Frequently Asked Questions About...

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...Travel Advisors

Q. Do I really need a travel advisor?

If you're planning international travel and want to avoid the overwhelm of endless research, missed details, or costly mistakes, a travel advisor is invaluable. I handle the time-consuming work of comparing options, coordinating logistics, and leveraging my firsthand destination knowledge to create seamless itineraries. Think of it this way: you wouldn't represent yourself in court or perform your own surgery. International travel planning requires specialized expertise, insider access, and experience navigating the unexpected. My clients save dozens of hours of research time and gain peace of mind knowing every detail is handled by a professional.

Q. What's the difference between a travel advisor and just booking online myself?

When you book online, you're on your own if something goes wrong. You will have my phone number but you don't have Google's or TripAdvisor's number. As your travel advisor, I'm your advocate before, during, and after your trip. I have access to perks and upgrades you can't get booking direct, relationships with local guides and hoteliers, and the ability to resolve issues when flights are cancelled or plans need to change. I also design itineraries based on your specific interests and travel style, not just what's popular or heavily advertised online.

Q. How much does a travel advisor cost?

My professional planning fees range from $300-600 depending on the complexity of your trip. This fee covers extensive research, custom itinerary creation, all booking coordination, insurance recommendations, pre-trip support, and assistance during your travels if issues arise. For a typical 10-14 day international trip, this investment ensures every detail is expertly managed. The fee is separate from the actual cost of your trip (flights, hotels, tours, etc.) and is paid upfront once you're ready to move forward with planning.

Q. What does your planning fee include?

The planning fee covers comprehensive services including researching and creating fully customized itineraries, making destination recommendations based on your interests and budget, handling all reservations (airfare, accommodations, car rentals, tours, transfers, even restaurant reservations), providing travel insurance recommendations, offering pre-departure support with packing tips and travel documents guidance, and being available during your trip for last-minute changes or emergencies. Essentially, I'm your personal travel concierge managing every aspect of your journey.

Q. Can you work with my budget?

A will definitely try. I work with a range of budgets maximizing value at every price point. During our free consultation, we'll discuss your budget openly, and I'll be honest about what's realistic for your destination and travel style. I can suggest ways to stretch your budget further, recommend shoulder season travel for better rates, or identify where to splurge versus save. My goal is to create the best possible experience within your financial parameters.

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...Working Together

Q. How does the planning process work?

We start with a complimentary 30-minute consultation - which oftentimes run longer, and it is absolutely fine, where we discuss your travel ideas, previous trips, likes and dislikes, budget, and timeline. If we're a good fit, I'll explain my planning fee and next steps. Once you're ready to proceed, I create a customized proposal with accommodation options, tours, transfers, and activities tailored to your specifications. You'll review the proposal, ask questions, and request changes. After refining everything to your satisfaction, I'll process deposits and confirm all reservations. Then you're all set to enjoy your trip while I remain available for support.

Q. How far in advance should I start planning my trip?

For international travel, I recommend starting 6-9 months before your departure date, especially for popular destinations during peak season or if you have specific hotels or experiences in mind. This timeline gives us the best selection and often better pricing. However, I've successfully planned trips with shorter timelines too. If you're hoping to travel within 3-6 months, reach out immediately and we'll work with what's available.

Q. What if I need to make changes after everything is booked?

I'm here to help with changes, though airlines, hotels, and tour operators have varying policies. Some changes may incur fees from suppliers. I'll always do my best to accommodate your requests and will clearly communicate any costs involved. Having a travel advisor means you don't have to navigate these changes alone - I handle the calls, emails, and coordination.

Q. What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?

This is where having a travel advisor really matters. If your flight is cancelled, a tour doesn't show up, or you have a hotel issue, you contact me and I immediately work on finding a solution. I have direct contacts at hotels and tour companies, access to emergency support lines, and the experience to quickly pivot plans. Generally my clients have access to me 7 AM - 11 PM MST during their travels for exactly these situations.

Q. Do you only plan trips to certain places?

I specialize in Europe, Central- and South America, the South Pacific, and select unique destinations worldwide. These are regions where I have personal experience, destination certifications, and established relationships with local partners. I'm also developing expertise in Africa. If you're interested in a destination outside of these areas, I'm honest about whether I'm the right fit and will let you know during our consultation. 

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...Trip Details

Q, What types of trips do you plan?

I create customized itineraries for milestone celebrations (anniversaries, honeymoons, retirement trips), multi-generational family vacations, couples' getaways, adventure travel, cultural immersion experiences, and bucket-list journeys. I work with travelers who value personalized service and want itineraries designed around their specific interests - whether that's food and wine, history and architecture, outdoor adventures, or relaxation.

Q. Can you handle group travel?

Yes! I've planned trips for couples, families, and small groups. Group travel requires extra coordination for accommodations, transportation, and activities that work for everyone, which is exactly where an expert can help. I'll ensure your group stays together logically while building in flexibility for different interests and energy levels.

Q. Do you book just hotels and flight tickets or can you arrange tours and activities too?

I arrange everything. Your itinerary can include hotels, villas, private drivers and transfers, guided tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, concert tickets, restaurant reservations, rental cars, and any other experiences that interest you. The beauty of working with me is having one person coordinate all these moving pieces seamlessly.

Q. What about travel insurance - do I need it?

I strongly recommend travel insurance for international trips. The unexpected can happen: medical emergencies, trip cancellations due to illness, lost luggage, or travel delays. During our planning process, I'll recommend insurance options appropriate for your trip and help you understand coverage details. It's a small investment for significant peace of mind.

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...About International Travel

Q. I've never traveled internationally before - can you help?

I love working with first-time international travelers! I'll guide you through everything: passport requirements, what to expect at customs, currency exchange, tipping customs, cultural norms, and practical details like power adapters and phone plans. Your itinerary will include all the logistics spelled out clearly so you feel confident and prepared.

Q. How do you handle language barriers in the destinations you book?

In my destination recommendations, I connect you with English-speaking guides for tours, provide hotels with English-speaking staff, and include practical phrases and translation app recommendations in your travel documents. I also arrange private transfers with drivers who can communicate effectively. Part of my value is anticipating these challenges and building solutions into your itinerary.

Q. What if my plans change before I leave?

Life happens, and sometimes trip dates need to shift. The earlier you let me know, the more options we typically have. I'll work with suppliers to modify dates where possible, though change fees may apply depending on their policies. This is another reason I recommend travel insurance - it can protect you financially if you need to cancel for covered reasons.

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...Getting Started

Q. What's the first step to working with you?

Book your free 30-minute consultation http://calendly.com/gabriella-now-or-never-travel. We'll discuss your travel dreams, timeline, and budget, and I'll explain exactly how I can help. There's no pressure or obligation - it's simply a conversation to see if we're a good fit. If you decide to move forward, I'll outline the next steps and planning fee, and we'll get started creating your perfect itinerary.

Q. How do I know if we're a good fit?

We're a great fit if you value personalized service, want a trip designed specifically around your interests rather than cookie-cutter packages, appreciate having a professional handle the details and logistics, and want support before, during, and after your travels. If you're someone who enjoys researching every detail yourself or wants the absolute lowest price over quality and service, we might not be the right match - and that's okay! The consultation helps us both determine this.

Q. What do I need to prepare before our first consultation?

Just come with an open mind and some ideas! It's helpful if you've thought about: where you'd like to go (or even just "Europe" or "beach destination"), when you'd like to travel, how long you can be away, your approximate budget, and what you enjoy doing (adventure, relaxation, culture, food, etc.). But don't worry if you're not sure yet - our conversation will help clarify these details.

Q. Can I see sample itineraries?

While each itinerary I create is fully customized, I'm happy to discuss past trips I've planned during our consultation to give you a sense of my planning style and the level of detail I provide. Client privacy prevents me from sharing complete itineraries publicly, but the testimonials and case studies on my website showcase the types of experiences I create.

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Ready to start planning your dream trip?

Book your complimentary 30-minute consultation and let's turn your travel dreams into reality. I'll handle the details while you look forward to the adventure ahead.