Travel Services
Experience the Joy
Designed for the Way You Travel
Your Personal Travel Advisor
Vacation Planning Includes:
Expert advice, research, itinerary building, all components booked and managed for you, support during travel, and gifts.
Expert Advice for Planning
Research, Itinerary Building and Managing all Components For You in an Itinarary App
Individual Support With a Personal Cell Number
Support Before Travel for Modifications and Advice, and Support During Travel
Exclusive Amenities and Gifts
Only $150 per adult, per trip, (children are always complimentary).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people still use travel agents when you can book anything online yourself?
The need for qualified travel advisors is on the rise. In this age of artificial intelligence (AI) there are so many choices online that it becomes overwhelming noise and leads to decision fatigue. It can be easy for someone to click on the wrong thing and become the victim of fraud, or more often, overpriced low-quality offerings portrayed as luxury. Frequently people think they are finding the best deal until they get to the transaction page and find out that they will owe a bunch of hidden taxes and fees. Using a travel advisor is a personal experience with someone you trust. At Experience Joy Travel Company, I am your "Travel Advisor" and I curate personalized, experience-based journeys using my expertise, industry connections, and experience. I design comprehensive trips, often providing in-destination support, which is a higher level of service than a traditional agent. "Travel Agent" and "Travel Advisor" are often used interchangeably, but the word "advisor" emphasizes the consultative and design-focused aspects of my role.
What services do you provide?
- I save your precious time.
- I have answers for the questions you didn't know to ask.
- I have experience, knowledge, and access to up-to-date industry information.
- I have personal connections with travel suppliers, hoteliers, cruise lines, and tour operators all over the world.
- I provide exclusive Virtuoso amenities, such as resort credit and suite upgrades.
- I am personal and accountable.
- I am committed to you having the travel experience you desire.
What are your service costs?
There is a one-time cost of $150 per adult traveler (before discounts) per trip, which is called the "Service Retainer". Children 17 and under are always complimentary. You will receive more value back than the cost of the Service Retainer on your vacation due to my worldwide travel partnerships and affiliation with luxury consortium, Virtuoso, so consider this a deposit on your future happiness! My affiliation with this consortia, which is by invitation only and exclusive to the best of the best, will often give you valuable upgrades worth hundreds of dollars, exclusive experiences, as well as spa, food, and beverage credits.
Why do you charge a service fee? Don't you get commission from the travel companies you book my vacation with?
Not all companies pay commission, and this practice has been declining in recent years. In fact, airlines are one example of a supplier that does not pay commission whatsoever. Many travel companies I work with compensate me for the services I provide them, which they would have to do for themselves if I did not, and at a greater cost. In some cases, these commissions are no longer large enough to compensate me for what I do for them as well as the time I invest in my client.
Do I end up paying more for my vacation by going through you instead of booking online on my own?
Not at all. When you browse online for discounted travel there are often many hidden fees that are not disclosed to you in the initial prices shown, and therefore it may look like you would get a better deal booking on your own. Often, a hotel or cruise line will show you the price without the taxes or fees, or the lowest price available (not available on the dates you are traveling), or with a coupon or promotion added that does not apply to you. When I show you a proposal I will include all of the necessary details so that you have an accurate idea of the total cost. I will also suggest choosing one of my preferred travel companies to avoid the "nickel and diming" I often see with large travel corporations and online booking systems. You will find that when you choose high-quality travel companies and products that your experience is elevated and value expectation is exceeded.
Why shouldn't I book directly with a cruise line, hotel, or tour operator?
Because they do not provide the unbiased research and consultation service that I do. In fact, they are often not interested in finding the best choice for you. My loyalty is to you, my client, and making sure that the travel components I book are the best choices available.
