Frequently Asked Questions

Do you charge fees?

Yes - for certain types of travel. As a travel professional, I charge fees to my clients for using my services, research time, and expertise. Same as you pay fees to an accountant to assist you with your taxes or a lawyer for legal advice, I help my clients to plan the travel of their dreams.

My fees vary depending on the type of travel booked and could include an initial travel planning fee.

There is a lot of work and effort that goes into every stage of planning a trip for a client, including first quotes, and I would like to work with clients who value my time, experience and expertise. My service fees are non-refundable, same as would be the case for accounting or legal services.

If you would like to discuss my fees or see if we are a good fit, please contact me.

How much time do you need for planning vacations for clients?

Depending on your vacation, the more time we have to plan your travel the better. Certain types of travel such as safaris, custom itineraries, small ship or longer voyage cruises should be booked as early as possible. The first step is to complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire.

For last minute requests, please contact me with your phone number and I will check if I can accommodate you.

I’m based in the USA, can you still help me plan my trip?

Yes, I can. Please complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire to get started.

I booked a cruise with the cruise line directly last week, but I’d like to work with you. Can I transfer my cruise to you?

Typically, bookings made within 14 days with a tour operator or cruise line directly can be transferred, with some exceptions. Please contact me to discuss.

Can you help me book flights only?

I do not book domestic flights only, but may be able to assist if you wish to book hotels, travel insurance, transfers, day trips, etc. For international flights, I may be able to assist. Please complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire for either situation.

Do you work with groups to plan travel?

I do work with my clients on certain group vacation requests such as multi-generational family vacations, corporate incentive group cruises with more than 60 guests, etc. Please complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire to see if we are a good fit.

I do not work with destination wedding groups.

What are your cancellation fees if I need to cancel or postpone my vacation?

I will provide all applicable cancellation or change fees at the time of quotation. This will vary depending on the vacation type, travel supplier and timing. My service fees are non-refundable.

Why is your website called Upscale Travel but I am being contacted through you at Direct Travel?

Upscale Travel is my personal travel blog and interaction for social media. I am an Independent Travel Advisor hosted under travel agency Direct Travel, a Virtuoso agency, with CPBC license 74718.

If you would like to work with me as your travel advisor, communication on your travel plans will come through my Direct Travel email and phone number.

What is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor?

As an Independent Travel Advisor with Direct Travel which is a member of Virtuoso, I have access to Virtuoso travel products and resources. Virtuoso is the most prestigious and established travel network in the world so when you travel, you can do so with confidence knowing that tour operators and suppliers have been carefully vetted for quality and consistency, and with amenities not available through other travel agencies.

I’m ready to talk to you about travel planning. What do I do?

Perfect! Please complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire with as much information as you can. I will then send you a link so you can select a time that works for you to meet with me for a complimentary 30-minute initial travel planning call.

What if I still have questions?

If you are not quite ready to complete my Travel Preferences Questionnaire and have questions, feel free to contact me and we can chat by email.