Let's clear a few things up.
If you've never worked with a travel advisor before, you're not alone. Over the years, I've heard just about every question imaginable - and honestly, most of them are great questions.
My goal has never been to convince anyone to book with me. It's simply to help you understand how travel planning really works, so you can make the decision that's best for you and your family.
So let's answer some of the questions I hear most often. Honestly.
What it's actually like to work together.
Does it cost more to work with a travel advisor?
Honest answer
No. For most of the vacations I plan, my travel planning services are provided at no additional cost to you. Like many travel advisors, I'm compensated by the travel suppliers after eligible travel is completed - so booking directly generally doesn't unlock a separate discount.
By working with me, that same supplier-funded compensation supports personalized planning, expert guidance, concierge-level service, and someone who is there to help before, during, and after your trip. Through Giving Magic, a portion of eligible commissions also helps create future Magic Moment Vacations - without costing you anything extra.
What that means for you
You receive personalized support, expert guidance, and an advocate in your corner - without paying an additional planning fee for most of the vacations I plan.
Why should I use a travel advisor instead of booking everything myself?
Honest answer
That's a great question. If you genuinely enjoy researching every detail, comparing options, and troubleshooting unexpected changes, you may enjoy planning your own vacations - many people do. But for others, vacation planning starts to feel overwhelming long before the trip even begins.
My role isn't simply to make reservations. I take the time to learn about your family, your priorities, and the kind of memories you're hoping to create, then help bring all of those pieces together into a vacation thoughtfully planned around your people - not just a destination.
What that means for you
Instead of spending hours trying to figure everything out on your own, you have someone walking alongside you from the first conversation until you return home.
What if I already know exactly where I want to go?
Honest answer
That's wonderful. Some families come to me with a destination already picked out; others have several ideas but aren't sure which is the best fit. Either way, we start exactly where you are. If you've already chosen your destination, I'll help make sure every detail supports the experience you're hoping to have - sometimes that means recommending a different resort, room category, or travel date.
What that means for you
Whether you have a Pinterest board full of ideas or no idea where to start, we'll build from there - together.
Do you work with flights, vacation rentals, Expedia, or other travel companies?
Honest answer
Yes. I can assist with far more than traditional vacation packages, including flights, vacation rentals, and travel options available through companies such as Expedia. The exact way I can help may depend on the property, supplier, and how the reservation is structured - in some cases I can book and manage it directly, in others I can provide guidance or coordinate it with the rest of your itinerary.
Travel partnerships and booking capabilities can vary, so please don't assume I can't help simply because something isn't listed on my website. If you have a specific airline, property, or platform in mind, ask - I'd much rather look into it and give you an honest answer.
What that means for you
You don't need to limit your ideas to a list on my website. Tell me what you're considering, and I'll explain exactly how I can help - or be honest if something needs to be booked another way.
What the planning process actually looks like.
When should I start planning my vacation?
Honest answer
The short answer? Earlier is almost always better - it gives you the greatest selection of resorts, room types, flights, and experiences, and more flexibility if your plans change. That said, don't worry if your trip is coming up sooner than you'd hoped. I've helped families plan with years of notice and others with much shorter timelines. No matter where you are, it's always worth reaching out.
What that means for you
The earlier we begin, the more choices we typically have - but it's never too late to start the conversation.
What if I don't know where I want to go yet?
Honest answer
You're actually in great company. Some of my favorite conversations begin with, "We know we want to take a vacation, we just have no idea where to start." You don't need a destination before reaching out - just a starting point. We'll talk about your family, your budget, your travel style, and what you hope this vacation feels like. From there, I'll recommend destinations that genuinely fit your family - not just what's popular online.
What that means for you
You don't have to choose the destination before contacting me. That's something we'll discover together.
Will you help us find promotions or better pricing if they become available?
Honest answer
Absolutely. One of the benefits of working with me is that I continue looking out for your vacation even after it's booked. When eligible promotions become available, I'll always do my best to apply them whenever possible - sometimes that means saving money, other times added value. While no promotion can ever be guaranteed, if there's an opportunity to improve your vacation, it's worth exploring.
What that means for you
You don't have to constantly monitor travel promotions yourself. I'll be doing that alongside you whenever possible.
What happens if our plans change?
Honest answer
Life happens. Families grow. Schedules change. If your plans change, I'll help you understand your options and work with our travel partners to find the best possible solution based on the supplier's policies. Every supplier has different rules regarding changes and cancellations, which is one reason I encourage protecting your vacation with travel insurance whenever appropriate.
What that means for you
If something unexpected happens, you have someone in your corner helping you navigate the next steps.
What happens once you've left for vacation.
What happens if something goes wrong while we're traveling?
Honest answer
While I hope your vacation goes exactly as planned, travel doesn't always go perfectly - flights get delayed, weather changes, reservations occasionally need adjusted. When they do, you won't navigate everything on your own. I'll help you understand your options, work alongside our travel partners whenever appropriate, and do everything I can to help get your vacation back on track quickly.
What that means for you
Instead of facing unexpected challenges alone, you'll have someone helping you work through them.
Will you still be available after we've booked our trip?
Honest answer
Absolutely. In many ways, booking your vacation is just the beginning. As your trip approaches, I'll continue helping with planning details, answering questions, and making sure you feel prepared before you leave. And while you're traveling, I'm still here if something unexpected comes up. I genuinely want you to enjoy your vacation - not worry about who to call if plans suddenly change.
What that means for you
My goal is for you to feel supported from our very first conversation until you're back home sharing stories from your trip.
Do you help with more than just booking the vacation?
Honest answer
Yes - and honestly, that's one of my favorite parts of what I do. Depending on your destination and your family's needs, I can help coordinate transportation, room requests, stroller or equipment rentals, dining recommendations, celebrations, excursions, special touches, travel documentation reminders, and more. Every vacation is different because every family is different.
What that means for you
Instead of juggling dozens of moving pieces yourself, you'll have someone helping coordinate the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
What if I have questions that aren't listed here?
Honest answer
Please ask. I never want someone to avoid reaching out because they think their question is too small, too obvious, or too complicated. If it's important to you, it's important to me. Some of the best conversations I've had with clients started with, "This might be a silly question..." I promise, it never is.
What that means for you
You never have to wonder whether it's okay to ask. That's exactly what I'm here for.
What Giving Magic really is.
What is Giving Magic?
Honest answer
Giving Magic is the heart behind everything we do. Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable vacations for the families we serve while helping create meaningful travel experiences for deserving families facing extraordinary challenges. Through trusted local nonprofit partnerships, a portion of eligible commissions helps fund future Magic Moment Vacations - allowing your family's journey to become part of someone else's story.
What that means for you
Your vacation has the opportunity to create a ripple that extends far beyond your own itinerary - without costing you anything extra.
Does booking through Giving Magic cost more?
Honest answer
No. Your vacation doesn't cost more because you choose to work with Giving Magic. Travel suppliers compensate our team through eligible commissions after travel is completed, just as they would for many travel advisors. Instead of keeping every eligible commission within the business, Giving Magic dedicates a portion toward creating future Magic Moment Vacations.
What that means for you
You receive personalized travel planning at no additional cost while helping create something meaningful for another family.
How are Magic Moment families selected?
Honest answer
Magic Moment families are identified through trusted nonprofit organizations that work directly with families in our community. These organizations know the families they serve and help identify those who would benefit most from the opportunity to step away from life's challenges and create meaningful memories together - protecting each family's privacy while ensuring every Magic Moment is awarded thoughtfully and with dignity.
What that means for you
You can feel confident knowing your vacation is helping support a mission built on compassion, trust, and genuine community partnerships.
Do Giving Magic travel advisors receive free vacations too?
Honest answer
No - and I'm always glad when people ask. If a Giving Magic travel advisor has the privilege of traveling alongside a Magic Moment family, they pay for their own travel expenses. Every Magic Moment Vacation exists to create an unforgettable experience for the family receiving it, not to provide complimentary travel for advisors. For me, being part of those moments is a privilege, not a perk.
What that means for you
You can feel confident knowing the Giving Magic mission is centered entirely on the families we serve.
Where can I learn more about Giving Magic?
Honest answer
If you'd like to explore the mission in greater depth, meet some of the families whose lives have been impacted, or learn more about how Magic Moment Vacations are creating ripples throughout our community, I'd love for you to visit the Giving Magic page. It's one of my favorite parts of this website.
What that means for you
If you're looking for more than a vacation, you may discover a mission you'd love to be part of.
Still have a question? I'd love to help.
You don't need to have every detail planned before reaching out. Whether you already know exactly where you'd like to go or you're simply hoping someone can help you explore the possibilities, we'll start with a conversation. No pressure. No obligation.
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? No question is too small - sometimes the best place to start is simply by asking.