Planning Fees Explained

Clear guidance on personalized travel planning costs.

Namibia24-39

Service Fees

Compass Rose Travel offers concierge-level travel curating services designed for discerning travelers who value expertise, time savings, and peace of mind. As such, a customized, professional, non-refundable planning fee is required per trip.

This fee is charged at the initiation of the planning process and reflects the time, expertise, and resources dedicated to designing a fully personalized travel experience.

What the Planning Fee Includes

The customized trip planning fee covers professional services related to the research, design, and coordination of your itinerary, including:

  • In-depth consultation and discovery

  • Destination research and expert recommendations

  • Customized itinerary design

  • Flight, hotel, and accommodation research and booking

  • Transfers and transportation coordination

  • Dining, spa, touring, and experience reservations

  • Access to preferred partners and Virtuoso amenities

  • Ongoing support before, during, and after travel

This fee applies regardless of trip duration or destination and is separate from the cost of travel reservations.

KeyRatsAfrica2019-151

Fee Structure & Policies

  • Planning fees are collected prior to itinerary work beginning

  • Fees are per trip and non-transferable to future travel

  • Fees are for professional services, not travel costs

  • Fees do not guarantee the lowest price but ensure the highest level of service, expertise, and value

  • Fees are non-refundable, even if travel plans are canceled

For cancellations:

  • Cruises or scheduled pre-packaged tours: $350 per person

  • Customized itineraries: 15% charge for outright cancellation after confirmation

In rare cases, additional research may be required on an hourly basis. Any such charges will be discussed and approved in advance.

The Value of Professional Travel Planning

The planning fee represents an investment in quality, expertise, and peace of mind. Clients benefit from:

  • Significant time and stress savings

  • Expert destination knowledge and insider insight

  • Access to exclusive Virtuoso benefits at no additional cost, including upgrades, amenities, and VIP treatment

  • Preferred rates and added value that often offset planning fees

  • Professional advocacy before, during, and after travel

  • Seamless coordination of complex logistics

Iceland-28

Transparent & Trusted Pricing

Compass Rose Travel believes in clear, upfront communication with no hidden fees. Every client understands the scope of services, the investment involved, and the value received—before planning begins.

Let’s Talk About Your Trip

If you’re considering a custom travel experience and would like to discuss planning fees and services in more detail, Compass Rose Travel is happy to help.

Bright, elegant hotel room with twin beds and tall windows.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio Details and Value Proposition

Our professional planning fees encompass a full spectrum of luxury travel consultant services designed to create seamless, stress-free vacation experiences. The consultation phase includes in-depth discussions about your travel preferences, budget considerations, and specific requirements for your bespoke travel experiences. We dedicate extensive time to understanding your unique travel style, whether you're an independent traveler seeking cultural immersion or planning escorted groups for special occasions. The personalized itinerary design process represents the heart of our custom travel designer services. Our team crafts detailed day-by-day plans for European vacation planning, African safari packages, or tropical destination expertise based on our extensive destination knowledge. Each tailored vacation experience includes carefully selected accommodations, private transfers, exclusive dining reservations, and unique activities aligned with your interests.