Why I Charge a Planning Fee

Planning the perfect trip goes far beyond booking flights and hotels—it’s about crafting a seamless, highly personalized experience tailored to your travel style, preferences, and budget. As a professional travel advisor, I bring industry expertise, exclusive connections, and meticulous attention to detail, delivering custom itineraries that far exceed what’s available through a simple online search.

Why Work With a Fee-Based Travel Advisor?

Think about it—your hairstylist, accountant, or attorney doesn’t work for free because their expertise is valuable. The same applies to professional travel planning. My planning fee reflects the high level of service and value I provide, covering:

🎌 Bespoke Itinerary Design – In-depth research and planning, delivered through an intuitive website and mobile app for seamless access on the go.
🏯 Exclusive Recommendations & VIP Perks – Insider access, industry-only upgrades, and curated experiences.
🍣 24/7 Personal Support While You Travel – Direct access to me—not a call center—ensuring a smooth journey.
🚅 Agency-Exclusive Discounts & Benefits – Preferential pricing, added amenities, and elite status perks through my trusted travel network.

By charging a planning fee, I prioritize your best interests—not the easiest bookings or the highest commissions. You receive unbiased advice, unparalleled service, and a truly tailored experience designed around what’s best for you.

How My Planning Fee Works

Every trip is unique, and my fees reflect the level of planning and support required. During our initial consultation, I’ll assess factors such as trip length, destinations, number of travelers, and your travel style to determine the best planning tier for your needs.

Is There Ever an Exception?

Absolutely! I believe in transparency and flexibility, and my goal is always to do what’s best for my clients. If you have questions or concerns, let’s discuss them during our consultation—I’m always happy to accommodate when possible.

My Planning Fee Tiers

Kombini - $200

For the independent traveler seeking a professional second opinion. I’ll review your existing itinerary, recommend hotel options as appropriate, and provide curated activity and experience links to enhance your trip. This light-touch service is perfect for those who feel confident managing their own bookings but value expert insights. You’ll also receive exclusive access to my client-only tips & tricks section for insider travel guidance. This tier is limited to itinerary review and resource access only and does not include itinerary creation, booking services, use of my itinerary software, or in-destination support.

A grocery store shelf with various Japanese beverages including juices, teas, flavored drinks, and milk cartons. The products are colorful and arranged in rows, with some on sale marked by orange and red sale tags.

Izakaya - $350

Perfect for travelers who prefer to handle activity, dining, and ground transportation bookings but want expert assistance with flights, hotels, and itinerary design. I’ll design your itinerary including flights and accommodations and create a well-structured plan you can follow with confidence. You’ll also receive curated links for activities, transit, and experiences you can book independently. Curated links cover bookable experiences with confirmation numbers — tours, day trips, theme park tickets, and similar reservations through platforms like Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Project Expedition. Independent neighborhood exploration, dining, and self-guided time in each city are yours to manage freely. Plus, you’ll enjoy 24/7 in-destination support and exclusive access to my client-only tips & tricks website, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Interior of a Japanese restaurant with customers sitting at the counter, sushi chefs preparing food, and traditional Japanese décor including hanging signs with Japanese writing.

Omakase - $500

Designed for travelers who want a seamless, stress-free experience with key trip elements expertly planned and coordinated. I'll design your trip itinerary including flights, hotels, and bookable activities, map out train routes (you'll handle the ticket purchases), and arrange private transfers if desired. Bookable activities are reservations made through trusted platforms like Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Project Expedition — tours, cooking classes, guided day trips, theme park tickets, and similar experiences with confirmation numbers. Independent time in each city — exploring neighborhoods, finding coffee, browsing shops — is yours to enjoy freely. Your itinerary and destination resources will give you everything you need to make the most of it. You'll also receive 24/7 in-destination support and access to my exclusive client-only tips & tricks website.

Assorted sushi platter with various types of sushi rolls, sashimi, garnishes, and decorative flower on a white tray.

Kaiseki - varies

A fully custom travel planning experience — with every detail thoughtfully designed before you ever depart. This covers the expert design of your trip including your flights, hotels, activities, transportation, and complex logistics, including securing pre-purchased Shinkansen tickets. Beyond the core itinerary, I can also arrange dining reservations and distinctive experiences like Tokyo Disneyland Vacation Packages, sporting event tickets, calligraphy classes, geisha performances, kimono rentals, luxury massages, Pokémon Café reservations, and more. With 24/7 in-destination support and access to my client-only tips & tricks website, you’ll enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey — guided by careful planning and personalized expertise every step of the way.

Traditional Japanese meal featuring assorted vegetables, pickles, fish cake, boiled egg, a bowl of soup with a red lid, and side dishes on wooden trays.

Ready to plan your dream trip? Let’s connect and make it happen!