Why I Charge a Planning Fee (And Why It Matters for Your Trip)
Let’s be honest—anyone can book a hotel online. But building a smooth, well-paced itinerary with amazing experiences and excursions that actually fits how you travel? That’s a different skill set entirely.
So when people ask why I charge a planning fee, here’s the truth: custom travel isn’t a commodity. It’s a professional service that takes time, strategy, and judgment. High-touch advisors across Virtuoso charge fees because the work is real.
Here’s what that fee actually covers—
Custom Itineraries
Everything I do for clients is customized to them. While it’s hard to comment on the business models of other travel agents, my model is high-touch and custom. While I can sell you a Princess cruise if that’s what you want (no additional fee for that), the vast majority of my business is multi-day custom itineraries for 2 to 12 people.
Discovery: Understanding How You Really Travel
Before a single day is planned, we talk—about your rhythms, preferences, dealbreakers, and interests. Morning people or slow starters? Food fanatics or museum lovers? Need space in the morning or want to move nonstop?
This isn’t a quick questionnaire. It’s understanding your “travel DNA” so the trip reflects you, not a template.
Custom Design That Requires Actual Expertise
A bespoke itinerary means real research and real problem-solving:
vetting guides and specialists
sequencing days so logistics actually work
choosing the right room type (not the mystery-box “Deluxe”)
timing trains, ferries, and visits around opening hours
integrating niche interests
This is trip architecture—the part you never see but always feel.
Revision Rounds
No one gets it perfect on the first pass. You get two rounds of revisions so the trip lands exactly where you want it. Every change requires coordination; the fee covers the time it takes to re-engineer the moving pieces.
Access to Vetted Local Experts
I don’t gamble with Google. I work with trusted DMCs, guides, drivers, and partners who consistently deliver. These relationships protect you from bad fits, bad tours, and bad surprises.
Pre-Trip Coaching
Travel success lives in the details—transport choices, jet lag, tipping culture, avoiding dumb ATM fees, knowing when to splurge vs. save. I guide you through the stuff travelers don’t know they need to know.
Support Before, During & After
Before you go, I handle restaurant suggestions, spa menus, confirmations, special requests, and contingencies. While you travel, I’m your point person if things go sideways, plus I also provide you with a local contact who is available a minimum of 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s advocacy, and it matters. Especially when you accidentally get on a train in the wrong direction!
Paying an Upfront Fee = Better Decisions
Commissions vary. A planning fee means I’m making the best decisions for you, not for a supplier’s payout.
This Is a Professional Skill
Travel has never been more complicated. People hire designers, accountants, trainers, event planners—because expertise matters. Custom travel sits squarely in that category. And if I can humbly add…at this point in my career, I’ve been to 75+ countries! This is a very different level of expertise than your average travel agent.
The Bottom Line
A planning fee ensures your trip is intentionally built, properly paced, and tailored to how you want to experience the world. It keeps the process strategic, not rushed; personal, not generic; seamless, not chaotic.
That’s what Antidote Travel is known for—and why the fee exists.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My background and 20 year career in the investment management industry have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.
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Ways I Can Help You
Knowledge and experience. I’ve been to 75+ countries.
I can offer VIP perks and amenities at thousands of hotels around the world. Virtuoso perks are just the start. I can also upgrade your stay at Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons, and Rosewood properties…among others. Think free breakfast, priority for upgrade, a hotel credit, and more! (See my website footer for all the brands I work with.)
I have a huge storehouse of luxury cruises: I partner with all the major cruise lines…Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking, Ama Waterways, Tauck and more. I can add onboard credits and other perks that you cannot get by booking direct.
I have vetted villa rentals with concierge service all around the world
Private jets.
Yacht charters.
Small group and private touring through my partners Project Expedition and Tours by Locals.
Airport transfers.
VIP on arrival and VIP on departure airport services. (Get met at the plane door!)
Travel Protection. Don’t leave home without it!
