The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

Hiring a travel advisor saves you time, stress, and second-guessing. I bring insider knowledge, vetted connections, and a passion for curating one-of-a-kind itineraries that online booking sites simply can’t match. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing every detail is thoughtfully handled.

Trip For The Books specializes in immersive, upscale travel centered around food, wine, sunshine, water, and culture. From Greek Island catamaran charters to wine-focused journeys in Sicily, from luxury cruises to culinary adventures in Peru—every itinerary is designed to be unforgettable.

I’ve traveled to 55+ countries across five continents, ranging from budget backpacking to luxury escapes. My personal passions for food, wine, and cultural immersion fuel every itinerary I create. I know how to pair a Michelin-starred meal with a hidden seaside taverna—or a luxury catamaran with off-the-beaten-path islands.

I’m a retired Fortune 500 marketing executive and fractional CMO, which means I bring strategic planning skills, attention to detail, and a client-first mindset to travel design. Combined with my deep travel experience and love of curating indulgent, authentic journeys, you have a trusted advisor who treats your trip as if it were my own.

Expect a collaborative process where your preferences are the blueprint. I’ll guide you through options, share insider recommendations, and manage logistics—so you can focus on anticipation, relaxation, and creating memories. Every trip with Trip For The Books is designed to be a story worth retelling.

You’re investing in expertise, personalization, and access. Instead of sifting through endless options, you get a tailored trip that fits your tastes—whether that’s boutique wineries, hidden seaside towns, or immersive cultural experiences. Clients often say the memories and the time saved are priceless.

I charge an upfront Travel Design Fee based on the length and complexity of your trip. This fee is nonrefundable and covers the time, research, and creativity that goes into tailoring your journey. It ensures you receive my full dedication and attention to detail from start to finish.

Never. You’ll always see the true cost of hotels, tours, and transportation. My goal is transparency—your investment goes directly into your travel experiences, not hidden markups.

Beyond the Travel Design Fee, many hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators pay travel advisors a commission for bookings. This does not increase your price—in fact, I often unlock added perks (like upgrades or credits) that you wouldn’t get on your own.

Think of it like hiring an architect for your dream home. The fee reflects the planning, creativity, and expertise behind the scenes that transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one. It ensures you have a seamless, stress-free experience curated just for you.

That’s a great question — and one that comes up often! 

While I completely understand wanting to maximize your credit-card rewards, booking through a portal such as Amex Travel or Chase Rewards means the hotel pays the full commission to that platform, not to me as your travel advisor.

My role extends far beyond simply identifying a hotel. I invest significant time and professional resources to:

• Match you with the ideal property, neighborhood, and room category for your travel style and budget.
• Personally communicate with hotel management and concierge teams to introduce you as VIP guests — a human connection that often leads to upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and thoughtful extras.
• Secure exclusive perks (daily breakfast, resort/spa credits, and welcome amenities) through my preferred-partner and luxury-consortia relationships — benefits that aren’t available through online booking portals.

Credit-card travel portals are convenient, but they’re self-service booking engines. They don’t offer personalized guidance, on-trip advocacy, or relationship-based perks that enhance your stay.

For perspective: a 4× points bonus using an AmEx Platinum or Centurion card on a $1,500 hotel stay earns about 6,000 points — roughly $36 in statement credit or about $60 toward a future Amex Travel booking. The real value comes from the upgrades, VIP treatment, and curated experiences I can secure through my direct hotel relationships — benefits that routinely exceed the cash value of those points.

That said, you’re always welcome to use the credit card of your choice for any reservations I book on your behalf — you’ll still earn your base points while enjoying all the advantages of my expertise, connections, and dedicated support.

Please send us a message and we will be happy to share our fee schedule with you. Please note, we never charge a fee for booking cruises although we do charge fees for designing private shore experiences.