Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of travel do you specialize in?
I specialize in European travel and cruises (river and ocean), plus upscale resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and select U.S. destinations, and bucket-list trips like safaris, Alaska, and Antarctica. Through my affiliation with Fora Travel, I have access to local specialists and preferred partnerships globally.
Do I need to book all components of a trip with you?
Not at all! You can book all or just part of your trip through me. Many clients appreciate the convenience of full-service trip planning, while others simply want to leverage my access to hotel or cruise perks. Whatever your preference, I'm happy to help.
Do you charge any fees?
I don't charge fees for most trips, including my Direct Booking service (when you know exactly what you'd like to book) and Essential Planning, where I provide suggestions for hotels, cruises, or escorted tours. There is a planning fee for Full-Service Planning, which offers a fully personalized and coordinated itinerary.
Additional fees may apply for short-notice Essential or Full-Service Planning, or for large groups. I'm always transparent, and any fees will be clearly disclosed upfront before we proceed.
Do you book flights?
Yes, for premium cabins. I can book First, Business, or select Premium Economy flights through my agency’s flight desk, Fora Flights. These bookings have a $50 fee per passenger, waived for Full-Service Planning clients. Fora Flights provides 24/7 emergency support for any flight changes or disruptions, saving you from waiting on hold with the airline in the event of a cancellation.
For economy flights, I'm happy to recommend options, but you'll book directly. This is because I can't provide the same level of support if issues arise, and it's most efficient for you to work directly with the airline.
Can I book an airbnb or vacation rental through you?
In some cases, yes. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO don't partner with travel advisors, which means I can't ensure quality standards for those rentals or advocate for you if something goes wrong. As a result, I won’t book through them.
However, some destinations have aparthotels or vetted rental properties available, and I’m happy to recommend and book those through Essential Planning.
Vetted apartments or villas also can be arranged through Full-Service Planning in many destinations, including Europe and the Caribbean, where local specialists provide dedicated support.
I’d like to use points to book a hotel or a flight. Can we still work together?
I can't book hotels or flights for you with loyalty points, as those bookings must go directly through the rewards program. This means I can't advocate for you if problems arise or provide any partnership perks, so I don’t offer that service.
That said, I frequently use credit card points for my own air travel and am happy to share ideas with clients about how to maximize their points.
How far in advance should I contact you?
The earlier the better! The more time we have, the better your options for accommodations and experiences.
For Essential Planning, I have a minimum of at least 4 weeks notice. For Full-Service Planning, at least 8 weeks.
If you need planning on shorter notice, contact me. I may be able to accommodate you depending on my availability, though an additional fee may apply, given the need for a tight turnaround.
Direct bookings are more flexible and I can usually work with shorter timeframes (at least 24 hours in advance).
I already booked directly with the hotel or cruise line. Can you get me any perks?
Sometimes! If you forward your booking confirmation to jen@jenniferellistravel.com, I can see if it’s possible to apply any perks to your booking, or to secure you a better deal.
What if I need to change or cancel my trip?
It’s important to notify me as soon as possible if you need to change your plans or cancel a trip. I do not charge any separate change or cancellation fees, but you’ll be subject to hotels’ or other suppliers’ cancellation policies. When you book, I’ll always clearly note cancellation policies, so you can plan accordingly. I also recommend all clients consider purchasing travel insurance.
How do I start the process of working with you?
If you know exactly what you’d like to book, please complete this Direct Booking Quote Request Form. For Essential or Full-Service Planning, please complete this form.
If you have any questions before submitting a request, please don't hesitate to email me at jen@jenniferellistravel.com. I'm here to help!