Smart Travel Planning Without the Overwhelm
Tell us what kind of trip you’re dreaming about, and we’ll help you move from too many tabs, reviews, and second-guesses to a vacation plan that actually fits.
Choose Your Planning Path
Vacation Planning
For family trips, couples getaways, all-inclusive vacations and travelers who need help choosing the right fit.
start vacation inquiry
Cruise Planning
For ocean cruises, river cruises, first-time cruisers and travelers comparing ships, cruise lines, cabins or itineraries.
start cruise inquiry
Celebration Travel
For honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement trips and milestone vacations that should feel extra special.
start celebration inquiry
Group Travel + Retreats
For family and friend groups, destination weddings, women's trips, hobby groups, milestone groups and retreat-style travel.
start Group inquiryHow It Works
We keep the process clear, thoughtful, and as stress-free as possible from the first inquiry through the final travel details.
1. Tell us about your trip.
Start by completing the inquiry form with your travel dates, destination ideas, traveler count, approximate total vacation budget and what kind of experience you’re hoping for.
2. We review your inquiry.
We’ll look through your details and determine the best next step based on your trip type, timing, priorities and planning needs.
3. We'll schedule a planning call if needed.
Some trips are straightforward. Others need a deeper conversation before research begins. If a call would help, we’ll send the next step.
4. We research best-fit options.
Once we have the details we need, we’ll begin looking at options that match your priorities, budget, travel style and timing.
5. You receive curated recommendations.
Instead of overwhelming you with endless choices, we’ll point you toward the options that make the most sense for your trip.
6. You choose your trip and deposit.
Pricing and availability can change until a deposit is made, so timely decisions matter once recommendations are sent.
7. We help you prepare to travel.
After booking, we’ll help you stay ahead of key reminders, travel documents, final payment, excursions and other important details.
Before We Begin Research
The more detail you share, the better and faster we can point you toward options that fit. Before we begin custom research, we’ll ask for the essentials.
- Travel dates or date flexibility
- Destination ideas or trip style
- Number of travelers and traveler ages, if children are included
- Approximate total vacation budget
- Must-haves, dealbreakers and special occasions
- Decision timeline and booking readiness
Once initial recommendations are shared, we’re happy to make one focused round of updates based on your feedback.
If the trip direction changes significantly — such as destination, dates, budget, traveler count or trip type — we may revisit the planning details before researching again.
Start Planning FAQ
A few quick answers before you send your inquiry.
Do you charge a planning fee?
There is no planning fee to work with EK Group for most trips. We’re compensated by our travel partners after you book. That’s why the inquiry form is so important — it helps us understand your trip clearly before we begin custom research.
Do I need to know exactly where I want to go?
No. If you have a general idea — such as a beach vacation, cruise, Europe trip, all-inclusive, honeymoon or family getaway — we can help you narrow the options. The more detail you share about your budget, timing, travel style and must-haves, the better we can guide you.
Can I get a better deal online?
Online pricing can be useful, but it rarely tells the whole story. We help you understand what’s included, what’s not, what tradeoffs may be hiding behind a lower price and whether the option actually fits your travelers, timing, budget and priorities. Our value is in helping you make a smarter decision with less stress.
How long does the planning process take?
Once we have the details we need, simple trips may take 2–4 business days to research. More complex trips and group travel may take 5–7+ business days, depending on supplier response times and trip complexity.
When should I start planning?
The earlier, the better — especially for cruises, holiday travel, school breaks, milestone trips, groups and popular destinations. Planning early usually gives you more choices, better availability and less last-minute stress.
Can you help with flights?
We can advise on flights and help when it makes sense for the trip or package. In some cases, clients may choose to self-book airfare. We’ll talk through the best approach based on your specific vacation.
Can you help with groups?
Yes. We help with family and friend groups, milestone groups, destination weddings, women’s trips, hobby groups and retreat-style travel. Group travel has more moving parts, so we use a separate group inquiry to understand the size, goals, timeline and decision process.
What happens after I submit the form?
We’ll review your inquiry and be in touch soon. If your trip needs a deeper conversation, we’ll send a planning call link. If your request is ready for research, we’ll begin looking at best-fit options and follow up with next steps.
Ready to Start?
Tell us about your trip, and we’ll help you take the next right step toward a vacation that feels exciting instead of exhausting.
Want travel ideas while you wait?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or join our email list for travel inspiration, planning tips and group trip updates.
