FAQ

Questions People Ask Before Reaching Out

What does a travel advisor do?: A travel advisor handles every detail of your trip so you don't have to. That means researching and booking flights, accommodations, transportation, and experiences. It also means knowing which hotel may have an available upgrade, which shore excursion fits your group's needs, and which restaurant is just right right for you. Think of it as having an expert in your corner from the first idea to the final touchdown.
Does using a travel advisor cost more than booking it myself?: Usually, no. A lot of people assume this going in, and it's one of the most common misconceptions about working with an advisor. Travel advisors often have access to preferred rates, added amenities, and supplier relationships that aren't available through public booking sites. In many cases, you get more for the same price you would spend on a travel experience. And because we know where the value is and where it isn't, we help you spend your budget where it actually makes a difference.
How does the nonprofit fundraising model actually work?: Sunshine and Travel designs a real trip and the nonprofit offers it as an auction or raffle item at a gala or fundraising event. The nonprofit pays for the trip itself, and whatever a donor bids above that amount goes straight to the nonprofit's fundraising goals. It's a way to turn a great trip into real money for a cause.
Our group has a really tight budget. Is that a problem?: No. Most groups we work with, especially sports teams, have a fixed budget and a schedule they can't move. That's normal, and it's exactly the kind of constraint she plans around. Being upfront about your budget and your must-haves gets you a better result, not a smaller one.
Can I still be involved in planning my trip?: Absolutely! We have some clients who want to be involved in every step of the way and some that want to tell us their dream and then hop on a plane to live it. We work with both ends of that range and everything in between. Your vision is the starting point for everything we do. We bring the expertise, the connections, and the planning. You bring the dream. The best trips come from that collaboration, where you tell us what matters most and we make it happen.
I don't know exactly what I want yet. Can you still help?: That's the most common starting point. Most people come to us after getting overwhelmed trying to research everything themselves, comparing flights, hotels, and reviews across a dozen open tabs. You don't need a finished plan. You need a starting point, and that's what the first conversation is for.
What kind of trips do you plan?: While friends and family travel, cruises, and couples adventures (there is an extra space here) are close to our heart, the truth is our experience covers a wide range and we focus on crafting the right trip for the each specific traveler. All-inclusive resorts, custom multi-city itineraries, foodie-focused adventures, bucket-list experiences, and group travel for up to 16 or more travelers. If you're dreaming about it, there's a good chance we've either planned something similar or have been dreaming about it ourselves.
Does Sunshine & Travel charge planning fees?: It depends on the trip. For many bookings, there is no planning fee for you. For more complex trips, such as custom multi-destination itineraries, some group travel logistics, and specialized planning that requires significant research and coordination, a planning fee may apply. Every engagement is different, and fees are always discussed and agreed upon in writing before any planning begins. The first conversation is always complimentary and comes with no obligation.
Why would I use a travel advisor instead of booking everything myself?: Often, do to being an IATA-registered travel advisor, Sunshine and Travel will have access to suppliers and rates that are not accessible on public booking sites. Additionally, a travel advisor brings relationships, destination knowledge, and planning experience that a search engine can't replicate. We also anticipate the details you haven't thought to ask about yet, and make sure those are handled before they become a problem mid-trip.

Still wondering about something?

Let's Talk About Your Trip