frequently asked questions

Travel advisor answering client questions during the vacation planning process at That Blonde Travels.

At That Blonde Travels, I specialize in crafting seamless, unforgettable travel experiences designed just for you. With my expert guidance and personalized attention, you’ll enjoy a level of service, customization, and exclusive access that far surpasses what you can do on your own.

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions from my clients. If you don’t see your question listed, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m always here to assist you!


Booking Process & Custom Itinerary Services

  • I’m definitely not your Grandma’s travel agent! Think of me like your personal travel advisor. Yes, I’m covering the duties of a traditional travel agent like booking hotels and tours, however, what I offer goes far beyond that. I’m also customizing your trip and sharing hidden gems you aren’t going to find on Google. I am personally involved every step of the way to ensure all aspects of your getaway are taken care of and to make sure that your travel experience is one to remember.

  • My clients are busy, travel-enthusiastic, and often don’t have the time or desire to handle all the details of trip planning. Whether they’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an unforgettable adventure, they want a seamless, stress-free experience. As someone who's absolutely hotel-obsessed, I ensure that every stay is carefully chosen to enhance your experience—whether it’s a luxury resort or a hidden gem. Together, we’ll craft a one-of-a-kind vacation that you and your family will treasure forever.

  • I design personalized getaways tailored to your unique style and preferences. While every trip is different, here’s how we’ll work together:

    • HELLO: It all starts with a conversation. The more I learn about you and your interests, the better I can tailor your trip to fit your style. I’ll ask a few questions, you’ll share what you love, and then we’ll kick off the planning process. Ready to begin? (Complete the contact form here)

    • PLANNING: Maybe you have a destination in mind but haven’t figured out the details yet—that’s the best part of working together! I’ll meet you wherever you are in the planning process and help you from there.

    • FINDING THE PERFECT ACCOMODATIONS: Are boutique hotels your style, or maybe you’re envisioning a private villa? Perhaps you’re after an all-inclusive resort, or your group is looking for something more budget-friendly. Whatever your preference, I specialize in 4 and 5-star hotels and am absolutely hotel-obsessed, so I’ll find the perfect accommodations to match the experience you’re seeking. Plus, through my preferred partner benefits, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks like room upgrades, daily breakfast, and hotel credits at many top properties. I’ll tap into my network of trusted resources and provide you with a carefully curated selection of the best options. If nothing feels quite right, don’t worry—we’ll keep searching until we find your perfect match.

    • YOU’RE ON THE LIST: One of the greatest benefits of working with me is the peace of mind knowing that everything will be taken care of well in advance—so you never have to worry about a thing! From accommodations to tours, transportation, and all the activities on your itinerary, I’ll handle every detail for you.

    • CUSTOM ITINERARY: We’ll collaborate to craft a custom itinerary tailored to your ideal travel experience. Every detail will be planned in advance, ensuring you can enjoy everything on your list without missing a thing.

    • FINALIZING YOUR ITINERARY: Before you head out on your trip, we’ll make sure every detail is locked in. I’ll provide you with everything you need, so you can feel completely prepared and excited for your custom vacation.

    • AN EMAIL (OR TEXT... OR PHONE CALL) AWAY: Before, during, and after your trip, I’m here to assist with anything you need! Plus, with on-the-ground support through my trusted in-destination partners, you’ll have local assistance to ensure everything runs smoothly wherever you are.

    • VACATION FOLLOW-UP: Now that you're back, I can't wait to hear all about your trip! I truly loved planning every detail of your adventure, and I’m excited to help you create even more incredible getaways in the future.

    Ready to get started?
    Fill out the contact form to begin your next adventure!

  • It varies depending on the complexity of your trip, but generally, the process takes about 2-4 weeks for a custom itinerary from start to finish. To ensure your trip planning stays on schedule, please aim to respond to my messages within 48 hours. Timely responses help us keep everything moving smoothly and make sure your trip is well-prepared in advance. The more quickly you can provide feedback or confirm details, the faster we can finalize everything. I’ll keep you updated every step of the way to ensure everything is perfect!

  • It’s always a good idea to start planning 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak travel times like spring break, holidays, or high-demand destinations. For custom itineraries, we recommend starting at least 2-3 months before your departure, but I can accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability.

    However, if you're planning a destination wedding or a safari, I recommend starting at least 12-18 months in advance to secure the best locations, vendors, and availability. For peak travel times such as spring break or the festive season, I suggest beginning the planning process at least 12 months ahead to ensure everything falls into place smoothly.

    The sooner we start, the more options you’ll have, and we’ll be able to craft the perfect getaway for you with plenty of time to prepare!

    Ready to get started?
    Fill out the contact form to begin your next adventure!

  • As a travel advisor, I save you time, reduce stress, and ensure you get access to exclusive perks and upgrades. With my in-depth knowledge of destinations and connections with top hotels, resorts, and service providers, I craft unique, seamless travel experiences that you can’t find online.

    Ready to get started?
    Fill out the contact form to begin your next adventure!

    • When you prefer not to deal with the stress of planning it all yourself and would rather leave the details to a pro.

    • When you want a trusted expert to create a custom itinerary for you.

    • When you’re short on time but want a custom itinerary designed for a next-level experience.

    • When you’re looking for the expertise of a travel advisor, along with exclusive perks and pricing not available to the public. Travel advisors are often your personal guides, offering insider tips and “off-the-beaten-path” recommendations.

    Ready to get started?
    Fill out the contact form to begin your next adventure!

  • At That Blonde Travels, I specialize in crafting personalized, seamless travel experiences that go beyond the basics. I’m not just booking your hotels—I’m creating a trip that’s tailored to your style, preferences, and every little detail that makes your experience unforgettable.

    Here’s a snapshot of the types of services I offer:

    • Luxury Getaways – From five-star resorts to VIP experiences, I partner with top properties to offer upgrades, exclusive perks, and seamless luxury.

    • Adventure & Unique Experiences – Whether it's a safari in Africa or hiking in Patagonia, I specialize in creating adventurous itineraries that go off the beaten path.

    • Family Travel – Stress-free, family-friendly itineraries with activities and accommodations that work for everyone, making your family vacation effortless and fun.

    • Honeymoon Planning – I’ll design a custom honeymoon, whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or luxury. From exclusive perks to curated experiences, I’ll handle all the details for a seamless trip.

    • Custom Itineraries – Whether you're after local experiences or hidden gems, I’ll craft a completely custom itinerary, ensuring every aspect of your trip is thoughtfully planned.

    • Destination Weddings – While I don’t plan the wedding itself, I manage the travel logistics for you and your guests, including securing room blocks, coordinating group bookings, and ensuring a stress-free experience. You can find more information about Destination Weddings here.

    Why Work With Me?

    Unlike DIY planning, I provide destination expertise, exclusive partner benefits, and a personal touch to every trip. My connections with top resorts, tour operators, and local partners give you insider access, upgrades, and peace of mind that every detail is handled.

    Ready to get started?
    Fill out the contact form to begin your next adventure!


Investment information

  • I charge a research and design fee because each trip I create is tailored specifically to you, involving hours of in-depth research, planning, and customization. This allows you to relax and look forward to your vacation, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully arranged—saving you time and energy.

    The fee ensures your trip is crafted with the highest level of expertise, insider knowledge, and access to exclusive partner perks. You're not simply paying for a booking; you're investing in a seamless, one-of-a-kind experience that maximizes the value of your getaway!

    If you’re looking for a hotel, vacation rental, or cruise, I can book it for you with the added benefit of exclusive perks from our partners—such as daily breakfast, room upgrades, and hotel credits—at no extra cost to you.

  • Our research and design fee covers everything from your initial consultation to the development of a personalized, detailed itinerary. This includes researching destinations, selecting accommodations, arranging transportation, curating activities, and managing all logistics. Any additional fees such as booking flights or adding travel insurance will be outlined before any charges are made.

  • Total investment depends on services rendered.

    See investment information here.


Other Resources

  • While you can certainly book hotels, cruises, and tours on your own, booking through me gives you access to exclusive perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and much more! With my insider knowledge, I'll ensure you get the best experiences and value for your budget, maximizing your vacation’s potential.

    Here’s a quick guide to booking on your own through me:

    Let me know if you need assistance at any step—I’m here to help!

  • Travel insurance is highly recommended for every trip, especially during uncertain times. While I work hard to ensure everything runs smoothly, unexpected events can occur. Having insurance can protect your investment and provide peace of mind. Click here to learn more about the insurance options available.

  • Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what some of my clients have said about their experience working with me!

    • We simply cannot put into words how special our trip to Ireland was. The accommodations and itinerary that Lauren chose for us truly made our stay so very special. Each property she booked brought its own unique character and local specialties. The staff at these properties blew us away with their attentiveness and genuine care for our experience there. They saved us on a couple different occasions and we owe a great deal of gratitude to them for all they did. Without knowing where to begin ourselves we entrusted this special trip to Lauren and she provided such a beautiful itinerary across Ireland that catered to not only our tastes and speed but also accommodated our little one. Her expertise was invaluable as well as her patience with our many questions. Thank you so much Lauren for everything!!!

    • Lauren is the BEST! She planned the perfect European trip with stops in both Paris and Barcelona. Me, my daughter and 3 y/o grandson had so much fun visiting Disneyland Paris; the Eiffel Tower; The Louvre and enjoyed private guided walking tours of historical Barcelona landmarks and taking in the delicious cuisine each city had to offer. Additionally, the transfers to/from the airport to our hotels were such a lifesaver. Lauren listened to what we asked for and was very responsive with every planning step to ensure our expectations were exceeded. Truly cannot wait to plan our next adventure with you Lauren!

    • I contacted Lauren for assistance in planning a dream trip to Italy and Greece for my family of 6. I did not feel comfortable planning it on my own because I had never been to these countries and wanted to make sure we spent our money wisely and were never left clueless about what to do while there. I gave Lauren a fairly vague idea about our interests and she built a perfectly tailored itinerary for our family…..from her options for lodging, to excursions that would be enjoyable to both college students and parents alike, and finally right down to porter service for our flight home that was very much needed for weary travelers. She absolutely took care of everything. Lauren anticipated our needs and made sure they were met. She was always available for questions before we left and also while there. She created a seamless experience where we never had to worry about a thing and could truly enjoy the trip. Lauren’s service is impeccable and she is a pleasure to work with in planning. She created not just the trip of a lifetime but also a lifetime of memories thanks to her careful planning and knowledge.

    • Lauren was exactly who we needed to plan our Greece honeymoon! She is very knowledgeable (which was perfect bc we were clueless), and it's clear that she's passionate about what she does. The planning process was so easy - she asked about our interests and what we've like about past trips, and she created what we found to be a PERFECT itinerary with a perfect balance of activities and resort relaxation. We wanted to make a few adjustments to the initial suggested itinerary, and Lauren was super responsive and happy to make adjustments as needed. Based on Lauren's recommendations, we visited Crete, Paros, and Athens (with amazing accommodations), which multiple locals agreed that is a great selection of Greece destinations. Lauren also had pre-arranged drivers for us which made island hopping and transportation so efficient!

  • I stay updated on all the latest travel advisories and health guidelines for the destinations I work with. If you’re traveling during uncertain times, I will ensure your trip is planned with flexibility in mind. However, it's ultimately the traveler’s responsibility to stay informed about any changes in travel restrictions, health requirements, or local regulations leading up to their trip. I strongly recommend checking official government websites and relevant resources to ensure you're aware of the latest updates for your specific destination.

  • If you still have questions or are ready to begin planning your next trip, I’d love to help. Reach out to me today, and let’s start creating your dream vacation!

Have more questions or ready to get started planning your dream trip? Contact me or fill out the contact form today!


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