If you're new to working with a travel planner, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most common questions I hear from clients who are considering working with me.
My planning services are complimentary. Giving Magic Travel Magic Planners are paid by the travel suppliers we work with, including resorts, theme parks and tour operators. That means there is no separate planning fee for my services. How are Travel Planners paid? Travel planners are typically paid a commission by the resort, theme park or tour operator when a booking is made. In most cases, the price you pay for a vacation is the same whether you book directly with the supplier or work with me. The commission is already built into the supplier's pricing. When you book directly, the supplier keeps that commission. When you book through me, I receive it for helping you plan and manage your vacation.
Because you don't have to figure everything out by yourself. I help you narrow down the options, choose the right destination and resort for your trip, and handle the details that come with putting everything together. You get a real person who knows your travel style, your plans and your booking. And my support doesn't stop when you make your final payment. I'm here to help before, during and after your trip if questions or unexpected changes come up. You can absolutely book a vacation online yourself. The question is whether you want to spend your time researching and managing all of those details yourself.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out. That's part of what I'm here for. A few things help me get started:
Travel dates: Are your dates firm, or do you have some flexibility? Who's traveling: Is this a couples trip, family vacation, multigenerational trip or something else? I'll also need the ages of any children traveling.
Travel vibe: Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, reconnecting with family, a great pool, amazing food or a little bit of everything?
Destination: Do you already know where you want to go, or are you open to suggestions?
Budget: I don't need an exact number. A general idea of what you'd like to invest helps me focus my research on realistic options.
And if you don't know the answers yet, that's completely fine. We can figure that out together.
No. Depending on how far in advance you're traveling and the requirements of the travel supplier, most vacations can be booked with a deposit, with the remaining balance due later. The deposit and final payment deadlines vary by supplier and type of vacation, so I'll explain those requirements before you book.
Your money does not come to me or Giving Magic Travel. Payments are made directly to the resort, theme park, cruise line, airline or tour operator you're booking with. You authorize each payment made on your behalf, and you'll receive confirmation of your booking and payments directly from the supplier. Giving Magic Travel and I do not hold your vacation funds.
Technology has definitely made it easier to book a vacation yourself. You can search resorts, compare prices and make a reservation with a few clicks. But easier to book doesn't always mean easier to plan. There are hundreds of resorts, room categories, destinations, ticket options and inclusions to sort through. And once you've booked, you're still responsible for managing the details. My job is to help you make those decisions based on the trip you're actually trying to take, not just what happens to look good in a search result. I like planning trips.
Absolutely not. You decide how involved you want to be. Some clients want me to handle the research and give them a few options to choose from. Others want to talk through every detail and be involved in the process from beginning to end. I've planned vacations for people who love doing their own research and people who don't want to think about the details at all. I'll meet you where you are.
I specialize in Disney vacations and all-inclusive vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean, including family, multigenerational, couples and adults-only trips. I can also help with other vacation destinations when they are a good fit for your trip and what you're looking for.
We'll start with a conversation about your trip, what you're looking for and what matters most to you. From there, I'll research options that fit your dates, travel style and budget, talk you through the choices and help you decide what makes sense. Once you're ready to book, I'll handle the booking process and stay involved as your trip gets closer. You don't have to know exactly what you want before you reach out. That's what I'm here for.