Planning a vacation should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of a cruise, a European getaway, or a book-inspired adventure that lets you step into the pages of your favorite story, working with a travel advisor can make the entire planning process smoother, easier, and a lot less stressful for both of us.
I love helping clients sort through the noise, narrow down choices, and bring their travel dreams to life. Over time, I’ve noticed that the most stress-free planning experiences all start the same way—with a few simple pieces of information up front.
So here are 5 things I truly wish every new client knew before we start planning their vacation.
1. You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out
Some people come in with a detailed plan, and others say, “I just know I want Europe… maybe?”
Both are totally fine.
My job is to help you sort through ideas and create a trip that fits what you want—your pace, your comfort level, your style of travel, and your budget. You don’t need to know where to start. That’s what I’m here for.
As Tolkien said: “Not all those who wander are lost.” Sometimes wandering is exactly what leads to the best trip ideas.
2. A Ballpark Budget Helps More Than You Think
You don’t have to know the exact amount you want to spend, but having a general range gives me everything I need to start building realistic options.
For example:
– “We’d like to stay under $6,000 total.”
– “We’re thinking around $4,000–$5,000 per person.”
– “We want something nice but not luxury.”
This helps me save you time by narrowing down choices that make sense for your priorities.
3. Good Dates = Better Deals and Availability
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll almost always get the best value. Even shifting a trip by a few days can open up better pricing or more desirable cruise cabins and hotels.
Already locked into certain dates? No problem—just tell me early on so I can jump straight to the best options for that timeframe.
4. Every Detail You Share Helps Create a Better Trip
I’m not asking for personal details to be nosy—I’m asking because it matters.
Your preferences shape the entire experience.
Tell me things like:
– Your ideal pace (slow and relaxed or full days?)
– Any mobility considerations
– Food preferences
– Whether downtime is important
– The types of accommodations you prefer
– What you didn’t like about a previous trip
The more I know, the more I can make sure your vacation actually feels like yours.
5. You’re Not “Bothering Me” With Questions
I promise—questions are welcome.
You’re investing time, money, and trust into your vacation. You should feel comfortable asking anything, whether it’s:
– “Is this a good time of year to go?”
– “What’s the difference between these cruise lines?”
– “Will this work with dietary needs?”
– “Do I need travel insurance for this?”
My role is to make your trip easier and less stressful, and that includes helping you understand all of your options.
Final Thoughts
Planning a vacation is a collaboration, and working with a travel advisor makes it even easier. When you come in with a few basics—your travel window, your general budget, and a sense of what you enjoy—it helps me build something truly special for you.
Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise, a European river adventure, or a book-inspired itinerary that feels like stepping into another world, I’m here to make sure the process is smooth, simple, and actually fun.
If you’re ready to start planning your next trip, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
