What is the design fee and what does it cover?

Your journey starts with a design fee. It covers the research, partner conversations and design hours that go into building your journey, the work that happens before you ever pack a bag.

The fee is separate from what you spend on the ground. That’s deliberate: my recommendations are guided by what’s right for your journey, never by commission. Where commission does apply, it never decides what I recommend.

Is the design fee refundable?

The fee is non-refundable once design work has begun. Research and planning start as soon as you confirm, and the fee covers that time even if your travel dates change. I always confirm the fee and scope in writing before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

Why is the fee separate from my travel costs?

Because I think it’s the honest way to work. My design fee is paid by you, for my time, research and advice. It’s the foundation of how I work, and it means my recommendations are guided by what’s right for your family.

What does my total investment look like?

It varies, which is why we talk it through before you commit to anything. There are two parts:

Design fee: confirmed in writing before design work begins.

Ground costs: accommodation, experiences, transfers and local activities. These depend on where you’re going, how long you’re away and the kind of journey you want. I’ll give you a realistic range after our first conversation.

Airfares are arranged separately by you, so our focus stays on your experience on the ground.

What does the design process actually look like?

It starts with your application, which gives me a sense of who you are and what you’re looking for. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll have a conversation: not a sales call, just a genuine discussion about your journey.

From there, if we decide to work together, I’ll confirm the design fee in writing and begin the research and design process. You’ll receive a fully personalised itinerary built around your trip: the destinations, experiences, accommodation and partners that make sense for you.

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How many clients do you work with at once?

A small number — deliberately. This isn't something I say to sound exclusive; it's how I protect the quality of what I design. Each journey gets real attention, not a template with the names changed.

Do I need to have a specific destination in mind?

No — some clients come with a clear vision, others come with a feeling and a rough region. Both are fine starting points. The application asks where you're drawn, which can be as broad or specific as feels natural.

Which destinations do you design for?

My current focus is New Zealand and Southeast Asia — specifically Vietnam and Thailand — where my knowledge and partner relationships run deepest. I occasionally work beyond these regions for the right trip. If you have somewhere specific in mind, tell me and I’ll be honest about whether I’m the right fit.

How do you choose your partners?

Every in-destination partner — DMC, guide, or property — is assessed against the Woven Journeys framework before I recommend them. I look at community relationships, employment practices, environmental commitments, and whether their values align in practice, not just in their marketing.

I’m honest about the limits of this: I can't personally visit every property in every destination. Where I work with in-destination specialists, I vet them rigorously and rely on their judgment for the ground-level detail. If something doesn't measure up, I don't use them.

Does my trip have to involve volunteering or community projects?

Not at all. Impact isn't a programme you opt into — it's a result of how the journey is designed. By choosing where you stay, eat, and spend time with intention, your visit creates real benefit without requiring anything extra from you. A beautifully relaxing trip and a meaningful one aren't in conflict.

Do you book flights?

International airfares are managed by you directly. This lets me focus entirely on your experience on the ground and ensures you have full flexibility over your flights. I’m happy to advise on routing or timing if it's helpful.

What happens if something goes wrong during the trip?

My in-destination partners are experienced professionals who handle on-the-ground logistics and are your first point of contact if anything needs attention during your journey. I’m also reachable throughout your trip for anything that needs my input.

I'd encourage all travellers to hold comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical, and unexpected changes — I can point you in the right direction if you're not sure where to start.

What if I need to cancel?

The design fee is non-refundable once design work has begun. For the travel components themselves — accommodation, experiences, transfers — supplier cancellation policies apply and vary by partner. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect these costs.

Something isn't answered here — how do I get in touch?

The best first step is the application — it gives me context before we connect and makes our first conversation more useful for both of us. If you have a specific question before applying, you're welcome to reach out directly via hello@woven-journeys.com