Answers to what travelers ask me most — fees, deposits, documents, and what a travel advisor actually does for you.  Last reviewed September 3, 2026.

Working Together - How Travel Planning Works

1. What does it cost to work with you?

For cruises and resort packages, there is usually no additional planning fee. I am paid a commission by the supplier.

Custom itineraries can require a planning fee depending on how much research and coordination is involved. If a fee applies, I will tell you before I start.  Planning Fees

2. Why use you instead of booking online myself?

You absolutely can book a trip yourself. My job is to help you avoid spending hours comparing options that all look the same online.

I narrow the choices, explain the tradeoffs, and give you someone to call if something goes wrong.  Why Use a Travel Advisor

3. Will I pay more than if I booked direct?

Usually not. Cruises and resort packages are generally booked at the same published supplier rates you would find booking directly.

I may also have access to group rates, promotions, onboard credit, or other offers. If you find a lower price, send it to me and I will take a look. I'll usually be able to match it or explain the difference (which is often a non-refundable rate, a different room category, or a fare with no cancellation protection).  Do Travel Agents Cost More Than Booking Direct?

4. How does the process work?

1. Consultation — Book a free 20 minute call or complete a quick form so I understand your budget, travel style, dates, and dealbreakers.

2. Proposal — I send curated options, usually within a couple of days, with real pricing and honest notes on the tradeoffs.

3. Booking — once you choose, I handle the reservation, deposit, and confirmations.

4. Pre-travel — you'll get a final document packet with everything you need several weeks before departure.

5. While you're gone — I'm reachable, and I'm watching your trip.

5. What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?

You call me.

I cannot control the weather or make an airline fly, but I can help work through cancellations, supplier problems, and rebooking options while you deal with what is happening in front of you.

All-Inclusive Resorts - All-Inclusive Resort Planning

6. What does "all-inclusive" actually include?

It depends on the resort. Most include your room, meals, drinks, entertainment, and many activities, but the details vary.

I will tell you what your specific resort includes, what costs extra, and whether something like club level is actually worth paying for.

7. How do I choose between all the resorts that look identical online?

That is where the questions matter. How important is the beach? Do you want quiet or activity? What is your real budget? What would ruin the week?

Give me those answers and I can usually turn forty similar-looking resorts into two or three that actually fit.

If you're choosing between Cancún and the Riviera Maya, I walk through the differences in Cancún vs Riviera Maya: Which One Actually Fits Your Vacation?

8. Are flights and airport transfers included?

Usually not automatically. I can package flights and transfers with the resort or compare them separately.

I strongly recommend arranging your airport transfer before you arrive rather than figuring it out outside the terminal after a long travel day.

9. What about hurricane season?

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and traveling during that period can sometimes mean better pricing.

I look at the destination, supplier policies, and travel protection options so you understand the risk before you book.  Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Cruises - Cruise Planning 

10. Does it really matter which cabin I pick?

Yes. Cabin location can affect noise, motion, walking distance, views, and how much you enjoy the trip.

When possible, I help choose the actual cabin number, not just the category.  

How to Avoid a Bad Cruise Cabin

11. What's included in my cruise fare, and what will I actually spend on board?

Most mainstream cruise fares include your cabin, main dining, entertainment, pools, and many activities. 

Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include much more — drinks, gratuities and specialty dining. Luxury Cruises

Gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, and other extras may cost more, so I prefer comparing the real trip cost instead of just the advertised fare.

Cruise Money Tips  /  Cruise Ship Tipping

12. Do I need a passport for a cruise?

I recommend a passport for every cruise.

Some closed-loop cruises may allow other documentation, but if you ever need to fly home from another country, having a passport can make a bad situation much easier.

13. When is final payment due, and what if the price drops?

Final payment is commonly due around 90 to 120 days before sailing, depending on the cruise line and fare.

If the price drops before final payment, I will check whether the cruise line allows us to request the lower rate or another adjustment.

14.  Does Viking allow children on cruises?

No. Viking guests must be at least 18 years old.

If you want waterslides, kids clubs, and nonstop entertainment, there are better choices. If you want a quieter ship where the destination gets most of the attention, Viking may be a very good fit.  More About Viking

15.  Is a Viking cruise all-inclusive?

Not completely, but Viking includes more than many traditional cruise lines, including meals, Wi-Fi, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and one included excursion in each port.

That is why I compare the total trip cost instead of only looking at the advertised cruise fare.  More About Viking 

Custom Itineraries & Europe - Europe Travel Planning

16. How far in advance should I book, and what documents will I need?

For many Europe trips, four to six months works well, while summer and popular destinations are better planned nine to twelve months ahead.

Passport and entry requirements vary by destination, so I verify the rules for the itinerary you are actually taking rather than giving everyone the same answer.

17. Do I need a passport for the Canadian Rockies or anywhere in Canada? For rail travel into Canada, U.S. citizens age 16 and older need an accepted Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative document. A valid passport book is the simplest option, but Amtrak also lists other qualifying documents, including U.S. passport cards, certain trusted traveler cards, and qualifying enhanced driver's licenses. Requirements differ for children and travelers of other citizenships, so I verify the documentation requirements for each trip before departure. 

*Passports are highly recommended but not required if your cruise starts and ends in the USA, but stops in Canada as a port*

18. Do I need travel insurance?

I strongly recommend considering it, but what matters is understanding what the policy actually covers.  Cancellation, medical coverage, delays, interruption, and "cancel for any reason" are not the same thing, so I will explain the available options before you decide.  Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Robert Cook — Travel Advisor Serving Keller, North Fort Worth & the DFW Metroplex 

Call or text: 682-337-9466 

Email: travelbycook@gmail.com 

CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor | IATA | KHM Travel Group | Florida Seller of Travel ST37113