The short answer: fraud is rampant in the travel industry, and last-minute bookings are one of the biggest red flags there is. Here's the reality: travel is one of the most frequently targeted industries for credit card fraud, identity theft, and scam transactions. Criminals love the combination of high dollar amounts, non-refundable deposits, and the urgency of "I need to leave tomorrow." It's a perfect storm for fraudulent activity, and advisors who process last-minute bookings without proper vetting get caught in the middle — sometimes on the hook for chargebacks or worse. Requiring a 30-day minimum allows me to verify payment, confirm everything is legitimate, and give suppliers enough lead time to properly handle your reservation. It also protects you — a rushed booking is almost always a more expensive and less curated one. Good travel takes planning. I'm here to do that planning well.

Same reason, different angle. Chargebacks — where a cardholder disputes a charge after the fact — are a serious and growing problem in travel. When a booking is processed just days before departure, there's very little time to catch fraudulent activity before someone has already boarded a plane (or not, as the case may be). Having full payment settled at least 30 days out gives us a clear window to confirm everything is in order, address any issues with suppliers, and make sure your journey starts without a single administrative hiccup. It's a policy that protects both of us — and honestly, if you're taking time off for a real trip, the last thing you want to be thinking about the week before is payments.

For new and newer clients, no. This policy exists precisely because I haven't yet had the chance to build a working relationship or establish trust — and that's not a personal judgment, it's just how responsible business works. The 30-day requirement is there to protect everyone involved, including you. For established clients I've worked with over time, exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. If we have a history together and something comes up that requires flexibility, reach out and we'll have that conversation. Those situations are handled individually, not as a general rule. If you're new to working with me and have a genuine time-sensitive situation, the best thing to do is get in touch. I'll be straightforward with you about what's possible.

Before any planning or booking begins, every client is required to complete a detailed intake form and provide two things: a copy of your passport (or driver's license if your itinerary is entirely within the US), and a copy of your credit card (name must match ID) for booking purposes. This applies to all clients without exception. Additionally, you will be required to sign (electronically) a credit card authorization form and a insurance waiver if you choose to not buy travel insurance. I know that might feel like a lot upfront, but there's a practical reason for each piece. The intake form is how I learn enough about you to actually plan well — travel style, preferences, must-haves, deal-breakers, the works. Your ID confirms you are who you say you are, which matters for supplier bookings and fraud prevention. And your payment information needs to be on file before I can hold or confirm anything on your behalf. All of your information is processed securely through Travefy, a platform built specifically for travel professionals and designed with client data security in mind. Nothing is stored casually or shared beyond what's needed to manage your booking. This isn't bureaucracy for its own sake — it's the foundation that makes everything else run smoothly.