How to Prepare for Your Consultation Call with a Travel Advisor

Jacqlyne
Aug 4
3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Taking the step to hire a travel advisor is one of the best decisions you can make for your vacation. Instead of spending dozens of hours comparing hotels, reading conflicting reviews, and worrying about logistics, you get dedicated expertise, tailored recommendations, and hands-on support.

At Journeys by Jacqy, my client journey begins with a complimentary 15-minute consultation call. This quick chat allows us to get to know each other, discuss your vision, and determine if we’re a great fit to work together before moving into the proposal phase.

To help you get the absolute most value out of our 15 minutes, here is a simple guide on how to prepare for your consultation call.

Why the Consultation Call Matters

Think of our initial call as a collaborative discovery session. Because every trip I design is completely custom, understanding your travel style, expectations, and non-negotiables allows me to handpick properties, tours, and experiences that match your exact vision.

If you're curious about where this step fits into my full planning process, check out my complete guide on What to Expect When Planning a Vacation with Journeys by Jacqy.

Your Consultation Call Checklist: 5 Things to Bring

You don't need to have every single detail set in stone before we chat, but having a clear idea on these five key areas will make our conversation productive and seamless:

1. Your Estimated Travel Dates (or Ideal Window)

What to know: Exact dates are great, but a general timeframe (e.g., "the second week of October" or "7 to 10 days in mid-spring") works wonderfully, too.
Pro Tip: If your schedule is flexible, let me know! Flexibility often unlocks better room availability, superior rates, and special seasonal perks.

2. Your Overall Budget (and What It Includes)

What to know: Transparency around your investment level is essential. Having a realistic price range helps me curate resorts and options that deliver maximum value without exceeding your financial comfort zone.
Pro Tip: Clarify whether your budget target is per person or total for the entire travel party, and whether it includes flights, accommodations, activities, and travel protection.

To ensure our call is as productive as possible, review What Travel Advisors DO NOT Do for quick insights on booking scope, flight policies, and point redemptions.

3. Your Preferred "Vibe" & Travel Style

What to know: Are you dreaming of a tranquil, adults-only beachfront sanctuary with spa treatments, or an action-packed itinerary full of guided excursions and nightlife?
Pro Tip: Think about past trips you’ve loved (or hated!). Telling me "We loved the boutique feel of our hotel in Cabo, but hated how crowded the main pool was" gives me instant insight into your preferences.

4. Your Must-Haves and Non-Negotiables

What to know: Share any specific room features, amenities, or accessibility requirements that are essential for your stay.
Examples of must-haves:
- Swim-up suites or private plunge pools
- All-inclusive vs. EP (European Plan / room only)
- On-site kid-friendly amenities or childcare services
- Specific dietary accommodations (gluten-free, vegan, kosher)
- Proximity to major airport hubs or downtown city centers

5. Details About Your Travel Party

What to know: Let me know who is traveling! Is this an intimate romantic anniversary getaway, a solo retreat, or a multi-generational family vacation?
Pro Tip: If you're organizing a larger group or milestone celebration, let me know early on. I can set up custom group room blocks and dedicated booking portals to keep logistics simple for everyone. You can learn more about this in: How to Plan a Group Trip Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Friends).

What Happens Right After Our Call?

Once we finish our 15-minute chat and confirm we're aligned on your vacation vision:

Planning Deposit: You’ll submit your planning deposit to secure my dedicated services and kick off research.
Proposal Turnaround: Within 72 hours (unless a different timeline is agreed upon during our call), I’ll deliver a personalized proposal featuring handpicked resorts, verified flight schedules, and tailored activity options.
Refining & Booking: We’ll fine-tune the details together until your itinerary is perfect, then lock in your reservations with flexible payment options.

Ready to Start Planning Your Next Getaway?

Preparing for your consultation call takes just a few minutes of thought, but it sets the stage for a stress-free, beautifully curated vacation experience.