The Planning Process
Designing a meaningful journey to Australia or New Zealand takes thoughtful planning and deep local knowledge. Every itinerary I create is fully customized and carefully paced around how you travel.
The notes below outline how I typically work with clients and what you can expect before we begin.
Go Walkabout Travel is a Canadian-based company, and all pricing and payments are processed in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Step 1: A 20-minute introductory call
You know you would like to visit Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific. Now let’s make sure we are the right fit to work together.
All calls are by appointment so each conversation has the time and focus it deserves. The first step is a brief introductory phone call.
During this call we will:
• talk through what you are envisioning
• discuss timing and the overall shape of your trip
• explain how my planning process works
• decide whether it makes sense to move forward together
This is not a detailed planning session. Once you decide to proceed, you will complete a comprehensive questionnaire that allows me to properly understand your travel style, pace, preferences, and priorities. That is when the meaningful design work begins.
If we both feel it is a good fit, the next step is securing your planning retainer so I can begin dedicating focused time to your itinerary.
Step 2: The Planning Retainer
Once we agree to move forward, a planning retainer is required before any detailed design work begins.
I do not work from templates and no two itineraries are ever the same. Each journey is built from the ground up around your travel style, pace and priorities. That level of customization involves significant time behind the scenes, including researching availability, coordinating with trusted in-country partners, reviewing routing options and carefully shaping a trip that flows properly from start to finish.
Over the years, I found that without a retainer in place, some travelers would have a full itinerary designed and then decide to go somewhere entirely different. I completely understand that plans can change, but the time involved in creating a bespoke journey needs to be reserved for those who are genuinely ready to proceed.
The planning retainer ensures that my time and focus are dedicated to committed clients and allows me to maintain a high-touch, boutique service.
• CAD 1,800 per couple is the starting retainer for a one-country itinerary
• The retainer is per couple. Four adults travelling together require two retainers
• The retainer is non-refundable and non-transferable
• One itinerary is designed per booking
More complex trips, including multi-country itineraries, longer durations or family travel, may require an additional retainer. This is discussed during the introductory call.
Please note the following about how I work:
I do not book airfare-only trips. My service is focused on designing and managing complete land arrangements.
I work exclusively with accommodation that meets a consistently high standard, whether that is a premium city hotel, a boutique property, an apartment-style stay or a luxury lodge. In rare cases where a remote area offers limited options, we may use the best available property.
I do not work with Airbnb properties. Every accommodation I recommend has either been personally inspected by me, vetted by trusted in-country partners or reviewed through long-standing industry relationships. If I am unfamiliar with a property, I will not attach my name or reputation to it.
All land arrangements are presented as a single packaged cost rather than itemised components. Individual components are not itemised due to supplier agreements, contracted rates and confidentiality obligations. This allows the journey to be structured cohesively rather than as a collection of separate bookings.
As a general guide, most two-week land itineraries begin around CAD 30,000 per couple. Longer itineraries, higher quality accommodation and private touring will naturally reflect a higher overall investment.
If your itinerary proceeds and the final land arrangements meet or exceed this level, your planning retainer will be credited toward your final balance.
Land arrangements refer specifically to accommodation, touring, car hire and airport transfers within Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific. International and domestic flights, travel insurance, meals, fuel and personal incidentals are separate from the land itinerary.
If you decide not to proceed with your trip after the design phase, the planning retainer remains non-refundable and non-transferable, as it reflects the time and coordination already invested in creating your itinerary.
To maintain a high-touch, boutique planning service, I deliberately take on a limited number of clients each year.
Step 3: Itinerary Design and Collaboration
Once your questionnaire is completed, I begin designing your itinerary in collaboration with you and my trusted in-country partners.
This stage includes carefully selected accommodation that meets a consistently high standard, whether that is a premium city hotel, a boutique property or a luxury lodge, along with thoughtful routing and pacing, touring that reflects your interests and travel style, and attention to the practical details that are often overlooked.
You will also receive guidance on visa and entry requirements, as well as advice on international and regional air travel. For long-haul international sectors, I typically arrange Premium Economy or Business Class to ensure comfort on extended journeys. Within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, regional flights are generally Economy Class, which is standard for shorter sectors.
If you prefer to arrange long-haul Economy flights independently or use reward points, I will guide you on routing and timing so your flights align properly with the land itinerary and help avoid unnecessary backtracking. I do not book points or reward-based airfares and do not manage frequent flyer redemptions.
Accommodation and car hire arranged as part of a packaged itinerary generally do not qualify for hotel, airline or car hire loyalty points, status benefits or rewards, as these programs typically apply only to direct bookings.
Your itinerary is delivered digitally and can be viewed online or via a mobile travel app. This allows for live updates, so if timings adjust or arrangements change while you are travelling, the most current information is always available in one place.
With over 35 years of experience in this region, and having been born and raised in Australia, I usually get the overall structure right early in the process. Refinement is part of the journey, and we continue working together until everything feels right.
Step 4: Before You Travel
Prior to departure, all arrangements are carefully reconfirmed, including accommodation, transfers, touring and any special requirements.
Your final travel documents are delivered digitally approximately 7 to 10 days before departure, along with a personal video walkthrough so everything is clear and easy to follow.
You will also receive an in-depth Prepare to Travel guide covering practical details such as currency, tipping, phone and SIM options, driving considerations and other local insights that travellers typically want to understand before departure. This guidance is drawn from lived local knowledge and is designed to help you feel confident and fully prepared.
Step 5: While You’re Travelling
You will be provided with emergency contact details for trusted in-country partners who offer 24/7 emergency assistance.
Your journey is supported by experienced people on the ground who know the region inside and out. If something unexpected arises, assistance is available when it matters most.
Behind the scenes, your trip remains supported throughout your travels, both locally and through my ongoing coordination as needed.
Who This Service Is For?
This service is designed for travellers who:
• Are serious about travelling to Australia or New Zealand
• Value expert, locally informed guidance
• Want a high-touch, carefully curated travel experience
• Prefer quality accommodation and thoughtful planning
• Appreciate clear structure and a defined planning process
This service is best suited to travellers who are ready to commit to a professionally designed itinerary. It is not intended for budget travel, last-minute planning, or complimentary advice prior to securing a planning retainer.