Essential Planning

No planning fee

I book your hotels, cruises, or multi-day tours and provide recommendations for day tours and activities on independent trips.

Essential Planning is perfect for travelers who:

• Are planning straightforward trips like resort stays, cruises, or single-city breaks

• Are planning more complex trips but are comfortable managing logistics independently

• Want hotels, cruises, or multi-day tours booked through trusted partnerships, including benefits only available when booking through an advisor

For Groups: Available for any size group on cruises or multi-day tours. For independent custom trips, I’ll work with groups of up to 6 travelers. Groups of 7+ on independent trips require Full-Service Planning's group coordination and in-destination support.

What's Included

Hotel, Cruise & Multi-Day Tour Booking

• Personalized recommendations that fit your style and budget

• I handle the booking once you choose a hotel, cruise or multi-day tour

• For cruises and multi-day tours: pre/post hotel stays and transfers can also be arranged

• Ongoing booking support for changes or special requests

Travel Guidance

• Day tour and activity recommendations for independent, hotel-based trips

• Guidance on shore excursions and planning your time for cruises

• Digital itinerary with confirmations for all services booked through me, plus any activities you book independently and send to me for inclusion, so you have everything in one place during your trip

Optional Add-Ons

• Premium cabin flight booking through my host agency’s flight desk, Fora Flights ($50 booking fee per passenger, available for any business or first class flight, or international premium economy flights)

• Travel insurance facilitation (no additional charge)

What You Handle

• Economy flights or any flights not booked through Fora Flights

• Ground transportation (trains, ferries, transfers, taxis)

• Day tours and activities (I provide recommendations, you book)

• Restaurant reservations

• Booking shore excursions for cruises

• Passport and visa applications

Trip Support

For what I book: I'm here to help with any issues that arise. For time-sensitive needs during your trip, first contact the provider directly for the most efficient resolution, and reach out to me if additional support is needed.

For what you book independently: You'll work directly with those companies.

Need more comprehensive support? Full-Service Planning includes local specialists available throughout your trip to handle logistics, solve problems in real-time, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Investment

No planning fee. My compensation comes from commissions paid by hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators.

Trip Budget: Essential Planning works for a wide range of budgets, and there is no upfront minimum. With your preferences in mind, I focus on high-quality, good-value options and will let you know if I can't confidently recommend anything within your budget for a particular trip.

Planning Timeline: The earlier you start planning, the better! More time means better availability for hotels, tours, and in-demand activities, and often better rates.

I ask for at least 4 weeks advance notice for Essential Planning. If you need help with a trip departing sooner, I may be able to accommodate you depending on my availability. While Essential planning is normally a free service, a $200 rush fee applies for requests with less than 4 weeks before departure.

Ready to get started?

Submit the below form, and you’ll be prompted to schedule a discovery call, so we can talk about your trip!