Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
- We offer two custom travel planning packages. Our base plan is $99/planned day, and our ultimate plan is $149/planned day. The packages are priced per day planned, and for up to 6 people. Contact us for a custom quote on groups of 7 or more. We recommend a mix of planned and unplanned days, so you have time to relax, repeat something you loved seeing/doing, or discover something new.
- Rough itineraries are $198 and include up to 10 days. Contact us for a custom quote if you need a rough itinerary for more than 10 days.
Can I pay a deposit for your services and pay the rest later?
Unfortunately, no. The average person spends 15-40 hours planning a trip, and we need to know that if we are spending the time to plan your trip, you are as committed as we are, and that we will be compensated. For this reason, we must have full payment to begin planning your trip or building your personal rough itinerary.
*Additionally, we will not start a custom travel plan until flights are booked and we are certain of arrival/departure dates for each destination.
What’s included in your custom travel planning service?
- A one-hour call with yourself and up to one other traveler.
- Detailed discussion about your goals for the trip and the destinations you are considering.
- Verbal itinerary outline.
- Some verbal flight pattern suggestions.
- Research for your destination(s).
- Recommendations and options for accommodations, activities, and ground transportation.
- Booking of accommodations, activities, and some ground transportation.
- Customized Itinerary, complete with Google Maps links and confirmation information. Delivered in App and PDF format.
- Restaurant recommendations.
- 2-3 scheduled phone calls to understand your needs and to circle back on any necessary changes.
- Even more if you purchase our ultimate package!
What is the minimum number of days that you plan for a trip?
Our price is based on a minimum of 4 days planned. If you really want fewer days planned (because your trip is shorter or for some other reason), you will need to pay the minimum to secure our services, as there is a base amount of time that is dedicated to each trip, regardless of the number of days planned.
Do you charge less if I find and book my own rooms?
No. At no additional cost to you, we sometimes make a small commission when booking accommodations, allowing us to keep our prices low. If we research the rooms, we ask you to let us book them on your behalf. *We will only research and book rooms for our custom travel planning services; this is not included for rough itineraries.
What’s included in your rough itinerary service?
- A one-hour call with yourself and up to one other traveler.
- Detailed discussion about your goals for the trip and the destinations you are considering.
- Verbal itinerary outline (this is when you decide which cities will be included in your rough itinerary). We can’t move forward with your rough itinerary until you select your cities and the number of nights in each city.
- Some verbal flight pattern suggestions.
- Written rough itinerary in App & PDF format: suggested areas to stay in, suggested ways to get from one city to another, suggested ways to get around each city, and suggested activity options (including when to leave your schedule open).
If I’m not sure which cities I want to go to, can I get 2 versions of my rough itinerary?
No. The price covers 1 version of your rough itinerary; if you want 2 versions, you will be charged for 2 itineraries.
What destinations do you offer services for?
We’ll book travel anywhere that your passport can take you. We love researching new destinations and brushing up on old favorites.
I don’t even know where I want to go. Can you help me with that?
Absolutely! If you’re hiring us for custom travel planning, we can discuss 2-3 rough ideas for locations and the number of nights. For a written and detailed rough itinerary, you may want to purchase our custom rough itinerary service, which is designed for those who want to plan and book their own trip but need some guidance.
What type of trips can you plan?
We curate trips for every vibe, from nature junky to wine enthusiasts to luxury travelers, and everything in between (except weddings, we don’t do those).
Do you plan cruises?
Absolutely, anchors away!
Can you handle business travel?
Yes. We have tons of experience with making the most of our own business travel and would be happy to help with your bleisure. What’s bleisure? It’s a mix of business and leisure travel.
If you also need help with the business portion of your trip (accommodations with meeting rooms, group activities, etc.), we can do that as well. Tell us what you need, we’ve got you!
If the business group is more than 6 people, our group booking rates will apply. Depending on your needs, there may be additional fees, for example, if you want us to work with your hotel to get your meeting room set up (equipment, catered meals, etc).
Do you offer a concierge service?
At this time, we do not offer a concierge service while you are on your trip. We are working on options and hope to offer this service in the future. For our custom travel planning clients, we give you everything you need to manage your bookings once they have been made.
Can you book my accommodations?
- Booking accommodations is included in our custom travel planning service. We will ask you questions to understand what type of accommodation you would like, and we will send you options to choose from.
- Booking accommodations is not included in our rough itinerary service. We will recommend neighborhoods to stay in based on your trip goals.
Can you book my flights?
We do not book flights for several reasons. Prices are fluid, and it’s likely that by the time you approve the suggestion, the price has already changed. We can consult you on flight booking and give you some tips on routes and airports, as well as how to book. Just let us know in the notes on your inquiry form if this is something you need.
Can you book my train tickets?
We book some rail tickets. If your trip requires only local or regional trains, we won’t book those. This is because you generally don’t need to book these in advance. If you are looking for a longer-haul train or a speed train (for example, Italy’s Frecciarossa and Italo lines), we would be happy to book those for you as part of our Custom Travel Planning & Ultimate Custom Travel Planning Services.
- For our custom travel planning clients, we will advise you on which regional and local trains to take.
- For our custom travel planning clients who want to book their own longer-haul and speed trains, we can advise you on routes, class, and fare options.
- Our rough itinerary clients will receive rough suggestions for train type and route.
Can you book my activities and experiences?
- Booking tours and activities is included in our custom travel planning services; it’s one of the most important parts – planning how you’ll spend your time.
- Booking tours and activities is not included in our rough itinerary service; however, we may include a few bookable links for a couple of tours or experiences that we recommend.
How does the custom travel planning process work?
The process starts with a complimentary 15-minute consultation
How many days should I have you plan?
We recommend a mix of planned and unplanned days, so you have time to relax, repeat something you loved seeing/doing, or discover something new. We typically recommend that you don’t make plans the day you arrive at a new destination, but if you’re arriving early enough, we can split one of your planned days into 2 half days. Of course, there is no charge for unplanned days; you are on your own for those. We will consult you on how many days you should keep free, but ultimately, it is up to you.
*We have a minimum of 4 days planned for our custom travel planning services.
I want custom travel planning, but I already have some plans made. Could you plan only part of my trip instead of all of it?
Yes, you tell us how many days you need us to plan and what activities you already have planned (so we don’t suggest something you’re already doing). We typically recommend that you don’t make plans the day you arrive at a new destination, but if you’re arriving early enough, we can split one of your planned days into 2 half days. Lastly, if you have a day that you don’t want anything planned, an open or free day, then there is no charge for that day, and you’re on your own that day.
*We have a minimum of 4 days planned for our custom travel planning services.
How customized are these itineraries, really?
Our custom travel plans are just that, custom. We do the research for every trip we plan, and make sure we are always considering the needs, preferences, and interests of you and your travel companion(s). So get ready to dig deep and tell us what makes your soul sing!
I already have a cruise booked. Can you just plan the free days that we port into towns?
Often, it is best to book your activities through the cruise line. This is the most convenient and safe option because the cruise line will know if there is a problem (like your tour gets stuck in traffic or the bus gets a flat tire); in these instances, the ship will probably wait for you. If you book your activities separately, you will be out of luck if there is a delay in returning you to the ship.
Will I be able to give input on my trip?
Absolutely, this is your trip. Our first step is to learn about your goals and interests for the trip. If there is something you want to make sure you do or do not do, you are in control. When we offer recommendations, we include options, and each option comes with a price estimate. You do not have to do anything that you don’t want to. Our chief concern is your happiness!
In order to make the planning and booking run smoothly, we will designate a time frame to plan your basic itinerary proposal. Once you review the itinerary proposal and make your option selections, we’ll have a call to confirm everything before we start booking on your behalf.
What if our activity gets canceled?
Please understand that we do not run the companies that your bookings are with (accommodations/activities/etc.) You will be subject to their policies. If they cancel the booking, they may offer to reschedule you for another day. If they can’t reschedule you, then you will most likely be entitled to a refund, and if we can assist you with the refund request, we are happy to do that.
How long does the custom travel planning process take, or when will I receive the itinerary?
Once you pay the invoice for our custom travel planning services and forward flight confirmation, we can schedule a discovery call. On the discovery call, we will learn more about your travel goals. After our discovery call, there are 2 phases to completing your custom travel plan:
- Phase 1, planning and delivery of your itinerary proposal: we’ll spend 7-10 days putting together your proposed itinerary with options. This will be your first look at your trip. You’ll then have 2-3 days to make your selections.
- Phase 2, confirmation call and booking: This phase takes 7 days. Once we receive your selections, we’ll hop on a call with you to confirm your choices and then start booking on your behalf. At the end of this 7-day phase, you will receive your final polished itinerary. This is concluded with a Smooth Travels chat where we hand your trip off to you and answer any questions you have.
*Our goal is to have your itinerary and bookings complete within 2-3 weeks. Please note that longer trips will take more than 2 weeks to plan. It is important for you to be responsive and make selections, approvals, and authorizations promptly so that we can complete your custom travel plan within the agreed-upon timeline.
What if I want more than the agreed-upon timeline to make my selections, or I want additional options?
If you feel that you need more than the agreed-upon time to make selections or ask for additional options, there will be an additional fee (+$49 per day planned). This will elevate you to our ultimate package, which includes some extra time and additional options if needed. The additional timeline will be subject to the obligations that we have with other travelers. This is why it is best to tell us up front if you would like to upgrade to the ultimate package; this way, we can plan that from the start.
Do I have to have the “Smooth Travels” chat with you once I receive the final itinerary?
Yes, this is for your benefit. We try to keep this call short, we want to make sure that you have everything you need to manage your trip from there and that nothing slips through the cracks.
Who exactly custom plans my trip?
We do; either Candace or Charlene will plan your custom trip. We are a dynamic duo, and we often help each other out, but you will have one dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
How does the rough itinerary process work?
The process starts with a complimentary 15-minute consultation
Who exactly prepares my rough itinerary?
We do; either Candace or Charlene will organize your rough itinerary. We are a dynamic duo, and we often help each other out, but you will have one dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
What if I don't like (or want to use) your rough itinerary? Will I get another one?
Our mission is to understand your trip goals and needs before we write your rough itinerary. The price of your rough itinerary compensates us for our time. When we deliver your rough itinerary, it is yours to do what you wish with. If you have decided you want to do something else (such as a different mix of destinations or time in each destination) you will need to purchase a new rough itinerary at the regular price.
Will you book the items for me or tell me how to do it?
Booking is part of our custom travel planning service; we will give you general ideas of where to book activities and ground transportation, and include some relevant links that will help you. We won’t give you specific accommodations to book; we will suggest neighborhoods to look in, and you can book through your favorite booking site or directly with the hotel of your choice. If you’re interested in having us book on your behalf, you should consider our custom travel planning service.
If I pay for a custom rough itinerary and later decide that I want a custom travel plan, will you apply what I paid for the rough itinerary to your custom travel planning package?
It depends… Every case is different. If you decide that you want a custom travel plan, you need to let us know immediately so that we can discuss your options.
Is Twice The Traveler a travel agency?
We are quite different from a travel agency. Travel agencies tend to rely on commissions, which means that they want to book you in accommodations and activities with companies that will pay them the highest commission. While we may receive a small commission for booking some accommodations and activities, we are focused on planning the best trip for you, whether we receive a commission or not. It’s also rare to find a travel agent who will plan your complete itinerary; they are concerned with the bookings. (We operate under a host agency, which allows us access to book like an agent when those options make sense for your trip.)
Can I email you if I have more questions?
Absolutely. Send us an email to [email protected]