efficient, I do ask that you initiate the planning process with me only when you are ready to commit to booking. I am happy to help with conceptualize ballpark ideas with you anytime, but if you are not ready to proceed with booking the trip within 2 weeks or so, the proposal will go stale. I then have to start the process over from scratch, which can mean that we lose the held space, the best guides, and have to rework logistics, with my suppliers. It is like a major do-over. For this reason, you can be rest assured that I share your enthusiasm for finalizing details as quickly as possible, to confirm the most magical experience for you the first time around.
Advanced planners rule! Even if it is a year out, I would still love to work with you. Some of the world’s most alluring destinations and experiences book 12-15 months in advance. The same is true during busy holiday times. If you are planning for a milestone celebration that takes over an entire hotel property (wedding, anniversary, 50th birthday, etc.) 18-24 months prior is a good time to open this dialogue. Apart from those exceptional types of trips, the sweet spot has proven to be 6-9 months in advance. This way, I can ensure that you have the best guides, space in the hotels you want, and access to those highly sought, after dinner reservations at a 3-star Michelin restaurant, if you like!
In order to make the trip planning process most efficient, I do ask that you initiate the planning process with me only when you are ready to commit to booking. I am happy to help with conceptualize ballpark ideas with you anytime, but if you are not ready to proceed with booking the trip within 2 weeks or so, the proposal will go stale. I then have to start the process over from scratch, which can mean that we lose the held space, the best guides, and have to rework logistics, with my suppliers. It is like a major do-over. For this reason, you can be rest assured that I share your enthusiasm for finalizing details as quickly as possible, to confirm the most magical experience for you the first time around.
14. What are the specific benefits of booking through a professional Virtuoso travel advisor versus booking on my own?
When you book a Virtuoso partner hotel through a Virtuoso advisor, you are automatically a VIP. Partner properties offer upgrades and amenities to Virtuoso clients that often include (or may be a variation of) the following exclusive amenities:
SAMPLE:
These benefits are exclusive to Virtuoso clients at participating Virtuoso partner hotels and are not offered to guests who book on their own.
SAMPLE:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary full breakfast daily
- $100 USD equivalent Food and Beverage credit or spa credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
These benefits are exclusive to Virtuoso clients at participating Virtuoso partner hotels and are not offered to guests who book on their own.
15. Will you work with me if I need to plan a trip on short notice?
It never hurts to ask! Though my consulting rates are higher for inquiries that are departing within 2 months (and rates for hotels, flights, cruise lines are often higher at this point as well). I am happy to discuss your last minutes needs to see if I can assist.
Given that, I only ask that you commit to being decisive, responsive, and enthusiastic about finding a great option that’ll work! I, in turn, promise to get you the information as fast as I can, and match the best available options with what you are looking considering the short lead time.
Given that, I only ask that you commit to being decisive, responsive, and enthusiastic about finding a great option that’ll work! I, in turn, promise to get you the information as fast as I can, and match the best available options with what you are looking considering the short lead time.
16. Should I purchase travel insurance?
DEFINITELY!! In uncertain times, it is too big of a risk to purchase insurance to protect your investment. I am happy to give you a quote through our preferred agency, but you can also book through your preferred insurance provider – the important thing is that you are covered.
If you decide not to cover yourself with travel insurance, I will ask you to sign a waiver stating you have acknowledged opted out and accepted the risks.
If you decide not to cover yourself with travel insurance, I will ask you to sign a waiver stating you have acknowledged opted out and accepted the risks.
