Travel advisors never really went away, but they're absolutely having a moment right now — and for good reason. In a world where there's almost too much travel information available, people are realizing that having someone filter, curate, and advocate for them is genuinely valuable. Especially when that someone travels constantly, knows the properties firsthand, and doesn't charge you anything for the service.
I'm a Fora Certified Travel Advisor, and I want to walk you through exactly what that means for you as a traveler.
The Perks Are Real — and You Can't Get Them Alone
This is the part people are always surprised by. Through my partnership with Fora Travel, I have access to a network of preferred hotel partnerships that come with tangible, confirmed amenities that aren't available when you book directly or through an OTA (online travel agency).
At hundreds of hotels worldwide, booking through me gets you:
Room Upgrades
Complimentary room category upgrades at check-in, subject to availability — confirmed at the time of booking, not just hoped for.
Resort Credits
Property credits ranging from $25 to $100+ to use toward dining, spa treatments, activities, or other hotel services.
Daily Breakfast
Complimentary breakfast for two at many preferred properties — a perk that adds real value, especially on longer stays.
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out
Priority early check-in and late check-out when available — meaning more time in your room and less time waiting in lobbies.
These aren't vague promises. They're confirmed amenities that show up in your reservation. I've seen clients receive hundreds of dollars in added value on a single booking — simply by going through me instead of booking direct.
"My planning services are completely free to you. I'm compensated by the hotels and suppliers — not by you. You get more, and you pay the same rate."
It Costs You Nothing
I want to be very clear about this because it's the question I get most often: my planning services are completely free. I don't charge consulting fees or planning fees. I'm compensated by hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators — the same way a real estate agent is compensated by the seller, not the buyer. You get personalized, expert service, exclusive perks, and a real advocate in your corner, all at no additional cost to you.
In fact, in many cases you're paying the same rate you'd find elsewhere — or better — while getting significantly more value layered on top.
Busting the Myths
For flights, maybe — I generally advise on flight strategy but don't book tickets directly. But for hotels, cruises, and vacation packages, the rates through my preferred partner network are at parity with what you'd find publicly, plus the exclusive amenities layered on top. You're not paying more. You're getting more.
Not true. I work with travelers at a wide range of budgets. The value I provide scales with the trip — a family vacation, a honeymoon, a girls' trip, a solo adventure. Whatever your budget, having someone who knows the right properties, asks the right questions, and advocates for you is useful at any price point.
Is it though? Think about the last time you planned a trip. The tabs. The reviews. The comparison spreadsheets. The second-guessing. I do this every single day. I know the properties, I know the questions to ask, and I know the details that actually matter. You tell me what you want — and I go handle it.
This is what it looks like when the planning is done right — you're fully present in the moment.
What Happens When Things Go Wrong
Here's something the booking engines don't advertise: when your flight gets cancelled, your hotel is overbooked, or your cruise itinerary changes — you're on your own. You're calling an 800 number, waiting on hold, navigating automated systems, and fighting for yourself in a situation you didn't anticipate.
When you book through me, you have a real person to call. Someone who has relationships with the hotels and suppliers, who knows how to escalate, who is motivated to fix your problem because your experience is my reputation. That kind of backup is hard to put a price on — and with me, you don't have to.
You fill out a short inquiry form telling me about your trip — destination, dates, travel style, budget. I come back to you with curated options and recommendations. We talk through what feels right. I handle the booking, confirm your amenities, and stay in touch through your trip. Simple, personal, and genuinely enjoyable.
Who I Work Best With
I love working with travelers who value the experience, not just the transaction. My clients tend to be people who want their trips to feel seamless and special — whether that's a honeymoon at a Four Seasons, an Alaska cruise with glacier views, a marathon race-cation in Berlin, or a Caribbean girls' trip on a catamaran. They want someone who's thought of the details so they don't have to.
I'm also a specialty in marathon travel — if you're running a destination race and want your hotel placement, timing, and logistics handled by someone who has actually done it multiple times, I'm your person.
The Bottom Line
You can absolutely book your own travel. But why would you, when working with me gets you better perks, a more personalized experience, someone in your corner if something goes sideways — and it costs you exactly nothing extra? That's not a sales pitch. It's just math.
I'd love to help plan your next trip. Reach out and let's talk about where you want to go.