WELCOME GUIDE
I am so glad you contacted me!
Orbium travel is the travel companion you want and need to deliver unique travel experiences. Our destination knowledge and network of travel partner relationships ensure that we select the best accommodations and experiences to create an exceptional travel journey worth raving about.
I collect details like what destination you want to travel to, dates, and the budget you have in mind, and then I'll Dig a little deeper into your individual style to create an itinerary that is seamless, elevated, and designed to foster connection - both to the incredible destinations you visit, and the people you travel with.
This document outlines my design process, timeline and pricing. I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect when working with Orbium Travel. I am looking forward to creating your fabulous vacation!
Cheers, Jane
With my strong family connections to England and Scotland, specializing in The British Isles comes naturally. I make sure that I go beyond the obvious tourist spots to explore the "true Britain" so that I can give you a truly immersive experience in the destination.
Discovering a culture through their food & wine is an unforgettable experience. And whether you take an entire trip based on your passion or simply enjoy a wine-tasting, cooking class, or a special meal in a restaurant, you'll be discovering an authentic experience.
Boutique 5 star hotels with all the finest luxuries, spa experiences, fine dining and thrilling experiences can bring a couple together. I love to help create a seamless getaway that allows you to have meaningful moments with the one you love.
Navigating group travel takes organization and communication. My goal is to fully understand what each traveler wants out of their trip and allow everyone to enjoy their perfect vacation. No matter the reason, traveling together can be an exciting and bonding experience.
Most importantly, I specialize in you and what you want from your vacation. Then, I provide you with an immersive, high-touch experience totally tailored to you. Because I have amazing travel partners, I can go "Beyond" to craft an exceptional travel experience for you with the same attention to detail.
what I specialize in
britain
& beyond
couples
groups
As your personal travel advisor, I take complete ownership of your vacation experience, designing a bespoke itinerary that take you deeper and connects you to your destination in inspiring new ways.
Relationships are everything! When you work with me you have access to my partners and connections. Booking with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor gives you special amenities that you could not receive by booking yourself. Amenities like complimentary upgrades, restaurant and spa credits and more
Our bespoke vacations are designed specifically with you in mind. Every day on the trip has been carefully curated to suit your needs and desires. This attention down to the very last detail is what makes our trips so special. Before traveling you will receive your final documents. I include a beautiful paper itinerary and/or an online app for easy access to your day by day itinerary at your fingertips.
We take the stress out of traveling for you. With Orbium Travel handling all the details, you can relax knowing that everything has been taken care of and you will have 24/7 support while traveling. My responsibility is to create the seamless, stress free vacation of your dreams and your only responsibility is packing your bags and waiting for the limo to pick you up.
One of the hardest parts of planning a trip is knowing what there is to do at your destination. Orbium Travel takes that worry away from you by carefully selecting the very best experiences that will create special memories for you and your loved ones. Thus saving you valuable time which is always in short supply.
benefits of booking
you're our VIP
it's all in the details
all you have to do is relax
creating memories with your loved ones
Lesley & Roy D
When I began to plan my trip to the U.K. I realized I didn't know where to start. Jane was knowledgable and able to help us plan the trip of a lifetime. She arranged private drivers and guides for us. Their knowledge of their regions was incredible and we learned so much more than if we explored by ourselves. Now we won't travel any other way!
For our process to be most successful, we'd like to outline what you can expect from us:
Timeline of booking
CONNECT & BEGIN
To get started, you'll fill out our trip inquiry form, and then we will reach out to schedule a call to chat about the type of travel you’ve been yearning for. I’ll collect standard details like what destination, dates, and budget you have in mind.
We'll use this call to get a feel for the kind of trip you want, answer any questions you may have, and ensure we're a good fit.
If we agree to move forward with your trip and I receive my design fees, we will send you your client agreement and book a longer consultation session with you via video where we will dig deeper into your individual travel style to allow me to match you with the perfect-fit property, experience, and itinerary.
After 1-2 weeks, we'll present your custom travel proposal and make any tweaks necessary to make it perfect.
consult
& design
sample proposal
book & manage
Once you sign off on your itinerary, I'll start work crafting your trip. We will book and manage every travel component for you, including flights, hotels, transfers, tours, and more. We will review it together to make sure all your questions are answered and make any necessary adjustments
As your departure date gets closer, we'll even take care of the "little details like procuring museum tickets and making dining/spa reservations.
sample Itinerary
Prior to your departure, you will receive your final travel documents both in a booklet and on a convenient phone app. We'll review your final itinerary with you and answer any questions you may have.
Then it's time to depart!
While you travel, you'll still have the support of Orbium Travel. Simply reach out to us if you need any assistance while you are savoring your journey
travel & savor
Let's Get Started
Xavier P.
"It was impeccable from start to finish. The trip exceeded my expectations by far! Every detail was thought out and I was treated like royalty!"
We provide a highly personalized travel planning service, and as such, charge fees for our time. Our destination knowledge, a network of travel partners across the globe, and preferred partner relationships ensure that we are selecting the best experience and the best values for our clients.
professional fees
see our fees
WHAT is a luxury boutique travel advisor?
As a boutique, luxury travel agency, we work with couples, and groups to remove the frustrations of trip planning and deliver unparalleled travel experiences crafted specifically to your needs, interests, and motivators.
Through our affiliation with Gifted Travel Network and Virtuoso we have incomparable industry relationships that give you unparalleled access and experiences while traveling. We combine our vast destination knowledge, expertise, attention to detail, global connections, and above-and-beyond service to be your trusted resource that will help you take a “good” trip and make it an “I never wanna come home!” trip. All you have to do is spin the globe, pick a destination & go! We will do the rest.
WHAT DOES WORKING WITH ORBIUM TRAVEL LOOK LIKE?
We work best together when I have a clear understanding of what you are looking for in your vacation. Be as specific as you can with what you envision and be honest in your feedback. Speaking of feedback, please respond in a timely fashion (24 - 48 hours) so we can ensure pricing and availability.
I ask that you do not book components of your trip without consulting me first. Most importantly, trust me! I am a travel industry professional. I work extremely hard to provide excellent service to you.
WHAT is the best way to communicate with you ?
Email or scheduled phone appointments work best.
This way, I can ensure that all of your trip details are in one place and that I am always well-prepped and prepared for our calls to help give you time back in your day. You can find my availability anytime for scheduled calls below.
Book a call
WHAT DO YOUR SERVICES COST?
Orbium Travel provides luxury travel consultation and design, and the human touch required for exceptional customer service. The investment required to take advantage of these services and secure a spot on our design schedule varies based on several trip factors. The flat service fee applies towards the hours worked on a custom vacation that is one-of-a-kind to you and is, therefore, not transferable to other clients or a change in destinations.
Find more info here!
WILL WORKING WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR COST ME MORE?
The answer is almost always no. More times than not, our services actually save you money. Here's how.
We will save you hours, days, and weeks of planning, booking, managing, and confirming the endless array of services that it takes to make a fantastic vacation.
We have access to exclusive contracted rates and unpublished fares through our expansive global network of industry professionals and preferred partners.
We deliver VIP service along with extra perks, amenities, and status as an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network, a Virtuoso® Member, who connect us to the world’s top luxury travel service providers.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
We will take you from time-starved, stressed-out, and option-overwhelmed to confident, calm, and energized about your next vacation. As travel advisors, we cut through the clutter, field the frustrations, and delve deep to understand what motivates you and how to best spend your money and your most valuable asset – time – to have an unforgettable journey.
We will deliver exceptional service through our passionate and energetic, human-to-human approach to crafting custom vacations.
We will secure special pricing, value-add amenities, perks, upgrades, and savings of money and time through our exclusive affiliations with Gifted Travel Network and Virtuoso.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
We will advocate for you, always. We will leave you with a sense of confidence and calm knowing we are here for you should something go awry throughout our process or during your travel plans.
We will create a lifetime of Magic Moments by discovering what you and your companions want in a journey, and getting an intimate sense of your travel style and what is important to you. This knowledge will grow and evolve over time as we continue to work together designing the vacations that will create the memories of a lifetime.
We will expand your horizons. Come to us with your ideas, your wishlists, your must-dos, and must feels. We will help you think creatively about where to go to achieve your goals and offer novel ways to discover places you’ve already been.
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WHAT IS VIRTUOSO?
Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury and experiential travel services. Virtuoso’s exclusive partnerships with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies ensure each advisor can deliver handcrafted, bespoke journeys for clients, elevating every trip with unique wow moments, complimentary perks and amenities, rare access, and VIP treatment.
Whether you are looking for hotel-only stays, complex, multi-country itineraries, or luxury ocean and river cruises, our access to Virtuoso-only benefits will make the difference between an ordinary travel experience and an extraordinary one.
how much should I budget for my trip?
That really depends on you and the type of vacation you want to take. When you book with us, we will always book a minimum of a 4-star hotel or resort. We never book flights below premium economy, and ground transfers are always included. Recommended experiences and dining will be chosen for you based on your budget and their value to you.
More of a luxury 5-star traveler? This is excellent news as there is no maximum budget. If you dream it, we can do it. We have access to private jets, luxury villas, private after-hour tours (Versailles after hours, anyone?). No request is too extravagant.
how far out should i book my trip?
This strongly depends on the type of trip.
Safaris and River Cruises all require longer lead times – roughly 12-18 months prior to travel – to secure ideal space and accommodations.
For a typical 7+ day international vacation, we recommend planning 6-11 months in advance.
If you are interested in traveling over a holiday time, no time is too soon to start planning and lock in availability.
Do you recommend insurance?
Travel protection policies are always recommended and highly encouraged.
Given the ever-changing conditions of the pandemic and Covid-19 travel requirements, all of my travelers must have some form of trip protection when traveling internationally.
It is important to purchase trip protection policies within 14 days of the deposit date to ensure maximum policy benefits.
Please note that clients are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions of their protection policy and we will do our best to provide travel protection quotes appropriate to your needs, such as added cancel for any reason protection.
How long does the itinerary design process take? What can we expect ?
On average, from filling out the initial Design My Trip form to booking flights and confirming reservations, the itinerary design process lasts 3 - 4 weeks.
Once my design fee is paid, I provide a proposal to you in 5-7 business days.
Once you approve the proposal, we provide you with a detailed, day-by-day itinerary and prepare an estimated budget within 3 business days. I answer any questions you might have about the itinerary within 1-2 business days.
Once I receive your final approval, all reservations will be confirmed within 2 business days of receiving credit card details.
Much of this timeline is based on your response time. The sooner we receive your questions and feedback, the quicker we are able to respond and move on to the next step in the itinerary design process.
can my itinerary be itemized?
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY?
All quotes are provided in a bundled package. Many of the partners we work with get great negotiated rates, and pass on that benefit to you. It becomes very difficult for them to break down all the component parts as they are dependent upon each other. I can give a general breakdown if that is what you desire.
However if you desire to have a comprehensive breakdown, please inform me before I start working on your itinerary as that might affect which partner I choose to work with.
Of course! Three changes are included in the planning fee before we finalize the itinerary. My goal is always to perfect the proposed itinerary so that it suits you to a tee!
do you book airbnb?
I do not book Airbnb due to a variety of reasons foremost being I cannot guarantee the quality of Airbnb or the service you will receive.
If you still have your heart set on a holiday apartment or vacation home and it truly is the best fit for you, we do have a vast network of vetted industry partners that specialize in villas, private residences, and unique-accommodation stays to match our clients’ needs. Many of these partners have access to the same inventory you see on the well-known sites.
We only work with accredited and trusted partners to ensure quality-control and a positive client experience.
Can you assist with booking
hotels and flights with points?
If you are interested in using points for flights or hotels it is important to let us know during our Discovery Call.
As part of our initial research, we are happy to look into flight and hotel options that will fit within your loyalty program guidelines, but we cannot confirm the actual booking with your points.
Airlines and hotels consider points personal property and therefore do not enable us to confirm a booking on your behalf with points. When it comes time to confirm reservations, please confirm these components with your points and forward all confirmation details to us to include in your itinerary.
what happens if I have to cancel my trip
We understand that life happens and plans may have to change for a myriad of reasons.
If after you have made your deposit and/or final payment, and you decide to cancel or change any or all parts of your itinerary, our travel suppliers and partners will charge a change or cancellation fee. Cancellation penalties vary by supplier and and will be outlined clearly in the Terms and conditions that I will present with your proposal.
Travel protection is always encouraged and recommended as a safeguard. We offer several travel insurance policies to match your needs. Please note Orbium Travel may charge a small cancellation fee in the event you choose to cancel your trip as noted in our terms and conditions.
Is there a benefit to booking flights with orbium Travel?
Absolutely.
We confirm all flight itineraries through our Air Desk. Often, flight schedules change causing long layovers and missed connections, or a flight reservation needs to be cancelled. Having the Air Desk's support to revise and reroute your flights is invaluable.
It is also possible that flights are delayed or cancelled while you are traveling. Having access to our Air Desk enables us to assist with your flights which helps you tremendously when phone lines are busy and lines are long. If you book your flight yourself, we are unable to assist with any unexpected changes or cancellations. If we are not the original booking agent, the airlines do not provide us the access we need to modify or update an itinerary.
If you would like to confirm business class or first class flights with points, there is a service that we are happy to recommend. Please ask us for more details.
you booked my flight. Is there anything else I need to do?
what happens if my flight is cancelled?
The check in process must be done by you 24 hours before the flight at which time you will receive your mobile or printable boarding pass. As your trip gets closer, I will be sending you helpful information on luggage requirements for your airline, along with packing guides and lists to help you.
Airline travel can often be the time in your vacation that causes the most stress! Several weeks before your flight I will send out a frequently asked questions document dedicated to understanding what to do in these types of scenarios. This information will also be available on your e-itinerary as well. We will work together to mediate any unexpected situations
Will we earn airline & hotel points when we book with orbium travel?
Yes, if you request this at the very beginning of the itinerary design process.
Earning points requires that we confirm your reservation directly with that hotel and not through another partner so if we don’t know this up front, we may not prioritize this type of booking, which means points will not be accrued for that stay.
Can I confirm bookings myself and send them to you?
We like to confirm all reservations on your behalf.
In order to provide a seamless experience and to proactively ensure all details are in place for your travels, we prefer to confirm all bookings on your behalf as it is imperative that we have these details at our fingertips at all times, both before and during your trip, to ensure the trip is as smooth as possible.
If we have not made the bookings ourselves, it is harder for us to assist you if there are any issues before or while you are traveling.
Will you provide restaurant recommendations?
3 months before you travel I will confirm the restaurant reservations that you desire on your behalf. I do this after all other parts of your trip are confirmed to avoid any conflicts in the schedule.
If you would prefer to be more spontaneous with your restaurant selections, I will provide you a list of excellent restaurants & coffee shops in the destinations you will be traveling to.
Will you provide ideas of things to do in our free time?
Absolutely!
Once guided tours and activities have been selected and a detailed itinerary has been laid out, we’ll fill in the free time with recommended things to see and do.
These are only recommendations and do not require strict scheduling so you can decide spontaneously what you would like to do day by day.
How will i receive my travel documents?
We design our proposals and itineraries online. Once your itinerary is confirmed, we’ll send you a link to download the Trip Plans app. This app enables you to access all the details of your itinerary on the go, even without a wifi connection.
Just like airlines, most hotels, cruise lines, tours only need a form of identification to locate your reservation. When they do need a confirmation number, providing this through your mobile device is sufficient.
If you prefer physical travel documents, it is possible for us to provide them, but this will not be automatic, so please let us know right away so we can prepare these for you.
Can I drive abroad?
f you are planning on driving abroad, applying for an international driver's permit (IDP) is important.
Most countries require foreign drivers who have a license in English to obtain an IDP prior to arriving which can easily be obtained at your local AAA office. The IDP makes it easy for law enforcement ( and others like the staff at the rental desk to learn your name address and other information without language barriers standing in the way. This driving permit is a requirement to drive and without the permit, you could face punishment if stopped by law enforcement officials while driving. American drivers must have both their American and dip in their possession while driving.
what happens if I test positive for covid before/during my trip
It is best to plan ahead for all events while traveling. If you test positive before you leave, you will have to cancel your trip. Your travel insurance should cover a large portion your investment. Contact me right away and I will assist you in filing your insurance claim.
If you test positive while abroad, you will have to follow the country's quarantine protocols. If you have comprehensive insurance it will cover you for the extra time you have to spend there in quarantine. There are other options you might consider in advance if you prefer to fly home immediately and quarantine at home. We can discuss that when we discuss insurance coverage.
Frequently asked questions
It is better to see
something once than
to hear about ita
thousand times.
passports
We all know by now: anything about travel that applied in "normal times" is not applicable now, and that includes the processing time to get or renew your passport. Know what to do to make sure you are prepared.
The rules and regulations regarding Covid-19 and entry requirements seem to change on an hourly basis these days. It's almost impossible to keep up with these changes and sometimes it is hard to understand what it all means anyway. Rest-assured, Orbium Travel is continuously monitoring the situation.
We will keep you informed of any protocols and changes that will affect your travel. However, as we cannot travel with you, it is ultimately up to you to stay informed.
Here are some travel resources, information sources, and what we are doing for our clients.
COVID-19
Hi I'm
Jane
I finally went on Safari to South Africa and it changed me forever! I got to meet an elephant and it was amazing! It is a must do trip!
what does orbium mean?
Orbium comes from the book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium or On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. And since I am fascinated by the world and universe we live in, the name Orbium seemed perfect. That, and it's the name of my favorite Gin (#funfact). Here are some other fun facts about me:
Where is the last place I traveled
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my favorite things
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My husband and 3 children. They fill my cup daily.
My 2 pups give me endless joy and laughter.
Travel, especially to the British Isles
I love trying new restaurants and styles of cuisine
I also love to discuss the day's experiences when I travel over cocktails with my travel companion (almost always my husband)
Dancing with my husband
I am a history geek. In fact, my minor in college was a British History degree specializing in the Georgian Period.
Didn't really match my BSN degree but I loved it.
Gin & Tonics on the back porch on a summer day.
A french 75 at a chic bar in Europe.
On any given day you can catch me with a glass of wine in my hand, preferably a full bodied red.
not-so guilty pleasure
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Let's get started
An Independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network - a Virtuoso® Member
CST 2113317-40 / Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST39093/Washington 603308394
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WELCOME GUIDE
CUSTOM PLANNING
TRIP DESIGN FORM
DESIGN FEES