You'd open the comparison sites. You'd read forty reviews of the same resort and come away less sure than when you started. You'd pick a cabin from a deck plan without knowing that deck 9 forward is directly under the buffet at 6 a.m. You'd book the week in June because it's $600 cheaper, and find out about seaweed season on day two.

None of that is a knock on you. It's just that you do this twice a year and I do it every day. 

What you actually get instead:

• I narrow, I don't list. You won't get a spreadsheet of forty resorts. You'll get two or three, with honest notes on what each one gives up — including the notes that don't flatter my recommendation.
• I taught Advanced World Geography for 32 years. I led student trips through England, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Italy. When I tell you which neighborhood to stay in, that's not a search result.
• I've sailed nine Carnival ships and walked the resorts I recommend. Where I haven't been in person, I'll tell you that outright and tell you what I'm basing the recommendation on instead.  
• You pay no planning fees. Cruises and resort packages carry no planning fee — I'm paid by the supplier, and your rate matches booking direct. Customized itineraries that require extensive research may include a planning fee, which will always be explained before work begins. See exactly what working with me costs
• And when you shouldn't hire me. A two-night hotel in Austin? Book it yourself. I earn my place where the decisions are numerous, the money is significant, and getting it wrong ruins a week you waited a year for.

Why Use Travel By Cook?

• Choose the Right Cruise Cabin or Resort Room Type
  Your cabin or room location can affect noise, motion, and how far you walk each day. I help you select a specific cabin or room category based on your preferences, instead of leaving you under a busy pool deck or in another location that does not fit how you travel.  How to Avoid a Bad Cruise Cabin
• Book With Hurricane Season in Mind
  When you travel during Atlantic hurricane season, I look for suppliers that offer hurricane guarantees and explain the available travel insurance options before you book.
• Get Help When the Price Drops
  If an eligible cruise fare drops before your final payment date, I can request the lower rate or additional onboard credit on many cruise lines.
• Call One Person When Plans Go Wrong
  If your flight is cancelled before a cruise, your room is not what was promised, or a storm threatens your trip, you have my direct phone number. I work with the supplier and rebooking channels while you deal with the immediate situation.  All-Inclusive Resort Planning
• You leave with a document packet, not just a confirmation email. A full itinerary in an app that works without a signal, plus checklists for the specific things your destination requires. The confirmation number you'll need most is always the one you need when you have no bars.