Bright Travel: FAQ

I’ve never used a travel agent/it’s been a while. How does this work?

Every vacation experience I create is tailor-made to suit your interests and preferences. Since every trip is unique in this way, there are often different required components, but you can expect we’ll hit each of the following:

1. The First Conversation. We’ll have a phone/email/in-person consultation to get to know each other, and discuss your upcoming vacation. Tell me what you’re most excited about!
2. Initial Research. I’ll work with you to pare down your destination options, define your trip length, and determine the kind of experience you’d like to have. Whether you’ve got this all sorted or you’re still floating ideas, I take on the research and wade through the information for you.
3. Accommodations. First things first: where are you going to sleep? We’ll discuss what you’re looking for in your accommodations, and then I’ll present a short, curated list that directly addresses all of your must-haves in your ideal destination. If there’s something you’re inspired to add to your list of musts, we’ll keep going until we find the perfect spot!
4. “The Rest”. Once you know where you’re going, for how long, and where you’re staying, we add in the other essentials. This includes flights, transportation, tours, and other activities that have piqued your interest.
5. Itinerary building. This may or may not apply to your trip, it all depends on how much you’d like to freely explore versus having detailed plans for each day, and it always varies by destination! Regardless of which route you’re taking, I will work with you to make sure that everything you’re looking for in your trip is covered so you can safely see and do everything on your wish list!
6. Pre-Trip Review. Before you head off, I will send over (via email or snail mail) all necessary information and documents to ensure you have everything you need for a magnificent trip!
7. 24/7 In-Trip Support. I will be available throughout your trip for whatever you may need.
8. Home Sweet Home. When you’ve returned home, unpacked, and done a load or three of laundry, I always love to hear how your vacation turned out! I will always ask to see your photos, and love to meet up in person to chat and say a personal thank you. I want to be your trusted, go-to person for all things travel, so I want to hear all your stories!

So what’s the difference between you and online booking engines, Costco, or my credit card?

From beginning to end, I am at your service. Everybody’s vacation is their own- we all want different things out of our leisure time and our hard earned dollars! When you work with someone who is looking out for your own individual preferences, who understands what you want out of your trip, you’re getting more than the “click-and-book” experience from an online booking engine or your credit card company. Because it’s my job to get to know you and your interests, I am personally invested in every trip that I plan and create an experience that is as hassle-free for you as possible. This means I do the hard work that you’d otherwise have to do- I visit the properties, I check reviews, I consult with colleagues to make sure anything I show you is up to par with what you’re looking for and also comes with a high value.

Do you charge fees?

With the rise of online booking engines and other means to book your own vacations, travel consultants have had to change with the times. This means what was once a travel agent is much more of a travel consultant and specialist today! We are doing more than ever before- navigating the information overload of millions of reviews and photos, visiting properties around the world, organizing complete itineraries, and even calling around the world to make dining reservations at the exact table of your choice! Travel planning takes many hours of dedicated research, and this is time you just cannot spare in your already busy lives. We all want the best out of our investments, and that is exactly what I offer.

I am happy to provide a complimentary consultation in person, over the phone, or via email- whichever fits your schedule and lifestyle best! This initial chat gives us the opportunity to go over any questions you may have, as well as the time to determine if we’re a good fit. My planning fee starts at $50 per person, depending on trip details. Air-only services start at $25 per person for domestic flights, and $50 per person for international flights. My fees are indicative of my vested interest in your vacation, and allow me to provide the absolute best service while building a trusting relationship with you and your party. Please be assured, during our consultation I will always let you know of any fees that pertain to your trip.

Wait. So are you a travel agent or not?

Simple answer: Yes! But the world has changed a lot since the title “travel agent” first came into play, so it would be more accurate to describe me as a travel consultant or specialist. I work with clients to take care of their every need throughout their trip, going above and beyond simply booking a flight or hotel- and I have the skills to reflect that. It’s not just about numbers and organization, it’s about being able to speak the language of different destinations and knowing the history like the back of your hand. No matter the question, I can answer it or connect you to the person who can. I establish long-lasting relationships with my clients as well as the tour operators, hotels, and airlines, so I can always couple your personal travel needs with the right people. So, since most people already have the term “travel agent” in their regular lexicon I am happy to use it, but I do cover a lot more ground than the traditional travel agent!