Great travel doesn't happen by accident — it's designed.

There's a real difference between a trip that's merely booked and one that's been thoughtfully crafted: the right pace, the right season, properties chosen for how they actually feel, and connections that make sense on the ground. That's the work.

Archipelagos was built for clients who recognize that difference. With deep destination knowledge, a vetted global network, and years of first-hand international experience, I bring judgment and insight that no algorithm can replicate. My best clients aren't looking for the cheapest option — they're looking for the right one, designed around them. If that's what brought you here, you're in the right place.

How We Work Together

Step 1 —Free 20-Min Consultation: We discuss your vision, budget, travel style, and timing. I'll tell you honestly whether it's a good fit.

Step 2 — Design + Commitment Fee: If we move forward, one invoice starts everything: a flat $500 Design Fee for the conceptual research and itinerary work, plus a 10% Commitment Deposit on your stated budget.

The $500 is non-refundable — it compensates the work done regardless of outcome. The 10% is also non-refundable if you walk away, but is fully credited toward your final balance when you travel.

Step 3 — Conceptual Itineraries: I develop 1–3 draft overview itineraries: destinations, pacing, suggested properties and experiences. Nothing is booked yet — this is the design phase.

Step 4 — Choose Your Direction: You select a preferred itinerary. Refinement begins. Up to 4 rounds of revisions are included.

Step 5 — Booking Deposit: Once the itinerary is finalized, a consolidated booking deposit of approximately 30-40% of the estimated trip cost is due. This covers supplier deposits across all lodging, transfers, and experiences — invoiced as one payment, not per supplier.

Step 6 — Final Balance: Due 45–60 (60-90 days for some countries and most safaris) days before departure. Your 10% Commitment Deposit is credited here.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be purchased within 14 days of your booking deposit.

What We Do

• Design custom itineraries built around your preferences, travel style, and pace

• Provide strategic destination guidance drawn from first-hand experience

• Book accommodations, transportation, tours, and experiences through vetted partners

• Consolidate supplier requirements into clean, simple invoices

• Serve as your advocate with suppliers before and during your trip

• Deliver comprehensive pre-trip documentation

What We Don't Do

• Restaurant reservations — time-intensive, frequently changed, and not where my value lies

• Airbnb or VRBO bookings — these platforms don't allow proper vetting and lack the service standards my brand requires

• Control supplier policies, weather, delays, or other factors outside anyone's control

• Provide refunds for supplier services — those follow each supplier's cancellation terms

• A la carte bookings — Curating a trip means working with the entire trip design for seamless execution, not just bits and pieces. All a la carte or additional booking requests not part of the original itinerary will incur a booking fee.

What You're Responsible For

• Providing accurate names (exactly as on passport), dates of birth, and contact information

• Responding to itinerary proposals within 5 business days — timely feedback protects availability and pricing

• Providing clear and comprehensive feedback— if you’re traveling with others I need consolidated feedback from the entire group.

• Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance within 14 days of your booking deposit

• Having valid passports, visas, and required health documentation

• Paying all invoices on time — late payments can trigger automatic supplier cancellations

A Few Important Notes

• Budget Minimum: Typically $10,000 per week for trips booked through me for 2persons.

• Scope Changes: Significant changes to destination, season, or trip style after refinement begins may require re-scoping and additional fees. I'll always tell you before acting.

Exchange Rates: International bookings are often priced in foreign currencies. Rates can shift between booking and final payment — currency movements are part of international travel and outside anyone's control.

Suppliers Deliver: I design and book your trip, but hotels, airlines, and tour operators are responsible for their own service delivery. I'll advocate hard on your behalf if something goes wrong.

Accurate Info: Passport names, dates of birth, and travel dates must be exact. Errors can result in denied boarding and are expensive — sometimes impossible — to correct.

No Chargebacks: If you have a concern, come to me first. Disputing charges for services rendered may result in legal action.

Communication

I respond to emails within 1–2 business days during planning, unless otherwise noted as during a travel or OOO period. During your trip, I monitor communications but I'm not always available around the clock. For travel emergencies, contact your tour operator first, then reach out to me.

This is a collaborative process. I bring expertise, design capability, and a vetted global network. You bring clear communication, timely responses, and trust in the professional judgment you're engaging. That combination is what makes a great trip.