What types of trips do you plan?

We specialize in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, luxury honeymoons, group travel, European tours, and custom itineraries.

Are you a licensed travel advisor?

Yes. Accredited by IATAN, certified by CLIA, ASTA member, TRUE certified, with Seller of Travel licenses in CA (CST 2166290-70), FL (ST-45992), and WA (UBI 605 946 389).

Why should I use a travel advisor instead of booking online myself?

Booking online gives you options. Booking with a certified advisor gives you expertise, partner-only rates, room upgrades, resort credits, and a real human in your corner if anything goes wrong before, during, or after your trip. You get the same price — or better — plus dedicated advocacy. When a flight cancels or a hurricane shifts your itinerary, you call Courtney, not a 1-800 queue.

How is Passport to Adventure different from a big call-center agency?

You work directly with me, Courtney Rogers — one named, certified advisor — not a rotating pool of agents reading from a script. I know your preferences, your travel history, and your goals. Every recommendation is tailored, not algorithm-generated. That personal continuity is the difference between a transaction and a relationship.

Are you a licensed and certified travel agency?

Yes. Passport to Adventure, LLC is accredited by IATAN, certified by CLIA, a member of ASTA, and TRUE certified. We hold active Seller of Travel licenses in California (CST 2166290-70), Florida (ST-45992), and Washington (UBI #605 946 389). I have 9+ years of experience planning luxury travel worldwide.

Can you price-match a deal I found online?

Often, yes — and I can frequently beat it with partner-exclusive amenities like onboard credits, free room upgrades, or resort dining credits that aren't available on booking sites. Bring me the quote and I'll show you what an apples-to-apples comparison with my supplier perks actually looks like.

How far in advance should I book a cruise?

For the best stateroom selection and pricing, book ocean cruises 6–9 months out, and popular river cruises 9–12 months out — especially for peak-season European sailings (June–September) and holiday departures. Last-minute deals exist, but the best cabins and lowest fares go early. Newer ships and suites sell out fastest.

What's the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?

Ocean cruises sail larger ships (2,000–6,000 guests) with extensive entertainment, multiple dining venues, and big-destination ports. River cruises use smaller ships (100–200 guests) that dock right in city centers, with immersive daily shore excursions and an intimate, culturally focused experience. River cruises are virtually all-inclusive (excursions, wine with dinner); ocean cruises have more à la carte add-ons.

What is an expedition cruise and who is it for?

Expedition cruises go to wild, hard-to-reach destinations — Antarctica, the Galapagos, Alaska's inside passage, the Norwegian fjords — on smaller, purpose-built ships with expert naturalists, zodiac landings, and active daily programming. They're ideal for curious travelers who want depth over luxury, though modern expedition ships increasingly offer both. These sell out a year or more in advance.

Which cabin category should I book?

It depends on your priorities. Inside cabins are the best value if you're rarely in your room. Balcony cabins are the most popular upgrade — private outdoor space transforms the experience. Suites add living space, priority boarding, and often complimentary perks. For first-time cruisers worried about motion, pick a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck. I'll match you to the right stateroom based on your budget and how you'll use it.

What's not included in the cruise fare?

Typically: shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and gratuities — though some lines (Virgin Voyages, luxury lines, river cruises) bundle more of these. I'll walk you through what each fare includes so you can compare the true total cost, not just the sticker price. Booking the right fare up front often saves more than the onboard credit I can add.

Can you get upgrades or onboard credits?

Yes — frequently. Through my cruise line partnerships and consortium relationships, I can often secure complimentary room upgrades, onboard credit, complimentary specialty dining, or reduced deposits. These perks are not available on the booking sites and often aren't advertised. The earlier you book, the more I can add.

What does 'all-inclusive' actually include?

It varies by resort, which is exactly why a advisor adds value. True all-inclusive typically means meals at multiple restaurants, unlimited beverages (including alcohol), non-motorized water sports, entertainment, and gratuities. But 'European plan' or 'all-inclusive lite' properties may exclude premium liquor, à la carte dining, or certain activities. I'll show you the difference before you book, so there are no surprises at check-in.

Adults-only vs. family all-inclusive — which is right for me?

Adults-only resorts (like Secrets, Hyatt Zilara, or Sandals) deliver a quieter, romantic atmosphere with couples-focused amenities — ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and friend getaways. Family resorts (like Beaches, Hyatt Ziva, or Grand Velas) add kids' clubs, waterparks, and multi-bedroom suites. The right choice depends entirely on who's traveling and the experience you want. Try the Resort Matchmaker Quiz if you're not sure.

Overwater bungalow vs. beachfront — what's worth the splurge?

Overwater bungalows (Tahiti, Maldives, Sandals' Caribbean properties) deliver a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime experience with direct lagoon access — but they cost 2–4× a beachfront suite. For a honeymoon or milestone, it's often worth it. For a relaxing beach week, a premium beachfront suite at a top resort often delivers 90% of the experience at half the cost. I'll help you decide based on the moment you're celebrating.

Which all-inclusive destinations are safest and best value?

Mexico (Riviera Maya, Los Cabos) and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) offer the best value-to-quality ratio for US travelers, with direct flights, strong resort infrastructure, and predictable pricing. Jamaica is excellent for adults-only romance. The South Pacific (Fiji, French Polynesia) is the splurge tier — stunning but higher cost and longer travel. I match the destination to your budget and priorities.

Do all-inclusive resorts offer group discounts?

Yes — for groups of 8–10+ rooms (varies by resort), you unlock reduced rates, free room comps (typically 1 comp per 15 paying guests), private welcome events, and sometimes free upgrades. Destination weddings, family reunions, and friend getaways all qualify. Book 8–12 months out for the best group inventory, especially in peak season.

What is a custom designed vacation and how is it different from a package?

A custom vacation is a fully bespoke, multi-stop itinerary built around your interests — private drivers, expert local guides, boutique hotels, skip-the-line experiences, and VIP concierge support. A package is pre-built and standardized. Custom trips cost more but deliver a completely different depth of experience: you're not following a tour bus, you're being personally introduced to a country. Use the Trip Composer to start sketching one.

How far in advance should I plan a custom European trip?

For a multi-country European itinerary with private guides and boutique hotels, start planning 6–9 months out — earlier for peak season (May–September) and popular regions (Italy, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Isles). That lead time secures the best guides, the right hotel inventory, and restaurant reservations. Last-minute custom travel is possible but limiting.

Can you plan group travel, reunions, and destination weddings?

Absolutely — it's one of my specialties. Group travel unlocks dedicated rates, room blocks, private events, and a single point of coordination so you're not fielding 30 people's flight questions. For destination weddings I handle room blocks, guest travel logistics, and the resort's wedding team liaison. Start 10–14 months out for the best availability.

Do you book international flights too?

Yes. I book and manage international airfare as part of your itinerary, and I can handle complex multi-city or open-jaw routing that booking sites make painful. I also monitor schedule changes and rebook you automatically if a carrier shifts your connection — a real human watching your flights, not a notification email.

Can you arrange private jets or yacht charters?

Yes, through specialist partners. Private aviation and yacht charters are quote-based and depend on dates, routing, and aircraft/vessel availability. Tell me the trip you're envisioning and I'll scope it with accurate pricing — no guessing.

How do I get started planning my trip?

The fastest way is the Plan My Trip form — a 2-minute request that tells me your destination ideas, dates, budget range, and travel companions. I'll respond within one business day with initial options and a conversation. You can also call me directly at (503) 245-0399, or use the chatbot in the corner for quick questions.

What information should I have ready before I contact you?

Helpful but not required: rough dates (or flexibility window), who's traveling (adults, kids, ages), a budget range (be honest — it helps me recommend realistically), and any must-haves or deal-breakers. If you have a screenshot of a deal you saw, bring it — I'll tell you if it's actually the best option.

How quickly will you respond?

Within one business day, often the same day during business hours. For urgent in-trip issues, I'm reachable for active clients. If you need faster help, call (503) 245-0399 directly — I'd rather talk it through than have you waiting on an email.

Do you work with clients outside the United States?

Yes. I'm US-based (Tigard, Oregon) and licensed in CA, FL, and WA, but I plan travel for clients worldwide. For international travelers, I'll handle currency, documentation, and visa logistics as part of the itinerary. Time zones are the only wrinkle — I'll coordinate call times that work for you.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my trip?

You have a real advisor to handle it — not a cancellation portal. I'll work the supplier's cancellation policy, advocate for waivers when possible, and help you rebook or reschedule. I strongly recommend travel insurance for any major booking, and I'll walk you through the coverage that actually protects your trip. Life happens; having a human in your corner is the whole point.

Travel advisor planning a luxury vacation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers about working with a travel advisor, booking cruises and all-inclusive resorts, custom vacations, and what to expect from start to finish. Still have a question? Ask Courtney directly.

Plan My Trip Call (503) 245-0399

Working with a Travel Advisor

What a certified advisor actually does — and what it costs.

For most trips — cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and standard vacation packages — there is no planning fee. I'm paid directly by the travel suppliers, so my expertise costs you nothing extra. For highly complex custom itineraries that require extensive research and one-off design, a planning fee may apply, and I'll always discuss it upfront before any work begins. There are never hidden fees.

Cruises

Ocean, river, and expedition sailings — when and how to book.

All-Inclusive Resorts

What 'all-inclusive' really covers — and how to choose.

Custom Vacations & Group Travel

Multi-stop itineraries, groups, and bespoke trips.

Getting Started

How to begin — and what to expect.

Still have a question?

The best answers are specific to your trip. Send me your ideas and I'll respond within one business day — no call center, no algorithm.

Plan My Trip (503) 245-0399

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