What do you need to plan my trip?

First, I collect basic info via email on when and where you want to go and who you are travelling with. After, we jump on a call so I can dig a little deeper. Things like whether you have a passion for food and local culture, or whether you just want to fly and flop. If you prefer big hotels or a more boutique vibe. If you need wrap around kids clubs, or we need to be mindful that you are traveling with older people.

What do I get for my money?

You’re paying for my time to delve deep into research to create a 100% tailor-made trip based on your specific needs. This is emailed to you as a pdf and includes accommodation options, flight and transport recommendations, restaurants, activities and things to do. I also include an intro to the area including climate, currency and culture.

How far in advance should I engage you?

I am flexible but I do recommend planning a trip as far in advance as possible. Last minute flight deals unfortunately seem to be a thing of the past, nowadays the longer you leave it, in terms of accommodation and transportation, the more expensive it tends to be (though there are always exceptions to the rule).

How do I pay you?

You pay by bank transfer or Paypal. We agree your package on email, I email you an invoice and the payment needs to be made ahead of booking our fact finding call.

Do you specialise in particular countries?

I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, North America (including Mexico), South America and Asia. I’m always thinking about where to go next and planning trips to explore new destinations.

What if you haven’t been to the place I want to go?

I will let you know, but rest assured, you will still receive an in-depth, fully researched My Travel Trove trip. I do my homework, reaching out to my network, reading up and fully cross referencing reviews and recommendations to unearth those hidden gems for you.

What if I don’t know where to go?

No problem - we jump on a call and chat through what sort of thing you’re thinking and I’ll come up with recommendations. Between us we’ll agree on one destination before I get to work - and if you want to go away and decide between a couple of options before you give me the green light, that works for me too.

Can you book it all for me?

No, I look, but you book. Your tailor-made My Travel Trove trip includes a page of quick-click links direct to the best deals for each of the recommendations (at the time the pdf is published). This makes the process quick and simple e.g if you’re going on a fortnight trip with flights, two hotels, hire car and day trips, have your credit card to hand, and you can book it all in 20 minutes.

When should I book your recommendations?

It usually works out best to book as soon as possible. There are always exceptions to the rule, but often this will save you money. Many hotel platforms will include a ‘free cancellation’ option, which is recommended for flexibility.

Do you get commission from your recommendations?

No, the only payment I receive is your one-off payment. This means I am totally transparent on how much each element of your trip costs (at the time your plan is created). I get nothing from providers meaning I am not swayed by commission structures, and instead provide a 100% independent recommendation, suited to your needs.

Why would I use you over a traditional travel agent?

Traditional travel agents tend to work on commission structures, being swayed by hotel chains and other providers who may be offering financial incentives to them to get you to book. This may mean they have their own agenda and may try to book you into places where they get the best kick-back. It also means they’re more likely to book you into more ‘obvious’ choices. They’re not incentivised to seek out the hidden gems, or new places that aren’t on the mainstream radar.

Why would I use you instead of chat gpt / tipnotes.ai?

Hotels, restaurants and other places of interest can come and go quickly. These resources may be good as a starting point, but you still need to invest time researching and cross referencing their recommendations to check they’re still around, getting good reviews and will suit your needs. My Travel Trove also provides everything else for your trip including personalised transport options.

Can I request changes to the trip?

When you receive your tailor-made My Travel Trove trip you have the option of one set of changes e.g hotels in one destination or changing the dates of the flights.

Can we discuss the trip once you have sent it to me?

Sure - I am happy to jump on a quick call at a convenient time. Alternatively, pop over a couple of questions on email.

Can I contact you during my trip if I have any problems?

No. As the bookings are made by you, you have any conversations direct with the provider.