Frequently Asked Questions

What service does The Away Message offer?

The Away Message offers personalized travel planning services designed to make your next getaway easier and more enjoyable.

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We offer two itinerary styles:

• Flexible Guide: Personalized daily recommendations for activities, dining, and experiences without a strict schedule. Perfect for travelers who want guidance while maintaining flexibility.

• Detailed Itinerary: A structured, hour-by-hour travel plan with recommended activities, dining, transportation guidance, and estimated travel times.

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Not sure where you want to go? Our Help Me Choose service includes personalized destination recommendations before we begin creating your travel guide or itinerary.

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We also offer optional research services for flights, accommodations, intercity transportation, and rental cars.

What's the difference between a Flexible Guide and a Detailed Itinerary?

A Flexible Guide provides curated recommendations organized by day, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. It's ideal for travelers who enjoy spontaneity but still want a thoughtful plan.

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A Detailed Itinerary provides a more structured experience, including suggested times, activities, dining, and transportation between locations. It's perfect for travelers who prefer having their days mapped out in advance.

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Both options are personalized to your travel preferences, interests, and budget.

Can you help me plan a trip if I don't know where I want to go?

Absolutely! That's exactly what our Help Me Choose service is designed for.

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We'll learn about your travel interests, budget, preferred travel dates, and other preferences before researching a destination that fits your needs.

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You'll receive a personalized destination recommendation for your approval. If the first destination isn't quite right, one alternative recommendation is included at no additional cost.

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Additional destination recommendations are available for $29 each, with your approval.

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Once you've selected your destination, we'll begin developing your Flexible Guide or Detailed Itinerary.

How much do your travel planning services cost?

Our travel planning packages start at $59, with pricing based on your trip length, selected itinerary style, and whether you need destination discovery.

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We offer packages for trips lasting 1–3 days, 4–7 days, and 8–14 days. Trips longer than 14 days require a custom quote.

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Optional research services are available for an additional fee.

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Visit our Plan My Trip page for a complete breakdown of our packages and pricing.

How does the travel planning process work?

Getting started is simple!

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1. Submit an inquiry: Tell us about your trip, preferences, and the services you're interested in.

2. Receive your quote: Within 3–5 business days, we'll send you a personalized quote, service agreement, and secure payment link.

3. Complete your questionnaire: After your agreement is signed and payment is received, you'll complete a detailed questionnaire about your travel preferences.

4. Planning begins: Once we've reviewed your questionnaire and confirmed all necessary information, we'll send a Planning Commencement Confirmation Email and begin researching your trip.

5. Receive your travel plan: We'll deliver your personalized guide or itinerary, with an opportunity to request revisions according to your selected package.

How long does it take to receive my travel guide or itinerary?

For travelers who already know their destination, your Flexible Guide or Detailed Itinerary will be delivered within 10 business days of receiving your Planning Commencement Confirmation Email.

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For Help Me Choose clients, your initial destination recommendation will be delivered within 3–5 business days of planning commencement.

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Once you've approved your destination and provided any remaining necessary information, we'll send an Itinerary Development Confirmation Email. Your completed guide or itinerary will then be delivered within 10 business days of that confirmation.

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Business days exclude weekends and applicable holidays.

Can I make changes to my travel guide or itinerary?

Of course! We want your travel plan to reflect your preferences.

• Flexible Guide: Includes one round of revisions.

• Detailed Itinerary: Includes two rounds of revisions.

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You'll have 7 calendar days after receiving your initial travel plan to submit your first revision requests.

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For Detailed Itineraries, the second round of revision requests must be submitted within 7 calendar days of receiving your first revised itinerary.

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Additional revisions beyond those included in your package may be subject to an additional fee.

When do I need to pay for my travel planning services?

Payment is required before we begin planning your trip.

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After submitting your initial inquiry, you'll receive a personalized quote, service agreement, and secure payment link within 3–5 business days.

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Once your agreement is signed and payment is complete, we'll send your detailed travel questionnaire.

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Planning officially begins after we've reviewed your completed questionnaire, confirmed all necessary information, and sent your Planning Commencement Confirmation Email.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We understand that travel plans can change!

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If you cancel before receiving your Planning Commencement Confirmation Email, you're eligible for a full refund of your planning service payment.

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If planning has already begun, you may be eligible for a partial refund based on the portion of services that has not yet been completed.

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Once your planning services are fully completed, payments are generally nonrefundable, subject to applicable consumer protection laws.

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For complete details, please review our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Travel Planning Service Agreement.

Does The Away Message book flights, hotels, or activities for me?

No. The Away Message is a travel research and planning service, not a travel booking agency.

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We provide personalized recommendations, research, estimated costs, and helpful booking links, but all reservations and purchases are made directly by you through the relevant travel providers.

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This allows you to maintain full control over your travel arrangements and payments.

Can you help me find flights, hotels, or transportation?

Yes! We offer optional research services to help you compare travel options.

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Our add-on services include:

• Flight Research: $20

• Accommodation Research: $35

• Intercity Transportation Research: $60

• Rental Car Research: $15

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We'll provide researched recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

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You'll be responsible for completing any bookings directly with the travel provider.

Are attraction prices, restaurant hours, and transportation schedules guaranteed?

While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date recommendations at the time of research, prices, operating hours, schedules, and availability can change.

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We encourage all clients to verify details directly with travel providers before making reservations or purchases.

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The Away Message does not guarantee third-party pricing, availability, or services.