Frequently Asked Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
Everything travelers usually ask before their first conversation with Chris.
Working With Voyage & Co.
Do you charge a planning fee?
Professional planning fees may apply depending on the complexity and scope of your journey. Any applicable fee will be discussed before the planning process begins — there are never surprises.
Many hotels, cruise lines and tour operators compensate advisors through commission, so some bookings carry no additional cost to you. Complex custom itineraries, multi-country trips and group travel involve significant design time, which a planning fee reflects.
What does a travel advisor do that I can’t do myself?
You can certainly book travel yourself. What Chris adds is design, insight and advocacy: learning how you like to travel and building the trip around it, knowing which rooms, ships and guides are right, securing preferred amenities on eligible bookings, managing every detail, and supporting you if something changes. Read the full guide.
Why should I book through Voyage & Co. instead of directly with a hotel or cruise line?
For many hotels and cruise lines, the price is the same as booking direct. Booking through Voyage & Co. adds Chris’s expertise, his relationships through The Travel Society and Virtuoso, and — on eligible bookings — preferred amenities such as upgrades on arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast, hotel credits or shipboard benefits. You also gain an advocate if anything goes wrong.
Can you plan travel anywhere in the world?
Yes. Chris designs journeys across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, Africa, Asia, Antarctica and beyond. If he isn’t the right fit for a particular trip, he’ll tell you honestly.
Do you work with clients outside Louisiana?
Absolutely. Voyage & Co. is based in the Lafayette area, and consultations are available in person or by phone or video, so clients anywhere in the United States can work with Chris.
Booking
Can you book airfare?
Yes. Flights can be arranged as part of your journey, so they’re coordinated with your transfers, hotels and cruise times. If you prefer to book your own flights or use points, Chris will plan everything else around your schedule.
Do you plan cruises?
Yes — cruises are one of Voyage & Co.’s specialties, from luxury ocean lines such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn to family favorites such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian, small-ship lines such as Windstar, river lines such as AmaWaterways and Uniworld, and expedition voyages to Alaska and Antarctica. Explore cruises.
Do you plan group travel?
Yes. Chris plans family reunions, milestone celebrations, destination weddings, friends’ getaways and group cruises, and is planning hosted small-group departures that he will lead personally. See group travel or hosted journeys.
How far in advance should I begin planning?
As a general guide: 9–12 months for Europe in peak season, safaris, villas and honeymoons; 12–18 months for popular cruise suites, Antarctica and holiday travel; and 3–6 months for many Caribbean and North American trips. Shorter timelines are often possible — reach out and Chris will tell you what’s realistic.
While You Travel
What happens if something goes wrong while I am traveling?
You’ll travel with Chris’s direct contact information. If a flight is delayed, a connection is missed or something isn’t right, Chris works on your behalf to fix it as quickly as time zones allow. Your travel documents also include the 24-hour assistance numbers for your airline, cruise line and travel protection provider, so urgent help is always available. Chris also strongly recommends travel protection for every significant trip.