Practical Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about journey scope, dining, accommodations, loyalty nights, pricing and the path from inquiry to booking.
How large are the groups?
Core journeys are private and designed for one booking party of two to four travelers.
How are the journey days counted?
Arrival Day counts as Day One. Departure Day is separate unless your written proposal specifically says otherwise. Breakfast is included each morning after arrival through Departure Day under the standard full-package model.
Are accommodations included?
Yes, under the standard full-package model. Your proposal identifies the lodging level, dates, room configuration, assumptions, disclosed taxes and any upgrade cost. Exact properties and prices remain subject to current availability and supplier confirmation.
Which meals are included?
The standard pattern is 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners on the 4-Day Journey; 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners on the 8-Day Journey; and 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners on the 12-Day Journey. Included lunches and dinners may use a defined dining credit or prearranged menu. Alcohol, optional upgrades and spending above the allowance are paid separately.
What else is normally included?
Your proposal identifies custom planning, founder hosting, scheduled admissions and activities, airport transfers, itinerary transportation, contingency support and the applicable loyalty-night reserve. The signed proposal always controls the exact scope.
What is normally excluded?
International airfare, travel insurance, alcohol, minibar and room service, shopping, personal incidentals, independent-time meals or transportation, optional upgrades and spending above an included allowance are excluded unless specifically quoted.
How do the loyalty nights work?
After completing an 8-Day Signature Journey, the booking party earns 2 accommodation-only nights for a qualifying future paid journey of at least four programmed days. A completed 12-Day Grand Paris Journey earns 4. The 4-Day Journey has no loyalty-night benefit. The nights have no cash value, may not be stacked and normally expire at the end of the following calendar year. Availability, lead time, blackout dates, room configuration, cancellation and written redemption terms apply.
What do loyalty nights cover?
They cover the approved room configuration and disclosed lodging taxes within the reserved allowance. Meals, guiding, activities, transfers, transportation and upgrades are not included.
Why aren't guaranteed journey prices published?
Dates, room configuration, lodging availability, selected experiences, supplier terms and currency costs materially affect the real party price. For that reason, pricing is provided through a current written party-price proposal rather than presented online as a guaranteed offer. The proposal states its assumptions and expiration date.
Can we reduce the package price?
Often, but by redesigning transparently rather than silently cutting essential support. Typical options include comfortable Classic lodging, fewer included lunches and dinners while preserving daily breakfast, less expensive dates, appropriate lower-cost experiences, a shorter journey, or sharing the private party with another compatible couple.
Is the Journey Consultation really complimentary?
Yes. It is a fit-and-direction conversation and does not include a detailed custom itinerary.
When does paid planning begin?
Detailed research and custom design begin only after the Journey Planning Agreement is signed and the required design retainer is received.
When are reservations made?
Supplier reservations begin after you approve the proposal, sign the Booking Agreement and pay the required reservation amount under the written payment schedule.
Can payments be spread out?
When timing and supplier requirements allow, a written phased payment schedule may be available. It can reduce the size of individual payments, but it does not reduce the total journey price and is not financing or credit.
Are flights included?
International airfare is excluded unless specifically stated in writing. We help you understand timing, arrival and practical flight-planning considerations.
Is travel insurance required?
Coverage requirements will be stated in the booking documents. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended because supplier payments, medical needs, delays and cancellations can create substantial exposure.
What if we have mobility, dietary or confidence concerns?
Share them early. We assess pacing and supplier feasibility candidly so the journey can be planned with realistic expectations and better support. Some experiences or environments may not be suitable for every need.
Are gratuities expected?
A gratuity for Ian is never required. Independent guides, drivers, restaurants and other suppliers may follow local service practices; any expected or recommended gratuities will be explained in your journey materials.
What happens if we cancel?
The Planning Agreement, Booking Agreement, cancellation policy and applicable supplier terms explain how each payment is treated. Those written documents control.