FAQs and Pricing

Why should I use Upon Arrival?

We take all the headache out of planning a trip and handle virtually all aspects of your travel. The combined experience of the team and the feedback from our thousands of travelers provides an invaluable resource to the traveler planning an important trip. You benefit from our exceptional service and preferred partnerships with top hotels and travel suppliers.

Do you charge a planning fee?

Upon Arrival is a luxury travel consultancy, and we charge hourly fees for our services. Our hourly rate is $150.00. At the beginning of the trip planning process, we take an upfront retainer. Once this retainer is exhausted by accrued planning hours, we bill on a monthly basis. If there is a remaining balance after the completion of services, it will be credited toward the client’s next trip.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is available and highly recommended to protect your travel investment. Many trips, such as tours and cruises, involve non-refundable funds paid months in advance. Travel insurance protects you from losing this investment. Perhaps even more important is the ‘during travel’ coverage and assistance that comes with the top-flight insurance companies we carry.

Trip interruption due to illness or unforeseen circumstances can be very expensive, and medical care abroad is often not covered by domestic insurance plans. Also, an increasing number of countries require proof of medical insurance for travelers entering their country.

Why are your rates sometimes higher than those I find on other websites?

Some online rates do not include taxes or fees, requires pre-payment, and will and have strict cancellations terms. Additionally, some booking websites such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc., buy blocks of rooms from the hotels, often the least desirable room categories and do not offer VIP amenities, which is why their rates may be lower. If you ever find a rate that is lower than one we quote, let us know and we should be able to match it- these hotels are our friends.

Can you help me book flights?

Yes, we have an in-house flight department that works hand-in-hand with our Trip Designers to book your airline travel. Our flight partners allow us to secure competitive airfare with numerous airlines and optimize your route. We book everything from business travel to private jets and charters. There is a $75/person flight booking or a $250/person flight booking fee when using airline points or miles.

Who looks after us when we're on our trip and/or in case of emergency?

If you’re traveling and need to contact us in an emergency, you’ll find their details in your travel documents. We have partners and contacts on the ground who’ll run the day-to-day of your time away. We’ll make sure you’re introduced and that you have their contact details before you get there. We use local partners because they’re always best placed to respond immediately and speak the local language. We ensure you are really looked after and supported while on the ground. We know the locals after all.

For any large groups we’d be happy to arrange a UA host to join you too. Please just tell us your needs and requirements and we'll work something out.