Frequently Asked Questions
What service do you provide?
We plan your entire vacation from start to finish. It’s the most stress-free way to take that vacation you deserve and keep putting off because you don’t have the time to do the research, book the flights, book the hotel, find a rental car, read all the reviews, make the restaurant reservations……and the list goes on and on!
We create your entire itinerary, complete all of your bookings, package it all up and deliver it to you. Our mission is to make the perfect getaway accessible to you. No more late nights researching the dark depths of the internet, no more scouring blogs and TripAdvisor for the best itinerary, and no more wanting to rip your hair out to get the best deal. We do it all for you.
And we go above and beyond to make your next getaway PERFECT. If you tell me you only drink small batch cold brew coffee- you can guarantee we’ll find the best spot in your destination for your brew!
Should I travel during COVID-19?
We do not encourage travel during the pandemic unless it’s safe and we can mitigate the risk as much as possible. We stay up to date on all restrictions in all countries and will never recommend a destination you can’t go to or send you where it isn’t safe to travel just yet.
We also respect the communities in our destinations- and so while it may be allowed for you to travel there- if it isn’t safe for them, we won’t send you there.
We use the CDC’s guidance along with travel.state.gov to remain up to date on all things pandemic!
So if there is somewhere I can safely go….what happens if I get COVID right before leaving?
If you can’t make your trip- don’t worry- travel insurance has you! All of our clients are required to purchase travel insurance to travel with us.
THIS IS A GOOD THING!
It protects you—- and it protects me. Listen, the last thing I’d want is for you to lose $5000 on your vacation- but it’s also the last thing we’d want for Authenteco too. You see-we are on a mission to transform the travel industry into a sustainable one. And when we plan your trip- we don’t get any $ back from suppliers if we cancel the day before. So to ensure we both are protected and you feel comfortable- we now require travel insurance.
If you’re taking a road trip with us- we just require that you purchase a plan that makes sense for you.
If you’re flying- we require you to purchase “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) or “Cancel Anytime” insurance.
A CFAR policy through our partner allows you the opportunity to get 80% of your money back on the entire trip! And that’s a pretty screamin deal during these times. In fact, we have had several travelers use our partner and they have all actually received 100% of their money back without all the usual fuss and annoyance of dealing with other insurance companies.
Why can I text you and are you a real human?
Because its easy for you and yes we are REAL HUMANS! Promise. We have a team that monitors our concierge line around the clock. Our travel planners are real people just like you, who know how busy life is and are going to make your next vacation the most enjoyable experience for you from start to finish. All it takes is a trip request and a few texts.
No more annoying emails, no more feeling like you’re talking to a robot, and no more hassle.
It’s the most stress-free way for you to travel.
How do you plan my perfect vacation?
First, we get to know you! We’ll ask you a few questions about your travel style, your favorite things to do, and what would make this vacation perfect. Then we’ll check your travel dates and make sure we have room on our calendar for your vacation. We cap the number of clients that we support traveling each week, because we believe quality over quantity. Then we’ll ask for a $250 deposit, so that we can start planning your perfect vacation. After payment, the rest is up to us! Sit back and relax as we take care of all your travel needs.
Why should I pick you over other travel companies?
Great question!
You’ll never be a tourist again. The itineraries we create for you aren’t trending on Instagram or Pinterest. They aren’t written about in the most popular travel guides or magazines. We find the good stuff and we only share it with you.
Your trip is built FOR YOU! We get to know you, we learn about what you like and don’t like, we ask your exact expectations, and then we execute. No pre-made itineraries here! Everything is fitted exactly for your likes/dislikes, your budget, and your dreams for your trip!
We create the perfect vacation. Because we get boots on the ground and take the trip ourselves. Our elite travel specialists source the accommodations, activities, and restaurants based on real life experience.
Our attention to detail is next level. Just ask some of our previous travelers…. When you show up to your first accommodation and find a letter from a loved one wishing you the best trip with a bottle of your favorite wine-it just doesn’t get better than that.
What do I get for your service?
A packing list: We’ll deliver this 30 days prior to departure.
Your itinerary: The perfect itinerary to your destination.
Your Travel Magazine: A dreamy travel magazine about your destination and all the adventures you’ll go on, where you’ll stay, and the food you will enjoy!
Signature Gift Box Delivered to your doorstep: Our favorite gifts from your destination so you can treat yourself before you even get there.
P.S. The surprise gifts we pick just for you support local artisans and businesses in the places you’ll visit on your itinerary!
Where will you send me?
Wherever you want! You choose the destination or we can even choose one for you based on what you need from your getaway.
We do the research on COVID-19 restrictions & regulations and only recommend a place you can actually go to for your intended travel dates. Or if you have a dream destination, but it isn’t safe quite yet, we’ll let you know.
I don’t know where I want to go, I just want to get away. Can you pick the destination for me?
Yes! We can absolutely pick the destination for you. Once you tell us a bit more about what you’re looking for, I can text you two different destination options and their cost. You can then let me know which one works best for you!
I saw my friend did a surprise vacation, so can it be a surprise or do I pick the destination?
If you love adventure and have no idea where to go but desperately need a getaway- we are happy to make it a surprise. We’ll have you fill out a travel survey that tells us all the info that we need. We’ll still send you a packing list one month before departure so you aren’t totally lost. Then we’ll send you your signature gift box in the mail- and when you open it- you’ll know where you’re going!
What kind of vacations are Authenteco Travel services good for?
All Vacations! Adventure travel, road trips, weekend getaways, honeymoons, anniversaries, reunions, solo travels, friends getaway, birthdays, small business retreats…it’s great for any type of travel!
We definitely specialize in celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, and birthdays- so if you’re a busy guy/gal who loves your partner-and wants to give them the world-we’ll execute that vision for you!
Do you book the trip for me too?
Of course we do! We research, plan, book, and deliver the perfect trip made just for you.
Can I gift an Authenteco Travel Getaway?
Absolutely! Text us or email concierge@authentecotravel.com that you’d like to do that & we’ll take care of it!
Why should I trust you to plan my vacation?
We’ve planned dream vacations to destinations all over the world and not a single traveler was ever displeased or requested a refund. Our team members are avid travelers who love making this big world more accessible to you. If you’re dissatisfied with your purchase, please email us and we’ll ensure you get the dream vacation you’ve always wanted.
What kind of questions are in the travel survey you send me after booking?
What COVID requirements would you like us to follow to keep you safe?
Which of the following adventures are a must-have for you?
Would you rather stay in a treehouse bungalow or boutique hotel?
Tell me about your favorite travel experience.
How much should I expect to spend for my vacation?
We work with all budgets, but we also have recommendations to get the most out of your perfect vacation. In order to meet our quality standards, to support eco-friendly/locally owned businesses, and to provide 24/7 concierge service to you during your custom vacation we’ve set the following price minimums required to book with us.
PRICE MINIMUMS
Weekend Getaway (3 days/2 nights)- $1500 🚗 or $2500 ✈️ (Domestic) | $2500 🚗 or $3500 ✈️ (International)
3-5 Day Getaway —> $2500 🚗 or $3500 ✈️ (Domestic) | $3500 🚗 or $4500 ✈️ (International)
Week Vacation (7 Days) - $5000 🚗 or $6000 ✈️ (Domestic) | $7000 🚗 or $9000 ✈️ (International)
Two Week Vacation (14 days) - $9000 🚗 or $10000 ✈️ (For Domestic)
$10000 🚗 or $12000 ✈️ (For International)
***Price minimums are on the assumption of two people traveling or a small family.
***Price minimums do vary! If the destination is right we might be able to strike a deal and will always try to save your precious money- so if you aren’t here yet- that’s okay! Send us a request anyways and we’ll see what we can do!
Unlike most Travel Agents, we don’t up-charge your trip.
Instead we charge you a service fee for your vacation-that way we are never incentivized to plan a more expensive trip. We choose the accommodations, adventures, and restaurants for your itinerary because they are truly the best, loved by locals, owned by locals, and not found in the guidebooks.
If I don’t like my vacation, can I send it back?
ABSOLUTELY! We’re so confident in our Trips, that if you aren’t satisfied, you’ll get a 100% service fee refund-no questions asked. If you’re displeased with your itinerary or our service, please email us and we’ll gladly resolve any issues.
Your happiness is our #1 priority. Especially in uncertain times…like um a pandemic.
Why is this better than a travel agent or planning my own vacation?
Travel agents are expensive and they hop onto a big website to pick pre-packaged tours or hotels/adventures that offer big commissions. It’s just not custom like us!
And planning your own vacation takes countless hours and late nights. It’s sooooo stressful!
Why do you go out to eat at a restaurant? Because you want to enjoy something special without the hassle of grocery shopping, following a recipe, cooking, starting a kitchen fire, and cleaning all the dishes…..all the while the dogs and the kids are screaming at you. 🤣🤣🤣
It’s just so much easier to go to a restaurant where you can let the experts cook for you. Does it cost a bit more? It sure does. But do you value your precious time? If so, isn’t it awesome when you get to go out and eat and just simply relax while someone else serves you the perfect meal.
That’s what we do. Consider us your personal chef but for a vacation. We cook up the perfect vacation for you to just enjoy.
Authenteco Travel saves you valuable money and time.
We dedicate at least 50 hours per itinerary to ensure it’s perfect! In fact, we trust these itineraries with our own vacations. We also personally vet each business and tour operator to ensure they meet high responsible travel practices in addition to offering customers incredible experiences.
Are you a responsible company?
Yes! Here is a sample of what we do to ensure our customers’ travels are good for the planet and local communities:
Personally vet the sustainability practices of each tour operator and supplier
Support locally-owned and operated businesses
Carbon offset our customers’ flights when they book through us
Ensure everyone behind-the-scenes and on-the-ground is paid a living wage
Suggest alternative—yet equally exciting—destinations to alleviate mass tourism
All our magazines and itineraries are printed on recycled paper with plant-based ink
Our shipping boxes are 100% recycled from 95% post-consumer content
All packaging materials are recycled or made of recycled materials!
In our pursuit to always do more for the planet and local tourism industries, we listen to client feedback! If you have a suggestion to be even more responsible, please contact us.
Still have questions?
Ask our team by emailing concierge@authentecotravel.com.
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