Frequently Asked Questions
​What is the benefit of working with a Travel Advisor?
Working with a Travel Advisor provides specialized expertise, a personalized experience and access to VIP perks and amenities. The additional value is in saving you time and energy.
You have people for taxes, finances, babysitting, health. Why should your hard-earned leisure time be any different?
A Travel Advisor, as we see it, is a consultant and advocate for you.
​What is the benefit of working with Viridian Travels?
We are your dedicated travel partner. Our priority is curating a personalized travel experience that matches with what you want. We listen and then provide options on how to make it happen. A one-of-a-kind adventure in Morocco? A multi-generational family gathering by the sea? Yes. You get the idea.
As your right-hand, we save you time so you can focus on other things, we pay attention to the details and we provide you insider knowledge and access. We love experiential travel, unique insights and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Our clients appreciate and welcome this.
And we work to make your stay special. Perhaps in the form of VIP perks and room upgrades at your hotel when available. Or special touches upon arrival. Sharing your preferences in advance so that you don’t have to. As an affiliate of Fora, you’ll also benefit from the partnerships we have set up with more than 8,200 hotels and travel providers around the world, including Virtuoso, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Belmond and beyond.
Does it cost more to book hotels or other accommodations with you?
Simply - no. Hotels, villas and cruises generally pay commission to Travel Advisors from those published rates. (Think: that’s part of their ‘marketing spend.’) Sometimes you may see a lower rate online. In most cases, that’s due to different terms & conditions. (For example, one is a refundable rate, the other is entirely nonrefundable. The ‘fine print’ is important.)
And when booking with us, you will oftentimes receive added value in the form of food & beverage or spa credit, early check-in or late check-out, or other additional perks. (Think complimentary breakfast, wine tastings or welcome amenities.)
What if I've already booked my hotel?
Forward your reservation confirmation to my email at susan.walser@fora.travel. I'll work with the hotel to VIP your stay and add available perks.
Do you charge a planning fee?
Specific destination accommodation research and booking is complimentary, as outlined in our Services information. In the event we book at a property that is outside of my network, a small fee will be charged. We aim to be fully transparent about out of network properties and fees.
For more detailed itinerary planning, we do charge non-refundable planning fees. These are outlined here.
Why do you charge planning fees?
The non-refundable planning fee is for the non-commissionable work I do to create a one-of-a-kind experience for you, including destination and accommodation research, planning and booking activities, and on-the-ground coordination with suppliers. Each trip is one-of-a-kind with attention paid to the smallest details. Our planning fees are designed to compensate for that time, specialized knowledge and individual planning and research that go into your trip.
Specifics of the planning fees will be outlined after our Discovery Call Details about our services and fee information is available here.
What kind of travel do you book?
We specialize in uncovering unique accommodations, crafting sophisticated itineraries, and creating curated journeys in luxury and boutique travel. We are happy to plan a broad variety of trips. However, if there is a trip that we don’t feel we can appropriately support, we will be transparent and provide recommendations for specialists that are more expert in that area.
What kind of "perks" do you provide?
Through a global network of travel partners, we have relationships with properties and providers worldwide. The perks vary, but can include early check-in/late check-out, room upgrades, welcome amenities or spa & resort credits. Importantly, the connections we have allow us to connect you.
What is Fora?
Fora Travel is a travel agency that powers the back-end operations of Viridian Travels. With thousands of supplier partnerships across the globe and a community of travel industry experts, Fora provides the necessary support to allow us to focus on all on-the-ground planning, booking, and logistics for even the most selective and experienced travelers.
Do you book flights?
Typically, we encourage clients to book their own airfare. Flights change, delays happen and managing your flight directly can often be the quickest way to resolve any issues. In fact - in most cases - airlines won’t allow us to speak on your behalf to troubleshoot should issues arise. (They will only speak to the ticketed passenger.)
Our priority is to set you up for a smooth travel experience. We can talk about options to determine where we can best be of service.
Can you book private homes, villas or apartments?
We have access to a broad variety of options in this space. With the exception of accommodations that are solely available through airbnb (which we are not able to book on your behalf), we can and do book private homes and rentals.
As with all activity in this space, terms applied by property management vary. We can discuss what impact that may have for your trip on an individual basis.
We can also assist with additional amenities such as concierge or personal chef services.
Can I book with or earn loyalty points?
While we cannot book your hotels using your loyalty points, we can absolutely keep you earning points by including your loyalty numbers and membership information in your reservation.
