Our Process

01

Client inquiry

Complete and submit necessary intake forms.

02

Set up a Discovery Call

We schedule a 30-45 minute introduction call to discuss more about your trip vision, prior travels, and answer any questions you may have about working together. If we are a good fit, we proceed with trip planning.  Our goal is to learn your preferred style of travel so we can best align your hotels and experiences to your budget and wish list.

03

Customize Itinerary / Design

We combine the details from our discovery call with our knowledge and connections to create a customized itinerary. We continue to collaborate with you to refine the itinerary accordingly. *Note: We provide three initial trip revisions. Additional work may incur fees.

Booking Travel

After booking the major components of your trip, we will sprinkle in other fun things: ideas for restaurants, spa treatments, yoga studios, orother local recommendations.

04

05

Final Itinerary

Prior to your departure date, we will publish a digital streamlined itinerary, which gives you your day-to- day plans, emergency contacts, confirmation documents, tipping and packing guidelines, and any other pertinent information for your trip. This offers you seamless travel and a way to conveniently communicate throughout your trip.

06

Bon Voyage

Enjoy your trip! We will follow up to learn about your favorite experiences and where you want to go next!

 FAQs

  • Depending on the destination, we can usually provide a proposal within 3-7 business days. If we are planning during high season or festive, trip planning may take longer. We will always notify you of timelines.

  • Bowden & Co Luxury Travel recommends the following guidelines:

    In general, the sooner the better! Here are some of the more popular destinations that require longer planning times for optimal vacations. We can do trips on short notice, but there will be potential challenges with availability and higher pricing.

    Africa-

    1-2 years in advance.

    Europe-

    At least 6-9 months. Planning even a year out gives you more favorable rates on accommodations and first access to the best rooms/views. For example, a family needing connecting rooms for small children or specific bed configurations will benefit from advance planning. This holds true for experiences regarding touring and securing the best guides and drivers.

    Cruises-

    9-12 months minimum. Some cruise lines allow a 2-year advance booking, especially smaller ships such as river cruises. It is about securing the best rooms on board with superior views or positioning on the ship.

    Caribbean & Mexico-

    6-9 months.

    *These are general guidelines for popular destinations.

  • Accommodations-only itinerary:

    We assist with booking accommodations including all our usual perks & benefits if you know your specific dates and preferred hotel. All other trip components and services are handled directly between you and the hotel concierge team, or on your own. This is a complimentary service for our existing clients. If you prefer to book on your own, simply use our Virtuoso link in the “Book a Hotel” tab.

    Fully-inclusive itinerary:

    We put together a complete itinerary inclusive of all hotels, logistics, flights, tours & experiences, activities, etc, in collaboration with one of our local preferred tour operators. See our “Services” section regarding fees.

    Tours ‘A La Carte’

    If you have already booked your accommodations, we can help secure transfers, tours, or activities. 

  • We are unable to book any hotels or touring using credit card points. However, we will work with you if you choose to use some of your points in a given city to offset a portion of your trip investment. We will attach any loyalty numbers necessary so that you can still accrue points. However, if you would like to utilize miles, feel free to book flights on your own.

  • We have cultivated long standing partnerships with hoteliers around the world that translate into your VIP status being recognized every step of the way. Bowden & Co Luxury Travel clients' bookings are prioritized by hotels as preferred partners ahead of other bookings made with a credit card company or other third-party booking engines.

    Plus, if you have any issues while traveling, you have a dedicated advisor. We act as your advocate during travel instead of being connected with a call center.