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Ready to start planning? Share a few details about your trip and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Have questions before reaching out? Check out the FAQs below or email me directly at yannicke.collins@fora.travel.
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Everything You Need to Know
Planning FAQs
From how the planning process works to what you can expect on the ground.
01
Working Together
What kinds of trips do you plan?
I specialize in high-end leisure travel for families, couples, and groups, from a long weekend away to a complex multi-destination journey. Honeymoons, milestone celebrations, group retreats, wedding travel. My niche is family and multi-generational travel, and it's one I understand personally. Coordinating a trip that works across different ages, travel styles, and needs takes a different kind of planning. It's something I've lived, and something I genuinely love getting right.
What if I only need help booking a hotel?
I'm happy to help. No trip needs to be complicated to be worth doing well. Whether it's a single night or a full stay, I'll find the right property and handle everything. The bonus? Booking through me often unlocks perks that simply aren't available when you book direct.
Why work with a travel advisor instead of booking myself?
Online platforms give you options. I give you the right one, and then I handle everything that comes after. You get access to perks that aren't publicly available, a real person in your corner if anything goes sideways, and the peace of mind of knowing every detail has been thought through. You just show up and enjoy it.
How does the planning process work?
We start with a conversation to understand where you want to go, how you like to travel, and what matters most. From there I'll build a preliminary itinerary, present hotel options with honest comparisons, and handle all bookings and logistics. You're involved at every key decision, but you won't need to chase a single confirmation.
How far in advance should we start planning?
For international trips, peak seasons, or private villas, the earlier the better. 6 to 12 months ahead gives us the best shot at everything on your wishlist. For shorter or simpler trips, 2 to 3 months is usually plenty. I'll always be honest about what's possible with the time we have.
What happens if I need to change or cancel my trip?
I handle all communication with hotels and suppliers on your behalf, so you're not navigating cancellation policies alone. I also always recommend travel insurance to protect your investment, and I can help find the right coverage as part of the planning process.
Will I get itemized pricing for everything?
Hotels and flights are shared with full pricing detail as they're confirmed. For bespoke in-destination services, some specialist planners present pricing as a package rather than line by line. Where that's the case, I'll always be clear about exactly what's included so there are no grey areas.
What does the planning process cost?
A planning retainer is required to get started, and the amount varies depending on the level of support you're looking for. It's applied as a credit toward your first booking, so it goes directly into your travel rather than disappearing into a fee. Full details are in the Planning Retainer section below. If you're not sure which service level fits your trip, just reach out and I'll point you in the right direction.
Can you help me use my points and miles?
Yes, and it's something I love incorporating into the planning process. If you've been accumulating points or miles and aren't sure how to get the most out of them, I can help you figure out the best way to put them to work for your trip. Whether it's flights, hotels, or upgrades, we'll look at what you have and build a strategy that stretches your budget further, or simply makes the experience even better.
02
What I Can Book
What services can I book through you?
Pretty much everything that makes a trip come together: hotels, homes and villas, cruises, transportation, tours and activities, vacation packages, yacht charters, and travel insurance. Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a multi-stop international journey, I can handle as much or as little of the logistics as you need.
Can you book private villas?
Villas are one of my specialties. I have experience sourcing and booking properties that come with dedicated staff teams including villa managers, concierges, private chefs, and housekeeping. The full-service villa experience is something I particularly love putting together.
What if cruise prices drop after I book?
Cruise fares can change quickly, and timing matters. If you spot a price drop or promotion, reach out and I'll respond same-day to review your options and take action. Having an advisor means you're never waiting on hold with a call center when a rate is about to expire.
Do you arrange travel insurance?
Yes, I can assist with travel insurance as part of your overall trip planning. It's something I always recommend, especially for international travel and high-value trips.
03
The Perks
What's the advantage of working with a Fora advisor?
Fora is one of the most respected travel networks in the industry, with preferred partnerships at thousands of hotels and properties worldwide. As a Fora advisor, I have access to rates, perks, and supplier relationships that independent advisors and online booking platforms simply can't match. It means your booking carries more weight, and you benefit from it through upgrades, amenities, and a level of attention from hotel teams that comes from being recognized as a valued partner guest.
What perks can you offer on hotels?
For hotels booked through my partner network, you may be eligible for exclusive perks that simply aren't available when booking direct, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, welcome amenities, and hotel credits. These vary by property, but they have a way of making an already great trip feel that little bit more special.
What perks can you offer on cruises?
It depends on the cruise line, but through the Virtuoso Voyages program, travelers booking with a Virtuoso advisor can receive some genuinely special benefits beyond the standard package. Perks include dedicated onboard hosts, a private welcome reception, exclusive shore excursions (from VIP tours to outings with a private car and driver), shipboard credits, and specialty dining options. It's one of those situations where booking through an advisor really does make a tangible difference to your experience onboard.
Are these perks guaranteed?
Partner perks are subject to availability and vary by property and can't always be guaranteed, but I'll always let you know what's been requested and confirmed for your stay. Even when a perk isn't available, booking through a preferred partner often comes with a higher level of attention from the hotel's team.
Does using a travel advisor cost more than booking direct?
Not typically, and sometimes we can do even better. In some cases I'm able to access a preferred rate that's lower than what's publicly available. More often, the rate is the same as booking direct, but comes with extras you simply wouldn't get on your own: complimentary breakfast, specialty dining credits, hotel credits, or cruise credits. So you're either paying less, or getting more for the same price.
Planning Retainer
Your Trip
Begins Here
To begin designing your trip, a planning retainer is required. This reserves my time exclusively for you, covering the research, itinerary design, hotel sourcing, and coordination that goes into building something truly tailored to how you travel.
It is applied as a credit toward your first booking, so it goes directly into your trip. In the event of cancellation, the retainer is non-refundable. By the time we're ready to book, significant work has already been done on your behalf.
Planning Retainer
Varies by service
The retainer amount depends on the level of planning support you're looking for. Applied as a credit toward your first booking, non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
What it covers
- Initial consultation & travel style deep-dive
- Custom day-by-day itinerary design
- Hotel research & curated recommendations
- Tour, experience & transfer sourcing
- Coordination with all suppliers on your behalf
- Ongoing communication throughout planning
- Pre-departure documents & Bon Voyage sheet
Good to know
- Applied directly toward your first booking
- Non-refundable in the event of cancellation
- Secures your place. I take a limited number of trips at any one time
- Hotel and flight costs quoted separately and confirmed before booking
Ready to start?
Let's design your
perfect trip
Reach out with your destination, rough dates, and group size. I'll take it from there.
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