Time back. The average trip takes 20+ hours to plan properly — I handle all of it so you don't have to think about the logistics.

Access you can't get on your own. Through my preferred partner network, my clients arrive already known — with upgrades, exclusive perks, and treatment that isn't available to book online.

Firsthand knowledge. Every recommendation is grounded in personal experience and carefully vetted relationships — not recycled lists or sponsored content.

Dedicated attention. I also take on a limited number of new clients each month — by design. It's the only way to give every trip the attention it deserves.

A genuine advocate. From first inquiry to final day, I'm in your corner — anticipating issues before they arise and handling them when they do.  

Ideally 6–8 months ahead — this gives us the best access to top properties, private experiences, and preferred rates. For safaris, polar expeditions, or trips requiring specific seasonal timing, I recommend 12+ months to ensure availability.

That said, last-minute trips do happen and I'm happy to help. A $150 rush fee applies for bookings made less than 60 days before departure.

My trip design fee covers the time and expertise that goes into designing your trip, including research, partner outreach, itinerary crafting, and ongoing coordination. It also ensures my recommendations are completely unbiased and never influenced by supplier incentives.

It also allows me to reinvest in the things that make this work well: firsthand destination research, industry conferences and trade events, familiarization trips, and the ongoing relationships with hotels and on-the-ground experts that take years to build.

Visit my Services page for more information.

I specialize in designing luxury travel experiences — think Rosewood, Belmond, Auberge Resorts, and Four Seasons, but the hotel is just the beginning. My clients are looking for something more considered — private guides who bring a destination to life, experiences you won't necessarily find on a website, and a trip that feels entirely their own.
For a week to 10-day trip, my clients typically invest $15,000+, depending on destination, group size, and travel style.

If there's a trip I'm not best suited to support, I'll always be upfront about it — and happy to connect you with someone who would be a perfect fit.

Yes! I work with multi-generational families, wedding room blocks, incentive trips, and a limited number of corporate retreats and wellness groups. If you're not sure whether your group qualifies, reach out and I'll let you know quickly.

Through my preferred partner network, every reservation comes with exclusive amenities — complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, and early check-in/late checkout where available. On a three-night stay, these perks can easily translate into $1,000+ in added value at no extra cost to you.

Fora Travel is the host agency that supports Sarah Eppler Travel’s backend operations.

No, we do not book with Airbnb or VRBO. We have no verifiable way to know the ultimate condition of the properties, nor do we have any real recourse if something goes wrong, including a last minute cancellation by the owner. Given that we cannot protect your best interests with those types of properties, we choose not to work with those platforms. 

However, we do have trusted partners who offer professionally managed home or villa rentals, many with added perks like concierge services or personal chefs. 

Yes — my flight desk books business class and above for domestic travel, and premium economy and above for international. A $50 per person non-refundable ticketing fee applies at the time of booking.

All flight bookings also include access to 24/7 emergency support — so if anything shifts while you're traveling, help is always a call away.

If you are considering a Vacation Planning, Full-Service Itinerary Planning or Custom package, yes, Sarah Eppler Travel must handle the hotel booking. This is for a variety of reasons but first and foremost, it allows me to establish the connection with the property to ensure your needs are taken care of (think concierge services (spa/restaurant reservations, airport transfers, allergy/dietary accommodations, etc.) - I'll need my name on the hotel booking in order to do that. Lastly, hotel bookings are a large part of our business model (how we get paid) and your travel experience (how your time in destination will feel). 

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