Service Fees
Why Some Trips Include Planning Fees
Travel planning looks simple on the surface, but behind every smooth trip is careful research, coordination, and advocacy. I charge service fees for certain types of travel so I can dedicate the time, expertise, and attention required to plan trips thoughtfully and responsibly.
Service fees allow me to:
spend the time needed to research the right options, not just the fastest ones
customize trips based on your pace, preferences, and priorities
coordinate multiple suppliers and moving parts
provide guidance and support before, during, and after your trip
remain completely objective when recommending what’s best for you
For many packaged trips, my services are included when you book through me. For travel that requires custom design or independent arrangements, a planning fee applies.
When service fees do not apply
My planning services are complimentary for the packaged portion of the following trips when booked through me:
All-inclusive vacation packages
Ocean cruises
River cruises
Escorted group tours
This includes the core package offered by the supplier (such as the cruise or tour itself).
Services That May Incur Fees
Additional arrangements that fall outside of the packaged component are considered independent planning and may incur service fees. This includes, but is not limited to:
Air travel booked independently of a cruise or tour
Custom transfers not included in the package
Additional nights or extensions arranged outside of a group tour
Applicable fees will be discussed in advance.
Custom & Independent Travel Planning
For fully customized itineraries — including independent arrangements added to a cruise, tour, or package — a planning fee applies.
Custom Itinerary Planning Fee
$25 per day, per itinerary
(minimum planning fee of $100)
This fee covers:
personalized trip design based on your travel style
accommodation and transportation research
itinerary planning and refinement
coordination with trusted travel partners
support throughout the planning process
Planning fees are non-refundable and apply whether or not you choose to proceed with booking.
Air-Only Bookings
For air travel not included as part of a package:
$50 per person
This includes flight research, booking, and ticketing support.
Group Travel
Group travel that falls under the packaged, fee-free categories above does not incur service fees.
For custom-designed group itineraries or independent arrangements added to group travel, planning fees will apply and will be discussed in advance based on the trip details.
Cancellations, Changes & Abandoned Bookings
Planning work begins immediately. The following applies to all trips, including those that are otherwise fee-free:
If a trip is cancelled or abandoned after planning or booking work has begun, a cancellation service fee of $100 per person will be charged
This applies to all booking types, including cruises, all-inclusive packages, river cruises, and escorted group tours
Changes requested after the initial itinerary or booking confirmation may result in additional fees based on the scope of the revisions
All applicable fees will be clearly communicated.