Reviews &
Frequently Asked Questions
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Great question! A lot of people don’t realize that when you book direct with a cruise line, hotel, or tour operator, there’s already a built-in cost for a travel advisor in the price you pay — even if you don’t use one. So essentially, you’re paying for the service whether you use it or not!
The difference is, when you book with me:
You get personalized recommendations and support tailored to your needs.
I advocate for you if something goes wrong—no long hold times or getting bounced around.
I often have access to perks, promotions, or extras you wouldn’t get booking direct.
You still pay the same price (sometimes less), but with the added value of a trusted advisor on your side.
I’m not a ‘middleman.’
I’m your go-to resource, advocate, and planner, making sure your trip is everything you’ve hoped for.
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If you can dream it, I can do it.
I am happy to help you plan all travel big or small. Including:
Hotels
Flights
All Inclusive Resorts
Cruises
Universal/Disney
Road Trips
Custom Itineraries
Group Trips
Family Travel
Business Travel & More!
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In many cases, yes — but more importantly, I focus on ensuring you receive the best overall value. I often have access to exclusive promotions, group rates, and added benefits such as onboard credit, upgrades, or special amenities that you won’t find when booking on your own.
Even when the base price is the same, booking through me means you gain additional perks along with the peace of mind that comes from having professional guidance and support every step of the way.
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I would be honored to help you plan your next adventure!
Fill out this form and we can get started making your next trip an unforgettable one!
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Getting started is simple, and I’ll guide you through the entire process.
Tell me about your trip. Start by filling out my travel request form with the basics, like where you want to go, your travel dates, budget, and any preferences you already have in mind.
We’ll chat through the details. I’ll reach out to learn a little more about what you’re looking for, answer any questions, and make sure I have a good understanding of your trip before I begin researching.
I’ll put together your options. From there, I’ll research the best-fit options and create your proposal. The turnaround time can vary depending on the type of trip, and I may reach out with a few additional questions along the way.
You’ll review everything in Tern. Once your proposal is ready, you’ll receive an email with a link where you can view the details and pricing, request changes, approve your trip, and securely authorize payment.
I’ll take care of the booking. After payment is authorized, I’ll finalize your reservations and send your confirmation along with any important next steps.
Ready to start planning? Fill out my travel request form here.
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Absolutely! If you’ve already done some research and found a cruise, resort, hotel, or vacation package you’re interested in, send it my way. I actually love when clients come to me with ideas because it gives me a great starting point and helps me understand exactly what you’re looking for.
From there, I can review the details, check available options, and help you determine the best way to book it. Think of your research as a head start, and I’ll help take it from there.
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In most cases, earlier is better! Booking early usually gives you the best selection of accommodations, cruise cabins, flights, and other options before availability becomes limited.
Prices can change at any time, but depending on the type of vacation, the supplier’s policies, how far you are from travel, and whether final payment has been made, we may be able to adjust your reservation if a better eligible rate becomes available later. Repricing is never guaranteed, but booking early can give us more flexibility than waiting and hoping the price drops.
If you already know when and where you want to travel, it’s usually a good idea to start planning sooner rather than later.
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It depends on the cruise line, when you booked, whether your trip has been paid in full, and a few other factors. Send me an email with your booking details, and I’ll help you review your options.
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Your payments will always go directly to the travel supplier. In some cases, I may have to process a payment on your behalf using the payment method you’ve authorized, but you will never be charged by Samantha Rae Travel for the cost of your vacation.
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Quick Answer:
You don’t have to buy travel insurance, but I strongly encourage it — it’s the safety net that protects your trip (and your wallet) if the unexpected happens.
Full Answer:
Technically, no one makes you buy it — but it’s something I strongly encourage for almost every trip. Think of it like packing an umbrella: you hope you won’t need it, but if the skies open up, you’ll be glad it’s there.
Travel insurance is your safety net if the unexpected happens — whether that’s a family emergency right before you leave, a suitcase that never shows up, or a medical issue in a country where your health insurance doesn’t reach. It protects not only the money you’ve invested in your trip, but also your peace of mind.
Ask yourself: If I had to cancel tomorrow, could I easily walk away from the cost? If the answer is no, then insurance is more than a “nice-to-have” — it’s the smartest way to travel with confidence.
Even if you never use it, just knowing you’re covered helps you relax and focus on what matters: actually enjoying your vacation.
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If something unexpected comes up while you’re traveling, reach out to me and I’ll help you determine the best next steps. Depending on the situation, I can assist with contacting the travel supplier, reviewing your options, and helping you navigate changes or disruptions.
For urgent issues while traveling, you may need to contact the airline, hotel, cruise line, tour operator, or travel insurance provider directly for the fastest assistance. I’ll still do everything I can to help support you along the way.
Reviews & Testimonials
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Monica R.
Very helpful getting me the best deal on my travel plans. I appreciate how she went above and beyond! 10/10!
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Cheron M.
Samantha always comes through and is so prompt, pleasant and timely when she does it! I’m always so grateful for her assistance.
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Rhonda C.
Samantha was able to plan every detail of my trip based on things I wanted to do which made it very relaxing and stress free! Highly recommend!
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Andrea D.
Samantha was always very quick to respond to my questions during the planning process of my Virgin Voyage Cruise . She is extremely knowledgeable about Virgin Voyages and always had great recommendations. She helped me get the best cruise deal !! I highly recommend her for all of your travel needs !! Thank you Sam!
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Cheryl W.
Samantha has helped us with number cruises with Virgin Voyages. She sends out timely emails with updates and promotions. Great traveling assistance.
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Taylor Z.
This was my first cruise and my first time visiting the Mediterranean. This could've been a stressful or confusing experience but Sam masterfully plotted out the whole itinerary for me from start to finish without missing a thing. I will definitely request to work with her again the next time I travel!
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Brenda A.
Samantha is an awesome travel agent. We had to have a last-minute travel change and she stepped up and made it happen.
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Kati S.
Sam is an amazing travel agent! She has planned everything flawlessly and added fun, creative touches I never would’ve thought of. The whole trip felt effortless and totally unforgettable every time. 10/10—highly recommend!
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Lisa O.
Told her my price range and what it was I needed and she found the perfect place to stay for my husband and I. I have recommend her to everyone I know who likes to travel.
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Sam F.
Samantha’s passion for travel shines every time I speak with her- she’s like a human Wikipedia for travel tips! She’s easy to work with and always strives for the best deals! She’s also well traveled herself, so I know I’m booking from experiences, adventure, and care.
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Emilie H.
Samantha has helped me with planning and booking my Virgin Voyages trips over the last couple years. She is always quick to answer my crazy questions and made becoming a traveller so easy. I couldn't ask for more; she's been stellar and has a client for life!
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Tysha L.
Samantha was very patient and knowledgeable while helping me plan my cruise. She was able to get me a great deal with additional perks! She made the whole experience easy. It was my first(but not last) time using her as an agent.
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Jennifer K.
I’m so grateful to have worked with Samantha Cramer to plan our first-ever cruise, a special trip to celebrate my 50th birthday on Virgin Voyages. The entire process, from the initial planning stages to the final boarding, was seamless and stress-free, all thanks to her incredible expertise and dedication. As a first-time cruiser, I had countless questions - from what to pack to what to expect on board - and Samantha was a constant source of knowledge and support. She patiently answered every single one of my questions for a full year leading up to our departure. Her responsiveness and willingness to help made me feel completely at ease about the journey. Samantha didn’t just answer questions; she also secured some fantastic perks that made the trip even more memorable. We sailed to beautiful destinations like Cozumel - Playa del Carmen and Bimini, and the experience was everything we hope for and more. If you are a first-time cruiser, or simply looking for an expert to handle the details of your next vacation, I cannot recommend Samantha Cramer enough. She is a true professional who goes above and beyond to ensure her clients have the best possible experience. Thank you, Samantha, for helping us create such a wonderful birthday memory!
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Chrystal T.
Samantha was great to work with. She responded quickly and set up a great trip for us in London. Thanks again, Samantha!