Frequently asked questions.
What makes Lodestar Journeys different from other travel planners?
Lodestar Journeys blends bespoke itinerary design, luxury concierge support, and deep destination expertise to create travel that feels elegant, intentional, and effortless.
You won’t find preset packages here — every journey is crafted around your interests, style, and pace, with seamless support from planning through return.
Do you charge a planning or concierge fee for travel bookings?
No. There is no fee for our travel planning services.
Our compensation comes from commissions paid by trusted travel partners — hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and other suppliers — after your trip is booked.
This means you receive:
Personalized trip design
Expert itinerary planning
Exclusive perks & upgrades when available
On-trip support
All at no additional cost to you
How does commission-based travel planning work?
When we book your hotels, cruises, tours, or transfers through our vetted partners, they pay us a commission for bringing them your business.
You never pay extra, and in many cases, you receive added value such as:
Complimentary breakfast
Resort credits
Room upgrades
Early check-in / late check-out
Welcome amenities
Do clients ever pay extra?
Only for:
The cost of the trip itself
Optional travel insurance
Any extra experiences you choose to add
But never for the planning process
What types of travel do you specialize in?
We design luxury, experiential, and custom-curated travel for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
Our specialties include:
Bespoke itineraries
Celebration & romance travel
Adventure & expedition journeys
Wellness retreats
Multi-generational travel
Executive and corporate travel
Luxury cruises and small-ship voyages
Do you work with all budgets?
We specialize in 4- and 5-star travel experiences.
While we’re happy to design trips at various levels, most custom itineraries begin around a comfortable luxury budget. This allows us to source the quality of accommodations, experiences, and services expected of a boutique travel concierge.
Do you book flights?
Yes — we can assist with flight recommendations and booking options.
We also help with seating, upgrades, baggage considerations, and airline coordination as part of your trip design.
How far in advance should I start planning?
For the best availability and pricing, we recommend beginning the planning process:
6–12 months in advance for international trips
9–18 months for safaris, cruises, and expedition travel
3–6 months for domestic travel
We can accommodate last-minute planning depending on destination and season.
Do you offer support while I’m traveling?
Yes. As a full-service concierge, we provide on-trip messaging support for unexpected changes, delays, cancellations, or last-minute requests.
You’ll never travel alone — we’re your North Star the entire way.
Can you help with restaurant reservations, tours, or spa bookings?
Absolutely. We handle:
Dining reservations
Spa appointments
Private guides
Transfers
Activities
Special experiences
Everything is designed to save you time and enhance your trip.
What destinations do you plan for?
We plan travel to every region of the world, with specialty expertise in:
Can you plan group travel or retreats?
Yes — we can design custom experiences for corporate teams, wellness retreats, milestone celebrations, or group adventures.
Do you work with clients outside the U.S.?
Yes — we serve clients worldwide.