Your Questions, Answered
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I save you 20-40 hours of research and eliminate the overwhelm of sorting through thousands of conflicting reviews and options. More importantly, I bring logistics expertise that prevents the small mistakes that ruin trips (tight connections, poorly located hotels, missed reservations). You get a curated itinerary designed around your preferences, not generic search results. Plus, I handle problems during your trip so you don't spend your vacation on hold with customer service.
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I specialize in Japan travel planning and hold JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) certification. Japan rewards careful planning due to language barriers, cultural nuances, and complex transportation systems. I'm also equipped to plan exceptional trips to other destinations where logistics expertise and attention to detail create seamless experiences. If you're planning a complex journey requiring precision and white-glove service, let's discuss your vision.
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Planning fees start at $500 for solo travelers and couples, and $750 for families of three or more (plus $100 per additional traveler). Multiple destinations add $200 per stop. Your first two itinerary revisions are complimentary, with subsequent changes at $150 each.
In addition to planning fees, I earn commissions from travel suppliers (hotels, tours, experiences), which allows me to secure room upgrades, priority reservations, and exclusive experiences at no additional cost to you. Your investment covers my expertise, time, and seamless coordination of your journey.
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I work with clients planning trips starting at $15,000+ in total travel spend. This ensures enough budget for the elevated accommodations, private experiences, and seamless logistics that define Coast & Trail itineraries. If your budget is lower, I may not be the right fit, but I'm happy to point you toward resources that could help.
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For Japan travel, I recommend 6-9 months in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons (cherry blossom season in spring or fall foliage). This allows time for securing preferred accommodations, restaurant reservations at top establishments, and exclusive experiences. For other destinations, 3-6 months is typically sufficient, though I can accommodate shorter timelines depending on your flexibility.
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Japan is my primary focus and area of deep expertise, but I'm open to planning exceptional journeys to other destinations where logistics precision and white-glove service create extraordinary experiences. If you're planning a complex international trip that requires meticulous coordination, schedule a consultation and we'll discuss whether I'm the right fit for your vision.
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You have my 24/7 support throughout your journey. If flights are delayed, reservations fall through, or unexpected issues arise, I handle it. My logistics background means I build contingencies into every itinerary, but when problems happen, you have direct access to me. You won't spend your vacation on hold with customer service or scrambling to rebook on your own.
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Yes. Your first two revisions are complimentary during the planning phase. After your itinerary is approved and bookings are made, significant changes may incur a $150 revision fee depending on the complexity. Once you're traveling, I can make adjustments as needed (though supplier cancellation policies may apply). My goal is flexibility without sacrificing the precision of your original plan.
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Yes, I can book flights as part of your complete travel package. However, many clients prefer to book their own flights using loyalty points and rewards programs. If you choose to book independently, I provide guidance on optimal flight times, connection considerations, and airport logistics to ensure your air travel integrates seamlessly with your itinerary. Either way, your flights are factored into the overall coordination of your trip.
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Schedule a complimentary consultation where we'll discuss your travel vision, timeline, and budget to determine if Coast & Trail is the right fit. If we move forward, we'll schedule a full discovery call (45-60 minutes) where I learn about your preferences, interests, and what would make this trip unforgettable. From there, I design your custom itinerary and handle every detail. The entire process is designed to be effortless for you.