How I Work - I bring a deeply personal, research-driven approach to every trip. My background in nonprofit executive leadership and years of family travel planning have shaped how I work - thorough, organized, and genuinely passionate about crafting experiences that are authentic and memorable, not just beautiful on paper. I don’t want you to have the exact same trip to Japan that your friend’s cousin’s neighbor had.
Non-Refundable Planning Fee — A planning fee is required to begin, and is non-refundable once planning has commenced. Because I work exclusively on commission, this fee protects the considerable time, research, and expertise I have already invested in your trip, and in the event of a cancellation, my time is not lost. Invoicing will arrive from the finance office of Fora Travel, the Virtuoso agency with whom I'm affiliated.
Flight Booking & Emergency Line - When I book your flights, a $50 per ticket service fee applies. This fee gives you access to a 24/7 emergency line - so if anything goes sideways with your flights before or during your trip, you have a dedicated resource to call, day or night. If an entire Delta flight is cancelled and all 350 people at the gate are calling Delta and being placed on an hours long hold, you can call our number for immediate support.
Your Dedicated Advisor - You work directly with me, Meredith - not a call center or a rotating team. I'm your point of contact, I know if you prefer a bathtub to a shower, if you have a food allergy or if you need to make time in your schedule for your daily run (and include a map for the best route in a new place to do so).
Trusted B2B (Business-to-Business) Partners - I work with an exclusive network of trade-only, business-to-business partners and local specialists in international cities around the world. These are companies that don't work with the general public - meaning my clients can gain access to experiences, pricing, and services that simply aren't available to everyday travelers. These relationships are built on trust, shared standards, ethical practices and a mutual commitment to exceptional service.
I Plan & Book; My In-Country Partners Execute - I handle the full process from initial research and design all the way through booking. Then, once you're on the ground, my trusted in-country partners take the reins - executing every detail of your experience with the same care and standards I would bring myself. Every aspect of your trip is covered, from the first click to the final day.
Concierge Access - Through my network, you'll have on-the-ground concierge support at your destination - private transfers, VIP reservations, and the kind of local knowledge that turns a great trip into an unforgettable one.
Available Throughout Your Trip - I remain available to you while you're traveling, though I'll be honest - time differences can render me temporarily useless in a pinch! That's exactly why every client has a dedicated WhatsApp chat with local team members.
WhatsApp connection with their in-country contact, a 24/7 concierge who exists solely for them. This isn't a generic hotline. This is a real person who knows your itinerary, who can update your driver in real time, track down a last-minute dinner reservation, or if needed, locate and personally escort you to a dentist. Whatever arises - day or night - there is someone on the ground who has you covered at the highest level.
The Beautiful Reality of Travel - As much as I pour care and precision into every itinerary, travel by its very nature comes with nuance. Traffic can delay the best-laid plans, a restaurant may unexpectedly close, a museum may sell out, or the weather may have other ideas. These moments are not failures - they're part of the adventure. What I promise you is that I will always have a plan, and often a backup to that plan. I ask that we approach your trip together with a spirit of flexibility, knowing that the itinerary is our guide, not our contract with the universe. Some of the most magical travel moments happen when things don't go exactly as planned.
Your Itinerary Is Your Roadmap — Please Read It Thoroughly — I put an enormous amount of care into every itinerary I send you, and each one contains details that matter. I know life is busy, but I warmly encourage you to set aside dedicated time to read through all correspondence carefully — not just a quick skim! If something seems unclear, surprising, or not quite what you expected, that's exactly the moment to reach out. It is so much easier to adjust plans during the planning process than once you're on the ground.
Travel Insurance - I strongly recommend travel insurance for every trip, and can assist you in securing coverage. Your passport should be valid through 7 months of your departure date. Please read more about this here
Terms & Conditions - By beginning our work together, you're agreeing to my Terms & Conditions, which you can review in full at meredithalexander.com.