There’s a lot that goes into planning a great trip, and my role is to make that process easier and the end result better.

Time back. Travel planning can quickly become a second job. I handle the research, recommendations, reservations, and details so you can spend less time managing your trip and more time looking forward to it.

Trusted access. My relationships with hotels and local partners can mean added benefits, priority recognition, and a more personal level of service.

Thoughtful recommendations. Your trip is designed around how you like to travel, with hotels and experiences selected for you, not pulled from a standard list.

An advocate from start to finish. I’m behind the scenes coordinating with partners, anticipating details, and stepping in when something needs attention.

I intentionally work with a limited number of clients so every trip receives the attention it deserves.

For most trips, I recommend beginning 6 to 9 months in advance. For peak-season Europe, festive travel, larger families, or trips where specific hotels and experiences are important, 9 to 12 months provides more options.

Safaris, polar expeditions, and travel tied to a specific season or event often benefit from planning 12 months or more in advance.

Last-minute trips do happen, and I’m happy to help when my schedule and availability allow. A $150 rush fee applies to trips booked fewer than 60 days before departure.

Vacation Planning provides a blueprint for your time away. I’ll help you choose and book the right hotel, arrange airport transfers, and provide recommendations for the area and how to spend your time there. From there, you have the flexibility to make reservations yourself or decide what you'd like to do once you arrive. It’s ideal if you want expert guidance without having every detail planned in advance.

Full-Service Itinerary Design is for travelers who want the details taken care of before they leave. I coordinate your hotels, transportation, experiences, dining, spa appointments, and other reservations, then bring everything together in a complete day-by-day itinerary. You’ll know what you’re doing, where you need to be, and how you’re getting there, with downtime intentionally built in along the way.

I design thoughtful, highly personalized trips for couples, families, and multi-generational groups, with a particular focus on Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Africa. I want each trip to feel like something you couldn’t have simply pulled off the shelf.

My network includes 4- and 5-star hotels and trusted local partners around the world who share my commitment to exceptional service and help bring each trip to life. Together, we create the right mix of memorable experiences, seamless logistics, and time to simply enjoy where you are.

Because the best trips aren’t about filling every hour. They’re about knowing which experiences are worth planning and when to leave room for the unexpected.

Yes. I work with multi-generational families, group getaways, wedding room blocks, and a limited number of corporate retreats and other specialized group requests.

Group travel can vary significantly in size and complexity, so these trips are typically handled as Custom Travel Solutions. Reach out with the details and I’ll let you know if I’m the right fit.

Through my preferred hotel partnerships, I’m often able to secure additional benefits at the same rate you would book directly with the hotel. Depending on the property, these may include complimentary daily breakfast for two, a $100+ hotel or resort credit, room upgrades, and priority for early check-in or late checkout, subject to availability. Over the course of a stay, those benefits can add meaningful value.

Just as valuable is the relationship behind the reservation. Before you arrive, I share your preferences and important details with the hotel and make sure the team knows who they are welcoming. That personal connection also gives you an advocate if something needs attention during your stay.

Benefits vary by hotel and rate and will always be confirmed with your reservation.

For Full-Service Itinerary Design, trip budgets start at $15,000 per week for two travelers, excluding airfare. For Europe, where many of my clients are looking for 4- and 5-star hotels, private experiences, and seamless logistics, a one-week trip will often start closer to $20,000.

Your overall investment will depend on the destination, season, number of travelers, hotel preferences, and experiences you choose. If you have a budget in mind, sharing it early helps me set realistic expectations and design the trip accordingly.

Yes, through trusted villa and home-rental partners.

I do not book Airbnb or VRBO properties because I cannot reliably vet the property or provide the same level of support if something goes wrong. My villa partners offer professionally managed homes and, depending on the property, may also provide services such as housekeeping, concierge support, private chefs, or local staff.

Yes. My flight desk books business class and above for domestic travel and premium economy and above for international travel.

A $50 per person non-refundable ticketing fee applies at the time of booking. Flight bookings also include access to 24/7 emergency support should you need assistance while traveling.

If you’re working with me through Vacation Planning or Full-Service Itinerary Design, yes. Your hotel reservations need to be booked through Sarah Eppler Travel.

When I manage your hotel reservation, I’m the point of contact with the property. That allows me to share your preferences before you arrive, coordinate details with the hotel, advocate for you when needed, and secure preferred partner benefits when available, including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, upgrades, and priority for early check-in or late checkout.

Simply put, having the hotel reservation under my management allows me to provide the level of service and support that is central to working with Sarah Eppler Travel.

We're happy to include your hotel loyalty numbers when making reservations; however, I’m unable to book hotels using your loyalty points directly.