Trip Research Deposit

Trip Research Deposit (TRD) is a small DEPOSIT (not a fee) to be paid by a client before I start working on a new trip. It shows me that you are committed to working with me, and are ready to book your trip. TRD is later applied towards the balance of your trip, as long as you book your hotel/resort and/or cruise with me.

Please see below for more details, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Please note: Road Trips and Itinerary Planning, as well as some more complicated trips, may require a Planning Fee, not a deposit. Ask for details.

In the past, I have spent countless hours working on trips that led nowhere, because customers who reached out were not serious about traveling, not ready to book, or were simply shopping around. This caused a lot of frustration, resentment and burnout. I was spread too thin, working with people who don’t appreciate my time and expertise. I couldn’t deliver the exceptional service I strive for.

By charging a small Trip Research Deposit, I am working with a limited number of clients, which in turn means I can offer quicker turn around on quotes, more attention to details and overall better service to my clients. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Why do I charge Trip Research deposit?

How much is Trip Research deposit?

  • resort pool surrounded by lots of palm trees

    All Inclusive/Resort Vacation

    Starts at $50 per couple/family per destination
    (applied towards balance or refunded upon trip departure)

  • 5 cruise ships docked in a cruise port in the bahamas

    Cruises

    Starts at $50 per cabin
    (refunded upon departure on the cruise)

    (immediate family requiring more than 1 cabin only pays this once)

  • buildings on the side of the mountain by the ocean

    Europe

    Starts at $100 per couple/family per destination
    (applied towards balance or refunded upon trip departure)

    This includes basic itinerary planning. More detailed day-by-day, hour-by hour planning may require a planning fee. Ask for details.

  • mickey mouse disneyland california theme park

    Disney / Universal Theme Parks

    Starts at $50 per couple/family
    (applied towards trip balance or refunded upon departure on the trip)

    We include assistance with planning details of your theme park vacation, ex. dining reservations, free of charge.

  • statue of liberty

    Domestic Travel

    Starts at $100 per couple/family
    (applied towards trip balance or refunded upon trip departure)

    This is for trips that include hotel-only or air + hotel packages in the US. Not valid for road trip planning.

  • happy couple just married on the beach

    Destination Weddings

    Starts at $200 for bride & groom
    Guests do not pay Trip Research Deposit.

    This would be refunded upon return from the wedding if minimum number of guests is met. Ask for details.

  • friends on the beach jumping in the water at sunset

    Groups

    Starts at $100 per group.
    Attendees won’t be required to pay Trip Research Deposit.

    This would be refunded upon return from the group trip if minimum number of guests/rooms is met. Ask for details.

  • over the water bungalows in maldives

    Other Trips/Exotics

    Starts at $100 per couple/family per destination
    (applied towards trip balance or refunded upon departure, depending on what is booked. Details will be provided at the time of booking)

Few things to keep in mind

  • ✺

    You must first pay Trip Research Deposit before I can send you any quotes or do any research for your trip.

  • ✺

    Trips that are not booked within 30 days of receiving initial quote will require a new Trip Research Deposit paid to continue work.

  • ✺

    Major changes to dates, changes to destination etc. will require a new Trip Research Deposit.

  • ✺

    I offer complimentary 30-minute phone or Zoom consultation before you pay TRD, so we can discuss your trip, and see if we are a good fit to work together.

  • ✺

    I use a secure payment processing service to collect all TRD payments. When you’re ready to work with me, I will send you an email with payment link. Debit/Credit card or bank transfers are accepted. Zelle is available upon request.

  • ✺

    Due to complexity and time needed, road trips are excluded from the Trip Research Deposit program. Detailed road trip planning is available and planning fees apply. See here for more details.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • In short, no. Trip Research Deposit (TRD) is nonrefundable, if you decide not to move forward with booking your trip, after I have done research on it. TRD provides me with some minimal compensation for the time I spent researching your trip. TRD is applied towards your trip if you book with me.

  • We understand that life happens and sometimes there’s a need to cancel your vacation. In case of cancellation, our agency will not be compensated for booking your trip by suppliers (hotels, tour operators etc.), so the Trip Research Deposit will be retained by the agency as a compensation for time spent working on your trip. If you rebook/reschedule your vacation for a future date within 60 days of cancelling the original vacation, we won’t charge you new TRD on rescheduled trip. (This only applies to first cancellation. Further cancellations/rebookings will require a new TRD.)

  • No! TRD is just that, a deposit… a promise that you are going to book your trip with me. Once I book your trip, I will subtract TRD from your trip balance (or in some cases refund it to you once you depart on your vacation).