Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Advisor FAQ
As a culinary travel specialist, I help travelers plan unforgettable, stress-free food and culture journeys with insider tips, perks, and upgrades. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo escape, a couple’s retreat, or a group adventure, here’s everything you need to know about working with me.
What Does a Travel Advisor Do?
Think of me as your personal insider, advocate, and travel designer.
I research, plan, and coordinate every detail — from flights and hotels to culinary experiences and guided tours — so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
You’ll also unlock exclusive travel perks and curated experiences that aren’t available when booking on your own, such as room upgrades, dining credits, and early check-in through partners like Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred, and Hyatt Privé.
✨ In short: I make travel effortless, inspired, and completely personal.
Why Book With Me Instead of an Online Site?
Personalized Service
No templates or one-size-fits-all itineraries — every trip is designed around your pace, priorities, and passions. Whether you want a balance of exploration and relaxation or a fully immersive food adventure, I’ll tailor it to you.
Insider Access & Perks
Through my preferred partnerships, you’ll often enjoy:
Room upgrades (when available)
Daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out
Resort or property credits
All at the same or better rate than booking directly — plus the time you’ll save researching.
Food & Culture Focus
Travel through your palate. From private cooking classes and vineyard tastings to Michelin-star meals and hidden neighborhood gems, your itinerary connects you to each destination through flavor, tradition, and local life.
Thoughtful, Comfortable Design
Trained in accessible and wellness-focused travel, I ensure every itinerary flows smoothly — balancing activity, rest, and discovery so your journey feels as good as it tastes.
How Does a Travel Advisor Earn Money?
Hotels, cruise lines, and travel partners pay advisors a commission for bookings — at no additional cost to you.
For highly customized or multi-destination itineraries, a planning fee may apply to cover the time, research, and personal support involved.
Do You Charge a Planning Fee?
No Planning Fee for:
Hotel-only or airfare-only bookings
Straightforward itineraries (flights + hotel + transfers)
You’ll still receive all available perks and benefits.
Planning Fee Applies for:
Multi-city or group itineraries
Complex or custom culinary trips
Fees typically begin at $150, depending on the scope of your trip. I’ll always share any applicable fees before we begin — no surprises, ever.
Do You Only Book Hotels?
Not at all! I curate nearly every element of your travel experience, including:
Airfare, private drivers, and transfers
Villas, boutique stays, and luxury resorts
Cruises and rail journeys
Cooking classes, tastings, and immersive workshops
Museum passes and event tickets
Day tours and multi-day guided experiences
If it enhances your journey, I can design and arrange it for you — often with added perks.
In a Nutshell
If you want insider access, personalized experiences, and stress-free travel planning, working with a culinary travel specialist makes all the difference.
I handle the logistics quietly and beautifully — so you can focus on the memories, the people, and the meals that make travel truly unforgettable.
Let’s design your next extraordinary journey — one great meal at a time. [Get started now.]
Testimonials
“Joy made sure to plan with specifics while giving us ample leeway for last-minute ideas. That's what I liked best. We weren't boxed in, yet our "musts" were taken care of, from transfers to excursions. Joy is GREAT!” - J.S.
“Joy planned the most seamless, food-filled trip we've ever taken. Michelin meals, perfect flights, and hotel upgrades. Book with her!” - R.D.
“Everything was handled - even the coffee spots. It was like having a concierge in my pocket.” - T.M.
“Joy had great communication throughout the whole process. Everything went smoothly and painlessly. Thanks for booking our girls’ trip!” - L.H.
“Every detail was seamless. I’ll never book a big trip without her again.” – MR.
“She made the planning process effortless. The coolest part is that Joy provided us with a location map filled with local spots we would never have found on our own.” – J.C.