Free in person consultations for Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, Charlotte & Surrounding Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about working with a travel advisor
About My Services
Does using a travel agent cost extra?
. No. My planning services are completely free to you. I am paid a commission by the travel suppliers, such as Disney, cruise lines, and resorts, which means you pay the same price you would booking directly. In many cases you will actually pay less, because I have access to exclusive promotions and monitor your booking for price drops after you book.
How is booking with you different from booking online myself?
. When you book online you are on your own. You research, compare, book, and manage every detail yourself. When you book with me you have a dedicated expert handling all of that on your behalf, including ongoing price monitoring, pre-trip communication, and support if anything goes wrong. Plus I have access to promotions and perks that are not available to the public.
What kind of trips do you plan?
. I specialize in Disney vacations, ocean and river cruises, and all-inclusive resorts, but I also plan Universal Studios trips, international travel, guided tours, train trips, honeymoons, and group vacations. If you have a destination in mind, reach out and I will let you know if I can help.
Do you charge a planning fee?
. My services are complimentary for most vacation types. If a service fee applies I will always let you know upfront before we begin working together.
Can you plan a trip for a large group?
. Absolutely. Group travel is one of my specialties. Whether it is a family reunion, a friends trip, a corporate retreat, or a destination wedding group, I love the logistics challenge that comes with coordinating travel for multiple people.
The Booking Process
How do I get started?
. Simply fill out my short inquiry form at rachelbunch.com. Share what you know about your trip, even if the details are still fuzzy, and I will follow up within 24 to 48 hours to start the conversation.
How long does it take to plan a trip?
. It depends on the type of trip and your travel dates. For most vacations I can have initial options to you within a few days of our first conversation. For complex international trips or large group bookings, it may take a bit longer. One thing I always recommend: the earlier you start, the more options you have and the better the pricing tends to be.
Do I have to book immediately or can I take time to think?
. There is never any pressure. I will present your options and let you take the time you need to make a decision. I will always let you know if there is a time-sensitive promotion or limited availability that makes acting sooner worthwhile, but the decision is always yours. That being said, quotes are subject to change and often prices fluctuate day to day.
Can you help me if I have already started planning on my own?
. Yes. If you have already done some research or even made some bookings, reach out and let's talk about where you are in the process. There may still be ways I can help, including finding promotions, adding on services, or handling the pieces you have not booked yet.
What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?
. You are not on hold with a 1-800 number. You have me. I am your direct point of contact and I will do everything I can to help resolve any issues that come up before or during your trip.
Disney Specific
Do I need a travel agent to plan a Disney trip?
. You do not need one, but it makes a significant difference. Disney vacations have a lot of moving parts, from resort selection and dining reservations to Lightning Lane strategy and park itinerary planning. Having a Disney-specialist advisor means none of those details get missed, and you do not spend months figuring it all out yourself.
Can you help with dining reservations at Disney?
. Yes. Disney dining reservations open 60 days before your arrival date and the most popular restaurants book up within minutes. I remind my clients when their window opens and help them secure the reservations that matter most to their family.
Do you plan Disneyland trips as well as Disney World?
. Yes. I plan vacations to all Disney Destinations including (but not limited to) Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani, Disney's resort in Hawaii.
Can you help with Genie+ and Lightning Lane?
. Absolutely. The Lightning Lane system confuses a lot of first-time visitors. I walk every Disney client through exactly what is available, what is worth purchasing for their specific trip, and how to use it effectively once they are in the park.
Cruise Specific
I have never been on a cruise. Where do I start?
. Start with a conversation with me. The biggest decisions for first-time cruisers are which cruise line fits your personality and travel style, which itinerary makes sense for your group, and what time of year works best. I love helping people figure all of this out, and I make sure there are no surprises when it comes to the real cost of a cruise.
What cruise lines do you work with?
. I work with most major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess, Viking, and more.
What is the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?
. Ocean cruises take place on large ships sailing the open sea, typically visiting multiple ports across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, or beyond. River cruises take place on smaller, more intimate ships sailing European or other inland waterways, stopping in smaller towns and cities along the way. Ocean cruises tend to be more activity-focused and family-friendly. River cruises tend to be slower-paced and culturally immersive, and are most popular with adult travelers. I love helping clients figure out which experience is right for them.
All-Inclusive Specific
How do I choose the right all-inclusive resort?
. The most important factors are your destination, whether you want an adults-only or family-friendly property, your budget, and what is actually included in the all-inclusive package. I ask all of my clients the right questions to narrow down the options and find the resort that genuinely fits their travel style, not just whatever ranks highest on a search engine.
Are all-inclusive resorts actually all-inclusive?
. It depends on the resort. Some properties include premium spirits, specialty restaurants, non-motorized water sports, and even spa access. Others have a long list of upgrades that cost extra. I always walk my clients through exactly what is and is not included at any resort I recommend so there are never any unpleasant surprises on the trip.
Do you work with Sandals and Beaches resorts?
. Yes. I am happy to help plan Sandals, Beaches, and many other all-inclusive brands.
Travel Protection
Do I need travel insurance?
. I recommend it for every trip, no exceptions. Travel insurance protects your vacation investment against unexpected events including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delayed flights, lost luggage, and more. The cost is typically a small percentage of your total trip and the peace of mind is invaluable. I walk every client through their insurance options before they travel.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still have a question that is not answered here? I would love to hear from you.
Ready to Start Planning?
Your next favorite memory is waiting. Let's figure out where it happens.​
