Lakama Luxury Travel is dedicated to creating the best itineraries for you, based on personal experience and opinion, professional expertise and industry training. Itineraries are designed utilizing a worldwide network of vetted suppliers through my affiliation with Travel Planners International and Signature Travel Network. The network of suppliers includes cruise lines, tour operators, airlines, 4-5 star hotel properties, resorts and villas, shared and private day tours and shore excursions, transfer and car rentals, travel insurance, other preferred suppliers and more.
A tremendous amount of time, work and knowledge goes into creating your itinerary and supporting you from the planning stages until you come home. I always start with a complimentary, no obligation chat. When we decide to work together, Custom and Premium planning options include the following:
PLANNING OPTIONS: CUSTOM, PREMIUM AND DYI. WHICH OPTION SUITS YOU BEST?
CUSTOM, TAILOR-MADE PLAN - from $600 per itinerary / family
Sometimes you just want everything "your way". This plan is for travelers who want a fully customized, independent itinerary dictated by your preferences - start and end dates, destinations, types of accommodations, etc. or when you are looking for a variety of options (i.e "somewhere warm"). Fees may increase on trips greater than 12 days, with multiple (3+) destinations, complexity or larger groups.
PREMIUM PLAN - from $350 per household / cabin
This plan is for travelers who have a cruise itinerary or land tour destination in mind. I will research available options, present a narrowed down list of 2-4 and book and manage your chosen itinerary. Once a cruise or land trip is booked, I will work with you on all other parts of the trip: pre/post trip hotels, airfare, tours, excursions and other experiences.
DYI CRUISE AND LAND PLAN - No fee
This plan is for when you know the specific cruise or land tour you want to book. I make and manage the booking, provide extra amenities when available, provide basic documentation and up to 30 minutes of consultation.
PLANNING fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and due when you decide to hire me after the initial discovery call. Clients find they easily recoup the planning fees through time and energy saved plus all the value added to their travels.
OTHER FEES, IF APPLICABLE
Hotel, car rental, excursions
Airfare
Lakama Luxury Travel can assist with researching flight options and booking air travel as part of a cruise or tour package. I do not book air only and do not work with points, mileage or airline programs to purchase tickets.
Cancellation Fees
Supplier Pricing and Fees
A tremendous amount of time, work and knowledge goes into creating your itinerary and supporting you from the planning stages until you come home. I always start with a complimentary, no obligation chat. When we decide to work together, Custom and Premium planning options include the following:
- Full trip consultation
- Research (cruises, tours, excursions, destinations, accommodations, etc.)
- 2-4 itinerary proposal outlines
- Detailed planning and refinements for one itinerary
- Booking, confirmation and management of all parts of the trip: cruise, tours, accommodations, transfers, day tours, activities, spa appointments, etc.
- Access to additional amenities, other benefits and special rates through our network when available
- Detailed itinerary documentation - electronic format
- Supplier follow-up, if needed
- Access by zoom, phone and email before, during and after the trip, if needed
- Insider travel tips specific to your destination and travel style
PLANNING OPTIONS: CUSTOM, PREMIUM AND DYI. WHICH OPTION SUITS YOU BEST?
CUSTOM, TAILOR-MADE PLAN - from $600 per itinerary / family
Sometimes you just want everything "your way". This plan is for travelers who want a fully customized, independent itinerary dictated by your preferences - start and end dates, destinations, types of accommodations, etc. or when you are looking for a variety of options (i.e "somewhere warm"). Fees may increase on trips greater than 12 days, with multiple (3+) destinations, complexity or larger groups.
PREMIUM PLAN - from $350 per household / cabin
This plan is for travelers who have a cruise itinerary or land tour destination in mind. I will research available options, present a narrowed down list of 2-4 and book and manage your chosen itinerary. Once a cruise or land trip is booked, I will work with you on all other parts of the trip: pre/post trip hotels, airfare, tours, excursions and other experiences.
DYI CRUISE AND LAND PLAN - No fee
This plan is for when you know the specific cruise or land tour you want to book. I make and manage the booking, provide extra amenities when available, provide basic documentation and up to 30 minutes of consultation.
PLANNING fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and due when you decide to hire me after the initial discovery call. Clients find they easily recoup the planning fees through time and energy saved plus all the value added to their travels.
OTHER FEES, IF APPLICABLE
Hotel, car rental, excursions
- $25 per booking - When you only need a hotel, excursion, car rental, etc. We do not work with point programs for hotels.
Airfare
Lakama Luxury Travel can assist with researching flight options and booking air travel as part of a cruise or tour package. I do not book air only and do not work with points, mileage or airline programs to purchase tickets.
- A $75 booking fee per ticket may apply.
- A $75 service fee per ticket may apply for a changes or cancellations in addition to any supplier or airline imposed penalties and fees.
Cancellation Fees
- A $50 fee per booking may be charged for traveler initiated cruise, tour, hotel and air cancellations. This fee covers work required to process the refunds. This fee is separate from any fees charged by the supplier.
Supplier Pricing and Fees
- All quotes are subject to availability at the time of booking, are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.
- Lakama Luxury Travel is not responsible for omissions, printing and/or presentation errors in quotes, brochures, on Internet sites or in any other media where such information may be presented. Lakama Luxury Travel reserves the right to make corrections in price quotes as needed.
- Fees and charges for each travel component (e.g. cruise, hotel, transportation, insurance, etc.) are the responsibility of the traveler.
- It is the responsibility of the traveler to know and understand destination requirements (i.e. visas, medical), supplier requirements and supplier cancellation policies. All change, cancellation or penalty fees imposed by the supplier are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Lakama Luxury Travel is not responsible or liable for any negligent acts or defaults of a supplier or anyone or anything else not under our control.
- Travel insurance with cancellation protection is highly recommended and should be considered / purchased when you are making your initial reservations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do you specialize in?
I cater largely to the adventurous and curious traveler with an easygoing laid back spirit, a taste for luxury and a preference for experiences away from the crowds. Individuals, couples and groups come to me for help with cruises, private or small group land journeys/safaris and independent, 100% custom designed travel.
My primary expertise is with all types of Small Ship Cruising, defined as ships with fewer than 1200 guests (majority under 700 guests) - River, Barging, Expedition, Adventure, Coastal, Luxury, Premium and Yacht Style. I have traveled on, completed training and/or received certifications for many of the major small ship cruise lines so that I can offer you the best advice and insights possible.
Destination specialties include Alaska, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Tahiti (French Polynesia) and I know a good bit about Europe. I have traveled to these destinations and have received specialist certifications, including the Aussie Specialist program, 100% Pure New Zealand program and Tahiti Tourism specialist program.
My primary expertise is with all types of Small Ship Cruising, defined as ships with fewer than 1200 guests (majority under 700 guests) - River, Barging, Expedition, Adventure, Coastal, Luxury, Premium and Yacht Style. I have traveled on, completed training and/or received certifications for many of the major small ship cruise lines so that I can offer you the best advice and insights possible.
Destination specialties include Alaska, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Tahiti (French Polynesia) and I know a good bit about Europe. I have traveled to these destinations and have received specialist certifications, including the Aussie Specialist program, 100% Pure New Zealand program and Tahiti Tourism specialist program.
Isn't it more expensive to work with you? How do you get paid?
I get paid through a combination of my research and planning fee and supplier commissions. Earning supplier commissions does not make your your trip more expensive (suppliers build it in to their price upfront). Through my relationships with the suppliers, I'm usually able to offer you the best pricing available or the possibility of an upgrade or added amenities that add value to your trip.
Why do you have A RESEARCH AND planning fee?
Your trip is an investment, and I am part of this investment. I help you avoid costly mistakes and partner with you to ensure you get the most out of your vacation. Additionally, a tremendous amount of time, work and knowledge goes into creating your itinerary and supporting you from the planning stages to the time you come home.
Why should I work with you when I can book everything myself online or direct?
Travel planning is time consuming, and given all the information and options available - which cruise, which hotel, when to go, how to get there, what tours are best - it can be confusing, stressful and overwhelming. There is a lot to think about. I help you sort through all the options and details, help you make the best decisions for your travel investments.
- When you hire me, I work for you (not the supplier) and have your best interest in mind. Supplier agents are only versed in their company and don't take as much time to get to know you and your preferences. Their goal is for you to purchase their product. My goal is to match you with the best product.
- When things don't go as planned, I'm here to assist. I am with you from the planning stages through to when you come home.
- The cornerstone of my business is building a long term relationship with you. I'm here to help you bring back your best stories. Again, and again. Because unlike an app or booking website, I care about you and want you to be thrilled. And I call you back!
- In my business, you are not one of thousands, the next person in a long queue of calls, a button on an app. You speak, text and email with a real person. One contact, one quick phone call, email or text to answer your questions.
- Your plan is personalized, every step of the way. And it encompasses the entire trip - from the time you leave your home to when you return. Flights, pre and post cruise or tour options and accommodations, shore excursions, special occasions, spa appointments..... whatever you want included.
- Continuous learning is my thing - about the industry and my areas of expertise. As an expert in river cruising, small ship cruising and targeted destinations, I know and understand the differences and details. Having industry contacts and colleagues as additional resources are also a big benefit to you.
- As an affiliate of Travel Planners International, a member of Signature Travel Network, you get access through me to added value amenities, special pricing offers and industry contacts.
What type of suppliers do you work with?
I only work with suppliers that I personally would travel with - fully vetted through my host agency and consortia, members of the USTOA, ones I have personally used or have met the owners or ones that have been recommended by colleagues. Your safety and experience is of upmost importance, never to be compromised.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH MY PAYMENTS?
The only funds we take directly from you are the planning (or other applicable) fees. Unless otherwise advised, all trip payments made on your behalf are on your credit card directly with the supplier partner. You are always advised in advance of the amounts to be charged.
IS THERE A MEANING BEHIND LAKAMA LUXURY TRAVEL?
I'd love to tell you I have a big story is behind my name, but it's quite simple - it's an acronym of my name. LA for Laurie, KA for Katherine and MA for Marschall (pronounced lah-kah-mah with the accent on kah - hence the á).
