Thank you for reaching out
We are thrilled to help you plan an unforgettable expericene.

As a luxury travel advisor, I specialize in crafting personalized, hassle-free travel experiences. My goal is to handle every detail—from securing the best flights and accommodations to arranging private experiences—so you can focus on enjoying your dream getaway.

Who are the Key Players in your Travel Planning?
There is more that goes on behind the scene than you may know
  • Independent Travel Agent (or Independent Contractor)
  • Tour Operator
  • Vendor
  • Host Agency
  • Consortia

Independent Travel Agent/Travel Planner
In my company it would be Me or Suzi that you speak with while planning
  • Definition: An independent travel agent operates their own travel business or agency, but they are typically not tied to a specific company or brand. They may be self-employed or work for a host agency or a consortia.
  • Services: They design and sell travel experiences such as flights, hotels, tours, and packages, often catering to niche markets or specific types of travel. They offer personalized service and act as a client's advocate.
  • Earnings: They typically earn commissions on the services they sell or charge fees for the travel planning they provide.
  • Example: A travel agent who works from home, handles their own clients, and books travel through various suppliers.
Tour Operator
I hand pick who I use based on relationship, service, knowledge, experience and who delivers the needs my clients have
  • Definition: A tour operator is a company or business that packages and sells travel experiences, including accommodations, transportation, tours, and activities. They often work directly with suppliers (hotels, airlines, and activity providers) to create and organize these packages.
  • Services: Tour operators create pre-arranged travel packages or tailor-make trips, selling them to travel agents, consortia, or directly to consumers. These packages are often all-inclusive and are designed for a specific destination or interest (e.g., adventure tours, luxury vacations).
  • Earnings: They earn profit by selling these packages to travel agents or consumers at a markup, usually after securing contracts with the various vendors involved.
  • Example: A company like Intrepid Travel or Abercrombie & Kent, Classic Vacations, GoWay Travel, Authentic Vacations, Kensington. 
Vendor
We work with vetted vendors based on contracts, relationships, experience and reviews
  • Definition: A vendor is any individual or company that provides a specific travel product or service. Vendors are the suppliers of the components that make up a traveler’s journey, such as hotels, transportation providers, airlines, or tour guides.
  • Services: Vendors sell individual travel products or services (e.g., hotel stays, car rentals, excursions) to either tour operators, agents, or directly to consumers. They typically don’t package these products or organize trips, they just provide the components that other businesses use.
  • Earnings: Vendors earn revenue from their services by selling directly to consumers or through intermediaries like tour operators or travel agents.
  • Example: A hotel chain, an airline, a car rental company, or a local tour guide.
Host Agency
Basically like my boss or my back up if emergencies arise. We mutually choose eachother and have a contract
  • Definition: A host agency is a company that provides a platform for independent travel agents to operate under their umbrella. They offer back-end support, including booking tools, training, marketing materials, and commission structures.
  • Services: The host agency does not typically book travel themselves but supports independent agents by allowing them to access a wide range of suppliers and services. The host often provides the necessary infrastructure (e.g., technology, contracts, customer support).
  • Earnings: Independent agents working under a host agency typically earn commissions on the bookings they make, with a portion of that commission going to the host agency as a fee for services and support.
  • Example: Travel Leaders, Avoya Travel, Outside Agents, or Travel Edge
Consortia
This is how we get the perks. One hotel night for you is like 1000 nights. This gives our clients VIP recognition.
  • Definition: A consortia is a group or network of travel agencies that come together to share resources, access better pricing, and receive benefits (like special promotions or marketing tools) that they might not get on their own.
  • Services: Consortia members (which could be both independent agents and agencies) often get access to preferred vendor relationships, exclusive rates, and special promotions from suppliers due to their collective buying power. They also share marketing and business development tools.
  • Earnings: Consortia members earn commission splits from bookings made through the preferred suppliers and often get bonuses or incentives for high sales volume.
  • Example: Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, Travel Leaders Network or Ensemble.
Expert Advice & Personalized Service
Online search engines do not offer this
  • Tailored Recommendations: Independent agents have deep knowledge and expertise in crafting customized trips that match the client’s preferences, interests, and budget. They can provide insightful recommendations for unique experiences that may not be obvious through a DIY approach.
  • Stress-Free Planning: Rather than navigating the complexities of booking everything yourself, the agent takes care of all the details—from flights and accommodations to transfers and activities—ensuring the itinerary is seamless and well-coordinated.
  • Problem Solving: If something goes wrong (e.g., flight delays, booking issues), an agent can step in to help resolve the problem quickly, whereas booking directly may leave consumers to handle it themselves.
Access to Exclusive Amenities & Perks
This comes with our contracted vendors only
  • Special Perks & Amenities: Being part of a consortia or working with a tour operator allows the travel agent to offer exclusive promotions, special rates, and perks such as room upgrades, early check-ins, or VIP access that might not be available to consumers booking directly.
  • Group Buying Power: Agents who belong to a consortia benefit from negotiated rates and supplier relationships that may offer savings or added value for the consumer. These benefits often result in better pricing, additional amenities, or extra services included in the package.
Seamless & Protected Experience
Booking individual components separately or booking online does not offer this
  • Tour Operator Expertise: When an independent agent works with a tour operator, the trip is often well-packaged and guaranteed. This means that services like hotels, transportation, and tours are pre-arranged and vetted by professionals, ensuring the consumer’s experience is smooth.
  • Contractual Protection: Through the tour operator, contracts are put in place to secure pricing and availability, which protects the consumer from price increases or booking issues that can arise when booking directly.
  • Professional Handling of Changes: If there’s a disruption in the schedule or changes need to be made, the agent acts as an advocate to ensure the client is well taken care of with the support of the tour operator.
Time Savings
Vacation Planning should not take longer than the actual vacation time
  • Less Time Spent Planning: Planning a vacation can take a lot of time—researching destinations, finding the best flights, reading reviews, comparing prices. Independent travel agents handle all of this research, so consumers can save hours of effort and enjoy the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.
  • Curated Experiences: Travel agents can filter out options that don’t align with the client’s style, saving them from wading through countless online options and making the planning process much quicker.
Financial Protection & Peace of Mind
Cheaper is not always less expensive
  • Financial Security: By booking through a tour operator, clients often have financial protection in case of cancellations or changes. Tour operators and reputable agencies usually provide protections like travel insurance options and will help facilitate claims if anything goes wrong.
  • Risk Management: In uncertain times (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, or geopolitical tensions), having a trusted advisor ensures that the consumer’s investment is protected. If needed, the agent can step in to change arrangements, rebook flights, or help with refunds.
Advocacy & Support Before, During, and After the Trip
We Work for YOU
  • Ongoing Support: Unlike booking online or through a direct supplier, consumers who book with an independent agent have someone on their side for ongoing support. They can contact their agent if there’s a problem, need a change to the itinerary, or even require emergency assistance during their trip.
  • Post-Trip Follow-Up: A travel agent may check in after the trip to ensure the experience met expectations and gather feedback for future travels. This creates a long-term relationship for future bookings.
Local Expertise & Insider Access
At least 1 person from our team has likely experienced each and every aspect of the trips we book
  • Insider Knowledge: Independent agents often have local contacts and special access to exclusive experiences that the average consumer may not find online. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes tour, a private chef’s dinner, or insider tips on hidden gems, the agent can offer experiences that go beyond typical tourist offerings.
  • Local Tour Guides & Experts: The agent’s relationship with tour operators means that clients get the benefit of local expertise from guides and professionals who are deeply knowledgeable about the destination, enriching the overall experience.
Summary: Why It’s Worth the Investment

Are you ready to use a Travel Advisor?

  • Expert Guidance & Personalization: Independent agents offer personalized service and tailor trips to your exact preferences.
  • Exclusive Deals & VIP Access: Access to special perks and insider deals that may not be available elsewhere.
  • Seamless Planning & Protection: With a tour operator and host agency backing, the planning is effortless, and the consumer’s investment is protected through contracts and support.
  • Time & Stress Savings: Consumers save valuable time and avoid the stress of planning every detail.
  • Ongoing Support & Advocacy: The consumer has an advocate who handles any issues that arise, both before and during the trip.

While DIY bookings may seem like a more budget-friendly option upfront, the value of an independent travel agent lies in the convenience, expertise, and protection they provide, ensuring a stress-free and memorable experience. For those who value a seamless journey and the peace of mind that comes with professional planning, it’s an investment well worth making.

How Much More Does It Cost to Book Through an Independent Agent vs. DIY?
While the exact difference can vary based on the destination, season, and the services provided, here are some general trends:
  • Booking Through an Independent Agent: The consumer typically pays for the expertise and service that an agent provides, which includes personalized planning, access to exclusive deals, and ongoing support.
    • Average Increase in Cost: On average, booking through an agent may cost around 10–20% more than booking directly, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule. It depends on the complexity of the trip and the arrangements made.
    • Why the Price Difference?:
      • Booking Fees/Planning Fees: These are one-time charges (e.g., $250–$750) for their expertise.
      • Tour Operator Markups: When working with a tour operator, some packages may have a small markup to cover the costs of arranging and securing contracts, but this often comes with added value (e.g., VIP access, included meals, upgrades, etc.).
      • Exclusive Perks: While some agents add a markup, they also offer discounted rates and exclusive offers that are not available when booking independently, which can help offset the extra cost.
How Much Time Do Clients Save on Average by Booking Through an Independent Agent?
Booking travel independently involves a lot of time spent researching, comparing, and finalizing details. Here’s how an independent agent can save time:

  • Researching: A typical vacation may require hours or even days of research to compare prices, reviews, amenities, and available dates. The agent does all of this work, providing the client with curated options in a fraction of the time.

    • Time Saved: Clients may save 10–20 hours of planning time (or more for complex trips) when booking with an agent.

  • Booking: When you book directly, you have to navigate multiple booking platforms, enter personal details, and sometimes handle issues with payment or booking errors. An agent handles the full process.

    • Time Saved: 1–3 hours per booking for each hotel, transfer, or activity (especially when booking multi-destination or multi-part trips).

  • Coordinating Transfers & Logistics: Agents handle all coordination, making sure transportation, tours, and accommodation are in sync, which can take multiple hours of phone calls and emails for DIY planning.

    • Time Saved: 3–5 hours for complex trips with multiple moving parts (e.g., destination weddings, multi-city tours).

  • Problem-Solving: If something goes wrong, an agent handles the troubleshooting, while a DIY traveler would have to sort out issues on their own.

    • Time Saved: If a traveler encounters flight delays, cancellations, or hotel issues, agents resolve it much quicker than a DIY approach. The time saved here depends on the situation but could range from 30 minutes to several hours.
How Does Booking Through an Independent Agent Protect the Client’s Investment?

One of the key benefits of booking through a professional agent is the protection of your travel investment. Here’s how:

Vendor Relationships & Contracts

  • Secured Contracts: Tour operators and travel agencies work with trusted suppliers and create contracts to lock in prices and availability. This means that the client is protected from price increases or last-minute changes that could occur if they booked directly.
  • Refunds & Cancellations: If the supplier cancels or changes something (e.g., flight schedule or hotel closure), an agent will intervene to ensure that the client’s investment is refunded or rebooked at no extra charge. DIY travelers may have to deal with complicated refund processes themselves.

Financial Protection

  • Travel Insurance: Many independent agents will recommend or provide access to travel insurance that protects the client’s investment in case of trip interruptions, cancellations, or medical emergencies.
  • Payment Protection: Working with reputable agents and tour operators means payments are often made through secure channels and covered by consumer protection laws. This is particularly important in the case of large deposits and final payments.

Problem Resolution & Advocacy

  • 24/7 Assistance: During travel, if something goes wrong (like flight delays, lost luggage, or hotel issues), an agent can step in and advocate for the client. Agents work on the client’s behalf to resolve issues quickly.
  • DIY Risks: Without an agent, a traveler may be left to deal with the hassle on their own. If they book independently, they might have to deal directly with suppliers and risk losing time and money in the process.

Protection Against Overpaying for Services

  • Access to Exclusive Rates: Independent agents and tour operators often have access to exclusive rates and packages that are not available to the public, which can help clients avoid overpaying for services.
  • Cost Savings: While the initial booking might be slightly more expensive, exclusive deals and value-added perks (e.g., room upgrades, complimentary meals, VIP access) are often factored in, meaning the client is getting better overall value.

Continuity of Service & Itinerary Security

  • Fully Coordinated Itinerary: With an agent, clients don’t have to worry about gaps or overlaps in their itinerary (e.g., missed transfers or misaligned activities). The whole trip is packaged and secured in advance, so everything is handled in one coordinated package.
  • DIY Risk: If something goes wrong or a client misses a flight, transfer, or tour due to a booking oversight, there is no one to step in and assist. Agents manage the logistics and ensure that the trip runs smoothly.
Summary of Key Benefits:

Cost vs Time

  • Cost: Booking through an agent may add 10–20% more to the total trip cost, but this covers planning fees and access to exclusive deals, VIP perks, and personalized service.
  • Time Savings: Travelers can save 10–20 hours of planning and 1–5 hours per booking by relying on an agent for research, logistics, and coordination.
  • Investment Protection: Travel agents provide contractual guarantees, financial protection (through insurance or secure payments), and problem resolution if things go wrong during the trip.

Booking through an independent travel agent adds value in the form of expert advice, exclusive benefits, and peace of mind that more than compensates for the slight increase in cost. The time saved and protection of the investment are key advantages, especially for those who want a stress-free and expertly planned travel experience.

Planning & Research Time:
Time Saved 30-50 hours
  • DIY: Researching and planning a multi-destination trip to Italy, including flights, accommodations, transfers, tours, local experiences, restaurants, etc., could take 40–60 hours. This includes:
    • Researching destinations (Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, etc.).
    • Comparing hotels, prices, and availability.
    • Identifying and booking suitable tours.
    • Coordinating transfers (train tickets, airport transfers, etc.).
    • Finding restaurants and activities.
  • With an Independent Agent: An agent would typically curate an itinerary, present it to the client, and finalize details with little to no back-and-forth needed from the client.
    • Time Saved: 30–50 hours depending on the complexity of the trip.
Booking the Trip (Flights, Hotels, Transfers, Tours, etc.):
Time Saved 10-15 hours
  • DIY: Booking flights, hotels, transfers, activities, and tours independently requires significant time to fill out forms, enter payment info, check availability, confirm bookings, and sometimes follow up on discrepancies.
    • Time Spent: For a trip with multiple components, this can take 15–20 hours.
  • With an Independent Agent: The agent will handle all bookings, confirm reservations, and ensure everything aligns with the client’s preferences. This includes managing deposits and final payments.
    • Time Saved: 10–15 hours.
Coordination and Changes (Prior to Departure)
Time Saved -5-10 hours
  • DIY: If anything needs to be adjusted (changes to hotel dates, tour times, or transfer arrangements), clients will need to spend time calling or emailing suppliers, ensuring new bookings are confirmed, and addressing any errors.
    • Time Spent: Changes can take 5–10 hours depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • With an Independent Agent: The agent coordinates any changes or adjustments without the client needing to get involved. The agent handles rescheduling, securing refunds, or making new arrangements.
    • Time Saved: 5–10 hours.
Document Preparation (Visas, Tickets, Confirmations, etc.)
time Saved 5-7 hours
  • DIY: Preparing documents such as flight tickets, hotel confirmations, tour vouchers, and travel insurance takes time to gather and organize. For a trip to Italy, there could be multiple documents for flights, transfers, tours, etc. Additionally, you may need to double-check any travel advisories, visa requirements, or entry restrictions (if applicable).
    • Time Spent: 5–10 hours to gather, organize, and confirm all documents.
  • With an Independent Agent: The agent provides all the necessary documents in an organized manner, often with a digital itinerary that includes all confirmations and instructions for the trip. They also handle any last-minute updates and reminders.
    • Time Saved: 5–7 hours.
In-Travel Coordination & Problem-Solving
Time Saved 2-5 Hours
  • DIY: Once the trip begins, if any issues arise (e.g., missed transfers, delayed flights, issues with hotels, last-minute cancellations of tours), the traveler must solve the problem themselves. This might involve contacting different service providers, spending time on the phone, rebooking activities, etc.
    • Time Spent: Resolving issues can easily take 2–5 hours during the trip, depending on the complexity and the number of problems.
  • With an Independent Agent: If anything goes wrong during the trip, the agent is available to step in and handle the issue directly with the supplier, making sure the problem is resolved quickly and without hassle for the traveler.
    • Time Saved: 2–5 hours in terms of agent intervention and coordination.
Post-Trip Follow-Up:
1 Hour Saved
  • DIY: The traveler may want to leave reviews or follow up on any issues with vendors after returning, which adds to their time commitment. They may also need to address any lingering questions or refund issues.
    • Time Spent: 1–2 hours post-trip for follow-ups, reviews, and finalizing claims.
  • With an Independent Agent: The agent handles any post-trip communication with suppliers, follow-ups on refunds, and ensures that the client's feedback is provided to relevant vendors.
    • Time Saved: 1 hour of follow-up.


Overall Time Saved (DIY vs. Independent Agent):

Time Saved 45-75 Hours (Minimum Wage $675-$1125)

Overall Time Saved (DIY vs. Independent Agent):

  • DIY Total: Approximately 70–110 hours (depending on trip complexity).
  • Independent Agent Total: Approximately 25–35 hours (including planning, booking, problem-solving, and document management).
  • Total Time Saved: 45–75 hours on average.

Summary of Benefits to the Client:

  1. Time Savings: A minimum of 45 hours saved on average, and possibly much more depending on how complex the trip is.
  2. Stress Reduction: Clients don’t have to deal with multiple suppliers or issues on their own—an agent handles it all.
  3. Investment Protection: Agents ensure all bookings are confirmed and secured, and they are available to solve problems quickly, preventing financial or logistical losses.
  4. Expert Coordination: The agent ensures a seamless experience, including arranging all logistics in advance and handling any issues during the trip.

Booking through an independent travel agent gives the consumer the benefit of personalized service and peace of mind, knowing their trip is well-planned and they have an advocate should anything go wrong. This results in significant time savings, reduced stress, and enhanced protection of their investment.


What we do for our clients
What we provide

Personalized Consultation & Itinerary Creation 

  • We’ll start with a detailed conversation to understand your preferences, budget, and vision for your Italian getaway.
  • I’ll design a tailored itinerary, including flight options, hotel stays, and curated activities specific to Italy’s regions (e.g., Rome, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, etc.).

Booking & Coordination 

  • I handle all logistics for flights, hotels, intercity transfers, and activities across Italy.
  • Seamless coordination to ensure an effortless travel experience across cities, from the canals of Venice to the Tuscan countryside.

Ongoing Support 

  • From booking to return, I’ll be available for any changes or questions regarding your trip.
  • Concierge services (dining reservations, special occasion planning, VIP experiences) are included for trips over $15,000.

Stress-Free Experience 

  • I manage the details, so you don’t have to worry about anything, letting you enjoy Italy to its fullest.
Professional Service Suite
We often recommend starting with the Basic Structure, then upgrading to the next level as needed at any time.
  • We customize your trip your way.
  • We offer a tiered service suite as we believe that one size does not fit all.
Basic Planning Services
($250) – Light Support
  • 1 initial consultation (30–45 minutes)
  • Recommended for Hotels, intercity transportation, and insurance only
  • 2–4 follow-up emails for itinerary adjustments/questions
  • Final documents sent 2 weeks prior to travel
  • Questionnaire sent after final document is reviewed
  • 1 final call before you travel after filling out questionnaire
  • 24/7 assistance with our in-travel customer service department
  • Perfect for the following
    • Cruises
    • All inclusive Caribbean or Mexico
    • Short Stays 7 days or less
Standard Planning Services
($500) – Moderate Support
  • Same as Basic
  • Add Either
    • International Air Assistance
    • Tours and Activities (up to 5)
  • Logistic Planning
  • Double the Consultation Time/Calls
  • Double the Emails for itinerary refinement
  • Double the itinerary revisions
  • Double the final calls
  • Perfect for the following
    • Hawaii Multi Island
    • Asia Single Country Multi City
    • Europe Single Country Multi City
    • Honeymoons
    • Anniversary 
Premium or Concierge-Level Services
($750+) – High-Touch Support
  • Same as Standard
  • Add Both
    • International Air
    • Tours/Activities up to 10
  • Logistic Planning
  • Unlimited emails (within reason, not daily back-and-forth)
  • Recommended for Hotels, Intercity Transportation, Insurance, International Air, and Tours/Activities
  • Multiple phone calls as needed and within reason 
  • More flexibility with itinerary adjustments
  • Concierge services for high-end trips (over $15,000)
    • Restaurant Reservations
    • Spa Reservations
    • Unique Experiences 
    • Special Requests (e.g flower delivery, photography service
  • Recommended for the following
    • Friends and Family Trips > 2 people
    • High End Honeymoons
    • Multi Country Trips 
    • Trips up to 21 Days
    • Milestone Celebrations
Why Book with Lavishly Travel
We are more than just a travel agency
  • Tailored Itineraries – Custom travel plans based on your preferences.
  • Exclusive Access – Priority booking for top hotels, private tours, and unique experiences.
  • Concierge-Level Service – Personalized assistance before and during travel (included for trips over $15,000).
  • Time & Hassle Savings – I manage the details so you can simply enjoy your vacation.
  • Investment Protection-Our contracts with our vendors protect what you book with us
  • Knowledge & Experience- At least one of our team members has seen first-hand or worked directly with each and every vendor we use. 
  • Peace of Mind-We will not book anything that we are certain would ruin your trip. 
  • Advice and Consultation- We work collaboratively with you and advise on requests that we feel would not produce a great result. 
Next Steps
We are excited to assist you

Important Travel Requirements

  • Passports must be valid for at least 6 months past your last travel date for International Travel
  • Full names and dates of birth are required exactly as they appear on your passports to get started.
  • We will Assist with Visa Requirements if needed. 

Ready to move forward?

  • Fill out a quote request
  • Schedule a call to discuss your trip in more detail
  • Choose your Service
  • Submit Planning Fee
  • Sign Agreement
  • I’ll curate personalized recommendations based on your preferred travel dates and destinations.

Budget/Fee Disclaimer:
 We strive to stay within your budget while maximizing value, but cannot make guarantees due to fluctuating travel costs, availability, and seasonal pricing. Service Fees are nonrefundable.