Questions About Planning Your Trip
Helpful Information
What to Expect When Working With Me
Planning a trip often comes with questions, especially if you've never worked with a travel consultant before.
This page explains how the planning process works, what each service includes, and what you can expect when working with Reground Travel.
If you don't find the answer you're looking for, you're always welcome to get in touch.
1. Getting Started
What happens during a discovery call?
The discovery call is an opportunity to discuss your travel plans and understand what you're looking for. We'll talk about your travel ideas, where you are in the planning process, and the type of support you're looking for. If you're unsure which service makes the most sense for you, I'll help you decide.
Do I need to know exactly where I want to go before contacting you?
Not at all. Many travelers know they want to take a trip but haven't decided on a destination yet. If that's where you are, we can start there.
How do I know which service is right for me?
You don't need to decide before reaching out. During your discovery call, we'll talk through your trip and I'll help you decide which level of support makes the most sense.
Can I start with one service and upgrade later?
Yes. If your planning needs change along the way, we can discuss moving to another service that better suits your trip.
Do you meet clients in person in Ottawa?
Yes. If you're in the Ottawa area and would prefer to meet in person rather than by phone or video call, that's certainly an option. Just mention it when you reach out.
2. Trip Review & Optimization
What is Trip Review & Optimization?
This service is for travelers who have already planned most or all of their trip and want professional feedback before making their bookings or travelling.
What kinds of itineraries can you review?
Whether you've planned your trip using travel blogs, videos, recommendations from friends and family, AI tools, or your own research, I'll review your itinerary and provide personalized feedback based on your travel goals and preferences.
Will you create a new itinerary during this service?
No. The focus is on reviewing and improving your existing plans rather than creating a new itinerary from scratch. If you need a completely new itinerary, Personalized Trip Design is likely the better option.
Can I ask questions about my itinerary?
Absolutely. This service is designed to answer your questions, clear up anything you're unsure about, and help you move forward.
3. Personalized Trip Design
What is Personalized Trip Design?
This service is for travelers who want a custom itinerary created from the ground up. Together, we'll design a trip based on your interests, travel preferences, budget, and the kind of experience you're looking for.
Can you help me choose a destination?
Yes. If you're deciding between several destinations or aren't sure where to travel, I'll help you narrow down the options based on what's most important to you.
Will I receive a complete itinerary?
Yes. You'll receive a personalized itinerary designed specifically for your trip, along with recommendations to help you plan your journey with confidence.
Do I make my own bookings?
Yes. Personalized Trip Design focuses on planning your trip. If you'd prefer someone else to coordinate the bookings as well, Full-Service Planning & Booking may make more sense.
4. Full-Service Planning & Booking
What does Full-Service Planning & Booking include?
This service combines personalized trip planning with booking coordination. From researching options and building your itinerary to arranging eligible travel services and preparing your final travel documents, I'll help manage the process from beginning to end.
Do I have to coordinate with multiple companies?
No. I'll be your primary point of contact throughout the planning process, making it easier to keep everything organized.
Can you book flights, hotels, and activities?
Yes. Reground Travel can assist with booking eligible flights, accommodations, transportation, cruises, tours, activities, and other travel services as part of the Full-Service Planning & Booking service. Reground Travel is affiliated with Trevello Travel Group, a TICO-registered travel agency in Ontario. Bookings are coordinated through this affiliation with applicable travel suppliers and partners.
5. Planning Process
How long does the planning process usually take?
Every trip is different. The timeline depends on your destination, travel dates, and the level of support you choose. During your discovery call, we'll discuss your timeline and plan accordingly.
How far in advance should I contact you?
The earlier we begin planning, the more options are usually available for destinations, accommodations, and experiences. Whenever possible, I recommend reaching out several months before your departure.
That said, if you're planning a trip on shorter notice, don't hesitate to get in touch. Depending on your travel dates and destination, Reground Travel may still be able to help.
What if my plans change after we've started?
Travel plans can change. If something comes up, we'll discuss the changes and determine the best way to move forward based on your service and the work already completed.
Can you help with complex or multi-destination trips?
Yes. If your trip requires additional planning or coordination, we'll discuss the scope during your discovery call before any work begins.
6. Fees & Payments
Are your service fees separate from the cost of my trip?
Yes. Service fees cover the professional planning, research, expertise, and personalized guidance provided. Travel arrangements such as flights, accommodations, transportation, tours, insurance, and other travel services are separate.
When is the service fee due?
The Discovery Call is complimentary. If you decide to move forward with a paid planning service, the applicable service fee is payable before work begins. You'll receive the payment details before your planning service starts.
Are service fees refundable?
Because service fees cover professional time and planning services, they are generally non-refundable once work has begun. If you have questions about your specific situation, please get in touch.
7. About Reground Travel
Why should I use a travel consultant when I can book everything myself?
You absolutely can. Many travelers do.
The question is whether you want to spend the time doing everything yourself.
Sometimes you just need a second opinion on an itinerary. Sometimes you'd rather not spend ten evenings comparing hotels, researching transportation, and trying to work out which recommendations are actually worth following.
And sometimes you simply want someone experienced to take the planning off your plate.
That's where I come in.
My job isn't simply to make bookings. It's to understand how you like to travel, help you avoid common planning mistakes, answer the questions that come up, and recommend options that make sense for your particular trip.
What makes Reground Travel different?
I don't start with a standard itinerary and try to fit you into it. I start by understanding what you want from the trip.
Your travel style, priorities, pace, budget, and the experience you're hoping to have all shape the recommendations I make.
If something isn't right for your trip, I'll tell you. If I think there's a better option, I'll explain why.
Is Reground Travel a travel agency?
Reground Travel is a travel consultancy that specializes in personalized travel planning and guidance. Recommendations are based on what fits your trip, your priorities, and the options available to you.
Reground Travel is affiliated with Trevello Travel Group, a TICO-registered travel agency in Ontario. When you choose Full-Service Planning & Booking, your travel arrangements are coordinated through this affiliation with trusted travel suppliers and partners.
This allows you to benefit from personalized planning together with the confidence of booking through a registered travel agency.
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals, couples, families, and small groups looking for thoughtful travel planning and guidance.
Do you only plan international travel?
No. I can help with both trips within Canada and international travel, depending on what you're planning.
Still Have a Question?
I'd be happy to help.
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, feel free to reach out. Whether you have a question about the planning process, one of the services, or your upcoming trip, we can start with a conversation.
