1. Let’s Connect
Start by submitting an inquiry, and I’ll send over a comprehensive onboarding packet with details on how I work, what you can expect, and an outline of services and fees. To get a clearer picture of your trip, we’ll gather additional information either via email or a scheduled call. Afterward, I’ll send a personalized fee proposal based on the trip’s scope and details.

2. Getting to Know You
Once you’re ready to proceed and the planning fee is set, we’ll dive into a deeper discovery phase. A detailed questionnaire will help uncover your interests—from favorite activities to must-see spots—so we can design a truly personalized experience.

3. Custom Itinerary & Bookings
With your preferences in mind, I’ll craft an itinerary tailored to your travel style, packed with the experiences you’ll love. Once you’re thrilled with the proposal, I’ll handle all reservations—from lodging to special activities—allowing you to focus on the excitement, not the logistics.

4. Pre-Trip Essentials
Before you depart, I’ll send over your final itinerary and everything you need for smooth travel. This includes a breakdown of entry requirements, essential pre-departure info, and an option for a final check-in call. You’ll receive all travel documents electronically, with easy access through an app for added convenience.

5. In-Trip Assistance
Your itinerary comes with full booking details and contacts. If you need to change plans while traveling, I’m here to help, making sure you have support at every step.

6. Post-Trip Feedback
After your return, I’d love to hear your highlights and any notes you have to make future travels even better. We can also chat about any upcoming trips on your horizon, building on each experience to keep creating memorable journeys.

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.