Frequently Asked
(and Brilliantly Answered) Questions
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. The world of travel planning can seem a bit mysterious, but it doesn’t have to be. Our goal is transparency and collaboration. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions that might be bubbling up as you consider your next grand adventure.
The Lowdown on Working with Us
Q: What exactly is a travel advisor? Is that just a fancy term for a travel agent?
A: Think of a travel agent as an order-taker and a travel advisor as a master architect. While a traditional agent might book a pre-packaged trip, a travel advisor designs one from the ground up, just for you. We’re your personal travel connoisseur, your logistics wizard, and your advocate on the road. We take the time to get to know you—your passions, your pet peeves, your travel dreams—and then we use our expertise and global connections to build a journey that’s uniquely yours.
Q: Why shouldn't I just book my trip online myself?
A: The internet is a magical, chaotic place, isn't it? You can certainly spend hours, days, or even weeks sifting through a sea of conflicting reviews and "deals." But your time is precious, and your vacation is an investment.
Working with us replaces all that stress and uncertainty with peace of mind and exclusive perks. We have personal relationships with partners around the world, which often translates into complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, resort credits, and other VIP treatment you simply can’t get by clicking "book." We handle the complexity so you can focus on the fun.
Q: Who is the ideal Follow the Goose Travel client?
A: Our clients are curious travelers who value their time and crave authentic, seamless experiences. They are busy professionals, discerning couples, and adventurous solo travelers or groups of friends who understand that the how of travel is just as important as the where. They aren’t looking for the cheapest deal; they’re looking for the best value for their investment and an adults-focused journey that will leave them with stories to tell for years to come.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity & Core Ethos
Q: What is the core ethos behind Follow the Goose Travel?
A: Our core ethos at Follow the Goose Travel is built on the belief that travel is transformative. We're dedicated to providing "unpretentious luxury and genuine adventure," helping adults reconnect with themselves and their partners. We aim to be your single point of contact for effortless planning and pure relaxation, handling every detail from hand-picking exclusive child-free resorts to securing unique experiences. Our mission is to liberate you from the mundane, allowing you to embrace the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories. We value unparalleled expertise, VIP access, custom-designed itineraries, and providing complete peace of mind, ensuring every journey is perfectly tailored to your adult-centric desires. We believe the best travel experiences are shared with an open mind and a spirit of respect for all.
Q: Is Follow the Goose Travel inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly?
A: Absolutely! As the Queer founder and Head Goose of Follow the Goose Travel, I've built this company on the belief that everyone deserves to experience the joy and freedom of travel authentically. We celebrate all love stories and identities. Our deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) means we strive to create a welcoming and affirming experience for every traveler, including all members of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe travel should be a joyful and authentic expression of who you are, and we're here to make that a reality.
Q: How does Follow the Goose Travel support trans and gender-diverse travelers?
A: We proudly affirm trans and gender-diverse individuals. Your comfort and safety are paramount to us. We're dedicated to assisting with considerations like name/gender marker information for bookings, researching trans-friendly destinations, and providing resources to ensure your journey is as affirming and respectful as possible. We're here to help you navigate the details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Q: Do you offer accessible travel options?
A: We prioritize making travel accessible whenever possible. As someone who navigates the world with chronic illness, mental health considerations, and mobility impairments that sometimes require the use of a walker, I intimately understand the unique needs and challenges of accessible travel. This personal experience fuels my commitment to ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.
We're dedicated to working with you to identify and recommend accommodations, transportation, and experiences that cater to diverse accessibility needs. We'll communicate transparently about what's available and collaborate closely to find solutions that best fit your specific requirements for comfort and enjoyment, so you can truly relax and explore.
Q: Do you book experiences like Sea World, dolphin encounters, or elephant rides?
A: At Follow The Goose Travel, we are committed to responsible and ethical tourism. We believe that wildlife is best left wild. Therefore, we do not book tickets for theme parks centered on animal entertainment like Sea World, or activities such as dolphin shows, swimming with dolphins, or animal rides (including camels, elephants, etc.).
Our focus is on supporting wildlife conservation and offering ethical encounters. We are happy to arrange visits to vetted wildlife sanctuaries, ecological parks, and conservation areas where you can observe animals in their natural habitats, knowing that your tourism dollars are contributing to their protection and well-being.
Q: Do you prioritize working with local guides and companies?
A: Absolutely. We believe the soul of travel is found in genuine connection, and that's why we are passionate about building relationships with local, on-the-ground partners in the destinations we serve. From private drivers and expert guides to boutique hotels and excursion companies, we intentionally seek out vendors whose ethos aligns with our own.
This isn't just about creating a more authentic and immersive experience for you; it's a core part of our commitment to responsible travel. By working with these dedicated local experts, we ensure that the money generated by your journey directly supports the community and its people, rather than a distant corporate boardroom. It's a better way to travel, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
The Nitty-Gritty: Our Process
Q: I'm interested! What are the actual steps to working with you?
A: We're thrilled to hear it! Our process is designed to be collaborative and enjoyable.
The Conversation: It all starts with a consultation call. We’ll chat about your travel style, your initial ideas, and what a dream trip looks like to you.
The Curation: This is where the magic happens. We take your vision and tap into our expertise to design a custom proposal with a sample itinerary.
The Collaboration: We’ll review the proposal together and fine-tune every detail until it’s absolutely perfect. Want to add a cooking class in Tuscany or swap a museum tour for a market visit? Done.
The Confirmation: Once you’re delighted with the plan, we handle all the bookings and confirmations—flights, hotels, tours, transfers, you name it.
The Countdown: Before you depart, you’ll receive a beautiful, detailed final itinerary with everything you need, all in one place. We’re here for any last-minute questions and will be checking in behind the scenes throughout your trip.
Let's Talk Money
Q: Do you charge a fee just to get started?
A: A great question, and we believe in full transparency from the very first hello. To kick off the official, in-depth research and bespoke design process, we do have a $100 initial consultation fee.
Think of this as our way of making our partnership official! It allows us to dive deep and dedicate our professional time to mapping out your perfect journey right from the start.
And here’s the best part: this isn't an extra fee, it's a deposit on your future adventure. When you confirm your booking with us, that $100 is applied directly as a credit to your trip. It’s simply the first step in making your travel dreams a reality.
Q: How do you get paid? Are your services free?
A: Ah, the million-dollar question (that thankfully doesn't cost a million dollars to answer!). Our compensation comes from two primary sources, depending on the trip:
Built-In Commissions: For many hotel, cruise, and tour bookings, we are paid a commission by the supplier after you travel. These commissions are already built into the public price, so you are not paying more to use our services. In fact, thanks to our partnerships, you often get more value (like those room upgrades and credits we mentioned). Think of it as the supplier thanking us for sending them such a wonderful client—you!
Planning & Design Fees: For crafting complex, multi-part, bespoke itineraries, we charge a transparent, up-front planning and design fee. This fee honors the extensive professional work, research, and logistical expertise that goes into designing a completely custom journey from scratch.
We are always 100% transparent about our fee structure from our very first conversation.
Q: Why do you charge a fee for flight and train bookings when other services are complimentary?
A: Our fee for flight bookings (from $100 per person) and train journeys (from $50 per traveler) reflects the comprehensive, expert service we provide. This includes meticulous research to find optimal routes and fares (whether direct with airlines or via specialized brokers), proactive monitoring for changes or disruptions, and seamless integration into your overall itinerary. This ensures you receive personalized attention and unparalleled convenience, saving you valuable time and effort in navigating complex booking systems.
Q: Can you work with my budget?
A: Absolutely. Great travel is not about spending the most money; it's about spending it wisely. During our initial consultation, we will have an open conversation about your desired budget. This allows us to make recommendations and design a trip that provides the best possible value and experience for your investment.
Our Travel Specialities
Q: We're thinking of a destination wedding or honeymoon. Can you help with that?
A: Absolutely! This is one of my favorite parts of the job. Planning a wedding is already a full-time gig; planning one in another country can feel like launching a rocket. That’s where I come in.
For destination weddings, I act as your logistical fairy godmother. I’ll handle everything from finding the perfect resort and negotiating group room blocks to coordinating the travel for all your cherished (and sometimes-chaotic) guests. My job is to wrangle the travel details so you can focus on the vows, the views, and the champagne.
And when it comes to honeymoons, I’m a passionate expert in the art of romance. Forget generic beach packages. I specialize in crafting bespoke, story-worthy honeymoons that are a true reflection of you as a couple—whether that means overwater bungalows in the Maldives, a culinary adventure through Italy, or a cozy cabin under the Northern Lights.
Q: What is involved in booking Private Yacht & Jet Charters through Follow The Goose Travel?
A: Booking private yacht and jet charters through us means experiencing unparalleled freedom and bespoke luxury on the seas or in the skies. We handle every intricate detail, from sourcing the perfect vessel or aircraft from our exclusive fleets to managing seamless logistics, catering, and on-board amenities. Our service ensures a truly customized and private voyage, allowing you to travel precisely when and how you desire, without compromise.
Q: Can you help us find and book unique Private Homes & Villas?
A: Absolutely. We provide exclusive access to a curated portfolio of exquisite private residences worldwide, from secluded beachfront villas to grand historic estates. Our service goes beyond standard rentals, focusing on personalized comfort, complete privacy, and bespoke amenities tailored to your preferences. This can include arranging additional staffing such as in-home private chefs, dedicated housekeepers, personal butlers, and other specialized personnel to ensure a truly effortless and luxurious stay. We ensure your chosen home away from home provides an elevated and truly unique experience that exceeds the offerings of traditional hotels.
Q: What does your Private Transportation service include?
A: Our Private Transportation service is designed for ultimate comfort and seamless transitions. This includes arranging luxurious transfers from airports to your accommodation, as well as private chauffeured services for exploring destinations. We partner with trusted, high-end providers like Rolzo and Blacklane to ensure reliable, punctual, and discreet service, complementing your overall luxurious journey.
Q: Can you book trips for large groups or special events?
A: Yes! I love planning multi-generational family trips, celebratory getaways, and small group adventures. Please reach out to me with the details of your group, and we can discuss a customized approach.
Q: Do you only plan vacations, or can you handle corporate travel?
A: While crafting dream vacations is my passion, I apply the same principles of precision and panache to the world of business travel. I absolutely offer full-service planning for corporate and incentive trips.
For standard corporate travel, I provide an efficient, high-touch service for busy executives who require seamless, stress-free arrangements.
For incentive trips, I specialize in designing those truly unforgettable "thank you" experiences for your top performers. These aren’t just trips; they are powerful motivational tools and brand-defining moments. From a buyout of a luxury lodge for your sales team to a custom-designed cultural immersion for your executives, I handle every detail to ensure your company's goals are met and your team returns inspired.
All About the Trip
Q: What happens if something goes wrong while I'm traveling?
A: This is one of the most important reasons to work with an advisor! Should any unexpected hiccups occur—a delayed flight, a missed connection—we are your primary advocate. You won’t be stuck navigating foreign call centers. You have a direct line to us, and we will work tirelessly behind the scenes to get your trip back on track as smoothly as possible.
Q: I have a mountain of credit card points. Can you help me use them?
A: Ah, the coveted mountain of points! We love a savvy traveler. And we have some fantastic news on this front: we are now beginning to offer services to help our clients get the most out of their credit card and airline loyalty points. Since every loyalty program has its own set of quirks, this is a highly specialized part of our planning service. The best way forward is to mention your points stash during our consultation call so we can craft a strategy that works for you.
Q: Do I really need travel insurance? And why do you recommend Faye?
A: Let’s be frank: travel insurance has a reputation for being complicated and, well, a bit of a bore. But protecting your investment—and more importantly, your peace of mind—is one of the smartest things you can do. Life happens, and you want to be covered if it does.
That's why I exclusively provide my clients with a quote from Faye Travel Insurance. Think of Faye as your trusty, tech-savvy travel sidekick. They’ve replaced confusing paperwork with a brilliant, easy-to-use app that does it all—from sending real-time flight alerts to helping you file a claim in minutes. If you have a common travel snafu like a delayed bag, they can even send you instant reimbursement funds through their Faye Wallet, so you can buy what you need without waiting. It’s modern, it’s human-centric, and their customer care is fantastic. Simply put, their service reflects the same high standards I have for your entire journey.
Q: My premium credit card already has travel insurance. Why would I need a separate policy?
A: This is such a smart question, and it's a topic where a little expert advice goes a long way. While it's great that premium cards offer some protection, thinking of it as comprehensive insurance is one of the biggest pitfalls in travel planning.
The best way to think of it is with an umbrella analogy. The coverage on your credit card is like a small, compact travel umbrella—it’s handy in a light drizzle, but it won’t hold up in a real storm. A dedicated policy from a partner like Faye is a full-coverage, storm-proof canopy.
Here are the key differences that truly matter:
Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: Most credit card plans offer secondary coverage. This means if you have a medical issue, you have to file with your personal health insurance first, pay your deductible, and then battle for whatever isn’t covered. A Faye policy provides primary coverage, handling the issue directly and saving you a world of paperwork and out-of-pocket costs.
The "Right" Reasons to Cancel: Credit cards have a very strict, narrow list of covered reasons for trip cancellation. A standalone policy covers a much wider range of real-life scenarios. More importantly, it gives you the option to add "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage, which provides incredible flexibility if your plans simply change.
Serious Medical Protection: This is critical. Credit card coverage for emergency medical expenses is often very low, and it almost never includes emergency medical evacuation. An evacuation can cost over $100,000. For true peace of mind, this is a non-negotiable, and it’s a core feature of a proper insurance policy.
Real, Human Support: When things go wrong, do you want to be navigating a bank's automated call center? Or do you want to be on a simple, modern app chatting with a support specialist dedicated to travel problems? That's the Faye difference.
Our job is to ensure you're protected from every angle so you can travel with genuine, stress-free confidence. A dedicated policy is the only way to achieve that.
Peace of Mind & Perks
Q: I see you're "powered by FORA." What does that mean for me?
A: Think of it as our secret weapon for providing you with the best travel experiences. While Follow the Goose Travel is my own independent brand, my affiliation with FORA gives me access to a global network of the world’s most exclusive, invitation-only partnership programs (like Four Seasons Preferred Partner and the Belmond Bellini Club).
This partnership is what allows me to secure those complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfasts, spa and resort credits, and other VIP perks that elevate your trip from great to extraordinary. You get the dedicated, personalized attention of a boutique advisor with the buying power and influence of a major industry leader.
Q: Is Follow the Goose Travel properly licensed and insured?
A: Yes, absolutely. We take our professional responsibility very seriously. To ensure full compliance and consumer protection, Follow the Goose Travel operates as an independent affiliate of FORA Travel. FORA is a fully accredited agency and a registered Seller of Travel in all states that require it, including:
California (CST# 2163968-40)
Florida (ST# 44295)
Washington (WA# 604921124)
This ensures that your investment is handled with the utmost care and in accordance with all industry regulations.
Have a question we didn’t answer?
Every great journey starts with a simple conversation. We’d love to hear from you.