Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions clients ask before getting started.
WHO DO YOU TYPICALLY WORK WITH?
I work primarily with adults and couples who value expert guidance, thoughtful pacing, and a calm planning experience. My clients are busy professionals who prefer to trust an advisor rather than manage logistics themselves.
​
​
​
DO YOU CHARGE A PLANNING FEE?
Yes. I charge a professional planning fee for custom travel design. Fees reflect the time, expertise, and coordination involved and are discussed after our consultation.
Most planning fees range from $200 to $750+, depending on the destination and complexity of the trip.
​
​
​
WHEN ARE FEES DISCUSSED?
Planning fees are discussed after the consultation, once I understand your travel goals, preferences, and the scope of planning required. This ensures fees are appropriate for your specific trip.
​
​
​
IS A TRAVEL ADVISOR WORTH THE FEE?
For travelers who value their time and want a trip that feels well-considered from start to finish, a planning fee reflects the expertise and coordination that make that possible. The fee covers research, vendor communication, itinerary design, logistics management, and ongoing support. Most clients find that the time saved, the quality of recommendations, and the confidence of having an advocate throughout the process far outweigh the cost of planning on their own.
​​​WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CONSULTATION?
The consultation is a complimentary call where we discuss your travel ideas, timing, and priorities. After the call, I outline next steps and confirm whether working together is a good fit.
​​​DO I NEED TO CHOOSE A SERVICE BEFORE THE CALL?
No. The consultation allows me to guide the process and recommend the appropriate level of planning support based on your trip. You do not need to decide anything in advance.
​​​DO YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Flight booking support varies based on the trip and planning scope. This is discussed during the consultation so expectations are clear from the beginning.
​
​
​
CAN YOU HELP WITH HOTELS ONLY?
Hotel-only requests are considered on a limited basis and are typically reserved for existing clients or trips connected to a larger itinerary. My primary focus is full experience planning rather than standalone bookings.
​
​
​
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS OR DEALS?
No. My role is to design well-considered travel experiences and advocate for my clients throughout the planning process. I focus on value, quality, and experience rather than discounts.
​
​
​​
WHAT IF I’M NOT READY TO MOVE FORWARD AFTER THE CALL?
That’s perfectly fine. The consultation is an opportunity for both of us to determine whether working together makes sense. There is no obligation to move forward. ​​​​
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The first step is scheduling a complimentary consultation. From there, I’ll guide you through next steps based on your travel goals.
​WHAT DOES A LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR DO?
A luxury travel advisor manages the full planning process for your trip, from initial concept through return. This includes researching and recommending destinations, selecting the right properties and cabin categories, coordinating logistics between air, land, and sea, and advocating on your behalf when changes or issues arise. The role goes well beyond booking. It is an ongoing advisory relationship designed to save you time, reduce decision fatigue, and ensure every element of your trip supports the experience you are looking for.
HOW MUCH DOES A LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR CHARGE?
At RLS Travel Company, planning fees range from $200 to $750+, depending on the destination and complexity of the trip. Fees reflect the time, expertise, and coordination involved in designing a well-considered travel experience. Planning fees are discussed after the consultation, once the scope of your trip is clear. This ensures fees are appropriate for what your trip requires.
​
​
​
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRAVEL AGENT AND A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
A travel agent typically processes bookings on request. A travel advisor takes a more consultative role, guiding decisions, evaluating options, and designing the full experience based on how you want your trip to feel. At RLS Travel Company, the advisory relationship begins before any booking is made and continues through your return. The focus is on fit, pacing, and quality rather than transaction volume.
HOW DO I PLAN A LUXURY RIVER CRUISE?
River cruise planning benefits from early decisions about itinerary, cabin category, and timing. Factors like water levels, seasonal demand, and stateroom placement on the ship all affect the experience. At RLS Travel Company, river cruise planning typically begins 12 to 18 months before sailing. I help clients evaluate itineraries (such as the Rhine, Danube, or Moselle), select the right cabin for their preferences, and coordinate any pre or post-cruise land stays.
CAN YOU HELP WITH RIVER CRUISE CABIN SELECTION?
Yes. Cabin selection is one of the most consequential decisions in river cruise planning, and it goes beyond category and price. Deck level, proximity to public spaces, stateroom orientation, and balcony type all influence comfort and daily experience onboard. I walk clients through these considerations based on their priorities and the specific ship layout.
​
​
​
​
​
​