How We Make Money
How our fees work, when referral fees apply, and what we disclose.
Simple version
We earn through planning fees, and sometimes referral fees or clearly labeled ads.
Recommendation quality comes first. You should never have to guess how we get paid.
Base planning fee
20%
For trips we plan and manage directly.
Supplier value back
Up to full offset
Commissions or discounts can reduce your net fee.
Disclosure standard
Always clear
Referral fees and ads are labeled when they apply.
How your net fee is calculated
Net planning fee = (20% planning fee) - (supplier commission + supplier discount value)
In many trips, your effective fee is lower than 20%. In some cases, it is fully offset.
Scope the trip
We define destination, priorities, and service level.
Build options
Commission and non-commission providers stay in scope.
Apply offsets
Any supplier value goes back to lower your fee.
Approve clearly
You review pricing context before final decisions.
Our revenue sources
Primary
Planning fees
For trips we handle directly, we charge a 20% fee and apply supplier value back when available.
Sometimes
Referral fees
If another specialist is clearly a better fit, we may refer you and receive a fee. We disclose that when it happens.
Optional
Advertising
Some partners can advertise in our site or newsletter. Sponsored placement is labeled and does not replace recommendation standards.
What this means for your recommendations
What we do
- Keep commission and non-commission options in play.
- Explain fee math in plain language before you commit.
- Disclose referral fees and paid placements.
What we do not do
- Hide better-fit options because they pay less.
- Treat ads as a substitute for recommendation quality.
- Leave pricing vague.
Quick answers
Do you only recommend suppliers that pay commission?
No. We include any option that is a strong fit for your trip.
Can my fee end up lower than 20%?
Yes. Supplier commissions or discounts can reduce your fee, and in some trips the fee is fully offset.
Where can I see fee scenarios?
Use our interactive travel planning fee examples page.
Want to talk through your case?
We can walk through your trip and show exactly how this model applies before you commit to anything.