The iTravel/Gilded Compass Planning Process: From First Call to Takeoff
2025 has been an incredible year, and we’re excited for everything 2026 has in store. My hope for you is simple: that it’s filled with travel—whether you book on your own or work with a travel advisor, what matters most is that you feel confident you’re getting the trip you truly want.
Some people love planning. Others don’t have the time, or simply don’t know where to begin. That’s where iTravel shines. We take care of the details, the logistics, and the planning so you can focus on enjoying the experience and traveling with confidence.
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “How exactly do you work?”
So I wanted to take a moment to take away the mystery and explain what it’s like to plan a trip with us.
At its core, my work is about creating uniquely personal, thoughtfully designed travel experiences—the kind that don’t feel rushed, generic, or copied from someone else’s itinerary.
Step One:
Making Sure We’re a Good Fit
Every great trip starts with a conversation.
You’ll notice that the first step in my process is booking a call through my online calendar. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a discovery conversation. That call allows us to:
Talk about how you like to travel
Understand what you value most (pace, comfort, experiences, food, culture)
Make sure my planning style aligns with your expectations
Travel planning is a relationship, and it’s important to me that we’re a great fit before we move forward.
Concierge Care Retainer: Why It Exists
Once we decide to move forward, I collect a Concierge Care Retainer.
This fee does two important things:
It shows me that you’re serious about planning a custom trip
It allows me to immediately begin working on your itinerary with intention and focus
The retainer simply protects my time and expertise while we collaborate, research, refine, and build something exceptional together.
What Makes Our Trips Different
One of the biggest differences between iTravel/Gilded Compass and most travel planning services is how your trip is created.
I don’t rely on generic templates or mass-market itineraries. Instead, I work with a trusted network of dedicated partners across Europe and beyond; local experts who live where you’re traveling.
These are people I know personally. They understand my standards, my clients, and my expectations.
Because of this:
Your itinerary isn’t something anyone else has
Your guides, drivers, and experiences are curated just for you
Your trip reflects you, not a brochure
Every detail is layered intentionally—hotels, transfers, guides, pacing, and those “seize the day” moments that often become the best memories.
Support While You’re Traveling
Once your trip begins, you are never on your own.
Through iTravel and Gilded Compass, you receive 24/7 concierge care while you’re traveling.
That means:
A missed connection
A last-minute change
A question about timing or logistics
Something unexpected (because travel is real life)
Even last minute excursions or reservations.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. You have support, advocacy, and solutions—no call centers, no generic help desks.
Why This Matters
Anyone can book a hotel or a flight.
What I do is design experiences—with care, clarity, and intention.
I help travelers feel:
Confident and educated instead of overwhelmed
Free to enjoy their trip knowing the details are handled
If that sounds like how you want to travel, then you’re in exactly the right place. Book a complementary consultation HERE.
Here’s to your next great adventure,
Laura
