How I Work
How I Work, What I Believe, and Who I Serve Best
As we head into a new year, I want to pause and share something that matters—to my clients and to the way I’m intentionally building Grandt Travel & Adventures.
Travel planning today looks very different than it did even a few years ago. There are more destinations, more booking tools, and more opinions than ever before. While that access can be empowering, it can also feel overwhelming—especially for busy families who want their trip to feel meaningful, smooth, and exactly how they imagined it.
As I look toward 2026, I want to be clear about how I work, what I value, and who I’m best positioned to serve.
What I Do
I’m a travel designer and advisor specializing in custom, experience-driven travel for families and multi-generational groups. I create thoughtfully curated itineraries designed around how you want to travel—your pace, your priorities, your people, and the moments that matter most.
My role is to take care of the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
That includes:
- Matching destinations, accommodations, and transportation to your preferences
- Anticipating questions, challenges, and “what ifs” before they arise
- Designing itineraries that work well for families and multiple generations
- Providing support and advocacy before and during travel
I don’t rely on one-size-fits-all itineraries. When a pre-packaged trip aligns with what a client wants, I treat it as a starting point—layering in thoughtful adjustments, personalized add-ons, and meaningful details so the experience truly fits the traveler.
When clients return home, my goal is for them to say, “That was the best trip we’ve ever done. It was exactly what I had envisioned.”
I work best with busy moms and families who want their travel to feel intentional, well-supported, and thoughtfully planned—without having to manage every detail themselves.
What I Don't Do (And Why)
Clarity creates better experiences, so it’s just as important to share what I’m not.
I’m attentive to value and any applicable promotions, but my focus is always on aligning your goals with your budget and designing an experience that delivers on what matters most to you.
In my experience, trips that focus solely on cost can sometimes come with trade-offs—less flexibility, fewer meaningful moments, or added stress when plans change. I believe peace of mind, advocacy, and thoughtful planning are essential parts of a truly enjoyable travel experience.
I’m also not the right fit for travelers who:
- Prefer to plan every detail themselves
- Want to book independently and use an advisor only as a safety net
- Are primarily focused on finding deals rather than shaping an experience
- Expect professional planning without valuing the expertise behind it
That alignment matters. It allows me to serve my clients well and protect the quality of the experience they’re investing in.
How I’m Paid — and How That Serves You
I believe transparency builds trust, so I’m open about how I’m compensated.
My work is supported through a combination of supplier commissions and a design fee. The design fee reflects the time, expertise, and care involved in creating a fully customized itinerary—from research and supplier vetting to itinerary design, logistics management, and ongoing support before and during your trip.
My standard design fees are:
- $100 per person for domestic travel ($500 maximum per family)
- $200 per person for international travel ($1,000 maximum per family)
- $1,500 flat fee for group travel (over 10 people)
Design fees are nonrefundable and separate from the cost of travel.
As I continue to establish and grow Grandt Travel & Adventures, I’ve chosen to waive design fees through the end of 2026. This allows new clients to experience my process and level of service while setting clear expectations for how I work long-term.
Waiving the fee does not change how I plan—it simply reflects where my business is in this season.
Just as importantly, I’m not tied to specific suppliers based on commission structures. This gives me the freedom to recommend boutique properties, independent hotels, rail journeys, and trusted partners based on fit, service, and experience—not incentives. My clients can trust that every recommendation has been chosen intentionally.
My Vision for 2026
Looking ahead, my vision is clear and grounded.
By the end of 2026, I want Grandt Travel & Adventures to be known for:
- High-touch, proactive customer service
- Expert planning for families and multi-generational travel
- Deep expertise in European travel, especially rail-based journeys
- Thoughtfully planned theme park trips that prioritize flow and enjoyment
- Longer, slower itineraries that allow room for connection—not rushing
I’m intentionally building a business rooted in trust, boundaries, and relationships. That means saying yes to clients who value expertise and experience—and saying no to travel that doesn’t align with how I work.
Moving Forward
If you’re dreaming about travel and want a partner who will listen closely, plan thoughtfully, and advocate for you every step of the way, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.
And if my approach isn’t the right fit, that’s okay too. The best travel experiences start with alignment.
You may see affiliate links in this post. If you choose to use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend partners and resources I trust and would use for my own family’s travels.
Here’s to a new year—and to travel that feels exactly right.