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Frequently Asked Questions
We specialize in full-service travel planning, curating personalized itineraries, and crafting unique experiences. Our team accommodates a wide range of travel styles—from luxury escapes and girls’ trips to family vacations and more moderate travel options. We handle everything from flights and accommodations to curated activities, ensuring every journey is seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.
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What services does The Unpacked Suitcase offer?
Partnering with a travel planner gives you expert guidance, insider knowledge, and a fully personalized experience. We handle all the details, anticipate your needs, and create experiences that go beyond standard itineraries. Essentially, you’re investing in a trip designed entirely around you.
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Why work with a travel planner or designer?
Yes, we do. The planning fee covers the time, expertise, and personalized attention our team invests in creating your trip. Working with a travel planner ensures your journey is curated to your preferences, stress-free, and unforgettable—something online booking platforms can’t provide.
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Do you charge a planning fee, and why?
Our team personally travels extensively and invests in FAM trips (familiarization trips), travel conferences, and continual education. We also attend Virtuoso Travel Week, an exclusive event attended by the world’s top luxury travel advisors, renowned travel suppliers, and global industry leaders. Over the years, we’ve personally built strong relationships with hospitality professionals and property managers worldwide. By experiencing destinations firsthand, conducting site inspections, and staying trained on the latest travel trends, we ensure our recommendations are informed, accurate, and curated for maximum value. We financially invest in our craft because being expert travel advisors allows us to create extraordinary experiences for our clients.
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How does your team stay knowledgeable and up-to-date on travel experiences?
Each trip is unique, and pricing varies based on the complexity and type of experience. We outline the planning fee upfront before we begin. Luxury and secret itineraries may have additional considerations based on accommodations, activities, and travel logistics.
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How much does your travel planning service cost?
Each trip is unique, and pricing varies based on the complexity and type of experience. We outline the planning fee upfront before we begin. Luxury and secret itineraries may have additional considerations based on accommodations, activities, and travel logistics.
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Can you accommodate special requests or travel needs?
Begin by filling out our contact form. Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll be in touch to schedule a call via phone or Zoom to discuss your travel dreams, preferences, and goals. After you decide to move forward and submit the agreed-upon planning fee, we begin the planning process. This includes more detailed discussions and a custom form you’ll complete, which helps us craft a personalized itinerary tailored to your exact needs and desires.
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How do I get started?
Yes! While we recommend planning ahead for the best options and availability, our team can accommodate last-minute trips whenever possible. We leverage our experience and connections to quickly secure accommodations, activities, and flights, ensuring a seamless travel experience even on short notice.
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Do you handle last-minute bookings?
We provide a personal touch that online booking platforms can’t—curating every detail, anticipating your needs, and creating experiences that go beyond the standard itinerary. It’s stress-free, personalized, and designed to make your travel extraordinary.
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What makes The Unpacked Suitcase different from booking online?
Hosted trips are curated group experiences led by a member of our team, where we handle all the planning and logistics so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Each trip is designed around a theme or destination and includes carefully selected accommodations, activities, and exclusive experiences. Hosted trips are perfect for travelers who want a social, immersive, and stress-free vacation with like-minded adventurers.
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What is one of your hosted trips?
A Secret Destination trip is an adventure planned entirely by our team based on your budget and preferences—without you knowing the exact destination until it’s revealed. Think of it as a surprise tailored just for you, combining excitement, luxury, and adventure.
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What is a “Secret Destination” trip?
Virtuoso is a global network of the world’s best luxury travel advisors and suppliers. Being an affiliate of Montecito Village Travel, a Virtuoso Agency allows our team to offer exclusive amenities, upgrades, and experiences that aren’t available through standard booking platforms. From complimentary room upgrades to VIP access at top resorts, working with a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor means you receive elevated service, insider knowledge, and exceptional value on your travel experiences.
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What is Virtuoso, and how does it benefit me?
“Lazy Luxury” is our approach to travel that combines indulgence with ease. It’s about enjoying the finer things—luxury accommodations, exclusive experiences, and curated activities—without the stress of planning or over-scheduling. Our team ensures every detail is taken care of, so you can relax, unwind, and savor every moment of your trip at your own pace.
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What is “Lazy Luxury”?
“Lazy Luxury” is our approach to travel that combines indulgence with ease. It’s about enjoying the finer things—luxury accommodations, exclusive experiences, and curated activities—without the stress of planning or over-scheduling. Our team ensures every detail is taken care of, so you can relax, unwind, and savor every moment of your trip at your own pace.
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Do you plan milestone trips like anniversaries, honeymoons, or birthdays?
Every travel supplier—hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, and more—has a commission built into their rates. If you book through a travel advisor, that commission goes to the advisor; if you book directly, it stays with the supplier or booking platform. Using a travel advisor does not increase your rates—in fact, because of our relationships with suppliers, you often receive better value, upgrades, or added amenities. Our planning fees, when applicable, cover our time, expertise, and personalized attention in curating your trip, ensuring every detail is perfect and tailored to your needs.
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How do travel advisors get paid, and does it cost me more?
Yes! We have a designated advisor who specializes in theme park travel. From tickets and dining reservations to accommodations and itinerary planning, we handle all the details to ensure your visit is seamless, fun, and stress-free. Whether it’s Disney, Universal, or other popular destinations, we make sure your experience is tailored to your family’s or group’s needs.
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Do you book theme parks, such as Disney, Epcot, or others?
Yes! While many travel agencies do not, we have a designated Air Desk partner that specializes in booking flights. Whether domestic or international, we can handle all the details—preferred airlines, seating, connections, and special requests—ensuring your travel is seamless, even if you’re only booking flights. A small service fee applies for flight-only bookings.
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Can you book flights only?
Yes! Our team can book any cruise line, destination, or type of travel—from river and ocean cruises to international and domestic vacations. We handle all the details, including accommodations, excursions, dining, and special requests, ensuring your trip is seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.
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Can you book cruises or any destination?
No. We do not book properties listed exclusively on Airbnb or VRBO. While many vacation rentals can offer great experiences, exclusive listings on these platforms do not provide the same reliability, protections, or access to amenities and perks that our clients receive through traditional hotels, resorts, or vetted vacation rental partners. We focus on accommodations that ensure quality, safety, and enhanced travel experiences.
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Do you book Airbnb or VRBO properties listed only on those sites?
Yes! We have access to amazing homes, villas, and private residences around the world. Each property is vetted for quality, safety, and comfort, and many include added amenities and perks that make your stay unforgettable. We handle all the details—from accommodations to concierge services—so you can enjoy a seamless and luxury.
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Can you book homes, villas, or private residences?
