A travel advisor brings expert knowledge, industry connections, and personalized service to ensure your trip is seamlessly planned and memorable. With exclusive access to VIP amenities, insider recommendations, and time-saving support, I handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey. When it comes to booking group trips, I take the stress out of coordinating logistics and arrangements, allowing you and your group to relax and fully enjoy the experience together.

At Sarah Payne Travel, we view planning fees as an essential part of the professional service we provide to our valued clients. Here’s why we charge a planning fee and how it benefits you:

1. Independent Recommendations
   While travel advisors do earn commissions from bookings, our goal is to find the best options that perfectly suit you, regardless of whether a particular hotel, tour, or experience pays a commission. The planning fee allows us to recommend what’s genuinely best for you without compromise.

2. Customized Research
   Crafting the perfect trip involves meticulous research to align with your unique preferences, budget, and needs. The planning fee directly acknowledges the time and effort invested in discovering and vetting the most suitable options for an unforgettable experience. This includes detailed insights into the best activities, must-see sights, and restaurant recommendations, all of which require considerable time and expertise.

3. Time Investment
   Planning a seamless trip is more than a task; it’s a significant time investment. Hours are spent on research, coordination, and communication with clients and suppliers to ensure every detail is covered and every part of your journey is stress-free and enjoyable.

4. Risk Mitigation
   Travel can involve unforeseen challenges, from last-minute cancellations to unexpected weather or changes in plans. By charging a planning fee, we ensure our time is fairly compensated for the expertise we bring in mitigating risks and handling any issues that arise, providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.

5. Protection Against Client Cancellation
   We understand that plans change, and sometimes trips need to be canceled. The planning fee serves as a protective measure to ensure our time and effort are compensated, even in cases of cancellation. Cancellations often result in additional workload, and this fee helps maintain the sustainability of our services while ensuring we can continue to offer a high level of care to all clients.

As a guide:

• Hotel Bookings & VIP Perks - Complimentary

• Bare Bone Itinerary - Minimum $150 per destination

• Deluxe Itinerary - Minimum $450 per week

• Weddings & Group Trips - Fee to be discussed in consultation and dependent on extent of services.

There’s value in using a travel advisor for any trip, no matter the length. I work on everything from weekend getaways to multi-week adventures. Even shorter trips can benefit from added perks, special experiences, and the assurance that every detail is handled.

We specialize in creating tailored travel experiences that align with your vision. Whether you’re planning a fun vacation, a multi-generational trip, or a family reunion, we ensure every detail is personalized to make your getaway memorable. We also cater to celebrations, including birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations, as well as major life events like bachelorette or bachelor parties, weddings, honeymoons, and babymoons. For business needs, we handle corporate travel and retreats, ensuring a smooth and productive experience. Additionally, we offer services for destination weddings, cruise bookings, all-inclusive resort stays, and group trip room blocks, making it easy to coordinate any aspect of your travel plans.

My clients are travelers looking for personalized, luxury experiences. Many are busy professionals, families, and couples who value tailored itineraries, unique stays, and special perks. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a milestone trip, or a weekend getaway, I work with anyone who appreciates curated travel.

Yes, we currently book business and first-class flights. Please note that a booking fee may apply for flight arrangements.

Yes! I specialize in bespoke experiences worldwide, with a focus on luxury destinations and unique experiences like safaris, barefoot luxury, iconic cities, and adventure travel. As an A & K Africa Specialist, I have extensive knowledge of African safaris, along with destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Maldives. My VIP partnerships enable me to secure unique amenities and exclusive access for my clients.

Partnering with a travel advisor complements your own research with expert insights and connections. I help secure exclusive perks, share insider knowledge, and simplify the logistics so you get a curated experience that reflects your style. You handle the fun part of dreaming up destinations, and I handle the planning and details to make it all happen seamlessly.

As a client, you’ll enjoy the benefit of my hotel booking service at no additional cost. It’s my way of making sure you have access to exclusive perks and upgrades while giving you peace of mind. Through partnerships, I can secure amenities like daily breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-outs, which enhance your stay.

No, booking through Sarah Payne Travel typically doesn’t cost more than booking directly. Plus, you’ll gain access to exclusive benefits like breakfast, credits, and upgrades. In many cases, my partnerships allow me to provide added value without any extra cost to you.

In some cases, yes. If you’ve booked a refundable rate directly with the hotel, I can often do a ‘takeover booking’ and include my perks. Reach out to me to see if it’s possible to add VIP benefits to your existing booking.

Many credit cards do offer valuable perks, but with Sarah Payne Travel, you get additional benefits and personalized service. I can access exclusive offers and hotel programs that go beyond standard credit card perks, adding a more tailored, luxurious touch to your stay.

Ideally, it’s best to start planning 6-12 months in advance for international or complex itineraries, though certain destinations and shorter trips may require less lead time. Early planning ensures access to the best accommodations and experiences, especially for high-demand destinations. If you are looking to book a safari it is best to start planning 12+ months in advance.

FORA TRAVEL is a travel agency network that provides me with additional resources and partnerships with luxury hotels, DMC’s and travel providers around the world. This affiliation allows me to offer exclusive perks and experiences that enhance each trip, while still giving you the personalized service of working with Sarah Payne Travel.