WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Most luxury travel advisors lead with their network affiliations and preferred partnerships, and their commitment to personalized service. What they can't replicate is judgment. Here's what that means in practice.
My recommendations come from knowing these places, not researching them.
I've lived across the United States, Latin America, and Europe — not as a tourist, but long enough to understand what a place actually feels like. That background shapes every recommendation I make: the property that fits the way a neighborhood moves, the guide who knows the roads that aren't on any map, the restaurant worth the reservation. You can find information anywhere. What I bring is judgment grounded in real experience.
When I haven't been there myself, I know who has.
I've been building relationships in this industry for over a decade. When a destination or property falls outside my own experience, I draw on a trusted network of specialist advisors within my host agency who have been there. The recommendation is grounded either way — I'm honest about which is which.
I work with a small number of clients. That's a choice, not a limitation.
Keeping my client list deliberately small means every trip gets my full attention. Not a team's attention. Mine. You'll always know exactly who you're working with — and that person will know your trip as well as you do.
Access is the easy part. Knowing what to do with it is the work.
Through Virtuoso and preferred partnerships with the world's leading luxury hotel brands, I have access to properties, experiences, and amenities that aren't available when you book directly. But what matters more than access is knowing which room at which property, which guide for which traveler, and which two nights to add that make the whole trip land differently.
That's the judgment part. It's what I'm here for.
VIP ACCESS AND PREFERRED PARTNERSHIPS
My preferred partnerships — with Virtuoso and directly with the world's leading luxury hotel brands — mean my clients receive benefits that aren't available when you book on your own. These aren't generic perks — they're specific, confirmed at the time of booking, and frequently worth more than my planning fee.
Daily Breakfast
For two, included at most partner properties.
Hotel Credits
$100–$200 to spend during your stay — dining, spa, experiences.
Room Upgrades
Subject to availability at check-in. More often than not, they come through
VIP Recognition
The hotel knows you're arriving. That changes how you're treated from the moment you walk in.
Early Check-in/ Late Check -out
When available — which is more often when someone has called ahead.
Private Experience
Property-specific and destination-specific. Things that aren't on the public menu.
Our Journey Creation Process
How we turn your travel dreams into a trip that feels 100% you—every single time
1
Discover
(Inquiry Form and 15 minute complimentary call)
After completing our inquiry form where you will let us know about your travel style, must-haves, never-agains, and what "perfect" means to you, we meet by phone for a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to answer any questions about our services, any applicable fees, and what to expect throughout the planning process.
2
Collaborate
We shape the big picture together—destinations, dates, pace, and the experience you're after. Whether you have a pinpoint plan or just a vibe, we refine until it feels exactly right.
3
Design
We present a detailed, day-by-day proposal filled with the perfect hotels, experiences, and insider touches. You review, tweak, fall in love.
4
Reserve
We lock in every element at the best available rates, secure all VIP amenities and upgrades, and triple-check every confirmation so nothing slips through the cracks.
5
Prepare
In the lead-up to departure, you receive gentle check-ins, final documents, tailored packing lists, and instant access to everything in our Trip Plans app. Behind the scenes, we’re already alerting hotels, guides, and local partners that a very important guest is arriving.
6
Experience
You travel. We stay on duty—monitoring flights, handling last-minute requests, and solving any hiccups before you notice them. You simply live the moment.
7
Celebrate & Dream Again
Welcome home! We debrief over your favorite stories and photos (because your feedback makes every future trip even better), and we usually end the call already sketching your next adventure.
“The communication Michelle provided before, during, and after the trip was exceptional. Her experience and insights made all the difference—I look forward to planning my next vacation with her.”
Cheryl C.
One conversation. One trusted partner. A lifetime of unforgettable journeys. Your complimentary Discovery Call is just a message away—let’s begin.
Good Questions
Who is Escapes by Escala?
A luxury travel concierge crafting deeply personal journeys worldwide. As an independent Virtuoso affiliate, we pair intimate, high-touch service with the world’s most exclusive partnerships and amenities.
What types of travel do you specialize in? Milestone celebrations, romantic escapes, multigenerational trips, private group travel, golf & wine journeys, wellness retreats, safaris, cruising, and active adventures — anything that deserves to feel uniquely yours.
Why Work With Escapes by Escala?
Four common reasons people hesitate — and why our clients never look back
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“I love planning myself — I don’t want to give up control.” Our clients decide exactly how involved they want to be (and it can change trip to trip). Love the research? We’re your professional partner to validate ideas and execute perfectly. Prefer to hand everything over? Done. Either way, you keep the fun and lose the stress.
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“The internet has options. I have a decade of on-the-ground experience, relationships that actually get answered, and the judgement to know what’s worth your time—and what isn’t. Those aren’t the same thing.
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“A travel advisor will cost more.” The opposite is almost always true. As a Virtuoso advisor we secure the same (or better) pricing than online, plus exclusive VIP amenities — upgrades, credits, private experiences — that far outweigh our transparent planning fee.
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“I’m not sure what the real value is.” Our clients value saved time, unbiased expertise, peace of mind, and someone truly in their corner before, during, and after travel. When plans shift, one message to us fixes it — that alone is priceless.
What is Virtuoso?
The invitation-only global network of the world’s top luxury travel advisors and partners. It unlocks exclusive benefits, upgrades, and experiences unavailable anywhere else — from daily breakfast and $100–$200 hotel credits to private tours and VIP recognition.
Do you have a minimum budget?
We specialize in true luxury travel. Excluding international airfare, most custom international journeys begin around $1,000 per person per day (higher in peak season or remote destinations). This reflects 4- and 5-star properties, private guiding, and the exclusive experiences that make travel unforgettable.
Planning Timeline & Practical Questions
How far in advance should I book?
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12–18 months: high-demand destinations, holidays, villas, large groups
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6–12 months: most luxury travel
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3 months–2 weeks: possible for many trips (availability may be limited)
Why are airline tickets so expensive right now?
Post-pandemic recovery, inflation, fuel costs, staffing shortages, and record demand have all driven fares higher. We monitor closely and use every tool to secure the best routing and pricing.
Can you book travel using my points & miles?
We do not redeem or manage points/miles. Clients may handle award portions themselves (just let us know in advance); all cash components remain with us.
Fees, Changes & Protection
Do you charge planning fees? Yes — we are proudly fee-based and independent. Fees begin at $500 for a typical one-week custom trip (varies by complexity) and cover research, revisions, detailed documents, VIP perks, and support before, during, and after travel. The fee is fully discussed and agreed upon before we begin. It is non-refundable, which is why we start with a complimentary discovery call to ensure we’re the perfect fit.
What is your change & cancellation policy? Up to two complimentary revisions are included. Additional changes are $50/hour.
Do you recommend travel insurance? Always because one unexpected moment can cost far more than a policy ever will. Travel is a serious investment—of your time, money, and excitement.
What additional costs should I budget for? International flights (when not included), gratuities, personal shopping/spa beyond credits, and optional experiences. We supply detailed tipping guidelines for every destination.
What We Do (and Don’t Do)
Should I bother you with “simple” bookings? Yes! Even one hotel night or cruise deserves VIP treatment and added amenities. There is no planning fee required for hotel-only bookings if you know the hotel and dates you would like to book.
Can you book villas, apartments, or homes? Yes, but only through our personally vetted, fully supported private villa partners (never public platforms like Airbnb or VRBO). These properties include on-site concierge, daily housekeeping, and pre-stocking — often at lower cost than the public listing.
Can you help with flights? Yes. Ticketing fees start at $75 domestic / $100 international per person.
What don’t we do?
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Flights-only
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Bookings on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar public platforms
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Redemption of points/miles as payment
Here's What Happens When You Reach Out
1. You fill in the planning form or schedule a call — takes about 2 minutes.
2. I review your details and reach out within 24 hours to set up a conversation.
3. We talk through your trip, I ask the right questions, and the planning begins.
Travel Insurance FAQs
Do I really need travel insurance?
Travel is an investment—and like any investment, it deserves protection. Travel insurance helps safeguard your trip against the unexpected, from medical emergencies to cancellations and delays. It’s not about expecting something to go wrong—it’s about being prepared if it does.
Will my health insurance cover me overseas?
Many U.S.-based health insurance plans offer little to no coverage abroad. That means you could be responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs if a medical issue arises while traveling. Travel insurance can help fill those gaps and provide peace of mind.
Doesn’t my credit card already include travel coverage?
Some credit cards offer limited travel protection, but coverage can be restrictive and may not include important benefits like medical expenses or “cancel for any reason” options. It’s worth reviewing your benefits carefully—many travelers find additional coverage is well worth it.
What happens if I have a medical emergency during my trip?
Medical care abroad can be expensive, and in some cases, you may need emergency evacuation to receive proper treatment. Travel insurance can help cover these costs and coordinate care, ensuring you get the support you need quickly.
What if my luggage is lost or delayed?
Lost or delayed baggage can disrupt your entire trip. Many travel insurance policies provide reimbursement for essentials so you’re not stuck replacing everything out of pocket while waiting for your bags to arrive.
What kind of support will I have while traveling?
One of the biggest advantages of travel insurance is access to 24/7 assistance. Whether it’s rebooking flights, finding medical care, or navigating an unexpected situation, you have a team ready to help when you need it most.
Need help deciding what coverage is right for you?
I'm happy to guide you based on your destinations, trip investment, and personal needs- so you can travel with confidence.
Please note: We do not sell insurance directly but can connect you with trusted providers and help you evaluate your options.