How It Works

Introduction

Whether the title is travel advisor, travel agent, travel concierge, or something else, working with a travel professional is a mystery to a lot of folks. In short, a travel advisor is here to serve as your travel expert and support system, building and booking your adventures big and small, with added perks along the way (see Benefits below). As a full service travel agency, Timezoneless Travels LLC can 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 connections around the world to make your premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury travel experiences seamless. 

Let Timezoneless Travels remove the burden of doing the many hours of research that go into planning a vacation!

The Planning Process

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

Here is a rough breakdown of how the process goes:

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

  2. You have a discussion with Brian by phone or email about the details of your Contact Form, including what elements you will need assistance with, questions you have about the destinations or the travel planning process, whether your budget matches with the travel experience you are looking for, etc.

  3. Brian will send the Travel Service Agreement for your approval and an invoice for 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, but only upon your approval via invoice or email.

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

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

  8. You have an excellent vacation!

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 getting VIP service. 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 50 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 Virtuoso benefits you can expect at 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

Due to the amount of time spent researching and assembling your proposal, along with the added support Timezoneless Travels LLC provides before and during travel, there is a one-time, non-refundable Trip Management Fee (TMF). TMF rates are based on the length and complexity of your vacation, and whether you are booking your own flights or you want Timezoneless Travels to book them. Generally speaking, the TMF ranges from $200 to $600 for custom trips. Cruise-only itineraries generally incur lower fees or sometimes no fee. Group trips and destination weddings may incur higher fees.

There are no subsequent fees collected by Timezoneless Travels, unless one of the following occurs:

  • Changes are made following payment of the TMF and confirmation of the outline of your trip

    • Alterations to the dates, length, number of destinations, or other structural aspects of the trip potentially affect the amount of time spent planning and booking your trip and may also represent a loss in commission

  • Points, miles, gift certificates, or similar are used to pay for expenses not discussed before collection of the TMF

    • Usage of points, miles, gift certificates, or similar is acceptable but represents a loss in potential commission, which is why this information is required up front

  • You cancel your trip after any bookings have been made or have a trip interruption

    • Much like making bookings, canceling bookings requires time and, furthermore, represents a loss in commission

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

Further details can be found in the Terms and Conditions that will be signed alongside the TMF. If you are interested in booking some of your own travel, 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 in writing, by email or text. Payment for the TMF is made directly to Timezoneless Travels LLC and can be taken by credit card (3.75% 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 and are free of processing fees. 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).