Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a travel agency do, and why should I use one?
Think of us as your personal travel advocates, designers, and project managers all in one! While you can spend hours guessing on the internet, we use our decades of industry relationships, firsthand destination knowledge, and exclusive supplier connections to build custom, seamless itineraries and experiences. Plus, we handle all the tedious details—like flight connections, transfers, and hotel confirmations—and are here to support you if a flight gets delayed or plans change while you are away.
I've never used a travel advisor before. What does the first step look like?
Welcome! We love working with first-time clients. The very first step is incredibly simple and low-pressure: we start with a short, complimentary Discovery Call (usually about 15–20 minutes).
Think of this as a casual chat over coffee. You don’t need to have everything figured out! We’ll talk about your travel style, what you love (and hate) when traveling, your budget, and any initial ideas you have for the trip. Our goal during this first step is just to see if we’re a good fit for each other and to listen to your vision. From there, we take the wheel and start crafting a custom itinerary for you to review. You just have to sit back and get excited!
Do I need to live near an office to work with Going Places Travel?
Not at all! While we love welcoming clients into our physical offices, we happily design and book travel for clients all across the country. We can easily collaborate with you over the phone, via email, or through video consultations (like Zoom) to plan your perfect getaway from wherever you call home.
If I find a hotel or cruise online, can I just have you book it for me?
We can do even better than that! We can guide you with inside tips to confirm if this hotel has been vetted and good enough for you. We will have recommendations for you if this is not the one, so you don’t have to worry.
I have already booked my cruise/tour directly but I need help with my airfare, can you help?
Of course! We can help you with your flights to ensure a timely arrival and will be with you every step of the way while traveling. If you have not made a final payment on your trip we can also take over your reservation, so we can pick-up where you have left off and plan a cohesive trip including pre and post stays, insurance, and transfers.
Where are your offices located, and do I need an appointment?
We proudly serve our communities across five physical office locations! To ensure you get the dedicated time and undivided attention of a specialist who excels in your specific destination, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment before stopping by.
Our offices are located in:
- Danville, California
- Berkeley, California
- La Jolla, California
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Wasilla, Alaska
Please visit our [Contact Page] to find the specific address, hours of operation, and direct phone lines for the office closest to you!
Do you charge a fee for consultations?
For first time clients, we offer a 15 minute Discovery call. We’ll talk about your travel style, what you love (and hate) when traveling, your budget, and any initial ideas you have for the trip. Our goal during this first step is just to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Can you help me use my airline's frequent flyer miles or credit card points?
Airline Miles:
YES!!! Navigating airline miles and rules can be a daunting task. We are here to help. Our agents specialize in Airline reward redemptions and upgrades, helping you maximize your rewards coupled with an experienced travel advisor’s insight to ensure you are traveling efficiently. An inexpensive reward ticket with a 15 hour layover costs you more than just points. Once your ticket is issued we will work with you on tracking any flight schedule changes Our agents are experts in Alaska Airlines rewards and companion ticket redemptions, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and much more.
Credit Card Points:
It is extremely restrictive for us to assist with using your credit card points or credit card miles due to credit card company’s individual systems – Credit Card companies typically only want to work with the credit card holders themselves, due to the many security questions in place. Therefore, we do not offer this service. Many credit cards will allow you to transfer points to an airline mileage program and once the points are in an airline mileage program we can assist.
I’m on a specific budget. Is Going Places Travel only for luxury travelers?
Our agents are well versed in different levels of budgets, and will be able to find you something suitable for every travel style and budget.
Can you match the price of a vacation package I found online?
In most cases YES!! As a travel advisor, our job is to be your advocate who is protecting you from hidden travel traps rather than just trying to make a transaction. Because of this, we are very careful with online deals.
We work exclusively with trusted, vetted suppliers. If the online deal you found is through one of our preferred partners, we will happily inquire on your behalf. We will review the fine print, ensure there are no hidden costs or fees, and do everything we can to secure that rate for you—all while providing the peace of mind and personalized support that online booking engines can’t match.
Do you offer vacation payment plans, or do I have to pay for the whole trip upfront?
YES!! Tour and cruise packages can be paid in installments. Terms and conditions will apply. The standard payment process is as follows:
- Airline tickets: full payment is required at the time of ticketing.
- Tour, cruise or package booking: a deposit is due at the time of booking confirmation, and full payment is due 30-60 days prior to the start of your departure. Payments can be made between deposit and final payment due date.
What happens if something goes wrong or my flight gets cancelled while I am traveling?
When you purchase an airline ticket from us, your booking agent becomes your main point of contact to help you through any flight schedule changes, delays or cancellations. Our agent will be able to quickly find you an alternative flight to ensure the success of your trip.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes, absolutely. We strongly advise all of our clients to invest in travel insurance to protect their vacation investment. Travel insurance can safeguard you against unexpected life events, medical emergencies abroad, trip interruptions, and baggage losses. We will gladly provide you with trusted, comprehensive insurance options tailored to your trip at the time of booking.
Do I have to be a client to attend a Going Places Travel event?
Absolutely not! Our travel events are designed to be a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can spark ideas with other fellow travelers, meet your local agents, and talk with our world-class travel suppliers to get informed and inspired to take the next steps on booking your next destination. Bring a travel friend, or family member—we’d love to meet you!
How much do your travel events cost to attend, and do I need to RSVP?
Our travel events are always completely free for our clients, and any inspired travelers looking for their next adventure! You are the reason we host these events—we love keeping our community educated and inspired about the world.