Frequently Asked Questions
Planning made simple
The earlier, the better, especially for Europe, river cruises, safaris, festive travel, spring break, and summer trips. Many of the best hotels, guides, cabins, and experiences are reserved months in advance, so 6–9 months is ideal whenever possible.
Travel within 60 days may be possible depending on the destination and complexity of the trip, but may incur a rush fee.
How far in advance should I reach out?
I’ll review your trip details and, if it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule a discovery call. From there, we’ll talk through your ideas, travel style, timeline, and next steps.
What happens after I submit an inquiry?
The planning fee is due after the discovery call and before proposal creation begins. This allows me to begin researching, designing, and building a thoughtful proposal for your trip.
When is the planning fee due?
Yes. Your package includes up to three proposal revisions so we can thoughtfully refine the direction of your trip.
Timely feedback is important so we can protect availability, pricing, and the overall flow of your itinerary. If feedback is delayed and updated research or requoting is needed, an extended review fee may apply.
Can I make changes to the proposal?
I’ll create a dedicated trip communication thread so the important details stay organized in one place. You can expect clear next steps, thoughtful guidance, and timely communication throughout the process.
How will we communicate during the planning process?
For full-service travel design, accommodations are booked through Hutchins Travels. Your hotel, villa, resort, cruise, or other stay is the foundation of the trip, and booking it through my trusted partners allows me to properly support the full experience from start to finish.
If you choose to book accommodations on your own, I’m not able to arrange tours, transfers, activities, flights, trains, or other logistics around that stay.
Can I book my own hotels, Vrbo, or Airbnb?
While travel always involves pieces outside anyone’s control, you will have support while you are away. Hutchins Travels works in collaboration with trusted in-destination partners, hotels, and suppliers so you have helpful contacts and guidance if something unexpected comes up during your trip.
If an issue arises, I’ll help guide you toward the appropriate next step and work with the right partners when needed, so you feel supported, informed, and cared for while you travel.
What happens if something goes wrong during our trip?
You are welcome to use points for flights or car rentals or for portions of the trip you plan to manage on your own. For full-service travel design, accommodations are booked through Hutchins Travels so I can support the trip properly from start to finish.
Can I use points to book our trip?
Flight booking support may be available for full-service clients. If you would like Hutchins Travels to assist with flights, I’m happy to talk through what makes the most sense for your trip.
When flights are booked through Hutchins Travels, an agency airline booking fee applies per ticket.
Do you book flights?
The Travel Chat is best for big-picture guidance, such as talking through destinations, timing, routing, travel style, or general trip direction before you commit to full planning.
It does not include step-by-step train booking help, tour sourcing, supplier coordination, or detailed logistics for a self-booked trip. Those details are part of full-service travel design when accommodations are booked through Hutchins Travels.
