Frequently Asked Questions

  • Planning a luxury vacation can be overwhelming—destination research, endless hotel options and conflicting online reviews quickly sap your time. A professional travel advisor adds value by:

    • Saving time – We quiet the noise of the internet and handle all logistics, freeing you to focus on enjoying your journey.

    • Providing global expertise – Our advisors have years of experience scouting hotels, guides and experiences around the world. We match your travel style with the right properties and activities., and guides

    • Delivering exclusive perks – Because of our Virtuoso membership and supplier relationships, you receive VIP amenities and special rates unavailable to the general public.

    • Offering trusted advice – Online reviews are subjective. Advice from your friends? They tell you what THEY like, not what you would like. We learn your preferences, travel style, and recommend options that align with your expectations.

    • Handling travel issues – Flights get cancelled, weather changes and schedules shift. We act as your personal helpline and problem solver.

    Think of us like a financial planner or personal stylist for your vacations—it makes sense to entrust your time and investment to a professional.

    • Master Travel founder, Michelle Master Orr, travels the world seeking out the best product for her clients so she can speak from first hand experience.

    • We are focused on relationships, both with our clients AND with our travel suppliers. The deep connections we make with both translates into an elevated travel experience for our clients.

    • We save your most valuable non-renewable asset—your free time. Our advisors handle every detail from the time you hire us until you return home. This not only includes your hotels, transfers, excursions, ! trip insurance and air, but also dining reservations, spa appointments, shopping guides, and more. Nothing is left to chance (unless you want it to be!)

    • We’re an affiliate of Travel Experts, a member of the Virtuoso luxury travel network. Our clients receive VIP amenities such as breakfast, room upgrades, hotel credits and more. Our relationships with our providers ensure that our clients are prioritized for upgrades and perks.

  • We are travel generalists with personal experience across the globe. Michelle loves planning trips to Africa, Europe (especially Italy, France and the UK), the Caribbean and South America. Katherine brings expertise from exploring the U.S., Europe and Mexico, while Stephanie has traveled the globe, and is a true cruise expert. Together our team has deep knowledge of safari destinations, cultural capitals, island getaways and remote wilderness experiences.

  • Our team members are located in the northeastern United States. Michelle is based in Vermont, while other advisors live in Connecticut and beyond. We are all digital nomads and work no matter were we are in the world!

  • You will not pay more for your travel when you book with Master Travel. In fact, you will receive a lot more value!

    Luxury hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators typically offer the same base pricing whether you book directly or work with an advisor. The difference is not the rate — it’s the level of access, advocacy, and advantages you receive.

    Through my preferred partnerships, clients often enjoy exclusive amenities such as complimentary breakfast, resort credits, priority upgrades (when available), early check-in/late check-out, and VIP recognition — benefits rarely extended through online bookings.

    My planning fee is separate from supplier pricing and reflects the time, expertise, firsthand destination knowledge, and collaborative design process that go into crafting a seamless, highly personalized experience.

    In short, you’re not paying more for your trip — you’re simply not leaving value on the table.

  • Our approach to travel planning is collaborative. This means that your feedback and input is important every step of the way. We are highly skilled listeners, and are always motivated by what makes the client happiest.

Working with Master Travel

  • We offer a full suite of trip-planning services:

    • Custom travel planning – We design bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests, from family beach vacations to multi-country adventures. Our process includes researching destinations, booking hotels, tours, transportation and restaurant reservations, and providing you with a detailed itinerary.

    • Hotel & resort bookings with exclusive perks – Through our Virtuoso affiliation and preferred-partner programs, clients enjoy perks like daily breakfast, room upgrades (when available) and special credits.

    • A smart phone itinerary app that keeps all the details of your trip conveniently at your finger tips. No searching thru old emails for confirmations, Our app is loved by all of our clients.

    • Membership programs – For frequent travelers we offer two membership tiers:

      • Master Elite – Unlimited trip planning with priority service, an “Ultimate Bucket List” roadmap and other perks.

      • Master Reserve – Self-service hotel bookings through our private portal, granting access to Virtuoso rates and partner programs such as Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite and more. This option provides VIP perks without full trip planning.

    • Travel Insurance options with each trip booked.

    • Travel Store – A curated Amazon storefront featuring travel gear personally tested by our founder. The shop includes items that make travel more enjoyable.

    • Travel expertise & on-call support – While you travel, we act as your personal fixer for unexpected issues and provide trusted advice based on first-hand knowledge.

  • Yes, we can book flights as part of a complete itinerary. We don’t, however, accept “air only” trips. We have an air department that researches and books your flights, and loks over them until you depart.

  • Our Master Reserve membership allows you to book your own hotels using our portal while still receiving all the Virtuoso and preferred-partner perks. If you require advice or itinerary planning for hotel-only bookings, planning fees may apply.

    We are also happy to book your hotel-only trips in addition to your more complicated itineraries.

Services Offered

  • Complete our travel questionnaire–

    Provide details about your travel dates, preferred destinations, budget and travel style. This helps us tailor your itinerary from the outset.

    Once we receive it, and review, we will send you an email to set up a time for a trip consultation.

  • Complex, customized itineraries can take several weeks to design and secure reservations. We recommend contacting us as early as possible—popular destinations book up fast and early planning often yields better rates.

  • Yes. Master Travel focuses on luxury and five-star experiences. Our long-term relationships with top suppliers enable us to access unique properties and amenities. If you’re looking for bargain travel or “air-only” bookings, we may not be the best fit.

Planning Process

  • Our fees vary based on the scope of your trip, how soon you are traveling, and how many people are in your group. The fee starts at $1,000 per trip, is paid upfront, and is non-refundable once we start your trip

  • My clients aren’t just booking a trip — they’re investing in a trusted advisor.

    I dedicate significant time to understanding your preferences, goals, and vision, then design a fully customized experience around you. I personally visit the destinations and properties I recommend, maintain strong industry relationships, and stay at the forefront of luxury travel so I can provide insight that goes far beyond what’s available online.

    The planning fee allows me to give each client thoughtful attention, strategic guidance, and ongoing support — ensuring your experience is elevated from start to finish.

  • The only other fees you may incur:

    • Our air department charges a per-ticket fee.

    • Some cancellation fees may apply.

  • In addition to our regular services, Master Travel offers two levels of membership.

    1. Master Reserve: For those times you just need a simple hotel booking and don’t need our high touch services, Master Reserve membership gives you exclusive accens to our hotel booking egine that has all our partner codes pre-loaded. You get all the perks, and don’t pay a trip planning fee!

    2. Master Elite: This is our top level membership that includes unlimited trip planning, long term “Ultimate Bucket List” planning, Master Reserve, and much more.

  • Refund policies vary by supplier. Once a booking is confirmed, cancellations may incur penalties. We advise purchasing travel insurance and reviewing supplier terms for flexibility.

Fees, Membership, & Policies

How can I keep up with Master Travel news and inspiration?

  • Newsletter – Subscribe to our newsletter for occasional travel inspiration. We respect your privacy and only send worthwhile updates.

  • Blog – We regularly publish travel tips and destination stories on our blog

  • Social media – Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for photos, travel ideas and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our adventures.