Cultivating Connections Travel Planners | Services | Erin Smith | Empty Nest and Group Travel Advisor
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girls trip, group travel, travel advisor, affinity groups, cultivating connections travel planners, erin smith, luxury travel, empty nesters

SERVICES & PRICING

Effortless Journeys for Passionate Travelers

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Imagine: Touching down in the airport and being greeted by your private tour guide at the gate, who grabs your bags and greets you with a smile. 

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Imagine: Checking into your hotel and feeling like your room was tailor-made to your tastes, from the perfect downtown location to the stylish and quirky décor. 

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Imagine: Finally putting you and your passions first again, as you turn a time of transition into

an opportunity for discovery. 

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When you work with Cultivating Connections, you don’t have to imagine. My custom itineraries and guided trips are designed with your passions in mind. I use my travel industry connections which means that you get VIP access, exceptional service, and—always!—the absolute best value for your trip. 

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And best of all, I take care of all the logistics for you which means that you will spend the days before your trip packing in peace, instead of pulling your hair out trying to remember if you’ve booked the right flight, the right hotel, the right transfers—and whether your travel companions have done the same! It’s time to experience passion-fueled travel the easy, effortless way.

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Couples Escapes & Solo Journeys

 

Reconnect with your partner on a romantic vacation that marks a new chapter in your love story. Whether it’s an indulgent resort escape, a wine-themed river cruise through Europe, or a tailored journey to a destination you’ve both long dreamt of visiting, I’ll ensure your itinerary delights you both (with a few ultra romantic surprises thrown in). Or maybe you want to seize this time to explore on your own—I’ll make it effortless for you with a custom vacation that unfurls seamlessly, so you can discover with confidence on every step of your solo journey. 

Mother and Daughter
Family Getaways
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If your kids have “flown the coop,” your family may look a little different than it used to—but that’s all the more reason to embark on a getaway, together. Reinforce bonds with your children who are all grown up (or on their way!), and give yourself an incredible trip to look forward to as you adjust to a new life stage. I’ll craft a custom journey that meets your family’s unique needs, aligns with your particular interests, and prioritizes making new cherished memories to last you a lifetime.

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Personal Desk

GET STARTED

1

Schedule a “Quick Hello”
Video or Phone call

This is where we listen to your ideas and travel goals.

2

Sign Our Agreement
and Pay Professional Planning Fee

Upon receipt we will schedule an in-depth planning meeting.

3

Select Final Choice,
and Start Packing!

We will curate a custom proposal and you can request small changes before we lock in your final itinerary

4

While You Are Away

We will be on standby and ready to help.

"Erin worked with us to plan our perfect trip to Japan. It was our first international trip, so naturally, we had a lot of questions. Erin was so patient and kind with us throughout the process. She really took the time to listen to our requests and she planned our trip accordingly."

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AMELIA, NORMAN, OK | â˜…★★★★

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Travel Design Schedule of Services

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During our initial complimentary planning session, I’ll get to know you, your travel goals, and your preferred travel style. I’m happy to answer any questions during this time to make sure we’re a great fit!

When you’re ready to move forward with your trip, I’ll collect my planning fee. This fee allows me the necessary time to research, plan, book, and manage your travel. At Cultivating Connections Travel Planners, I take pride in negotiating the very best options for my clients. I’m not affiliated with any specific airline, cruiseline, or travel supplier, so you can rest easy knowing I’m working with my clients’ best interests in mind.

When you work with me, you’ll receive an inspiring, unforgettable travel itinerary that illuminates the imagination, stirs the senses, and sweeps you away in your passion for travel. 

Our Services Include

  • Customized travel itinerary planning built around your unique interests.

  • 24/7 concierge support during travel.

  • Access to our VIP curated list of hotels, restaurants, and travel experiences.

  • Up-to-date communication on current travel advisories.

  • Access to Trip Plans, our personalized itinerary app that includes your travel details, flight updates, documents, and travel guides.

  • VIP upgrades  including breakfast for two, exclusive amenities, spa and resort credits, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary wi-fi. (All VIP upgrades subject to availability.)

Guest Bedroom
Image by Engjell Gjepali

Our Professional Fees

Customized Itineraries - Starting at $497

Cultivating Connections Travel Planners charges a per-trip research and planning fee starting at $497. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel planning services involve a great deal of time and research and are based on years of personal experience and professional expertise. Research includes, but is not limited to: destinations, hotels, tours, transportation, and logistics. Suppliers may be contacted, transportation coordinated, and itineraries drafted. The fee secures me the time that I need to begin work on your trip, and also ensures that you are committed to travel before I begin research for your trip.

As a member of Virtuoso, the world’s leading experiential travel network, I leverage a global network of luxury travel suppliers to craft a trip that exceeds your expectations. Once you’re pleased with your itinerary, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners will confirm your trip, including flights, accommodations, tours, and activities. We also offer guidance on restaurants, theaters, local attractions, and more. 

TUSCANY & ROME SAMPLE ITINERARY

Cruise-Only Bookings

Complimentary

Cultivating Connections Travel Planners offers complimentary cruise bookings for established clients who have already selected their destination, cruise line, and route. We are often able to offer VIP benefits to our clients, including upgrades, onboard credits, private car & driver transfers, and exclusive shore excursions.

Pre and post-cruise itinerary fees will vary.

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Image by Elizabeth Jamieson

Hotel & Resort Only Bookings

Complimentary

We offer complimentary hotel and resort bookings for established clients who have already selected their desired destination and property. As a member of a Virtuoso agency, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners partners with top luxury properties around the world. From romantic beach bungalows to sustainable luxury safari camps, our property portfolio offers something for everyone. And even better--clients who book Virtuoso properties with us receive VIP perks including upgrades, daily breakfast, dining, resort, or hotel credits, and access to exclusive amenities and experiences. 

Group Travel

Starting at $99 per traveler

Ideal for multi-generational travel (i.e. grandparents, parents, and grandchildren), family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, incentive groups, hobby groups, etc. with a minimum of 4 rooms or cabins. Experience the joy of travel with the security of a group. Please note that we waive the planning fee for individuals who book cruises or tours hosted by Cultivating Connections Travel Planners. 

Airline Tickets

Starting at $50 per traveler

Cultivating Connections Travel Planners has access to both published and unpublished airfares and the BEST tools in the industry for finding the most efficient travel routes. If you’re simply looking for a flight, let us match you to the best route and price for YOU—we offer airfare only bookings to our established clients. When airfare is booked as part of a package, the air booking fee may be waived.

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Travel Protection

Don’t leave your trip plans--or your family--unprotected. Our travel insurance plans allow our clients to continue dreaming, traveling, and exploring. Plans include trip cancellation/interruption coverage, emergency medical assistance and evacuation, 24/7 concierge travel assistance, and optional upgrades for additional coverage. Cultivating Connections Travel Planners does NOT charge fees for the purchase of travel insurance.

Expedited Service and Change  Policies

These non-refundable fees are in addition to change fees charged by airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, or any other travel vendor. Travelers are responsible for reading and understanding all supplier terms and conditions as provided by Cultivating Connections Travel Planners. In the event of a vendor cancellation, we will not charge additional cancellation fees.

  • Expedited Service: $200+ fee for requests inside of 60 days of travel. â€‹â€‹

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  • Air Bookings: Flight changes may incur a fee of $50 (domestic) and $100 (international) per ticket, in addition to any airline-imposed fees and/or fare increases. Please note that Cultivating Connections Travel Planners has no control over airline booking terms and conditions. 
     

  • Last-Minute Changes: $200 change fee per booking if any changes are made within 5 days of departure. 

 

Our fees are based on the complexity of the trip and are calculated as an overall project cost after initial consultation. Additional airline & travel management fees may apply, depending on the trip.

Image by Christin Hume
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SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

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