FAQ
What exactly is a travel butler?
Someone who takes all the details of a vacation into account along with your personal passions and weaves them together to make your life more enjoyable and your vacation, honeymoon, or corporate retreat and wonderful experience. Think wedding/financial planner and well, a butler, except someone focused on travel.
What places can you send someone?
Practically anywhere you want. We will have recommendations but you can relax on a river cruise in China, enjoy yachting in the Caribbean, climb the Rockies, or go camping in Acadia National Park. Whatever suits your fancy.
What makes you special?
You. We take time to know you and we charge for our time. This allows us to spend as much time with you as necessary. We do not need to rush or hurry to get on to the next person. You are our priority and we love it!
What credentials do you have?
We are members of the national trade organizations, ASTA and NACTA. Locally we are affiliated with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, York Young Professionals and Harrisburg Young Professionals.
What are your limitations?
We are limited only by our combined imaginations and the budget.
Who do you work with?
We work with all kinds of different people who value their time and want something special on vacation. We work with you and your individual needs.
Who should I ask for when I call or email?
When you call or email you should expect to get a response from either Jason or Sandy, the owners, usually within a day or two if not sooner.
Why should I care?
Because to us you are special. When you travel there are so many details to be decided: where to go? when to go? how should I get from here to there? what is the best price? how do I get through security? what souvenirs can I bring back home? will I have to pay duty? You get the idea. There are lots of questions and even more potential answers. We make this easy.
Why travel?
Seeing the world changes us. It helps us to better appreciate home and bond with family. It allows us to experience life differently and gives us new eyes with which we can see the world, our neighbors and ourselves. Refresh, rejuvenate and revitalize.
Why come to you when I can book it myself on the internet?
Time. Your time is the most valuable asset you have. With it you can spend time looking for the best deal on the internet or you could be spending time with your children or enjoying a nice dinner with friends. Let us take the work, the stress and the time on our shoulders so that you can simply go and enjoy. Especially with the peace of mind in knowing that we have your best interests at heart and are planning your next vacation just like you expect. The question ultimately comes to what is the most important part of your journey, the cost or the experience. If you answer cost, you most likely should check out a company such as Expedia, Priceline or Kayak. You may get a great price, but at what cost?
When should we start the planning process?
Planning is best started 1 year to 6 months before you travel. In some cases it is better to start even earlier. Cruises tend to give some of the best rates and have the best availability a full year before the departure date. Some posh hotels and restaurants must be booked well in advance. Some sports events sell tickets a few years in advance of the actual occurrence.
Where are you located?
We are located in Etters, Pennsylvania. We are within a 2 hour drive of Washington, DC; Wilmington, DE; Cherry Hill, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Baltimore, MD. We are easily accessible by interstate 83, 81, 15 and the PA Turnpike. We work out of our house because we love to invite you over just like we do with our friends. It also keeps overhead low so that we can continue to provide you a unique and personalized service.
Where to do you send clients?
Anywhere in the world you want to go (unless you want to go to a war zone or something ridiculous like that). A weekend to experience the nightlife in New York City. Sample the reds of wine country in California. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari through Africa. Climb up to the base camp at Everest. We do it all. What is your passion?
How long does it take to plan a vacation?
Planning time varies greatly. Something basic like a preplanned package or cruise is typically under 5 hours. Most Signature trips involving custom tailored itineraries run between 20-40 hours of work spread out over 2-3 weeks.
How much does it cost?
Cost varies but starts at $100 for up to 5 hours of professional planning for a Stylus package. Signature cost is based on the budget and the time it takes to plan. Contact us for the details.
How can I pay?
The best way to pay for services is to pay via check or money order to Travel Simplicity. For products like noise-cancellation headphones and luggage, payments can also be made using a major credit card. If it is necessary to pay via credit card for travel planning or other services we will work with you to figure out a good solution.
