How It Works

Introduction

The terms travel advisor and travel agent are not synonymous to those in the industry. In short, a travel advisor is here to serve as your travel expert and support system before and during travel, building and booking your adventures big and small, with added perks along the way (see Benefits below). As a full service travel advisor, Brian at Timezoneless Travels LLC can tailor and book all aspects of your trip, including flights, hotels, safaris, cruises, airport transfers, rental cars, trip insurance, and more!

As the owner and principal travel advisor at Timezoneless Travels LLC, Brian has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening with airlines, cruise lines, hotels, entry requirements, and more. And—because no one can be an expert in every destination—Brian leverages his global industry connections to make your premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury travel experiences seamless. 

Let Timezoneless Travels remove the uncertainty and countless hours of research that go into planning a vacation!

The Planning Process

Timezoneless Travels LLC focuses on the premium (4 star), luxury (5 star), and ultra-luxury (5 star with personal customization at every turn) travel. Brian at Timezoneless Travels operates as your partner, collaborating to make your travels as enriching as possible. Brian works with partner suppliers around the world to find you the best fit to build your perfect vacation and add incredible value to your experiences.

Here is a breakdown of how the process goes:

  1. Reach out by Contact Form, phone (630-776-1802), or email (brian@timezoneless.com).

  2. Have a proper discovery discussion with Brian by phone or email about the details of your trip.

  3. Approve the Travel Service Agreement and pay the one-time Trip Management Fee (see details under “Fees”).

  4. Once the TMF is paid and the Agreement is signed, Brian will begin the research stage.

  5. A proposal or series of proposals will be delivered to you, depending on the specifics of your trip.

  6. Bookings are made by Brian, but only upon your approval via invoice.

    Please note: Prices and availability generally cannot be guaranteed until time of deposit for a booking.

  7. A finalized itinerary is provided, and a pre-departure call can be arranged, if desired.

  8. Have an excellent vacation!

  9. Let’s chat when you’re back so I can make the next trip even better.

Timezoneless Travels LLC strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance through one of our preferred partners.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit of working with a travel advisor is the amount of time and energy you save by leaning on someone who knows how to find solutions for your travel needs and questions. Brian is always communicating with suppliers to ensure you’re being properly supported. Any good travel advisor also acts as your advocate in the event anything goes wrong, and a seasoned travel advisor adds tremendous value to the overall travel experience. Brian has traveled to more than 55 countries, so his personal insight is also quite valuable!

Perhaps more tangibly, as a Virtuoso travel agent and affiliate partner agent of The Travel Society, Brian has access to exclusive amenities at partner hotels, on select partner cruises, and for select partner tours and excursions. Although benefits differ slightly by property and supplier, here is a general example of the benefits you can expect at partner hotels:

  • Daily breakfast for 2

  • $100 food and beverage credit

  • Room category upgrade, depending on availability

  • Free WiFi

  • Early check in and late check out, depending on availability

Similar benefits can be found outside of the Virtuoso network through exclusive, invitation only programs with international hotel groups like Marriott, Belmond, Hyatt, Accor, and more.

For ocean cruises, river cruises, and expedition cruises, added amenities on select sailings may include shipboard credits, excursion credits, prepaid gratuities, and more!

Fees for Services

There are only two forms of fees that Timezoneless Travels charges:

  • Trip Management Fee (TMF)

  • Airline Ticketing Fee (ATF)

Trip Management Fee (TMF)

Charging a Trip Management Fee (TMF) allows Timezoneless Travels to maintain a curated portfolio of clients who value catered travel experiences. The TMF also allows Timezoneless Travels to keep your best interests in mind instead of worrying about commissions.

TMF rates are based on the length and complexity of your vacation and the number of travelers. While each trip may differ, a general ballpark for the TMF is:

  • $400 for 1-2 people, $500 for 3-4 people, $600 for 5-8 people, custom pricing for 9+ people

    • The above are based on a 6-9 day trip with multiple destinations and components booked by Timezoneless Travels

    • Cruise-only itineraries often incur a lower TMF or no TMF at all

    • Beach vacations to the Caribbean or Mexico often incur a lower TMF

    • Group trips and destination weddings may incur a higher TMF

  • $50 per hotel stay

    • Waived if you already know the hotel and just want access to Virtuoso or elite hotel program benefits

Are you a member of the Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library in Portland, Oregon? Discounts to the TMF apply!

Airline Ticketing Fee (ATF)

The Airline Ticketing Fee (ATF) allows Timezoneless Travels to work in concert with partners who will provide additional support in the event of delayed or cancelled flights.

  • The ATF is $100 per person

    • Often waived for business class bookings and reduced for premium class bookings

      • In some cases it is possible that Timezoneless Travels finds better rates on business class airfare than what is published on airline websites

    • Also waived in cases where flights are part of a package

Further details can be found in the Terms and Conditions that will be approved alongside the TMF. If you are interested in booking some of your own travel components or travel insurance, you can use the Self Booking page.

Collecting Payments

Initial payments and fees will be accompanied by a Credit Card Authorization Form or Invoice for your approval. Subsequent payments require approval by invoice or in writing confirming the charge and the card on file to use. Payment for the TMF is made directly to Timezoneless Travels LLC and can be taken by credit card (3.5% processing fee), ACH transfer (1.5% processing fee), Zelle (no fee), or Venmo (no fee). Payments to suppliers (hotel, safari, cruise, car, tour, etc.) are generally made by credit card or bank transfer. Additional methods of payment may be possible under certain circumstances.

Remaining Questions?

Feel free to send Brian an email (brian@timezoneless.com) or give Brian a call (630-776-1802).