Your journey starts here
Your journey starts here We're pleased that you're interested in working with us. We value a high-touch, comprehensive travel planning experience that is shaped by your wish list, our expertise, and a mutual respect for the magic of travel. To ensure we meet your specific needs, we've developed a range of service offerings with clear pricing levels. We operate in a way that safeguards both your investment and our time. Our commitment is to craft customized experiences for you, and we value your trust in our expertise. You can find details regarding our fee structure on our website: Travel Planning Fees . We are in the business of redefining what it means to travel, by utilizing our connections and expertise to craft unique experiences, hand-selecting the perfect accommodations, and providing peace of mind. Price-matching and competing with online booking engines is not in our business model, and we are confident that you’ll soon see why. We ask that you browse this guide to familiarize yourself with our company and the way we work. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you to create your ideal getaway.
Our process
STEP ONE. INQUIRE
The first step towards creating your dream vacation is to complete our inquiry form (if applicable). Once we've received your form or trip details, we will reach out to schedule your consultation call. To reduce the risk of missing an important message, we do not accept inquiries via social media or text message.
STEP TWO. CONSULTATION
If you're new to our services, our initial consultation focuses on two main goals. First, we'll delve into your travel preferences, including your ideal pace, budget, and specific interests. We'll also gather detailed information on destinations, hotel ambiance, culinary interests, and any special requests. Secondly, we'll introduce our process, services, and strategic planning fee. This fee acknowledges our expertise and the comprehensive support we provide in crafting your custom itinerary. Once the planning fee is settled, we'll begin creating your personalized proposal.
STEP THREE. PROPOSAL REVIEW
We’ll combine takeaways from our consultation call with our expertise and global connections to create a proposal for you to review. Timely and thorough feedback is paramount during this phase to secure the components you desire.
STEP FOUR. CONFIRM YOUR ITINERARY
Once you approve your proposal, we will set about confirming your travel arrangements. This usually involves a financial commitment, either a deposit or full payment, depending on your departure date and the trip's specific components. Booking and payment conditions are typically provided during the proposal phase. Deposit and final payment due dates vary based on how close you are to your trip and the specific travel partners involved.
The first step towards creating your dream vacation is to complete our inquiry form (if applicable). Once we've received your form or trip details, we will reach out to schedule your consultation call. To reduce the risk of missing an important message, we do not accept inquiries via social media or text message.
STEP TWO. CONSULTATION
If you're new to our services, our initial consultation focuses on two main goals. First, we'll delve into your travel preferences, including your ideal pace, budget, and specific interests. We'll also gather detailed information on destinations, hotel ambiance, culinary interests, and any special requests. Secondly, we'll introduce our process, services, and strategic planning fee. This fee acknowledges our expertise and the comprehensive support we provide in crafting your custom itinerary. Once the planning fee is settled, we'll begin creating your personalized proposal.
STEP THREE. PROPOSAL REVIEW
We’ll combine takeaways from our consultation call with our expertise and global connections to create a proposal for you to review. Timely and thorough feedback is paramount during this phase to secure the components you desire.
STEP FOUR. CONFIRM YOUR ITINERARY
Once you approve your proposal, we will set about confirming your travel arrangements. This usually involves a financial commitment, either a deposit or full payment, depending on your departure date and the trip's specific components. Booking and payment conditions are typically provided during the proposal phase. Deposit and final payment due dates vary based on how close you are to your trip and the specific travel partners involved.
Your investment
To ensure a seamless travel experience, we specialize in crafting fully comprehensive travel plans that encompass all arrangements. While we primarily focus on complete itineraries, we may consider assisting with separate components on a case-by-case basis. This approach allows us to provide you with a seamless and exceptional end-to-end service.
Please note that we only book 4- and 5-star accommodations to ensure a quality stay and experience for our clients. In addition, we require a minimum budget for itineraries based on the level of services that’s right for you.
For fully custom itineraries, we typically require a minimum budget, to be discussed in our initial consultation. For simpler getaways (such as all-inclusive Caribbean or Mexico stays), we require a minimum budget of $7,500. Beyond North America, the minimum budget is $10,000. All fees and budgets are based on 2 people traveling, and budgets may need to be adjusted to depending on your needs and wants. This budget does not take into account incidental spending in destination or additional fees incurred while traveling.
This minimum is in place to maintain the high quality our clients expect and falls in line with the current average trip cost for the destinations we plan for most often. This also allows us to work with fewer clients to ensure we can give as much attention to each client as they deserve.
All inquiries regardless of budget are vetted to ensure a good fit, and clients with less than the minimum budget are taken on a case-by-case basis. Budgets are discussed during your consultation call to assure your needs and wants align with the amount you wish to spend. We’re happy to suggest alternatives in the event that we don’t feel confident we can deliver within your budget.
Finally, as a proud member of Virtuoso, we're able to offer you unparalleled advantages. This exclusive network connects us with the world's finest hotels, cruise lines, and travel partners. What does this mean for you? Access to special perks and amenities you won't find elsewhere, from complimentary upgrades and breakfast to exclusive experiences and credits. We leverage these deep relationships to ensure your travels, whether a local escape or a far-flung adventure, are not just seamless but also truly unforgettable. You can discover more about our Virtuoso affiliation here.
Please note that we only book 4- and 5-star accommodations to ensure a quality stay and experience for our clients. In addition, we require a minimum budget for itineraries based on the level of services that’s right for you.
For fully custom itineraries, we typically require a minimum budget, to be discussed in our initial consultation. For simpler getaways (such as all-inclusive Caribbean or Mexico stays), we require a minimum budget of $7,500. Beyond North America, the minimum budget is $10,000. All fees and budgets are based on 2 people traveling, and budgets may need to be adjusted to depending on your needs and wants. This budget does not take into account incidental spending in destination or additional fees incurred while traveling.
This minimum is in place to maintain the high quality our clients expect and falls in line with the current average trip cost for the destinations we plan for most often. This also allows us to work with fewer clients to ensure we can give as much attention to each client as they deserve.
All inquiries regardless of budget are vetted to ensure a good fit, and clients with less than the minimum budget are taken on a case-by-case basis. Budgets are discussed during your consultation call to assure your needs and wants align with the amount you wish to spend. We’re happy to suggest alternatives in the event that we don’t feel confident we can deliver within your budget.
Finally, as a proud member of Virtuoso, we're able to offer you unparalleled advantages. This exclusive network connects us with the world's finest hotels, cruise lines, and travel partners. What does this mean for you? Access to special perks and amenities you won't find elsewhere, from complimentary upgrades and breakfast to exclusive experiences and credits. We leverage these deep relationships to ensure your travels, whether a local escape or a far-flung adventure, are not just seamless but also truly unforgettable. You can discover more about our Virtuoso affiliation here.
Consultation & planning services
CUSTOM TRAVEL
Planning Fee to Be Determined During Consultation
Planning Fee to Be Determined During Consultation
- Personalized Itinerary Design: We craft unique, unforgettable journeys tailored to your preferences and style.
- Comprehensive Arrangements: We handle everything from premium airfare and luxury accommodations to private transfers and curated local experiences.
- Ongoing Support: Enjoy peace of mind with continuous assistance before and during your trip, including itinerary monitoring and travel advisories.
- Transparent Fee Structure: Our planning fee is determined during your consultation and is based on the complexity and duration of your itinerary.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
- Dining recommendations are complimentary. Dining reservations can be confirmed for a fee, per service.
CUSTOM TRAVEL FOR THE SELF-PLANNER
From $250
From $250
- Core Trip Components: We'll help with itinerary planning, airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation (i.e. rail tickets and private transfers).
- Personalized Recommendations: Based on your consultation, we'll suggest hotels aligning with your style and budget, and airline options that fit your dates and preferences.
- Guidance on Experiences & Dining: While we don't book sightseeing activities or dining, we'll provide expert recommendations and resources for you to book tours and restaurants independently.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
RESORT GETAWAY
From $150
From $150
- Sun and Sand Focus: This plan is ideal for those seeking relaxing resort vacations, perfect for honeymoons, family trips, or getaways with friends.
- All-Inclusive Recommendations: We specialize in recommending all-inclusive resorts in tropical destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, tailored to your preferences.
- Additional Assistance: We can also help arrange airfare, tours, and transportation to enhance your experience.
- Multi-Destination Note: Please note that trips involving multiple destinations or islands may fall under our Custom Travel Plan.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
WEEKEND GETAWAY/CITY STAY
From $50
From $50
- Hassle-Free US Weekends: We specialize in efficient and stress-free weekend getaways within the United States, including popular cities like New York City, Charleston, and Miami.
- Tailored Recommendations: We provide expert hotel recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and desired destination, whether it's for a city break, outdoor adventure, or beach escape.
- Logistics Support: We assist with finding the best flight options, recommending must visit attractions, and coordinating arrival and departure transportation.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
GATHERINGS & SPECIALIZED GROUP TRAVEL
From $350
From $350
- Specialized Event Planning: We offer a specialized service for destination weddings, celebratory occasions, company events, and incentive trips.
- Comprehensive Services: Our consultation and planning fee covers extensive services, including initial consultations, personalized event design, venue scouting, vendor coordination, travel and accommodation arrangements, logistics, and on-site coordination.
- Tailored Fee: The fee is customized to the specific requirements, scale, duration, and complexity of each event, reflecting our expertise and dedication to bringing your vision to life.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
CRUISE CONSULTATION & CONCIERGE SERVICE
From $250
From $250
- Tailored Cruise Experiences: We ensure your cruise vacation is extraordinary from start to finish, providing expert guidance and customized arrangements to exceed your expectations.
- Personalized Planning: We work closely with you to understand your preferences, interests, and budget. This includes recommending shore excursions, providing port guidance, navigating onboard dining options and packages, and offering travel insurance advice.
- Online Check-In Support: While passengers must complete online check-in, we're available to assist with any questions you may have.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
PRIVATE VILLAS, ESTATES & LUXURY APARTMENTS
From $250
From $250
- Tailored Private Residence Proposals: Our fee covers a range of services for proposing the ideal private villa, condo, home, or apartment, both domestically and internationally.
- Personalized Selection: We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your specific needs, then research and handpick properties that perfectly align with your location, size, amenity, and budget preferences.
- Flexible Fee Structure: The fee for proposing private residences varies based on the complexity of your request, the number of properties suggested, and the duration of your stay.
- Consider Custom Travel Plan for More: If you need additional assistance with transportation, activities, and experiences, our Custom Travel Plan may be a better fit.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
SKI CONSULTATION & CONCIERGE SERVICE
From $250
From $250
- Tailored Ski Experiences: Our comprehensive service ensures your ski trip is perfectly tailored to your preferences, offering an unparalleled experience from the slopes to après-ski.
- Personalized Planning: We work with you to understand your skiing abilities and desired resort experience to recommend ideal slopes for your skill level.
- Full Amenity Support: We provide valuable insight and guidance on resort amenities, helping with equipment rentals, ski schools, snowboarding lessons, and arranging lift tickets for effortless slope access.
- Enhancements Available: We can also assist with private ski lessons, guided tours, heli skiing adventures, and other enhancements to make your ski vacation truly extraordinary.
- Air Ticketing Fees Not Included
Air travel | Reservations & Ticketing
We offer consultation on air travel which includes confirmation and purchase of air travel.
AIR TRAVEL | Frequent Traveler Reward Tickets & Airline Upgrades
- Understanding needs, logistics, proposing and quoting options
- We can often offer 24-36 hour hold on space (note: this does not lock in the fare)
- Ticket refund within 24 hours of purchase in most cases (our fee is not refundable)
- On the road and after-hours support for travel emergencies (see your itinerary for contacts)
- Access to preferred seating on occasion– unblocking of seats not normally available until check-in.
- Full Frequent Traveler benefits provided your number is given in advance of your check-in with carrier.
- Known Traveler and CLEAR– full benefits.
- Split forms of payment or charges to passenger cards – payment flexibility
AIR TRAVEL | Frequent Traveler Reward Tickets & Airline Upgrades
- Frequent Travel Reward Reservations & Ticketing | from $125.00 per person* * this fee can be higher if the reward is more complex in nature e.g. over three segments per direction or if research time involved is above the normal expectation.
- Airline Upgrade Processing | from $35 USD per person + initial Air Ticketing Fee
- Name Correction | From $50 USD per person
Air Ticketing Fees
North & Central American + Caribbean
With Hotel Component |
Without Hotel Component |
$50 USD per person |
$60 USD per person |
All Other International Destinations
Additional select services & fees
Effective 01Jul2023
The following fees may apply on an a la carte basis and will be advised at the time of booking and/or consultation:
Note: Other fees may apply and are quoted at the time of proposal. Established high volume corporate accounts may enjoy a reduced fee structure. Please inquire with your DTA representative.
The following fees may apply on an a la carte basis and will be advised at the time of booking and/or consultation:
- Rail Ticket(s) - $45 (per order)
- Attraction Ticket(s) for museums, venues, entrances, etc - $45 (per order)
- Theater Ticket(s) - $45 (per order)
- Dining Reservations - From $45 per restaurant
- Car Rental only - $50 per booking
- Faux Itineraries (for expediting a passport) - $45
- Exceptions & Waivers for additional value and effort put forth by the travel advisor to go above and beyond, i.e. extracted exceptions from suppliers, long hold times, courtesy calls, etc - From $75
- Complex Air Only Requests - From $150 per ticket
- Disney Concierge Services - From $150 per trip
- Hotel Only Research – From $50 per trip
Note: Other fees may apply and are quoted at the time of proposal. Established high volume corporate accounts may enjoy a reduced fee structure. Please inquire with your DTA representative.
Agency cancellation policy
Destinations Travel Advisors and your tour company, outfitter, cruise line, airline et al each have cancellation policy and assess fees for such. We strongly encourage you to be very familiar with all applicable terms and conditions. These policies are outlined in brochures, links or quotes you may have received, in your proposal or on your deposit invoice.
NOTE: Destinations Travel Advisors fees are in addition to a supplier cancellation penalty. The agency cancellation penalty is charged to your card on file for the deposit or final payment. If you are enrolled in a travel protection plan, you should include this penalty on your claim with the insurance provider.
In addition to any supplier cancellation penalties/fees Destinations Travel Advisors charges the agency cancellation fee as follows:
NOTE: Destinations Travel Advisors fees are in addition to a supplier cancellation penalty. The agency cancellation penalty is charged to your card on file for the deposit or final payment. If you are enrolled in a travel protection plan, you should include this penalty on your claim with the insurance provider.
In addition to any supplier cancellation penalties/fees Destinations Travel Advisors charges the agency cancellation fee as follows:
- Packages that include air/hotel and/or car rental:
From deposit to 60 days prior to departure: $75 per person Within 60 days prior to departure: $125 per person - Cruises & Escorted Tour Programs:
From deposit to 60 days prior to departure: $100 per person Within 60 days prior to departure: $175 per person - Customized Travel Itineraries:
15% of the total amount of confirmed travel arrangements (i.e. hotels, tours, transfers, etc) at the time we receive your written cancellation requests - Hotel or car rental only booking:
After confirmation a $50.00 per booking cancel fee applies if a Professional Consult Fee has not been paid prior to confirmation.
The Virtuoso difference
Destinations Travel Advisors is a member of Virtuoso.
Within the United States, VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL, RETURN on LIFE, and ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd., and VIRTUOSO VOYAGES is a trademark of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, © 2000. Outside of the U.S these marks are the property of Virtuoso, Ltd., and the applicable marks are registered with numerous national trademark registries around the world. All rights reserved.
- What’s the Virtuoso® difference? Virtuoso is an exclusive community of the world’s best travel advisors and innovative travel providers offering discerning travelers extraordinary experiences. It is a by-invitation only organization through which Member travel agencies also have privileged access to exclusive amenities, travel offers, and rare experiences that you can’t get on your own.
- Global Connections: With personal contacts at over 2,200 elite airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and premier destinations worldwide, your Virtuoso affiliated travel advisor puts their relationships to work for you.
- Unparalleled Expertise: Virtuoso affiliated travel advisors are among the most well-traveled people on the planet. They draw upon their own first-hand experiences when curating and customizing your personal travel experiences for you.
- Customized Travel Experiences: From weekend getaways to trips of a lifetime, counting on the expertise of a Virtuoso affiliated advisor ensures your travel experiences are more meaningful for you and your loved ones, resulting in a higher RETURN on LIFE® while also recognizing that conscious travel is also a force for good.
- Confidence: When you have a relationship with a Virtuoso affiliated travel advisor, you’ll rest easy knowing your personal preferences are reflected in every aspect of each vacation experience they design especially for you.
- For more information, please visit Virtuoso’s website at www.virtuoso.com .
Within the United States, VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL, RETURN on LIFE, and ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd., and VIRTUOSO VOYAGES is a trademark of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, © 2000. Outside of the U.S these marks are the property of Virtuoso, Ltd., and the applicable marks are registered with numerous national trademark registries around the world. All rights reserved.
