TROUVAILLE TRAVEL
Travel. Better
An independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, a Virtuoso agency
Luxury Travel Advisor in Charlotte NC. Serving clients globally
FAQs about working with a Luxury Travel Advisor
How do I choose a luxury travel advisor?
A luxury travel advisor is a full-time professional who specializes in planning and booking high-end, customized vacations for clients. Luxury travel advisors have extensive knowledge and preferred relationships and partnerships within the travel industry and can provide expert advice and recommendations to help clients plan the perfect trip. I believe that luxury is personal, so my goal is always to tailor and customize the itinerary and travel plans to your desires and needs, whatever those may be.
How does a luxury travel advisor differ from a traditional travel agent?
Luxury travel advisors differ from traditional travel agents in that we focus specifically on customized travel experiences rather than mass-marketed experiences. We typically have a greater level of expertise and access to exclusive opportunities that are not available to the public, such as exclusive resorts, private villas, guides, private access to experiences such as museums and other access unavailable elsewhere. I also have exclusive relationships with luxury travel partners, such as hotels and tour operators, that allow me to offer upgrades, benefits and VIP treatment for my clients.
What services does a luxury travel advisor offer?
Luxury travel advisors offer a range of services to help clients plan and book their dream vacation. These services include arranging accommodations at exclusive hotels and resorts, planning custom itineraries and activities, and providing recommendations for restaurants, activities, and experiences. We can also offer concierge services, such as providing resources to assist with visa and passport requirements, booking private tours and excursions, and handling any last-minute changes or emergencies that may arise during a trip. We work with our suppliers and vendors on your behalf and follow-up throughout your trip with you and the hotel and partners for you. For some of our clients, the most important part is that our relationships with our hotel partners means that you get the best service, well beyond what your credit card or elite status can offer.
How do I work with a luxury travel advisor to plan a custom tour?
To work with a luxury travel advisor to plan a custom tour, you will first need to schedule a consultation to discuss your travel style, goals and preferences. I will ask questions about your budget, desired destinations, interests, and any special requests you may have. Based on this information, I will work with you to design a customized itinerary. I can then make all of the necessary travel arrangements and provide you with a detailed itinerary (in an online app) and any other necessary information for your trip, down to your packing list.
Can a luxury travel advisor help me plan a multi-destination trip?
Yes, a luxury travel advisor can help you plan a multi-destination trip. In fact, I am an expert at designing multi-destination trips and have experience in creating seamless itineraries that allow you to experience multiple cities, countries or even continents in one trip. I will work with you to understand your interests and preferences and design a custom itinerary that fits your needs and budget. I will also handle all necessary travel arrangements, including booking flights and transportation, arranging accommodations, and planning activities and experiences that are often unavailable if you were to arrange on your own.
What destinations do you specialize in?
I specialize in personalized travel to wherever YOU want to go, because my specialty is working with my clients. I have obviously traveled to and planned trips to every continent, including popular destinations such as Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and Southeast Asia. I also have extensive experience in more off-the-beaten-path destinations in South America, the Middle East and Polar regions. I have partners in any destination that you can imagine to help make your experience extraordinary. My favorite types of travel to plan are wellness trips, off-the-beaten path destinations (even within well-traveled places like Italy), sustainable travel, and any trips where clients want to really get to know a destination well.
How do you customize your luxury travel itineraries?
My luxury travel itineraries are fully customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. I take the time to get to know you and understand your interests, budget, and any special requests you may have. Based on this information, I will design a personalized itinerary that includes luxurious accommodations, exclusive experiences, and personalized activities tailored to your interests. Down to your preferred pillow.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests?
Yes, our travel partners can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and special requests. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have any other dietary needs, I will work with you to ensure that your needs are met during your trip. I will also accommodate other special requests such as room preferences or requests for specific amenities. That is all part of our discover call and goes into my traveler profile form which I keep on file for every subsequent trip that you plan with me.
How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies during a trip?
I understand that travel can be unpredictable, and I am prepared to handle any last-minute changes or emergencies that may arise during your trip. We have a team of experienced professionals on call 24/7 to assist with any issues that may arise and will work with you to find the best solution to any problems that may come up. I also highly recommend travel insurance to help allay concerns about the expenses of some emergencies.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Yes, I strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in your trip and can help for you to purchase. Travel insurance policies can provide coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Do you offer group travel packages?
Yes, I am happy to coordinate group travel for groups of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of friends and family to large corporate groups. I can help you plan the perfect group trip, whether you are looking for a luxury beach vacation, a cultural tour, or an adventure vacation.
Can you help with visa and passport assistance?
Yes, I can assist with visa and passport assistance as needed. We have partner companies to assist with any expedited processing that may be required.
Can you assist with booking flights and transportation?
Yes, I can assist with booking flights and transportation as needed. We have access to a wide range of travel options, including private jets, helicopter transfers, and luxury car rentals, and can help you find the best option for your needs. Our flight desk will help you find the best options that takes account of “real” travel needs and connection times so that your travel is comfortable and seamless and you will have help should there be delays or cancellations. I also arrange VIP arrival services so you can speed through immigration.
Do you have relationships with exclusive hotels and resorts?
Of course! Through Brownell and Virtuoso, I have relationships with all of the best hotels and resorts around the world, such as Four Seasons Preferred Partnership, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Belmond Bellini Club. I can help you book accommodations at some of the most luxurious and sought-after properties in the world, including beachfront resorts, city hotels, and remote jungle lodges and our preferred relationships mean that you get the VIP treatment when you book with me. That may mean you are at the top of the upgrade list, receive spa or food and beverage credits, get delicious breakfast, free wifi, and other special touches or amenities just for you. Just ask. For our most private clients, we also arrange for private fully staffed villas.
What about sustainability?
I can make your trip carbon neutral, and offer luxury accommodations that focus on sustainability and regenerative practices without sacrificing quality. If you want a trip that is culturally immersive so that most of your funds go to local communities, I am thrilled to honor those requests.
Do you plan family travel?
Yes! I plan everything from solo travel to multigenerational groups! Bring the baby and bring the grandparents. We love working with all ages and can create custom itineraries with everyone’s needs in mind. Itineraries for different ages will vary to make sure that their interests are held, their stamina not exceeded, and that accommodations not only have enough space, but that they have resources such as kids clubs, baby rooms, and so on. With a background in educational psychology, this is another specialty!
Does working with a luxury travel advisor cost more than booking travel myself?
Like any professional, I do charge for my time to research, design and manage your travel. I require a non-refundable planning fee/deposit of $500 for a week-long trip to ensure the commitment to each other that we are going to make time to work on the trip and that you are ready to move forward. When possible, I pass along discounted industry "net" rates, which are often discounted up to 20%, and apply my fee of 15% of the net cost of the services arranged for the design and management of travel. For direct hotel bookings and retail travel products, my compensation is usually paid by the hotel, cruise or tour company and the commission is built into the retail price. Most travelers get far more value than our fees in the value that they receive from our preferred partnerships, not to mention their time spent navigating websites and trying to arrange travel on their own. The average person spends over 30 hours doing research for just a short trip. What is your time worth?
How do I get started planning my trip?
Just contact me through the button on the top of this page or the Contact Me page. I will send you a quick inquiry form to get some basics and we will set up a call to talk in more depth to see if we are a good fit to work together. Where do you want to go?