Process

“Once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote…” – Michael Palin

Step 1 

Brief

During our initial call, we’ll discuss where you want to go, when, with whom, your budget, likes and dislikes, availability, past trips, and so on.

Step 2

Refine

After a few tweaks and as many additional calls as you need, we’ll review our destination, accommodations, experiences, and agree on the brief.

Step 3

Match

I’ll contact one of my travel experts I think would be a great fit to check their availability and share your brief to ensure a seamless transition.

Step 4

Connect

I introduce you to your expert and you arrange a time to chat. They take the reins for quotes and itineraries–your contract is with them.

Step 5

Support

Your expert takes care of everything door to door, keeping me in the loop. I’ll be in the background for ongoing support throughout your trip.

Step 6

Review

On your return, we’ll talk once again so I can get your feedback on your trip in detail and your experience with that destination expert.

Home Visits

I pride myself on delivering a second-to-none service, so make myself available wherever you are in the world.

Often, a video call is the easiest option, but a great alternative is to get together face-to-face to plan a memorable trip over a coffee or cocktail, which really brings it to life. I’ll happily fly to you for a private in-home consultation with your travel companions, or meet you wherever you are on business, to brainstorm destination ideas with a map laid out on the table.

It’s a great way to get to know each other and customize your journey right down to your favorite beverage and pillow preferences.

5-Year Travel Plans

Many of us have travel dreams, whether it’s iconic destinations like Africa or Antarctica, skiing in Europe, or hiking in New Zealand. Maybe you want to celebrate a big birthday or take the kids somewhere special before they graduate. 

Feeling they’d lost precious travel time during COVID, some of my guests drew up travel wishlists and asked me to help make them come true.

A 5-Year Travel plan involves working with a specialist to plan key trips, determining the best times to go, pinpointing the finest accommodations and experiences, and setting realistic budgets. If you’re interested, let’s meet, craft a plan, and bring your travel goals to life over the next few years.

FAQs

  • During your consultation, you’ll be given an outline suggestion of the typical daily cost per person based on your destination and your preferred trip style. As an example a trip to South East Asia can average from say $500 per person per day, but an African safari will likely be from $1500+ per person per day. These costs usually include accommodation, transfers, meals, and experiences. Before connecting you with an expert, I’ll ensure you understand the costs and are comfortable with your budget and any variables.

  • No. It’s a win-win for you! Both my initial consultation and referral to a travel expert is free of charge. Should you choose to work with that expert, you’ll liaise directly with their company at which point they will explain their company  payment process. When a trip is agreed, you’ll need to pay a deposit and the balance when due. The Spence Connection receives a referral fee from the expert’s company at the time of travel. This doesn’t increase the cost of your trip in any way. In summary, it costs you no extra to use The Spence Connection.

  • Typically, your travel expert will present you with an overall cost of the trip (as agreed in advance). Once you have a quote, your trip planner should be able to account for everything that went into that final number. Should you wish to cut costs, ask them to advise where savings can be made. 

  • Some do, some don’t. Simple bookings, like an Antarctica Expedition trip, don’t charge fees as the operator sets the itinerary. Our experts will assist you in navigating your various options at no charge, and when you’ve made your choice, they’ll take a deposit to hold your spot. However, many Spence Connection guests want complex, custom trips that require considerable work upfront before an itinerary and quote is presented. In this instance, your expert will charge a planning fee to protect their time should you decide not to proceed. This fee is typically put towards the cost of your overall trip–it’s not an additional cost.

  • If you book a trip with a Spence Connection expert, I receive a referral fee when you travel. This comes from the travel company and will not cost you extra.

  • Yes! If we’re new to one another, a conversation is a chance for me to get to know you and your needs. If I know you well and you’ve traveled with me before, it’s important to chat so I can ensure your next trip lives up to–or exceeds–your last one. These key questions can be answered via video, in person, or by phone. Only when we agree the details will I connect you with your expert. Before then, I’ll ensure the preferred expert is available, has capacity (they’re in high demand), and is fully briefed before you make contact. 

  • Collaboration is the key to building the perfect trip. The more you engage with your expert, the more rewarding your journey will be. Our experts are invested in your experience. They don’t design cookie-cutter trips, so I encourage you to be open with them and invest enough time during your call or video to make it meaningful and ensure the best outcome.

  • No problem! Simply contact me and let me know your concerns so that I can recommend an alternative. Your feedback is everything–good and less good! Never pay a deposit unless you’re 100% happy with your expert. 

  • When we connect you with an expert, you’re automatically enrolled for our trip support. In short, we’re in the background from start to finish. Your expert will keep me in the loop on where we are in the process, from planning to confirmation. And you’re welcome to reach out anytime during the planning/pre-trip stage. 

  • After decades in the industry, I’ve built a network of dedicated travel experts with an unrivaled depth of knowledge. It’s a pleasure for me to recognize these highly respected individuals for their excellence, passion and commitment–and hopefully flattering for them, too! These travel pros are in demand and extremely busy, so I always take my guests through a detailed brief prior to making an introduction, ensuring they’re well informed and ready to book. For travel expert, this means high conversion rates, which makes my referrals high value.

    • Respond to your inquiry within 48 business hours of your referral 

    • Arrange a phone or video call to understand your needs and expectations

    • Make The Spence Connection guests their top priority

    • Charge you the same as if you went directly to them

    • Update John frequently through the planning and confirmation process 

    • Provide clear and accurate pre- and on-trip information and a turn-key service from departure to return

    • Issue you with 24/7 contact information for your trip; ensuring your safety and welfare are their number one concern 

Any Other Questions?

Code Of Ethics

I’m independent, and that’s the way I like it. I’m not affiliated with any travel company and don’t have sponsors. I can recommend travel experts who I believe will deliver the best experience for you. After 30+ years in the industry, my heartfelt belief in the transformational power of travel hasn’t damped one iota, and I have free rein to cherry-pick from travel’s cream of the crop. 

  • My reputation–and our relationship–is built on trust. I will never jeopardize that by recommending travel experts, products, or experiences that fail to meet my rigorous standards. I will always be honest about who I refer and why.

  • I respect the people I work with, from clients and partners to guides and hosts. My experts remember names, are passionate about their work, and go above and beyond to make your trip spectacular. I politely request that my clients respect me and my time, but especially that of my travel experts.

  • I promise to deliver the kind of high-level service that has become a thing of the past for too many companies. I’ll remember your preferences, call when I say I’m going to, reply promptly to emails, and act with discretion. It’s the little things that make the difference. 

  • My connections are the real deal. They’re authentic travel nerds who live and breathe what they do. They’ve traveled extensively through their region (they may live or have lived there). They’ve slept in the beds, met the guides, sampled the street food, and have long-term relationships with the people they trust to take excellent care of you. 

Every travel expert in my black book sweats the details and considers crafting an itinerary that will blow your socks off a matter of personal pride.  

Let’s Start Planning