🤝Working With Me
Planning a vacation involves a lot of moving pieces. My role is to bring those pieces together, provide experienced guidance and make the process clear and manageable from beginning to end.
When we work together, you’ll receive personalized recommendations, thoughtful communication and professional support throughout the planning process and your travels.
Independent Service. Professional Support
As an independent travel advisor with Good Trip Travel Co., I operate my own travel advisory business and am proud to be part of an established, award-winning travel agency.
When you work with me, I am your personal travel advisor and primary point of contact throughout the planning process and your travels. As a Good Trip advisor, I’m part of a collaborative team that shares knowledge, experience and a commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.
I work from my home office in Central Iowa and offer appointments by phone, video or in person. For in-person meetings, I’m happy to meet at a mutually convenient location or schedule an appointment at the Good Trip Travel Co. office in Ankeny.
What You Can Expect
Personalized Recommendations
Every trip begins with getting to know you. I’ll take the time to understand your travel style, priorities, interests and budget, then narrow the many possibilities into thoughtfully selected options that fit you and your trip.
Expert Guidance
I’ll help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions, providing honest guidance and recommendations throughout the planning process.
Complete Vacation Coordination
I’ll coordinate the details of your vacation, which may include cruises, land tours, all-inclusive resorts, hotels, flights, transfers, rail and other travel arrangements. I’ll also provide information and recommendations regarding travel protection so you can make an informed decision about coverage.
Ongoing Communication
I believe in clear, timely communication. I’ll keep you informed throughout the planning process and make sure you know what comes next.
Support Before, During & After Travel
Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. If questions arise before departure or unexpected situations occur while you’re traveling, I’ll help you understand your options, navigate the next steps and advocate on your behalf with travel suppliers when appropriate.
Organized Travel Documents
Before departure, you’ll receive organized travel documents, helpful reminders and convenient access to your itinerary and important trip information.
How We Work Together
Step 1 • Let’s Start With a Conversation
We’ll talk about your travel goals, preferences, priorities, budget and what matters most to you for this trip. Based on your needs, I’ll recommend the planning service that best fits your vacation and explain any applicable professional planning fee before planning begins.
Step 2 • Personalized Research
I’ll research your trip and present thoughtfully selected recommendations based on what we discussed, narrowing the many possibilities to options that fit you and your trip.
Step 3 • Refine Your Vacation
We’ll review the recommendations together and refine the details until your vacation feels right for you.
Step 4 • Booking & Coordination
Once you’re ready to move forward, I’ll coordinate reservations, confirmations, payments and supplier communication, bringing the individual pieces of your vacation together.
Step 5 • Prepare to Travel
Before departure, I’ll make sure you have your travel documents, important information and helpful reminders so you’re prepared for your journey. While you’re traveling, I’ll remain available if questions or unexpected situations arise.
Planning Services & Fees
Professional planning fees reflect the time, expertise and personalized service involved in planning and managing your travel. As a Good Trip Travel Co. advisor, I follow Good Trip’s established planning fees and will always explain the applicable fee before planning begins.
- Travel Consultation: Ideal if you already have travel booked, are using points or miles, or simply want professional guidance with your itinerary, destination, logistics or travel strategy. If you decide to book your trip with me, your consultation fee may be applied toward the applicable planning fee. — $100 per hour
- Just the Basics: Designed for more straightforward vacations, such as an all-inclusive getaway, Disney vacation or flight-and-hotel package, when you primarily need the essential travel arrangements coordinated. — Starting at $200
- Ocean & River Cruises — Starting at $200
- Escorted Tours — Starting at $200
- Custom Travel Design — Starting at $400
- Flight-Only Bookings — $100 per person
Planning fees are paid to Teresa Herold | Good Trip Travel Co. and are separate from the cost of your vacation. Payments for travel arrangements are made directly to the applicable travel suppliers and coordinated by me on your behalf. Planning fees may vary depending on the scope and complexity of your trip, and additional fees may apply for significant changes or rebooking.
Planning fees shown here were last reviewed on August 7, 2026, and I make every effort to keep this information current with Good Trip Travel Co.’s established planning fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with a travel advisor instead of booking on my own?
Working with a travel advisor gives you more than a reservation. I help you sort through the options, provide personalized recommendations, coordinate the details and serve as a resource before, during and after your trip. You still make the decisions—my role is to provide the expertise, organization and support to help you make them confidently.
What types of travel do you plan?
My primary specialties are cruises, land tours and all-inclusives, but my services extend beyond those areas. I can assist with a wide range of individual and group travel and am always happy to discuss what you have in mind and determine whether I’m the right fit for your trip.
Do you plan group travel?
Absolutely! Group travel is something I especially enjoy. Whether it’s family and friends traveling together, a milestone celebration, an affinity group, or corporate or organizational travel, there’s something special about bringing people together through a shared experience.
I can help coordinate the many moving pieces, serve as a central point of contact and make the planning easier for both the group leader and the travelers. Depending on the trip and supplier, groups may also qualify for special pricing, amenities or other benefits. Every group is unique, so we’ll start with a conversation about what you have in mind and build from there.
Do you charge a planning fee?
Yes. Professional planning fees reflect the time, expertise and personalized service involved in researching, planning and managing your travel. The applicable fee depends on the type and complexity of your trip and will always be explained before planning begins. See Planning Services & Fees above for current starting fees.
Do I have to live in Iowa to work with you?
Not at all. I work with clients by phone, email and video, so we can plan your trip together wherever you live. For clients who prefer to meet in person, I’m happy to arrange a mutually convenient meeting location or schedule an appointment at the Good Trip Travel Co. office in Ankeny.
Can you help with flights?
Yes. I can coordinate flights as part of a complete vacation or assist with flight-only bookings. Flight-only service fees apply.
Do you recommend travel protection?
Yes. I strongly recommend considering travel protection for your trip. I’ll provide information about available options so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and circumstances.
What happens if something goes wrong while I’m traveling?
For immediate, on-the-ground assistance, your travel supplier is often the best first point of contact. I remain available to help you understand your options, navigate next steps and advocate with suppliers when appropriate.
How do I get started?
Click Let’s Start Planning and tell me a little about the trip you have in mind. I’ll review your information and follow up so we can discuss your travel goals, the planning service that best fits your trip and any applicable planning fee.