Planning & Booking
What are the benefits of using a travel agent like Runway Travel Co. vs. booking online?
Runway Travel will deliver exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation. Let us leverage our network to ensure a smooth journey. We’ll handle any unexpected concerns that arise. You will receive extra perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast. The lowest price on the internet won’t get you amenities or white glove treatment because they want our repeat business. Lastly, we arm you with a personal 1-800 number should you need to contact us. You won’t get that from a booking engine.
How do travel agency fees work and what does Runway Travel Co. charge?
Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your trip. All trips are completely customized to meet your needs and interests, see Our Process. Our “Plan To Go” fee includes consultation time, destination expertise and recommendations, itinerary building, transportation and personal assistance. But more importantly, we provide you access to our preferred partnership benefits travelers could never get booking on your own. Examples include booking travel arrangements, travel documents, a contact name and travel support. We will also advise you on Visa requirements, travel insurance and vaccination mandates. Our nominal fees deliver value, minimize your stress and save you time for the fun stuff like packing!
A simple hotel booking does not incur a service fee.
Air ticketing fees start at $50 per person, and include pre-travel service and 24/7 in-travel emergency service.
Will I pay more if I book through Runway Travel instead of using an online booking site?
No. In most cases, booking through Runway Travel costs the same as — or sometimes less than — booking through an online travel site. Thanks to our preferred partnerships with luxury hotels, cruise lines, and travel suppliers, we often have access to preferred rates, value-added amenities, and exclusive promotions that aren’t available to the general public.
We can frequently match or beat comparable online pricing, while also securing additional benefits such as room upgrades, resort or shipboard credits, complimentary breakfast, and VIP recognition during your stay.
What is TravelWits and how does it help me plan and book travel?
TravelWits is a travel planning and booking platform offered exclusively through Runway Travel that helps clients easily search, compare, and build personalized flight itineraries. It simplifies the process of finding the best routes and pricing while still giving you access to the expertise and support of a professional travel advisor.
With TravelWits, you can explore multiple itinerary options and identify the best combination of price, travel time, layovers, and departure schedules—making it especially helpful for complex or multi-city trips.
Key TravelWits benefits include:
- Customized itinerary comparisons based on cost, duration, layovers, and departure times
- Advanced multi-city flight planning for complex itineraries
- Potential cost savings when travel dates or routing are flexible
- User-friendly interface that simplifies travel research
- Dedicated support from Runway Travel advisors if you want help booking or refining your trip
Contact Runway Travel to receive your TravelWits access code and take advantage of exclusive travel planning tools combined with personalized advisor support.
Can Runway Travel help if I only need a hotel reservation?
Yes. Even if you only need to book a hotel, working with Runway Travel can provide additional value compared to booking online. Through our preferred partnerships with thousands of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, our clients often receive complimentary perks and VIP benefits that are not available through standard booking sites.
These benefits may include:
- Room upgrades when available
- Daily complimentary breakfast for two
- Early check-in and late checkout
- Resort or hotel credits for dining or spa services
- VIP recognition and priority for upgrades
Whether your trip is a two-night getaway or a multi-week vacation, booking your hotel through Runway Travel helps ensure you receive the best available value along with personalized support from a luxury travel advisor.
Are travel agents outdated now that you can book travel online?
No. While many travelers can research and book trips online, working with a professional travel advisor adds significant value, expertise, and support that online booking sites cannot provide.
A travel advisor helps you plan smarter, travel more comfortably, and avoid costly mistakes by using industry knowledge, trusted partnerships, and personalized trip planning.
Benefits of working with a travel advisor include:
- Expert destination knowledge and first-hand insight into hotels, cruises, and experiences
- Personalized travel planning tailored to your preferences, budget, and travel style
- Access to exclusive perks and upgrades through preferred travel partnerships
- Guidance on logistics such as visas, vaccinations, and entry requirements
- Optimized itineraries including the best routes, transfers, and travel timing between destinations
- Support before and during your trip if plans change or issues arise
Instead of spending hours researching and coordinating travel details, a luxury travel advisor handles the planning and logistics for you, making the entire experience smoother, more efficient, and far less stressful.
Can Runway Travel book private villas or luxury vacation home rentals?
Yes. Runway Travel works with a global network of trusted villa and luxury home rental partners, allowing us to arrange private accommodations in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. These professionally managed properties are carefully vetted, so you can book with confidence knowing the homes meet high standards for quality, service, and reliability.
Our travel advisors can help secure private villas, luxury apartments, and exclusive residences in destinations such as:
- European cities like Paris, Florence, and London
- Luxury villas in Europe and the Caribbean
- Private ski chalets in premier mountain destinations
- Luxury beachfront homes and resort residences
Unlike owner-direct platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO, Runway Travel works with professional villa partners and hospitality providers. This often means concierge services, housekeeping, local support, and additional travel planning assistance, giving you a more seamless and elevated travel experience.
Logistics & Protection
How do I know if I need a passport, visa, or travel authorization for my destination?
Passport, visa, and entry requirements vary by country and traveler nationality. Many destinations require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and some countries also require a visa or electronic travel authorization before arrival.
Beginning in 2025 and beyond, several destinations are introducing new electronic travel authorization programs for international visitors. These approvals are typically required before departure and must be obtained online in advance of your trip.
At Runway Travel, we help our clients stay informed about the latest entry requirements so there are no surprises before departure. Our advisors can guide you on:
- Passport validity requirements for your destination
- Visa requirements or visa-on-arrival policies
- Electronic travel authorizations required prior to travel
- Recommended travel documentation and timelines
We’ll ensure you understand the requirements for your itinerary and point you to the appropriate resources so your travel plans remain smooth, compliant, and stress-free. See the new Authorization Requirements.
Does Runway Travel offer a travel newsletter with destination ideas and travel deals?
Yes. Runway Travel publishes a travel newsletter featuring destination inspiration, insider travel tips, and curated promotions from our global travel partners. It’s a great way to stay informed about luxury travel trends, exclusive offers, and new destinations worth exploring.
Subscribers receive updates that may include:
- Luxury hotel and resort promotions
- Cruise offers and limited-time travel deals
- Destination guides and travel inspiration
- Expert travel tips from our advisors
- Insider recommendations from our global travel partners
You can sign up using the form below to receive the latest travel insights and read our most recent newsletter.