Why would I use Torly Travels to plan my vacation?
Carol has been building vacation itineraries for over 10 years. She has done extensive family travel and has always planned her own trips from soup to nuts. She believes planning and organizing are THE key elements to a successful vacation. She has experience with travel in many parts of the world, including but not limited to, Europe, the US and Central & South America. The most important benefit is that Carol understands there is an overwhelming amount of information available relating to travel on the Internet, in travel guides, through word of mouth and on social media. All of this information takes countless hours to break down and decipher what is important. Carol is expert at sifting and culling that information and narrowing it down to a manageable amount of useful recommendations that cater to the specific travel experience that works for you! She can answer your questions about – where to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do each day, and where to eat. She even recommends movies to see, or books to read before you go to help enhance the experience. Her skill is finding the right destination, transportation, accommodation, activity and culinary matches for your personality and travel style.
How does Torly Travels get paid?
Carol feels that every traveler is different and may not fit into the box created by a particular relationship with particular partners. She works on finding the optimal solution for YOU and recognizes that that may not be with her existing relationships. She charges a nominal fee upfront in exchange for the benefit of both her experience and her research. The result is a very personalized itinerary that is exactly what you want.There are two levels of service that are paid directly by the client. The first, and most common level is a flat rate upfront fee. It includes detailed recommendations on where to stay, what to do, where to eat and how to get there. The client then takes those recommendations and books everything themselves. The second level includes everything from the first level but Carol does all the bookings including flights, transfers, accommodations, restaurants reservations, tours, etc.. Payment is a daily rate based upon the number of days you are traveling. Details about each level can be found here.
How much of a time commitment will you need from me to plan my trip?
Carol starts with a conversation about your goals either by phone or email. Then she will give you a short and fun questionnaire so she can get to know you better. If there are several people in the family traveling, each person can fill out their own. The questionnaire shouldn’t take more than 20-30 min. That’s enough to get started. Then you can be involved as much or as little as you want. She will check in periodically to make sure she is on the right track.
She always recommend movies to watch, or books to read ( age appropriate – if kids are involved) to get you in the mood for your trip. That time is completely optional!
How much advance notice do you need to plan my trip?
Ideally trip planning will begin at least 8 weeks before departure. This allows for time for us to get to know your needs and to get the best rates for flights and/or accommodations. Traditionally, airline rates increase dramatically inside of the 6 week mark of travel. If flights aren’t being booked, there is a little more flexibility. We have even planned last minute getaways!
Do you only cater to families?
No – Carol has two teenagers and has been traveling with them since they are 5 & 6 yrs old. So she’s got lots of great recommendations for kids and teens. However she can also work with couples, singles, retirees, and groups!
Can you help plan a trip on a super low budget?
She can help plan all kinds of travel at all economic levels! Want a super luxurious trip – she will find the best plan for you. Want a budget conscious trip? She can do that too. The key here is she will generate the type of trip you want. It takes on average 8 hours to plan a trip to just one destination. Add a second destination and you’ve got another 4-5 hours of work easily. The data is out there and Carol is here to offer expert organizational and culling skills in gathering a trip that makes sense for your budget.
What if I need help while on my trip? Is that service available?
As described in the fees section, there are 2 levels of service. The highest level of service includes advice while on the road. Although we are confident we will send you on your trip armed with everything you need, travel is all about rolling with the punches. Unforeseen circumstances will sometimes require additional information from us. If you have purchased the Adventurer package, we are at your service (with the understanding that it may be the middle of the night for us!) until you are safely back home.