A travel advisor is a professional who designs personalized travel experiences. We handle the logistics, research, and bookings, offering insider knowledge, exclusive perks, and 24/7 support to ensure your trip is seamless and stress-free. 

Working with me means access to exclusive industry rates, expert guidance tailored to your preferences, and FORA's industry-leading VIP perks like upgrades, free breakfasts, and personalized itineraries. I save you time and effort while creating a trip that matches your style, budget, and needs. 

Three Reasons to use a Fora Travel Advisor like Makini

I specialize in personalized travel planning for family-friendly vacations, luxury getaways, all-inclusive trips, theme park adventures, and travel tailored for special needs, including autism-friendly itineraries.

Planning fees vary based on the level of service: 

- Hotel-Only or Cruise Bookings: Complimentary for hotel bookings, ship sailings and associated airport transfers

- Full Itinerary Planning: Starting at $299, depending on the complexity and duration of your trip. 

Hotels (and cruises!) compensate me directly for bookings made on your behalf, so there’s no cost to you. Plus, you can access exclusive perks like upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and more! 

I earn commissions from hotels, cruises, tour operators, and other travel suppliers for the bookings I make. This ensures you get professional services without added fees. 

No! The rates I offer are the same (or better) than what you’d find on your own. Plus, you’ll receive additional perks not available when booking independently. 

If you’ve already booked your hotel, depending on the booking platform, timeframe and property, I can initiate what is called a "takeover booking" to assist with the remaining planning. 

Same with cruises - but timing is of the essence! Each cruise line has their own rules on this so reach out to me at the earliest for this type of inquiry. 

Without the takeover booking, I can still help with other aspects of your trip, such as transportation, tours, and dining reservations. However, I may be unable to add perks to your existing booking.

• Let’s Go Package: Focuses on booking the essentials like hotels and transfers, leaving you to fill in the rest. 
• Full Itinerary Package: Covers every detail of your trip, including accommodations, transportation, dining, and activities, with concierge-level support.

Payments are typically made directly to the travel providers I book on your behalf. I’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything is handled securely.

Payment plans for travel costs are not offered at this time, but we are working to setup FlexPay (formerly Uplift) as a payment partner beginning in Spring 2025.

Full payment of the agreed-upon planning fee is required upfront to begin work on your "Full Itinerary" package. This fee is compensation for my time and expertise in crafting a unique-for-you itinerary for your upcoming travel. It cannot and will not be applied toward the cost of travel.

I believe in transparency. Any fees above and beyond the standard planning fee will be presented upfront during our initial consultation and laid out clearly in the client agreement. Many of my services are included in the booking process, but specialized or complex requests involving group travel, event planning, and extensive research may involve a nominal fee that will be fully disclosed upfront. 

Hotel-only bookings are always complimentary. 

Learn more at the Services page. 

Yes, as part of my concierge-level services included in the "Full Itinerary" package, I can handle dining reservations and recommend must-visit spots tailored to your preferences. 

Absolutely! This is my go-to list of traveler essentials to be prepared for all the planned and spontaneous adventures!

And check out my Linktree Shop to browse all my tried-and-true travel gear favorites!

It's called Trip Plans and I wish I had it for my own post-pandemic, revenge travel. Instead, we used the Notes app on my phone. Ouch!

The Trip Plans app puts your entire vacation at your fingertips - complete with photos, maps, and clear daily timelines. It's the perfect tool for keeping your whole travel party informed and comfortable with each day's adventures.

Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFb9x-InSBc

Of course! Here's a Sample Itinerary I crafted for a late-20's couple on a 2-night layover in Panamá City.

Yes, FORA is a Virtuoso agency which grants access to perks and benefits at thousands of exclusive properties around the globe. 

In fact, FORA is also a member of a curated selection of exclusive preferred partner networks including: Aman; Auberge Resort Collection; Belmond Bellini Club, Four Seasons Preferred Partner; Hyatt Privé; The Leading Hotels of the World; Marriott Stars and Luminous; Relais & Chateaux; Rosewood Elite; and Virtuoso.

View the full list of FORA Partners here.

This website may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through these links. Rest assured, unless explicitly noted as a paid post, all linked products and services are ones I personally use and recommend. 

These commissions help support the creation of free resources on the website -  including travel guides, blog posts, and downloadable checklists.

I generally do not book flights as they often involve restrictions and frequent changes, and these can be better managed directly by travelers through airlines or online platforms.

Regardless, I am happy to assist all my clients with setting up (free!) Google Flights notifications to track airline prices for their desired itinerary. 

I personally use Going.com (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights to score the best deals) but it requires a subscription. Use my referral link to get 20% off access: https://goingwith.me/rwbs5qdh

Specifically, I can consult on and book Business-Class and Higher Cabin Flights for International and Domestic destinations. However, Economy-Class flights typically do not offer commissionable rates. 

This approach allows me to dedicate more time and attention to creating exceptional itineraries along with the level of personalized service and benefits my clients expect. 

Of course! I’d love to help you plan your next trip. To get started, please provide the following information on this form: 

1. Traveler’s Name: Who will be the primary contact for this trip? 

2. Email Address & Phone Number: So I can stay in touch with you. 

3. Destination: Where would you like to travel? 

4. Travel Dates: When would you like to travel, and are your dates flexible? 

5. Flights: Will you need assistance booking flights? 

6. Number of Travelers: How many people will be traveling, and are there any special considerations (e.g., children, seniors, or special needs)?

After you submit the no obligation Client Intake survey with this preliminary information, we will schedule some time to chat. At that time, I'd love to hear any additional details about your preferences, such as accommodations, activities, or must-see attractions. 

Once I have this information, we can start crafting your perfect trip! 😊

Absolutely! I specialize in creating vacations that work for everyone in your family. This means thoughtfully planned itineraries that include sensory-friendly activities, accessible accommodations, and built-in flexibility for comfort breaks. My goal is to help you enjoy a truly accessible experience with less stress and more joy. 

Here are some common questions about my specialized services:

As a CATP, I have specialized training in creating travel experiences that consider sensory needs, routine maintenance, and accessibility requirements. This means I can help identify potential challenges before they arise and develop strategies to ensure your family's comfort throughout your vacation.

No. While you're welcome to share what you're comfortable with, I focus on understanding your family's practical needs and preferences to create the right travel experience. Whether it's quiet spaces, dietary requirements, or schedule flexibility, we'll address the specifics that matter for your successful trip.

Get more details about my sensory-friendly travel planning services.

I can guide you through the various accommodation programs available, such as Disney's DAS service or cruise line accessibility options. I'll explain the registration processes, help identify which services might benefit your family, and ensure you have all necessary documentation ready before travel. However, the final request for these services must come directly from you.

Ideally, reach out as soon as you start thinking about your trip! The earlier we begin, the better I can secure your best rates, availability, and experiences. 

Yes, I do! I am certified with the College of Disney Knowledge and have been an Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World since 2019. I am happy to help you plan an amazing Disney vacation.

For my best advice, visit the Ultimate Walt Disney World Travel page to learn more about touring the world's most iconic theme parks in Orlando, Florida. 

Right here at my Disney Vacations mini-site bit.ly/travel-to-disney-with-makini

Take a look and send me a note or complete the form when you are ready to get started planning your Disney vacation! 

Follow me at @travelwithmakini

Of course! My email address is makini.bridgewater@fora.travel

You may subscribe to the Travel with Makini email newsletter to keep up with the latest travel deals and tips. We pinky promise, no spam, ever.  

No matter the level of assistance you need, I am here for you before, during, and after your travels. View the next section for a full list of the support I can provide for your next adventure ⬇️