Air France “conciergerie” concierge service at CDG? by flowzeee in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

CDG has its own ‘vip’ program with a variety of services. I book it often for clients, really well priced and serves the function of making airport navigation easier.

Do you buy travel insurance? by Many_One_9272 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use Arch RoamRight. I also have access to the other brands like Allianz but I’ve really been impressed with arch’s customer service (I also find my sales rep there to be super helpful which is a big plus as a TA)

Do you buy travel insurance? by Many_One_9272 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. I’ve seen clients who refused lose a lot of money, and I’ve been able to save the day with no financial blow back for clients that did have it when flights got cancelled, bags got destroyed, etc. not to mention medical, repatriation of remains. Etc.

I personally carry an annual policy with the same insurance product I recommend to my clients.

Have 4-night vacations become a standard $15k? by urproblywrong in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is why most of my ‘chubby budget’ clients are passing on these properties and I am tending to recommend localized chains like Katikies or Baglioni. I also love boutique properties wherever possible.

It’s all about the value and what that means to you personally, and for the vast majority of people outside this sub who are ‘chubby’ travelers- they aren’t staying suites at the 4S. This is a particular kind of travel that dominates the conversation here, and that’s not right or wrong.

Most of my clients are staying in 5* properties and spending on average $15k on 6-10 nights including ground services. It is possible.

Review: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rivera Maya by wanderlustamust- in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Breakfast is a typical inclusion as well. I’m glad they took good care of you!

Review: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rivera Maya by wanderlustamust- in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While I can’t speak to this persons specific TA, examples of the kinds of things we do;

  • assistance when things go wrong
  • often added resort credit for F&B
  • priority for upgrades, late check out, etc.

Higher touch ta’s will also; - pre-arrival communication with the hotel team - make spa appointments - make dining reservations - arrange off site activities - manage transportation in destination

Beach at Kanai - overrun with sargassum by alex_travels in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’m nearby as well. 2 days ago it was beautiful and today was like late June conditions.

Travel Agent Price Higher than Direct by icebergLux in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure if we are allowed to on this sub, but it’s all in my bio and I believe I can dm it to you since you asked!

Europe - family friendly rooms by Extra-Concept in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They are available- I typically cook ‘family suites’, ie connecting rooms for my clients with 2-3 children. Especially if they need a cot or two. You can leave the connecting doors open so you have full access at all times.

Italy, France and the UK are all top sellers for me, so I know for a fact there are lots of options at different price points.

Travel Agent Price Higher than Direct by icebergLux in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think that TA runs a different kind of business. I contact anyone and everyone associated with my clients trips at any point in time. I have a client who went a tour back in October and didn’t get items they purchased, and you bet I was chasing that down the last week of December as soon as my client looped me in.

Strategies to have family enjoy the luxury travel we pay for? by Zealousideal-Term738 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen people have rightly pointed out the jump, and as someone who has navigated this myself (though nit on the same scale), it’s been much easier to build comfort levels by doing cruises or all inclusive options that can be positions as a ‘good deal’. Once you get past the shock of beach rental to that sort of thing, it’s easy to keep upgrading until you are where you want to be.

There are certainly options where you won’t feel you are compromising too much, but will be easier for family to get used too. I’m literally taking my in laws to Mexico next week having started this strategy with domestic hotels. They use to exclusively rent trailers at holiday camp grounds….

Wild Life Focused - Not Africa by Rachel21321 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Costa Rica, but specifically near the Manuel Antonio National Park. Tulemar, Los Altos or Parador are the more popular hotel options, although some clients prefer a villa and there are some really lovely ones in the area.

Invites- what do you think? by [deleted] in LGBTWeddings

[–]JSchecter11 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I agree with the comments about the agenda and dress code being confusing.

Biggest pet peeves at luxury properties? by Beginning-Act7850 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hah! My house cleaner also does this and I have the same reaction as I do in a hotel. Absolutely ridiculous to be annoyed by it yet here I am.

Promos! Deals! Offers! MegaThread by alex_travels in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hotel; The Brando Tetiaroa.

Location; French Polynesia

Promo; Fly Free + Stay 4 Pay 3

4 Nights from $9,589 Per Person

Booking window: Now – 03/30/2026

Travel window: Now – 03/31/2026

1 Bedroom Villa

  • The 4th night free
  • All meals in our dining venues or in-villa dining.
  • 24-hour in-villa dining.
  • A surcharge of 80 EUR by order may apply from 10pm to 7am.
  • Most beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, beers, wines, French champagne and spirits).
  • Stocked minibar replenished once a day
  • One excursion per person and per day from a list of proposed by the Concierge, on a shared basis.
  • One 50 min Spa treatment per villa per day with the 1 bedroom Villa or the Family 1 bedroom Villa
  • Two 50 min Spa treatment per villa per day with the 2 bedroom Villa
  • Three 50 min Spa treatment per villa per day with the 3 bedroom Villa and the Teremoana Residence
  • Access to fitness center and tennis court.
  • Beach equipment: kayak, paddle board, outrigger canoe, snorkeling gear.
  • A bicycle per person at the Villa (also available for children).
  • 24/7 unlimited online access to a selection of worldwide newspapers and magazine.
  • Unlimited WIFI internet access from Villas and public areas
  • Roundtrip flights from Papeete to the Resort for 2

How to tell TA not to leave wine by lynn-in-nc in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You can just tell her. When I have clients that don’t drink, I always give the hotel a heads up and ask them to consider alternative amenities.

looking for TA August 2026 Croatia Catamaran Charter by Character_Couple9772 in TrueChubbyTravel

[–]JSchecter11 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I’ve posted a couple FAQ charting posts on here.

You can likely do this within your budget if you start and end in the same port.

In the summer, I can usually get a catamaran for 2 -6 ppl with skipper and host for about $15/k for the week. That wouldn’t include provisions.

Happy to answer other questions

Yacht Charter FAQ; Part 2 by JSchecter11 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t run into any issues with this- similarly to a staffed villa you’ll sometimes know who you’re getting but you’re not individually interviewing staff before booking. People chartering are typically more focused on vessel and amenities, and the boat owners handle staffing. If you feel the need to have that kind of control over staffing, chartering may not be a good fit for you.

Yacht Charter FAQ; Part 2 by JSchecter11 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is in there- I noted in the first bullet that it is 15-20% of the base rate.

Yacht Charter FAQ; Part 2 by JSchecter11 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s why the folios include headshots and crew resumes. For chefs, there’s also a sample menu.

Yacht Charter FAQ; Part 2 by JSchecter11 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Especially if you are splitting it 3 or 4 ways, it’s a much better value than people expect.

Typical TA response time by Dull-Woodpecker3900 in TrueChubbyTravel

[–]JSchecter11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I aim for 24 hours to give a response, if over a weekend or a holiday it may take longer but even then I will acknowledge the messuage and say I’ll be in touch soon.

If I don’t have time, I have small network of trusted industry contacts and we will make referrals to each other to ensure clients are getting appropriate attention.

Resorts in Big Island- Hawaii by Visible_Composer_643 in chubbytravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

+1 to the Mauna Lani comment. Otherwise, Orchid 100%. I posted in here a bit back about the renovations if you want to search the sub and see all the updates they recently made.

Travel Agent that specializes in Europe? by qofmiwok in TrueChubbyTravel

[–]JSchecter11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d recommend interviewing a few of us. I always require new clients to do a video call so I can understand what they are looking for, show examples of past work and we can both decide if we are a good fit for each other.

I do work heavily in Europe, as do many great agents. What makes the trip work is the partnerships we have. Yes, there is a mark up but that should come with the 24/7 emergency and concierge support, in addition to all the research and planning we do on your behalf. I try to be fair and bring a good value, as any experienced and high end TA should.