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 exclusive hotel and cruise perks through programs like Virtuoso, Hyatt Privé, and Marriott STARS, plus local specialists and preferred partnerships globally.

Do I need to book all components of a trip with you?

Not at all! Many clients book just their hotel or cruise with me to take advantage of exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and resort credits. Others want comprehensive trip planning. Whatever works best for you, I'm happy to help.

Do you charge any fees?

Most of my services are commission-based, which means there typically are no planning fees for you. I earn income from the hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and local partners when you book through me.

Direct Booking (when you know exactly what you'd like to book) never has any fees.

Essential Planning, where I provide recommendations for hotels, cruises, or multi-day tours, typically has no planning fees.

Full-Service Planning, which offers a fully personalized and coordinated itinerary with local specialists, also typically has no planning fees.

Exceptions: For Essential or Full-Service planning, fees may apply for large groups, rush requests, or exceptionally complex trips. I'm always transparent, and any fees will be clearly disclosed upfront before we proceed.

Do you book flights?

Yes, for premium cabins or private aviation. 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. 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 offer flight consultation for a fee, 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, though more often internationally than in the US. 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. The same is true for most real estate offices that offer rentals in many popular US destinations like Cape Cod or Maine.

However, some destinations have aparthotels or vetted rental properties available through my partners, 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?

Unfortunately 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 strategies for maximizing your points. Many of my clients use points for flights and book their hotels through me to get perks that they can't access with 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 Direct Booking: I can usually work with shorter timeframes (at least 24 hours in advance). The earlier you book, the better the rates and availability.

For Essential Planning: I ask for at least 6 weeks notice.

For Full-Service Planning: I ask for at least 8 weeks notice.

If you need planning on shorter notice, contact me. I may be able to accommodate you depending on my availability, though rush fees may apply.

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 perks or secure you a better rate. This works best if you reach out soon after booking or before your trip is fully paid.

What if I need to change or cancel my trip?

Contact me as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel. I don't charge change or cancellation fees, but you'll be subject to the hotel, cruise line, airline or tour company’s policies. I always clearly note cancellation policies when you book, and I recommend all clients consider purchasing travel insurance.

How do I start the process of working with you?

If you know what you want to book: Complete the Direct Booking Quote Request Form or email jen@jenniferellistravel.com with the hotel, cruise, or tour name, dates, and number of guests, including children’s ages if applicable.

If you need help planning: For Essential or Full-Service Planning, please complete this form.

Have questions first? Email me at jen@jenniferellistravel.com. I'm here to help!