Faqs

FAQs

We understand that food is one of the greatest joys of travel, but dietary restrictions, allergies, and intolerances can make it challenging. As passionate food lovers ourselves, we are committed to working with you to accommodate your unique dietary needs.

Our CEO and owner, Shanon Dean, personally understands the importance of this—she has celiac disease and is allergic to coconut. So, we’re no strangers to navigating these challenges and ensuring you enjoy delicious, safe meals during your travels.

To make sure everything goes smoothly, please let us know about your specific dietary needs as soon as you begin planning with us. This will give us the time to coordinate with our partners and make sure that every meal is not only safe but also satisfying. We’re here to make sure you can travel, eat well, and truly enjoy the experience without worry.

Our travelers typically:

  • Want to connect with the local culture and experience destinations in a genuine way.
  • Prefer to visit popular sights but avoid the crowds whenever possible.
  • Appreciate skip-the-line tickets and private guides.
  • Prefer personalized experiences over group or bus tours.
  • Value our in-depth knowledge and on-the-ground relationships.
  • Desire a stress-free vacation with everything taken care of.
  • Feel overwhelmed by the endless options when researching travel destinations.
  • Have specific interests they’d like to incorporate, such as sports, archaeology, or cooking classes.
  • Are adventure foodies, eager to explore local cuisine through food tours, cooking classes, and authentic culinary experiences.
  • Are adventure travelers, seeking thrilling activities like hiking, biking, or safaris, all while enjoying local culture.
  • May have special requirements, such as traveling with young children or accessibility needs.
  • May have dietary preferences or restrictions, like vegan or celiac disease.
  • Aren’t necessarily on a budget but seek value for their money, even when indulging in luxury experiences.
  • May have previously traveled as backpackers and are now seeking more comfort and ease.
  • Are celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or multi-generational trips.
  • Appreciate transparent pricing and custom trip planning.

Our travelers are discerning, appreciative, and value our expertise in crafting unforgettable experiences.

Return on your investment is in 2 parts:

Time saved during the planning process: To organize a trip to with the level of organization and detail provided by The Wanderful Gourmet, plan on spending about 8 hours per travel day if you are going to do it yourself. A 10-day trip would therefore take about 80 hours for an average person to plan (including internet and guidebook research, time spent on the phone to your travel destination, booking time, and double-checking everything). By contrast, plan on 2-3 hours spent via phone or email with The Wanderful Gourmet. For a 10-day trip, that’s about 77 hours of time saved. How much is your time worth per hour?

A well-organized trip means you’ll spend less time dealing with issues and more time enjoying your destination. When everything is pre-planned, you won’t get lost in a new city, find out your train doesn’t run on Sundays, or face frustrating language barriers when trying to book activities. You won’t waste precious hours waiting in line for museums or attractions that could have been pre-booked. With an expertly organized itinerary, travelers can accomplish up to 20% more in a day. Plus, you’ll do it all with less stress and more enjoyment!

An Example:

Imagine you’re on a 10-day trip to Scotland, and your total trip cost comes to $600 per day, including accommodations, meals, and activities. You have 12 hours each day to explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of Scotland. This means each hour of your vacation essentially costs $50.

For simplicity, let’s say you have 120 vacation hours over the course of your trip (12 hours/day x 10 days). With a well-organized itinerary, you could save up to 20% of your time, which translates to an additional 24 hours of vacation time. These 24 hours are spent enjoying Scotland—whether it’s more time to relax in a café, explore a hidden gem, or savor a local experience—rather than dealing with the headache of avoidable mishaps.

Now, let’s add up the value of that extra time:
24 extra hours x $50 per hour = $1,200 worth of additional time you can use to truly enjoy your vacation instead of trying to fix problems.

The Real Value of Planning:

Consider how much time and stress you could save by having The Wanderful Gourmet plan your trip. By eliminating time spent on avoidable issues, you’ll get more out of your trip, all while enjoying a smoother, stress-free experience. Plus, if you’re traveling with a group, that $1,200 value is multiplied by the number of people in your party. The more people, the more value you get from expert planning.

Ready to see how much you could save? Let’s get started!

When planning adventure and culinary travel, it’s important to understand the differences between fee-for-service travel experts like us and traditional travel agents. Fee-for-service travel experts, such as The Wanderful Gourmet, provide personalized, tailored itineraries focused on your specific interests, including curated culinary experiences and customized adventure activities. We dedicate hours of research, plan every detail, and ensure your trip is uniquely crafted to your desires, with full transparency on costs. Traditional travel agents, on the other hand, typically offer pre-packaged options and work on commission, often focusing on more general itineraries. Our approach allows for more flexibility, deeper personalization, and expert guidance throughout your journey, ensuring you maximize your time and experience in the destination.

Creating a single Signature trip day requires approximately five hours of dedicated work. This translates to an investment of $75 per hour for our consulting services, ensuring that you receive a high level of personalization and attention to detail.

Our process involves extensive research and planning beyond typical booking tasks. We dedicate several hours to preparation, ensuring that your trip is seamless and tailored to your interests. This effort allows us to offer a wide array of services, including:

  • Customized Culinary Itinerary Creation: Handpicking the best local restaurants, food experiences, markets, and culinary tours based on your tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Adventure Planning & Activity Coordination: Curating outdoor adventures such as hiking, safaris, kayaking, or cultural explorations, ensuring every experience is suited to your level of excitement and fitness.
  • Detailed Transportation and Accommodation Management: Organizing everything from airport transfers to hotel bookings, ensuring your stays and travel logistics are stress-free and comfortable.
  • Local Guide and Experience Arrangements: Connecting you with expert guides who will enhance your experience, whether it’s for a scenic hike or a food-focused cultural tour.
  • Cultural Immersion and Unique Experiences: Researching and securing special local experiences, from hands-on cooking classes to exclusive guided adventures off the beaten path.
  • Dietary and Special Requirements Coordination: Making sure your culinary experiences meet your dietary restrictions or preferences, from gluten-free meals to vegetarian or allergy-friendly options.
  • 24/7 On-Trip Support: Providing you with constant support and guidance throughout your travels, ensuring any issues that arise are addressed quickly and efficiently.

Our comprehensive approach guarantees you not only an organized trip but one that’s rich in personal experiences, whether you’re craving an adrenaline-packed adventure or indulging in the finest local cuisine.

By partnering with us, you’re choosing a personalized and deeply researched approach to travel planning that goes far beyond traditional agency services. We’re here to help you create unforgettable memories through well-crafted, unique experiences tailored just for you.

While many destinations are moving towards a cashless society, it’s always a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases like coffee, snacks, tips, or local transportation. Even though credit cards are widely accepted, keep in mind that some businesses, particularly taxis, may not always accept them. It’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to claim their credit card machines are broken, so having cash on hand can save you time and frustration.

Also, be aware that some places may offer a discount for paying in cash, or add a small fee for using a credit card. For instance, a price might be listed at $60/60 soles/60 pesos, but you’ll find a lower price if you pay in cash, or there might be an extra fee (around 3-4%) if you use a credit card.

For peace of mind, make sure to carry a backup credit card (Visa or Mastercard) since some destinations may not accept American Express. Your travel app will provide a detailed breakdown of how much cash you’ll need throughout your trip, so you’ll always know exactly how much to bring each day.

There are several ways to get cash while traveling. You can use ATMs in your destination to withdraw local currency, which is what many travelers do. Alternatively, you can exchange your home currency for the local currency before you leave or upon arrival.

For safety, always be cautious with your cash. Avoid storing all your money in one place, and instead, spread it out across a few locations. When paying for something, be mindful not to expose all your cash to others around you.

Keep in mind that mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and Zelle are not widely accepted in many destinations, so it’s a good idea to have cash or a card on hand for most purchases.

The short answer is that it’s possible but not always guaranteed. If you’d like to explore pre-payment options, let us know at the start of the planning process. Keep in mind that costs for trips are generally spread out over time as we finalize details.

As a travel advisor, we’re not a tour operator, meaning we don’t collect payments upfront to handle payments for vendors. Instead, we use your credit card for all bookings.

Hotels: We book your hotel reservations just as we would for ourselves—directly with the hotel, which will hold the booking with a credit card and apply a cancellation policy. This policy generally ranges from 30 to 2 days prior to your stay, though for villas and certain hotels, the terms may vary. While there is often an option for a pre-paid, non-refundable rate, the ability to pre-pay depends on the hotel. Typically, we can arrange for hotels to be pre-paid if that’s your preference.

Activities: Since we work directly with many private guides, bypassing middlemen who typically handle credit card payments, you will often need to pay your private guides in cash at the time of service. This doesn’t mean they’re avoiding taxes, and there will still be cancellation policies in place. For online bookings, we can usually prepay for activities, but when working with private guides, the ability to prepay depends on the guide’s policies.

Logistics: Airport transfers are typically paid with a credit card at the time of service, and it’s usually not possible to prepay for them. Rental cars can be prepaid but remain refundable up until 72 hours before pickup. Train tickets are available for purchase a few months in advance and can be prepaid. Private chefs and villa bookings can also be prepaid.

Tips: All tips should be paid in cash at the time of service.

The short answer is that it usually takes a few months. We build your trip step by step, just as we would plan our own, with lots of opportunities for feedback and adjustments. We’ll make recommendations, ask questions, and guide you through every choice, from hotels to activities to restaurants.

We start by creating the overall itinerary together, which usually takes 1-3 weeks after signing the agreement. Once we’ve settled on that, we’ll move on to booking accommodations, sending you recommendations for a curated selection of hotels, villas, or other types of lodging within 3-6 weeks after the agreement is signed.

Activities: We will send activity recommendations and book them by destination, usually 8-16 weeks before your trip. Note that some activities, like tickets to popular sights such as Rome’s Colosseum, can only be booked 60 days in advance, so while we may suggest options early on, booking may happen closer to the travel date. For activities we can’t book in advance, we’ll let you know and make alternative suggestions.

Logistics: We finalize all logistics, such as airport transfers and transportation, about 8-12 weeks before departure.

Restaurants: We’ll start booking restaurant reservations a couple of weeks in advance. Some restaurants, especially high-demand spots, may ask us to call back closer to the date. However, we can usually book Michelin-starred restaurants earlier.

Final Itinerary Review: About two weeks before your trip, we’ll have a Zoom call to review all the details of your itinerary. Afterward, we’ll publish everything in the app for you to review at your convenience. Our restaurant recommendations will be included in the app, and based on your feedback, we will make reservations, which will be updated live in the app as they are confirmed.

Every trip is different, but with this process, you’ll have plenty of time to review everything and ensure your experience is exactly what you want.

No. The reason the Voyager planning service has a lower fee is that we are skipping the itinerary destination planning and accommodation steps within the planning process and diving right into activities. Voyager service does not include creating your overall itinerary, and it does not include recommending or booking your accommodations. If you would like us to review your accommodations and/or suggest alternatives, you will need our Signature planning service.

Yes, we can definitely help you book hotels using your points, whether they’re from Marriott, Hilton, AmEx, Chase, or other loyalty programs. We’ll follow our usual hotel booking process, which includes recommending options that meet the following criteria:

  1. Available for your travel dates
  2. Located in excellent central areas
  3. In line with your preferences (suite, balcony, view, bed configuration, etc.)
  4. Available for booking with points

Once you’ve reviewed the options and selected your hotel, we’ll proceed with the booking if possible. However, in many cases, you may need to log into your loyalty program’s portal or call a special customer service number to complete the booking. In these situations, many of our clients prefer to handle the booking directly and simply forward us the confirmation once it’s done.

The short answer is probably, but let’s discuss.

“Great question! The cost of an Adventure & Culinary trip can vary based on a number of factors, similar to how the price of a car depends on the features you choose. For example, do you want a luxurious experience or something more laid-back? Here’s a rough breakdown of what to expect:

  • Accommodations: On average, you can expect to pay between $300-$500 per night for a well-located 3 or 4-star hotel. This can vary depending on the destination, and if you opt for upgrades like a sea view, suite, or a room with a balcony, the price can go higher.
  • Tours & Activities: Activities usually cost around $400 per day, including private guided tours, entrance fees, and tips. Some activities, like cooking classes or exclusive excursions, will cost more, but you’ll also have options for more affordable tours depending on your interests.
  • Dining: Food can vary, but if you’re focused on experiencing the best culinary spots, it’s worth budgeting a bit more for unique dining experiences, including local specialties and perhaps even some Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Flights & Logistics: Flights are obviously a big factor, and logistics like airport transfers or private drivers will be an additional cost. Some transportation options can be prepaid for convenience.
  • Planning fees: Our planning fees are either 250 USD / day or 375 USD / day, for up to 6 people. We always tell people that travel industry markups (inside those single-price packages) are about 20% – 25% so if our fees are in that range, that’s about right. If our fees are lower, you’re getting a deal. If our fees are more than that, it might not make sense to work with us. For example, if the trip costs add up to 1,150 USD per couple per day and if this couple hired us for Signature travel planning at 375 USD / day, that works out to about 30% of trip costs. However, if two couples traveling together split the cost of trip-planning fees, this is a good deal, compared to purchasing the exact same trip in a package deal.

Ultimately, the total cost depends on how you’d like to customize your trip. Whether you’re looking for a more budget-friendly adventure or a high-end experience, I can help craft an itinerary that aligns with both your budget and travel goals.”

I have been traveling for a very long time and plan my trips in great detail— Peru, France, Italy, Mexico, Jamaica, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, Peru, Russia, Finland, The Netherlands, and Denmark, and traveled extensively throughout the United States. That means you can access my years of experience and insider knowledge and that I’ve vetted our partners (along with my connections) so you can enjoy your trip!

Unlike many travel advisors who rely on cookie-cutter itineraries, our crafted journeys are tailored specifically to your needs. Our focus is on adventure travel that showcases local food and drinks, all while supporting small businesses in the community.

We specialize in adventure travel tailored for outdoor enthusiasts who have a passion for food—regardless of any dietary needs. Whether you’re trekking through remote landscapes or marveling at breathtaking natural wonders, our unique experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories. From conquering scenic trails to indulging in locally-inspired cuisine, our personalized itineraries ensure that every moment is tailored to your tastes. We prioritize dietary inclusivity, making it our mission to ensure you feel welcomed and catered to, so you can fully immerse yourself in the culinary adventures we offer.

Traveling with a restricted diet—whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or another dietary need—can present unique challenges. If you have specific dietary restrictions, you understand just how difficult it can be to find suitable options while on the go. As someone with celiac disease and an allergy to coconut, I truly feel your concern and pain—literally! Join us on a thrilling journey that harmonizes a love for food with the excitement of exploration, knowing your dietary needs are always a priority!

In addition to personalized experiences, we provide detailed itineraries using an app that you can access offline as you travel. This way, you can navigate effortlessly and enjoy your journey without the worry of losing connectivity.

Here’s where I take a moment to share a bit about what sets us apart—and why The Wanderful Gourmet is the best choice for your travel planning needs. While anyone can claim to provide great service, we go above and beyond to deliver a truly personalized experience. Here are nine key reasons why we stand out from other travel consultants:

  1. We’ve Lived Abroad
    We’ve walked the path you’re about to take. Having lived in a foreign country, we understand the intricacies of international travel—the planning, the organization, and the inevitable hurdles. We know what can go wrong and how to fix it, and we have the answers to questions you may not have even thought of.
  2. Deep, Personal Experience with Destinations
    I’ve personally researched, vetted, and stayed in a variety of unique hotels and hidden gems, gaining extensive knowledge about many regions. Most importantly, I understand how to tailor your trip to match the emotions and experiences you’re seeking. My goal is to create an itinerary that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them.
  3. Expertise in Process and Project Management
    Before founding The Wanderful Gourmet, I spent 12 years running my own marketing company. This experience honed my ability to manage projects, budgets, and processes efficiently. I take pride in ensuring every detail is considered, so you get the best possible recommendations for your trip. Our meticulous planning ensures a personalized, high-quality experience for each traveler.
  4. Firsthand Travel Experience
    With travel experience across many countries, I understand the challenges of adjusting to new cultures, including the inevitable culture shock. We offer advice on everything from travel insurance to cell phone use, language barriers, and cultural differences, helping you navigate unfamiliar territory with confidence.
  5. Unmatched Customer Service
    We bring a North American level of customer service to your travel planning. As your bridge between cultures, we ensure that communication is clear, your needs are met, and expectations are exceeded—something that may not always happen when dealing with local providers abroad.
  6. Family Travel Expertise
    Having traveled extensively with my own two step-boys (aged 4-6 to 12-14), I know firsthand how to make family trips fun and stress-free. We’ll make sure your entire family—from toddlers to teens—has a blast on your adventure, with activities and accommodations that cater to everyone’s needs.
  7. Engaging, Knowledgeable Guides
    We work with local guides who bring the destinations to life, offering rich, informative experiences that can be tailored to your interests—whether that’s engaging activities for kids, a focus on science and history, or ensuring your dietary restrictions are met. Our guides are not only knowledgeable but also skilled at keeping everyone engaged.
  8. Attention to Detail
    Because we are paid for our time and expertise, we dedicate extra attention to the finer details of your trip, including transportation, food, festivals, and itinerary flow. Unlike traditional travel agents, who often can’t spend time on these aspects due to commission-based structures, we ensure your trip is perfectly balanced and flows seamlessly.
  9. Transparent Pricing
    With us, there are no hidden fees. We don’t mark up any services or sell packaged deals. You only pay for our consulting and planning fees, and all vendor costs are paid directly through your credit card, so you’ll see exactly what you’re paying for with itemized transparency.

Choosing The Wanderful Gourmet means working with a team that’s passionate about creating memorable, tailored experiences that make your travel dreams a reality. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

We help travel enthusiasts explore the destinations we know best: Peru, France, Italy, Mexico, Jamaica, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Canada, Peru, Russia, Finland, The Netherlands, and Denmark. In the United States, our specialized areas include California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Hawaii, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Our most common services include planning trips for adventure groups, foodie couples, trekking adventures, culinary explorations in the world’s top 50 restaurants, family vacations, and girlfriend getaways.

Since each trip is customized, we can assist you with as much or as little as you need. Whether you’ve already booked your flights and accommodations but need help with activities and dining options, or if you require assistance with every detail—from selecting a trek in Peru or an ATV company for Rainbow Mountain, to finding the best places to stay in the Colca Canyon (one of the deepest canyons in the world) or planning a California road trip to the state’s national parks—we have you covered.

Each service starts with a 30-minute Journey Jumpstart call, after which you select which level of service you want. The purpose of the call is to get to know your needs so we can best help you. After learning about your dream trip, we’ll provide some advice, like when it’s best to travel there, how long your trip should be, and the must-know details, like how to get around and the ideal trip budget. However, we do not provide exact hotel, restaurant, activity, or itinerary recommendations, as those are part of our travel planning services.

The consultation and planning fees I charge reflect my dedication to finding the best travel options tailored to your needs, backed by my expertise and years of experience.

These fees allow us to offer comprehensive, high-quality services that deliver value beyond just booking your trip. By charging a fee, we can provide ongoing support without additional costs if any issues arise before or during your travels.

Our role isn’t just to make travel arrangements—it’s to support you every step of the way. From handling the logistics to offering advice and troubleshooting, we leverage our established relationships with trusted suppliers to secure exclusive pricing and special perks for you. In case of any challenges, we act as your advocate, ensuring you have a seamless experience from start to finish.

Yes, and here’s why:

We don’t offer day-on/day-off planning services. After years of experience, we’ve found that it creates more work and room for error. To ensure everything goes smoothly, we prefer to control the entire process.

Even on your “free” days, there’s still a lot involved. For example, if you want to explore the Sacred Valley on your own, we’ll suggest towns to visit, how long it will take to get there, and recommend the best car service for the journey. We’ll also point out must-see spots, such as museums, shops, and local bakeries, complete with opening hours so you’re not left disappointed. We’ll even make restaurant reservations so you don’t end up in a tourist trap after a day of exploring.

The same goes for a beach day. We’ll guide you on the best beaches to visit, where to park, how to book a beach lounger (as many beaches require one), and let you know about nearby services like showers, storage, and food or drink options.

In short, even when you’re relaxing or exploring independently, our planning ensures a smooth, enjoyable day without any stress or surprises.

6 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor

  1. Expert Knowledge & Experience
    • Travel advisors bring years of expertise, offering tailored recommendations based on extensive training and personal experiences. They have insider access to the best destinations, accommodations, and activities.
  1. Convenient Payment Options
    • With a travel advisor, you can often pay in installments or make a small deposit, unlike booking sites that often require full payment upfront. Plus, all costs are quoted upfront with no hidden fees.
  1. Dedicated Support & Advocacy
    • If anything goes wrong during your trip, your travel advisor acts as your advocate, handling issues such as cancellations, delays, or refunds, saving you time and stress compared to online booking sites.
  1. Time-Saving
    • Planning a detailed itinerary can be time-consuming. Travel advisors save you hours of research, crafting an itinerary that suits your interests, while you can focus on other things.
  1. Value for Money
    • Travel advisors can often find better deals and exclusive offers, sometimes saving you money compared to booking directly. They ensure you get the best value for your trip while securing added perks.
  1. Access to Exclusive Tours & Experiences
    • Advisors have connections with specialized tour operators and unique experiences, giving you access to one-of-a-kind activities that you might not discover through online searches.

The terms travel agent, travel consultant, and travel advisor are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them based on their roles, level of expertise, and services they offer. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Travel Agent
  • Role: A travel agent primarily focuses on booking travel arrangements like flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours for their clients.
  • Focus: They generally work with pre-packaged vacations and may have limited customization.
  • Work Process: Travel agents often use booking systems to secure reservations, acting more as a middleman between you and the travel providers (airlines, hotels, etc.).
  • Expertise: Travel agents may have general knowledge but often rely on the systems or suppliers they work with for recommendations.
  • Scope: More transactional, often handling straightforward bookings rather than providing detailed travel advice or customized itineraries.
  1. Travel Consultant
  • Role: Travel consultants offer a higher level of personalized service compared to agents. They often specialize in specific destinations, regions, or types of travel (luxury, adventure, family travel, etc.).
  • Focus: They provide more in-depth, tailored recommendations and advice based on your travel preferences, budget, and interests.
  • Work Process: A travel consultant’s role may involve planning entire itineraries, suggesting customized trips, and offering expertise on the best experiences in a particular destination.
  • Expertise: They are typically more knowledgeable and offer detailed insights, providing advice on logistics, activities, and even cultural aspects of the destination.
  • Scope: They go beyond just booking; they work closely with clients to craft custom experiences.
  1. Travel Advisor
  • Role: A travel advisor is similar to a travel consultant but often focuses on providing a more holistic, consultative approach to trip planning, including pre-trip advice, booking services, and post-trip support.
  • Focus: Travel advisors usually take a comprehensive approach to planning, offering recommendations, booking all elements of the trip (flights, accommodations, excursions), and assisting with logistics.
  • Work Process: They build long-term relationships with clients, offering ongoing advice, helping with any issues during the trip, and offering personal recommendations. They often have more access to exclusive deals and perks.
  • Expertise: Highly experienced and well-connected within the travel industry, travel advisors offer personalized, expert recommendations, including tailored itineraries, luxury travel, and niche experiences (such as culinary or adventure travel).
  • Scope: Travel advisors often act as a dedicated partner throughout the entire travel experience, ensuring all aspects of the trip align with the client’s preferences and goals.

Key Differences:

  • Booking vs. Personalization: Travel agents focus mainly on bookings, while travel consultants and advisors offer a more personalized and tailored service.
  • Level of Expertise: Travel advisors generally have the most extensive knowledge, especially when it comes to high-end, custom, or complex trips.
  • Ongoing Support: Travel advisors tend to provide continuous support throughout the journey, while agents and consultants may have less involvement once the booking is completed.

In summary, travel agents book travel, travel consultants provide more personalized advice and recommendations, and travel advisors offer a higher level of customized service, often guiding clients through every step of their travel experience.

I would absolutely say I’m a travel advisor or consultant. But, in short, those terms are all interchangeable! While traditional travel agents may focus mainly on booking hotels and flights, we offer much more. As travel planners and advisors, we specialize in creating comprehensive, tailor-made itineraries to ensure every aspect of your trip is perfectly planned. Whether you call us travel agents, consultants, or advisors, our goal is to help you with every step of your journey, from start to finish!

Wondering if it’s worth hiring a vacation planner? Absolutely! Travel advisors bring valuable expertise and insider connections, ensuring you get the best hotels, resorts, and tour guides tailored to your preferences. They can curate unique, unforgettable experiences that you might never discover on your own. Plus, they’ll be there to handle any issues that arise during your trip, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

We offer a variety of services tailored to your unique travel needs. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventure experiences or indulging in culinary delights, we can help craft the perfect itinerary for you. If you need additional help, we can talk about it during our call.

We can provide basic bookings (e.g., hotel and transportation) anywhere worldwide! However, we shine by providing bespoke travel planning via our full-service personalized travel itinerary services in the places where we specialize: California, Hawai’i, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.

Clients have used our “Just Bookings” service for places we have travel experience (but aren’t full destination experts), including Columbia, Patagonia, Argentina, Norway, Costa Rica, Panama, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Portugal, Morocco, and Jordan.

Wanderful Wisdom Session

Need some guidance with your trip planning but not looking for full-service planning? Our Wanderful Wisdom Session might be exactly what you need!

This 1-hour consultation call, often called “Travel Therapy” or a “Travel Tune-up” by our clients, helps ease the stress of travel planning by offering expert advice and insight.

During this session, we will discuss everything from destination recommendations and the best time to travel, to creating the perfect pace for your adventure, cultural insights, budget tips, and must-try foods. Whether you’re unsure about logistics or looking to curate your bucket list, we’ve got you covered.

To get started:

  1. Click “Ready, Set, Wander!” and pay the $250 non-refundable consultation fee
  2. Choose a time that works best for you
  3. Have a one-on-one conversation with a travel expert to start planning your dream trip

If you’re seeking specific restaurant recommendations, activity guides, or fully tailored experiences, we suggest considering our Crafted Journeys: Travel Planning Services.

You can book a Journey Jumpstart – Complimentary Call for those here.

Let’s start planning a journey you’ll never forget!

Ready, Set, Wander!
Book Your Wisdom Session Now!

We prefer at least 90 days for the best custom travel planning. However, we can do it in less time for a rush fee. 

Being kind, present, and prepared goes a long way! We will do most of the heavy lifting, but if you can respond promptly, it will help us.

Being kind, engaged, and prepared makes a big difference! While we’ll handle the majority of the heavy lifting/planning, timely responses from you will help us ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready for independent travel, it’s important that we have a conversation before moving forward. At The Wanderful Gourmet, we create meticulously organized itineraries with everything pre-booked and double-checked. However, you’ll need to be comfortable executing the plan once you arrive.

You’ll have detailed instructions on where to go, when, and how to get there, but keep in mind you’ll still need to leave your hotel on your own in a foreign country—navigating foreign languages, currencies, and possibly jet lag. While local guides, drivers, hotel staff, and our on-trip support will be there to help, the experience can still feel overwhelming for first-time travelers abroad.

For those who have never traveled internationally, we recommend our Signature Travel Planning service. This package provides additional on-trip support, which we feel is essential for a smooth experience. If independent travel still feels daunting, another option is exploring our “off the rack” group tours, where you’ll be accompanied by a guide and fellow travelers throughout most of your journey, offering more structure and less uncertainty.

Let’s discuss what option feels right for you!

Sometimes. But more importantly, you can be assured that all recommendations are good value for the money. You get what you pay for, so I don’t necessarily recommend the least expensive option. We are very used to working within a budget. That said, the service levels that The Wanderful Gourmet offers, are not typically for the budget traveler.

On-trip support is all about ensuring you have a seamless, stress-free experience while you’re traveling. Here are some examples of what’s included in our comprehensive on-trip support:

  1. 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Whether it’s a last-minute change to your plans or a sudden travel issue, you can reach us at any time for urgent support, from lost luggage to medical emergencies.
  2. Itinerary Adjustments: If you need to make changes or need last-minute bookings—such as an extra night at a hotel, an unplanned tour, or a restaurant reservation—we’ll be there to adjust things on the fly to keep your trip on track.
  3. Local Guide Assistance: We coordinate with your local guides to make sure everything runs smoothly. If any part of your guided tour needs adjustment or if you have special requests during the tour, we’ll be there to communicate on your behalf.
  4. Transportation Issues: If you miss a flight, train, or connection, or if there’s a delay or cancellation, we’ll work directly with transportation providers to rebook or arrange alternate travel, making sure you’re taken care of.
  5. Dining and Experience Reservations: Need to adjust a reservation or find a last-minute dining experience that matches your tastes? Our team can assist with rebooking or suggesting alternatives to keep your culinary journey seamless.
  6. Language Barrier Assistance: If you run into any language barriers or need help communicating with local vendors, restaurants, or service providers, we’re here to assist with translations and guide you through any tricky situations.
  7. Daily Check-ins: We check in periodically to ensure everything is going smoothly and that you’re fully satisfied with your travel arrangements, offering an extra layer of peace of mind throughout your trip.

With on-trip support, you’re never alone—our team is dedicated to ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure and culinary experiences without worry.

Our on-trip support is designed to ensure everything goes smoothly while you’re traveling, with proactive monitoring and assistance when needed. Here’s how we keep things running without a hitch:

  1. Proactive Monitoring: We keep an eye on disruptions like train strikes, air traffic control issues, and more that could affect your trip. If anything changes, we’ll reach out with a solution or alternative plan. We also monitor the weather to ensure your outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, or boat excursions, aren’t impacted. If the weather requires cancellations or rescheduling, we’ll handle it for you.
  2. On-the-Road Support: While you’re traveling, we’re here for any questions or quick requests. While on-trip support doesn’t include real-time trip planning, we’re available to assist with things like:
    • Health Assistance: If someone isn’t feeling well, we’ll help find the nearest pharmacy or hospital, and we can assist with translation.
    • Activity Changes: If you’re feeling tired and need to cancel tomorrow’s activity, just let us know.
    • Running Late: If you’re running behind, we’ll notify your guide, hotel, or restaurant on your behalf.
    • Dining Adjustments: Need to change or cancel a dinner reservation? We’ll take care of it.
    • Translation Help: If you’re dealing with a language barrier, we will give you the tools to resolve it.
    • Car Issues: If there’s a problem with your rental car (like a broken cigarette lighter preventing you from using GPS), we’ll arrange a replacement car and inform you of where to make the exchange.
    • Laundry Options: Need to do laundry? We’ll direct you to nearby services.
    • Itinerary Adjustments: If you’ve had enough of museums and want to swap for an outdoor activity, we’ll update your itinerary accordingly.
    • Weather-Related Changes: If the forecast calls for rain or extreme heat, and you need to change your plans, we’ll suggest alternative activities.
    • Strike Issues: If there’s a train strike or other transportation disruption, we’ll help you navigate alternate routes or rebook travel.

With this proactive and responsive support, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing we’ve got the details covered.

Yes absolutely. Our Ultimate Planning service is for groups of more than 6 people.

Absolutely! If you send us the details of a tour you found online, we can create a customized private version tailored to your preferences. Be sure to ask us for a cost breakdown, because in most cases, we can offer you the same experience at a lower price. Online tours are often sold as a package, but when we break down the individual costs—even with our premium Signature-level planning services—the total cost typically ends up being lower.

Contact us, we’re happy to answer all of your questions.

Preferred Partners

Custom Adventures

Call Us

541.816.7804

Email Us

[email protected]

This agency is an independent affiliate of PTN Travel, a Virtuoso® Member.
State of California Seller of Travel #2152037-50
Florida Seller of Travel License #ST43007
State of Washington Seller of Travel #604-994-859

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