Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Smooth CS Travel.
Why should I use a travel advisor instead of booking myself?
Booking a trip online takes an average of 10-20 hours of research. A travel advisor saves you that time, provides expert vetting so you don’t rely on anonymous reviews, and leverages industry relationships to get you VIP perks (like room upgrades, free breakfast, and resort credits) that you can’t get booking on your own. We also serve as your advocate if anything goes wrong during your trip.
Do you charge planning fees?
Yes. Because we provide comprehensive, custom itinerary design and handle all logistics from start to finish, we charge a professional planning fee. This fee covers our time, expertise, and ongoing support before and during your trip. Fees vary based on the complexity of the itinerary and will be clearly outlined during your initial consultation.
Do you book flights?
We typically handle airfare as part of a comprehensive itinerary (which includes accommodations and ground services). We do not book standalone flights. For complex international airfare, we often partner with dedicated air desk specialists to secure the best routes.
How far in advance should I start planning?
For international travel, festive seasons (holidays), or peak summer in Europe, we recommend starting 9-12 months in advance. For Caribbean or Mexico resorts, 6-8 months is ideal. However, if you are looking for a last-minute getaway, please reach out and we will do our best to accommodate.
Can you help with group travel or destination weddings?
Absolutely. We specialize in milestone group travel, including multi-generational family trips, anniversary celebrations, and small destination weddings. We can coordinate room blocks, group activities, and seamless logistics for all attendees.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances (illness, weather, delays). We can provide quotes for comprehensive policies through our preferred insurance partners.
What if I just need a hotel booked, not a full itinerary?
If you know exactly which luxury hotel you want to book and just need us to secure the reservation (to get you VIP amenities like breakfast and upgrades), we can typically do this without a planning fee. Reach out via our contact form and select ‘Hotel Only’.