Visiting the destinations of your dreams should feel exciting — not overwhelming, time consuming to plan, or filled with endless tabs and second guessing. The planning process has been thoughtfully refined over time to create personalized vacations that feel seamless, intentional, and worth wanderlusting over. Here's how booking a trip with Near & Far Travel Services works: Complete a travel questionnaire here. Schedule a phone consultation appointment here. Depending on the trip type and complexity, a consultation/planning fee may apply (typically $100–$150). You can generally expect travel package options via email within one to three business days. Your patience is appreciated while I compare the best values and experiences. Custom trips may have a longer processing time. We'll confirm the options for the trip of your choice. Reservations with traveler information and deposits. Together, we'll review your organized travel documents to utilize throughout your trip. Near & Far Travel Services stands by to ensure safe and smooth arrivals and departures!

Near & Far Travel Services does not book Airbnb stays, hotel-only reservations, air-only tickets, or most domestic U.S. travel. The exceptions include Hawaii, Alaska, and select National Park vacation packages. Ashley specializes in complete vacation experiences including international travel, Mexico & Caribbean resort stays, ocean and river cruises, guided tours, custom worldwide itineraries, Hawaii vacations, Alaska travel, and thoughtfully planned group trips.

As soon as you start thinking about it. The earlier you plan, the better the availability, pricing, and overall vacation experience will be. For larger groups and special event travel, we recommend planning 1–2 years in advance. Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and other bucket list destinations also tend to book far ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. For individual FIT and custom vacation packages, we typically begin booking around 331 days in advance when airline schedules become available. Most cruise and international resort vacations are ideally planned 6–9 months ahead of travel. Incredible vacations don’t happen by chance. They happen with thoughtful planning and preparation.

Depending on the type and complexity of your trip, a consultation or planning fee may apply. These fees typically range from $100–$150 for standard vacation packages and allow us to dedicate the time, research, expertise, and personalized support needed to properly plan and manage your vacation experience. Multi-destination and custom international itineraries may have higher planning fees depending on the travel request.

Most vacations offer deposit options with final payment dates set by the travel supplier, while some trips may require payment in full at the time of booking. • Pricing and availability can change until reservations are secured • Payments are submitted directly to the travel supplier for most bookings • Payment plans may be available between booking and the final payment date • Competitive pricing and overall vacation value are prioritized whenever possible • Final payment timelines vary based on destination, supplier, and travel dates A professional travel planning fee may apply (after our consultation prior to research) for new travelers based on the complexity and scope of the trip. Our rates are incredibly fair and worth both your time and ours to give your trip the planning experience it needs.

To join one of Ashley’s upcoming group trips, simply complete the group trip request form here: Group Trip Sign Up Form Once submitted, Ashley will reach out with availability, pricing, deposit information, and next steps for booking your spot on the trip.

Ashley’s group trips are designed to balance shared experiences with plenty of free time to enjoy your vacation your way. After signing up and securing your reservation, travelers will make payments toward their trip with a final payment due before departure. Flights are typically coordinated around nine months before travel, if opted in on the group request form. Leading up to departure, Ashley usually hosts a preparation meeting through Zoom, a group call, or an individual planning call to walk travelers through the itinerary, travel details, and what to expect before arriving. During the trip, there is typically a shared itinerary with planned experiences and group moments, while still leaving room for personal exploration, downtime, and optional excursions. If you’d like to add something extra to your trip, Ashley is happy to help arrange it — or you’re welcome to enjoy your own plans and free time throughout the journey.

Sure, trips can absolutely be booked independently after spending hours on TripAdvisor, comparing platforms, reading reviews from strangers online, and trying to piece together advice across social media. But the difference is confidence in the details. Confidence in trusted travel partners. Confidence in knowing the trip is thoughtfully planned by someone prepared to help create a smoother, easier travel experience from beginning to end. Working with Near & Far Travel Services provides: Recommendations based on trusted industry partnerships and long-term personal travel experience Guidance on destinations, resorts, cruises, and accommodations that fit your travel style and needs Help structuring the pace and flow of the trip so it feels seamless, not overwhelming Coordination of transportation, tours, transfers, and travel logistics Experienced destination insight beyond online reviews and viral travel trends Organization of reservations, confirmations, and travel details Support navigating international travel requirements and planning questions A trusted point of contact who's a call or text away and isn't an AI bot or 1-800 number Because once the trip is booked, the next question is usually: “Okay… now what?” And we're here for that.