Frequently Asked Questions

Expert travel planning, personalized service, and delicious experiences—all in one stop.

Why should I use a travel agent instead of booking online?

Using a travel agent like Gourmet Getaways gives you personalized service, expert guidance, and access to exclusive deals through our network of trusted suppliers. While prices are often the same as booking online, we can often find better value or added perks—at no extra cost to you.

We not only help you book the individual pieces of your Getaways but also help you:

• Navigate the overwhelming number of options
• Customize your itinerary with experiences that complement your interests
• Add thoughtful, memorable touches to your trip
• Advocate on your behalf if anything goes wrong before or during your travel

You’re already paying for these services when you book on your own—why not actually receive it?

What makes Gourmet Getaways different from other travel agencies?

We specialize in culinary and experiential travel. Whether it's a wine-tasting river cruise, Michelin-starred dining in Europe, or street food tours in Asia, our trips are infused with flavor and curated with passion by a Certified Executive Chef with over 20 years of culinary and hospitality experience.

Do you book cruises? What cruise lines do you work with?

Yes! We book both ocean, river, and U.S. Gret Lakes cruises, including:

• Ocean: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, Holland-America, Disney, Virgin Voyages, Viking Ocean, Celebrity, Cunard, MSC, and more
• River: Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, American Cruise Lines, and Uniworld
  We'll help you choose the best line and itinerary for your style and budget.
• Great Lakes: Victory and Viking Cruise Lines

How much does it cost to work with Gourmet Getaways?

Most of our planning services are completely free to clients—travel agents paid by suppliers with a portion of the price you are paying if you use a travel agent or not. For complex custom itineraries (i.e. multi-country, heavy customization, or group travel), we may charge a planning fee, which will always be discussed up front.

Can you help with flights, hotels, and travel insurance too?

Yes. We offer complete trip planning, including:

• Flights (domestic and international)
• Hand-picked hotels and resorts
• Restaurant reservations
• Ocean, River, and Great Lake cruises
• Guided and Independent tours
• Excursions and experiences
• Transfers and rail
• Travel insurance
• Private tours and culinary experiences

We can book it all for you—or just the parts you need help with.

What destinations do you specialize in?

We plan trips around the world! Popular specialties include:

• European getaways
• Asian adventures
• African exploration
• Caribbean cruises and resorts
• U.S. National Parks and road trips
• Culinary tours and river cruises
• Custom group travel

Can you help with group travel or destination weddings?

Absolutely. We organize:

• School, church, or nonprofit group travel
• Corporate incentives or retreats
• Culinary-themed group tours
• Destination weddings and honeymoons
  We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

How far in advance should I book my trip?

• Cruises: 6–18 months in advance for best pricing and cabin choices
• Europe or custom travel: Ideally 6+ months ahead
• Last-minute trips: We can help with those too—but your options may be more limited

How do I get started?

Easy! You can get started with these steps:

• First, fill out the trip request form
• After we review your goals we will schedule a planning session
• Email jordan@gourmetgetawaystravel.com
• Call or text Jordan at (812) 269-2406‍

We’ll chat about your goals and design something just for you.

Is my personal information secure?

Yes. We never sell or share your data. All bookings are processed securely through trusted travel partners, and we only use your information to build and confirm your travel plans.

Can I earn or use my loyalty points when booking through a travel agent?

Yes! In most cases, you can earn and redeem loyalty points when booking with Gourmet Getaways. Just let us know which loyalty programs you're part of—whether it's a cruise line, airline, or hotel—and how important those points are to you.

We’ll make sure your member numbers are correctly attached to your bookings and will work directly with our suppliers to ensure you're earning or redeeming your rewards properly.

That said, there are times when better pricing or perks are available through vendors that don’t participate in loyalty programs. If maximizing points is your priority, we’ll tailor our recommendations accordingly. The more we know about your travel goals, the better we can customize your trip for value, comfort, and rewards.

Didn’t find your question here?

We’re happy to help. Reach out anytime for a quick answer or to start planning your next adventure.