FAQ

I believe that travel broadens the mind like no other experience. While reading a book or watching a movie can stir imaginations of a far-off place or different peoples, actually being on the ground in a different land awakens all five senses, making for a well-rounded 360-degree experience! I also think that a travel spot should leave the traveler with more questions after the trip than before, so it stimulates their curiosity to find out more! For example, after I visited Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, I learned quite a bit about the Silk Roads. However, I am now more curious about how those trade routes started and how they impacted the culture, lifestyles, languages, food in all the lands that were part of them. What is better in life than having a constantly curious mind that thirsts for more knowledge?

While some relatively straightforward trips (e.g. booking a weeklong trip to Paris to see museums and strolling around Paris's arrondisements, or visiting London to catch a show) can be done easily via an OTA (Online Travel Agency), travel advisors offer firsthand knowledge that reflect on-the-ground realities not readily apparent to the casual reader. In addition, they offer tailored experiences by virtue of having extensive global connections, and on-the-ground support teams that a search engine just cannot figure out (even with AI!)

In most cases, I am paid a commission by the partners I work with, to plan your trip. However, in some more complicated trip arrangements, I will need to spend time to create an itinerary that aligns with your preferences. My intent here is to save you time, and ensure that you have a pleasant travel experience. The fees will vary based on several factors: the trip's complexity, the number of segments, travelers and how close to departure you are.

In most cases, booking by yourself using an online travel site (e.g. Expedia) will be cheaper. However, in a lot of cases, I may have access to negotiated rates at properties and tour companies that you will not be able to get on your own. I will say that in general, my client profile covers people who are too busy (or are otherwise uninterested) to research a trip, so my true value lies in my ability to save you time, and tailor a trip that you may not have thought of on your own!

Of course, I would be happy to work with you! As a travel advisor, my goal is to provide expert advice, tailored recommendations and benefits that you might not find on line. Again, in the interest of transparency, I will mention that in cases where I do not plan a trip for you, I charge $100 per hour to share my knowledge with you!

Sorry I cannot help with securing accommodations with Airbnb or other such third-party providers. My guidance is to go with well-known hotel chains or boutique hotels that guarantee a minimum level of accommodations and service.