There Are Five Steps to Your Next Best Vacation
Step 1: Your Complimentary Consultation
I like to get to know you before the planning begins.
On your discovery call or online meeting, it’s my chance to learn more about you and your desires for this vacation. I’ll discuss other important considerations like your travel dates, budget, and who will be traveling with you.
You’ll also get an opportunity to ask me anything on this call as well.
Then if you feel like we’d make a good fit, I’ll share my planning and support fees with you. These are due at the same time as the Travel Planning and Support Fee Agreement is signed.
Together we will create a uniquely SelfishMe Travel experience that will have you excited and craving your vacation sooner rather than later.
Step 2: Research, Plan & Tweak
Based on what I learn during our consultation, I’ll begin researching your options.
I scour the inventory of my travel partners and brands (4-star and above ratings only) and present you with the best value for your budget.
I also negotiate additional savings, extra amenities, exclusive perks, access to unique experiences not found on the internet, and VIP treatment just for you because SelfishMe Travel belongs to a higher-tiered partner alliance.
You’ll receive at least two customized proposals with itineraries that fit within your budget and wishes. We’ll discuss the options, tweak if necessary, and then we’ll finalize everything so that you can sit back, relax, and dream about your future awesome vacation.
Step 3: Book & Manage
Once you sign off on your itinerary, I book every last travel component for you. This includes:
- Hotel, resort, ranch, cabin, camp, lodge, chalet, castle, and villa or vacation home rental reservations
- Cruise ships
- Flights
- Private or shared transfers to/from hotel, airport, cruise port, etc.
- Meet & greet services
- Vehicle rentals, train or ferry reservations, and even provide subway logistics/suggestions
- Group, day, or private tours
- Shore excursions
- Restaurant recommendations, dining reservations, cooking classes, food pairings, wine/beer/liquor-tastings, or a private chef
- Tee times at golf courses or tea times at luxury hotels
- Spa appointments, wellness classes or retreats, or a private trainer
- Museum, theater, concert, or sporting event tickets
- Yacht or jet charters
- Art, dance, writing, film-making or photography classes or workshops
- Riding, racing or precision driving lessons
- Safaris and wildlife-spotting, watching, and conservation tours
- Volunteer work or voluntourism
- Airport lounge access
- Photographer for a day, a special event, or the entire trip
- Travel and Health Insurance
- and much much more!
I can even advise you on acquiring and using loyalty program (credit card, hotel, airline, etc.) points and miles.
However, there are some tours or activities that I will not book for you. Please see my Protecting Animals in Tourism Pledge page to understand my position. Thank you.
Step 4: Support
With post Covid-19 travel, I believe the best scenario is that all your vacation plans are coordinated with the same Travel Professional. Flight cancellations, changing rules and restrictions, lockdowns, border closings, and other factors are going to make travel a lot harder to predict in the future. I stay on top of all the news and advise you and/or your travel companions of all possible options in a timely manner to make it all seamless and stress-free.
Our online payment system is tops in the industry. It is PCI Compliant so that your personal information is protected, safe, secure, and encrypted.
I’ll provide you with detailed information about the next steps such as: deposit due date, payment plan dates (if available), final payment date, visa, tests, and vaccine requirements, and any important travel documents you must complete before your journey begins.
I’ll keep in touch throughout the entire process by emailing you updates, reminders, travel tips, destination guides, fun facts, packing lists, maps, recommendations, etc. And final chat before your departure.
You’ll receive all your final travel documents and itinerary via a smartphone app, for “on-the-go” access. In addition, you’ll also receive these documents via email, or if preferred, through the postal service.
And if you need to cancel, reschedule, or make changes to your trip, I do that for you. I negotiate a reduction of possible fees and chase down any refunds and/or credits due to you from the travel suppliers; saving you a lot of time and stress.
Hey, it’s my job to sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to.
Step 5: It’s Go Time!
When you take off, you’ll be able to travel with confidence and ease.
And, of course, you’ll have 24/7 access to me as well. I’ll provide my personal cellphone number in case you encounter any travel issues and I’ll work behind the scenes to fix them for you and provide local assistance, if necessary.
After you return home, I’ll touch base to hear all about your dream vacation!
