Frequently Asked Questions:

Working with me

You’ll work directly with me, Colleen Pacem, from your first call until you’re home. I’m a certified travel professional based in Bellevue, Washington, and the only advisor at Branches and Blossoms Travel. I plan trips for couples, families traveling together and solo travelers.
I charge a $250 planning retainer per trip, which covers my professional time researching and designing your trip. I also earn a commission from the cruise lines, tour companies and hotels I work with. The first qualifying call is always free.
We talk about the trip you have in mind, who’s traveling, your timing and your budget. It’s a chance for both of us to decide whether we’re a good fit. If we are, I’ll send an invoice for the $250 planning retainer and start planning once it’s paid.
Often not. I can sometimes find rates that aren’t offered when you book directly, though not always, and I’ll tell you when that’s the case. Many trips also come with extras through my network, such as a better room or included breakfast. The bigger difference is that I take the mental load of planning off your plate.
A travel advisor takes on the research and decisions that make trip planning feel like a second job. I narrow the options to the ones that fit your time and budget and the people coming, tell you honestly when a plan won’t work, and add perks through my network when they’re available. If something goes sideways during the trip, you have someone to call.
Yes. I hold a Washington Seller of Travel business license in my own name and work through my host agency, Cruise and Travel Experts (Washington Seller of Travel #603-530-342).
Yes. I work with clients in every state except Florida and Hawaii. If you live in one of those states, I’m happy to refer you to a trusted advisor in my network.
It depends on the trip and who’s traveling. Solo travelers and couples can often plan with a shorter lead time. Larger groups and anyone who needs an accessible room should start 12 to 18 months ahead.
I’m not the right advisor if you’ve already arranged everything and only want a list of things to do, or if you’d rather do the planning yourself and are mainly searching for the lowest price. My work is designing the whole trip around what matters to you.

Planning the trip

Yes, multigenerational trips are a big part of my work. I plan around each generation’s pace, from grandparents who need rest breaks to grandchildren with energy to burn, and look for lodging or cabins that keep everyone close.
Often, yes. On a cruise everyone unpacks once, and each person can spend the day their own way before the family meets up for dinner. I help families choose a cruise line and cabins that work for every age in the group.
Yes. I ask about mobility needs on the first call and plan around them, including accessible rooms or cabins, the pace of each day and wheelchair assistance at airports when it’s needed. Accessible rooms are limited, so I recommend starting 12 to 18 months ahead.
Yes. I can arrange airfare along with the rest of your trip.
I recommend it for every trip. Protection sold by a tour company or cruise line usually only reimburses the cost of the trip if you have to cancel. Travel insurance also covers medical care and getting home if you get sick or hurt while traveling. I offer plans from Allianz and Travel Guard. I usually recommend Allianz because its app is easy for travelers to use.
Contact me, and I’ll guide you to the right support, such as your travel insurance assistance line or the supplier’s local team.
Often, yes. Most cruise and tour prices assume two people per room, so solo travelers usually pay a single supplement. I watch for suppliers offering reduced or no single supplements. My free Solo Travel Club , run with Cruise and Travel Experts, also lists current offers and tips for solo travelers.
Yes. I share your allergy details with cruise lines, hotels and restaurants ahead of time and look for places with a good record of handling allergies. You’ll still want to confirm with staff when you arrive, but you won’t be starting from scratch.
Yes. I plan around sensory needs and neurodiversity, including quieter lodging, downtime built into each day, and attractions that offer accessibility services. On the first call, we talk through what helps your family so the plan fits from the start.