Yes, we charge a non-refundable planning/research fee. The fee is based on the type of services requested and will be discussed at consultation.

We charge a fee because we are very thorough and we devote a significant amount of time and resources to the trips we plan. By paying the planning/research fee, you are showing a good faith commitment to use our services and compensate us for the time we dedicate to researching and planning your trip.

Travel insurance is not a mandatory purchase, however, it is HIGHLY recommended to protect your travel investment. It can also provide post-departure coverage for medical, lost baggage, delayed travel & trip interruption. 

Unfortunately, some situations in life cannot be predicted. If you do not purchase travel insurance, but need to cancel or change a reservation, you may be subject to forfeiture of your deposits and/or trip costs.

It depends. If you depart from a U.S. cruise port AND return to a U.S. cruise port, a passport is not required. However, it is highly recommended that anytime you depart the U.S., you have a passport. Why? For example, if you were to get sick onboard and need to be flown back to the U.S. or other nearby country for medical care, you will need a passport. Passports are needed for cruises that either begin or end in foreign (non-U.S.) territory.

You may make payments on most bookings. However, there are several factors that determine whether or not you can make payments on your bookings (how early you book, the components of your trip, supplier policies, etc.).

Great question. There are many reasons why using the services of a travel advisor would be beneficial to you. A few of those reasons include:

1. We provide personalized service to you, by designing customized itineraries based on your needs and budget.

2. We provide you peace of mind by advocating for you should anything go wrong during your vacation.

3. We make every effort to get you the best value for your hard earned money.

4. We save you valuable time that you can use doing other important things.

5. We have incredible partnerships in the travel industry.

6. We are passionate about what we do and we do everything we can to ensure the best possible experience for you.

7. We are knowledgeable experts who can assist you with booking any destination for any occasion. Bring your dreams to us and we do the rest. 

For more detailed information about why booking with a Travel Advisor is beneficial, please visit our blog at https://www.luxuryvacationsandtravel.com/blog/why-book-with-a-travel-advisor.