Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have Questions? I have answers

Please check here for answers to frequently asked questions, or contact me for your specific ones.

Q: Where is Epic Experiences

A: Located in the heart of Chelsea in Manhattan we are a home-based business.

Q: What are your business hours?

A: Monday to Thursday 10am to 6pm EST, Fridays until 1pm. Evenings and weekends by appointment only.

Q: We expect 24/7 service. Do you offer that?

A: When you are traveling you have full support. However I strive to make arrangments that pre-empt things that can go wrong, and luxury clients typically have full local support.

If you are not traveling, all calls and emails will be returned during business hours unless they are truly an emergency. I am trying to have more balance in life. My clients know I constantly check and respond to email regardless.

Q: Do you offer Travel Insurance? 

A: Yes, I sell comprehensive travel protection and highly recommend it for your trips. Ask me for more information.

Q: Where are your packages? I don’t see them on your site. 

A: Everything I do is customized to your wishes. Yes, I can create resort and flight packages, but I strive to matchmake you with the best resort for your travel style so these trips are created to order.

Hotels

Q: How do you select hotels?

A: While I don’t like to brag, matching you up with the ideal hotel for your travel style is my forte’. Much time is devoted to hotel site inspections when I travel, and meeting hoteliers who enhance your trips.

My b-to-b hotel booking sites often offer rates below even the hotel’s own site, and I do cost analysis to find you the best rates with the most flexible terms and perks.

At 5* hotels I can often offer breakfast for 2, a spa or resort credit – as well as early check-in, late check-out and upgrade based on availability.

Q: Speaking of check in, can you get me early check in?

A:  I always strongly request, but hotels will rarely guarantee it because it depends how early the guest/s in your same room category check out.

Guests of 5* hotels often receive perks from my agency like early check in and late check out based on availability.

Q: When hotels say Double Bed, what does it mean?

A: This is a great question! I spend hours on this each week. A Double bed can be a king, a queen, a full, or it can even mean 2 twins. Typically a hotel’s site will have more information. At a 5* hotel a “double” is usually a king that often can be made into 2 twins.

Q: Do you get better prices than we can find online?

A: Being cheap is not my business model, but I can often offer you discounted pricing, added value, and perks you would not receive when booking yourself. When we’re arranging a complex international trip for you, you would probably agree spending a little more to have 24/7 support in the same time zone is worth slightly more.

That said, the places I book hotels often offer lower rates than you would find online, yet when you book with a real travel advisor, your reservations are safer and likely to result in better room allocation.

Experiences

Q: We are interested in history and food. Can you arrange this? 

A: Throughout the world I have a network of fabulous specialist guides who showcase the best of the destination in the context of your specific interests.

In Paris for example I have guides who specialize in World War II History and the Resistance; Jewish History; Art Nouveau architecture; behind the scenes access to iconic sights like Notre Dame; vintage shopping by designer; and access to basically everything you can eat, drink or buy. My favorite guide in Paris lead Michael Douglas around when he was filming Ken Burns’ Ben Franklin – she’s that fabulous.

Q: What about wine tasting?

A: As a serious wine enthusiast whose clientele originated from my NYC wine club, I have cultivated relationships with worldwide creators of wine tours who immerse you in their terroirs. Regardless of your level, your tailor-made wine tasting experience will transport you into the wine making world. If you have the credentials, the doors will open.

Travel Information

Q: Can I use US Dollars everywhere?

A: Not really. Even in countries where they will take them, for example parts of Mexico that get many international visitors like Cancun, you always get the best value when paying with local currency. However there are a few countries like Panama, Belize, Argentina, Cambodia, and Burma – where US dollars are accepted.

Q: When should I book my trip?

A: As soon as possible. If something isn’t selling well there may be a last minute deal but if something isn’t selling well, you need to ask why? Flight and hotel pricing is managed by algorithms based on demand, so booking as soon as pricing is released often earns you the best rates. My river cruise partners offer significant early booking discounts and cabin upgrade offers.

That said, last minute trips are quite common and can be accommodated.

Q: Isn’t it better to plan flights that arrive after check-in so I don’t have to wait?

A: You want to fly as early as you can to avoid delays. The later in the day, the likelihood increases.

I always recommend that people pack in a way they can quickly remove the things they need to enjoy their destination before check in. Pack a bathing suit in the carry-on for example.

Destinations

Q: Speaking of Mexico, are you afraid to go there?

A: Nope. I’m never going to guarantee safety anywhere but I and all of my travel advisor friends have visited the country repeatedly without issue. Many of my contacts do huge weddings and groups, never with an incident. Mexico is a large country like the US with many treasures beyond the beach areas. I’ve traveled on (luxurious) local buses all over the country.  Mexico City, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Morelia, San Miguel, Queretaro, Merida, and more.

Q: What’s the deal with Saint Barth? Is it only a place for ultra high net worth people who want to party?

A: Au contraire, my friend. Saint Barth is an incredibly down to earth destination with world class beaches, restaurants and shopping. Yes, the rich are there but most of the UHNW and celebs are low key. There are even moderate hotels – theyre just hard to get into, which is why I know the best villa agencies. Like everywhere else, there are reasonable local restaurants and shops.

Q: Where was the picture taken above?

A: Somewhere between Flam and Gudvangen, Norway on the Naeroyfjord

Q: Is it too hot to go to Europe in the summer? 

A: We can easily avoid the heat in southern Europe by planning well. The UK and Ireland, Scandinavia, mountainous countries, and coastal areas can offer you a break from sweltering heat in the Med.

More questions and answers will be added to this as soon as I think of them.