I don’t always charge fees. At this point in my career, I have a good sense of when something will be easy and when something will be a lot of work. But when I do charge, my fee is an investment in your travel experience. It covers:

• My time and expertise: I dedicate countless hours to researching destinations, negotiating with suppliers, and creating a personalized itinerary that meets your unique needs and preferences.

• Access to exclusive benefits: My relationships with travel suppliers often provide you with access to exclusive perks, such as upgrades, early check-in, and complimentary amenities.

• Peace of mind: Knowing you have an expert travel advisor on your side provides peace of mind throughout the entire travel planning process.

Charging a fee ensures that I can dedicate the necessary time and attention to your travel plans, ultimately resulting in a more rewarding and stress-free travel experience for you.

It’s hard to comment on another travel agent’s model. If I’m just booking a cruise or hotel for a client, I usually don’t charge anything. But most things I do are customized to my clients; they are not off-the-shelf packages. In these instances, I charge. This covers my time in customizing the itinerary and it also cements our relationship. Truthfully, in the old days, I worked on a lot of trips that never happened or trips where the clients never responded to their proposal. That was so disappointing. Charging a small upfront fee keeps my business more focused.

Yes, for returning customers, friends and family, and Notre Dame grads, there is always a discount! Sometimes there’s what my dad calls a “Nice Person’s Discount” too!