Question 1

How does the quote process work?

Accepted Answer

You submit a Request a Quote form. A travel professional reviews your request, discusses the trip with you, and the applicable research fee is collected. Once payment is received and the request is assigned, your assigned travel professional prepares your personalized quote.

Question 2

Why is there a research fee?

Accepted Answer

The Travel Research and Planning Fee compensates Strato Curated Collective and your assigned travel professional for customized research and preparation of your personalized quote. It is separate from the cost of your travel and does not reserve travel or guarantee pricing or availability.

Question 3

Is the research fee refundable? Can it be credited toward my booking?

Accepted Answer

Research fees compensate Strato Curated Collective and your assigned travel professional for customized research and planning. Once research begins, the fee is nonrefundable. When you complete your booking through Strato Curated Collective, your agent may authorize a booking credit equal to 50%–100% of the research fee. The amount is discretionary, is not guaranteed and depends on the type and value of the completed booking.

Question 4

How quickly will I get my quote?

Accepted Answer

Initial personalized quotes are generally prepared within 48 business hours after we receive your completed information and applicable research fee, and the request is assigned to a travel professional. Complex requests or significant changes may require additional time.

Question 5

Why do quotes expire the same day?

Accepted Answer

Every personalized quote expires at 11:59 PM Central Time on the same day it is created. Travel prices and availability change frequently, so we can only present a snapshot valid through the end of that day.

Question 6

What happens if my quote expires?

Accepted Answer

An expired quote cannot be accepted or paid. The quote is preserved in your history, but updated research and a new quote version are required before payment.

Question 7

Are prices guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Prices and availability may change at any time before payment and final supplier confirmation. Accepting a quote does not reserve the travel arrangements — the required payment must be completed before expiration, and the reservation remains subject to final supplier confirmation.

Question 8

Can I book directly through the website?

Accepted Answer

No. Strato Curated Collective is agent-assisted. Travelers cannot search live inventory or book themselves through this site. Every booking is prepared and confirmed by a real travel professional.

Question 9

Can I use airline miles or hotel points?

Accepted Answer

Requests involving airline miles, hotel points or other loyalty rewards are reviewed case by case. Redemption options, availability, required points and booking rules are controlled by the applicable airline, hotel or loyalty program. Strato Curated Collective cannot guarantee that points or miles will be accepted for a requested itinerary.

Question 10

Is my payment information secure?

Accepted Answer

Payments collected by Strato Curated Collective are processed through a secure third-party payment processor. Strato Curated Collective does not store complete payment-card information in its website or traveler portal.

Question 11

What about changes and cancellations?

Accepted Answer

Change and cancellation terms are set by the airlines, hotels, cruise lines and other suppliers involved in your trip and are disclosed in writing on your quote. Your travel professional will walk you through the specific terms that apply to your booking.

Question 12

Passports and entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

Travelers are responsible for ensuring their passport, visas and entry documents meet destination and airline requirements. Your travel professional will provide reminders and general guidance, but final responsibility rests with each traveler.

Question 13

Do you recommend travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We recommend a trip protection plan for every international booking and can quote coverage options with your quote. Coverage varies by state and by plan.

Question 14

Do you plan groups and destination weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. See the Groups & Destination Weddings page. Large-group administration, guest payments, rooming lists and destination-wedding coordination may require fees separate from the initial $150 research fee.

Question 15

How do I talk to a real travel professional?

Accepted Answer

Submit a Request a Quote or Contact form and a real travel professional will follow up. You will have a real travel professional to guide you through the planning and booking process. We do not provide 24-hour live-person support.

Frequently asked questions.

Still have a question?