Why I charge a Planning and Research Fee.

When you use Blue Ocean Travel Design to help plan your vacation there are a lot of things that happen in the background that you might not be aware of.

Here is a list of items that you will receive when I plan your vacation:

1. I will research destinations, resorts, hotels, cruises and all things to determine you ideal vacation.Once the research is complete I’ll create 2 customized itineraries that meet your needs. Taking into account the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
2. I will review and analyze the rules and conditions, or the small print, for each element of your itinerary. Most people don’t even read these and there is some very important information there.
3. Once I’ve created the itinerary we’ll review each element of the itinerary and you’ll have the opportunity to make any changes at that time.
4. I will book all your travel needs, hotels/resorts, packages, cruise reservations and excursions.
5. I will coordinate and organize all your daytime and evening activities. This would include restaurant reservations/suggestions, theater, entertainment, museums galleries and more. I will make sure you have all your tickets and information before you leave so you don’t have to wait in line.
6. I will provide you with information on the destination or ports of call so we can plan how you can maximize your time and know which areas to visit when so you can avoid the crowds.
7. I will triple check all of your travel documents to make sure that everything is accurate and I’ll do one last final check at the end.
8. I will make sure that you have the right travel insurance policy to cover your itinerary so that everything that is important, from medical to luggage to delay and cancellation costs to change fees is included and that your travel insurance policy matches your itinerary.
9. Leading up to your departure you will have a lot of questions and I will be here to answer them.
10. I will keep you updated on any changes that may arise.
11. While you are away I’m also here for you. I am an email, text or phone call away and I will provide you with contact details so you don’t have to wait on hold.
12. If something unforeseen happens while you are away you also don’t have to call and wait on hold. You’ll have direct access to me so that I can provide you with emergency support.
13. While you are making your way back home and once you arrive home I’ll be here for you as well.
14. During the entire time we work together you will receive my personal attention. I only work with a select few clients at a time so I can ensure that I am giving my clients the attention they deserve.

As you can see there is a lot of activity that goes on and all of this is included in my Travel Planning and Research Fee starting at $125.00 per trip.

While I do receive a commission from the vendors I use as a thank you for choosing them this allows me to choose vendors based on your specific trip needs.

I can’t wait to starting planning and researching your next vacation!