Why We Charge A Planning Package (and Why It’s Worth It)

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Why We Charge A Planning Package (and Why It’s Worth It)

Let’s be real. When was the last time you got something amazing for free? When it comes to travel planning, there Is a lot going on behind the scenes, and it deserves the time and attention of a professional. That is where we come in, and why we charge a Planning Package. 

Every travel advisor runs their business a little different. Some promote "free" services, while others work solely on custom planning or itinerary design, without handling the booking. Some of us, like us, work through a hybrid model that balances both. No matter the model, our goal is always the same: make your life easier and your travel experience unforgettable.

An example of a travel advisor offering "free" services.

So, How Do Travel Advisors Get Paid?

Once upon a time, travel advisors earned solid commissions across the board from flights, hotels, cruises, and more. But, thanks to the rise of online booking and changes in the industry, many parts of a trip (especially flights) are no longer commissionable, or only pay very little.

While we do work with preferred travel partners that pay commissions, that is only part of the picture. The reality is, commissions often do not cover the time, effort, and expertise that goes into crafting a truly seamless, personalized experience for you. And, that is exactly what you are hiring us for. 

Who Do We Work For? YOU!

Yes, some suppliers pay us to bring them business, but we never let that dictate what we recommend to you. Our loyalty is to our clients, not the supplier. That means we will always prioritize what is best for your travel style, your budget, and your goals even if that means recommending a product or service that pays little or no commission.

We also put in a ton of work long before you ever pack your bags: deep research, destination vetting, handling your booking logistics, creating itineraries, and fielding a million questions from your group or family (yes, we will even take over as Aunt Susan’s cruise contact, we’ve got you!).

Lastly, in most cases, commissions do not even get paid until after you travel. If something gets canceled last minute (life happens!), we are still here supporting you, rescheduling, adjusting, or advocating on your behalf. Our Planning Packages ensure we are fairly compensated for that time and expertise before, during, and after your trip or even if you have to cancel your trip.

What Do Our Planning Packages Cover?

• Custom trip planning tailored to your vision, wants, and needs 

• Access to trusted partners, offers, and exclusive perks

• Time spent researching, confirming, and organizing every detail

• Expert insight based on our firsthand experience and professional training

• Concierge-level service and support from the moment we connect to the time you return home

• Convenience! 

Plus, when you hire us, you are hiring a team, a husband-and-wife duo who understand the value of time, family, and freedom. We are parents, business owners, and travelers ourselves. We know that planning a trip isn’t just about the logistics, it’s about the memories, the connection, and the peace of mind.

We Respect Your Time (and Ours)

You are busy. You do not have hours to spend comparing reviews, holding on the phone with airlines, or coordinating everyone’s needs. That is what we are here for. Our Planning Package and Expedited Planning Package allows us to dedicate that time to your trip, so you can focus on the fun parts like what to pack or which cocktail to try first!

Charging a Planning Package also ensures we can fully dedicate ourselves to serious clients who are genuinely ready to plan and book. Most importantly, it allows us to work with those who value expert guidance, convenience, and a smooth, customized, and stress-free experience.

We are not here just to provide ideas for price shopping or DIY planning. We love helping dreamers, but we work best with doers.

However, for those who are in the early dreaming stages or just need guidance, we offer 30-minute and 60-minute Travel Consultations. It is a great way to pick our brains, get clarity, and gather expert advice without the commitment of full-service planning (yet!).

We pour our time, attention, and expertise into every client relationship. We treat and advocate for your trip like it’s our own. That level of care is worth investing in, and it deserves fair compensation for the detail, dedication, and experience that go into it.

Still Have Questions?

We are always transparent about how we work. If you have questions about our process or packages, we are happy to hop on a complimentary call and walk you through it.

If you want to learn more about:

■How the Travel Industry and We Work, click here!

■Our Signature Concierge Care, click here!

At the end of the day, we believe in providing high-touch, personalized service that puts your needs first. Our Planning Packages allow us to keep doing that without relying on third-party commissions that do not always reflect the full value of our work.

Let’s make your next vacation stress-free, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. We are ready when you are.

With gratitude,

Cruise Planners - Ana & Travis

702-482-7774