Real Questions, Straight Answers

Before You Book

  • I plan trips for travelers who want more than a basic, plug-and-play vacation. That usually means adventure-leaning and experience-driven travel: active or soft-adventure itineraries, culture-rich city and countryside trips, river and ocean cruises, and easygoing all-inclusive escapes.

    Together we'll match the destination and style, whether that's Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or somewhere else entirely, to your interests, comfort level, and pace.

  • I'm a great fit for Gen X, Xennials, Millennials, and active retirees who want meaningful, well-planned trips without spending hours buried in research. Most of my clients are couples, solo travelers, families, and small groups who feel overwhelmed by options and want a calm, detail-driven advisor to take the lead. If you value your time, want a trip that feels like you, and prefer working with a local Colorado-based human instead of a big booking engine, we'll get along well.

  • A travel advisor gives you a single point of contact who knows your preferences, watches out for details, and has your back if something changes. I narrow down the endless options, match you with vetted suppliers, and help you avoid problems that aren't always obvious when booking on your own. My job is to save you time, reduce stress, and design a trip that actually fits your style and budget.

  • Mountain Man Travels is owner-run and relationship-focused. When you work with me, you're not passed around a call center or chatbot; you get one advisor who listens, asks good questions, and pays attention to the details. I design trips around your interests and comfort level, communicate clearly about what to expect, and plan for the what-ifs so you don't have to. You get professional planning plus the peace of mind of having a real person in your corner before, during, and after your trip.

Travel Styles & Destinations

  • In some cases, I charge a plan-to-go deposit, especially for complex, fully custom itineraries or trips with multiple moving parts. If a deposit applies, I'll tell you upfront and explain exactly what it covers. If you book, that deposit is applied directly toward your trip cost before final payment.

  • I regularly plan trips to places like Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and across Europe, as well as select destinations in Mexico. If you have a specific place in mind that isn't on that list, feel free to ask. Chances are I either work with trusted partners there or can point you in the right direction.

  • Yes. I plan land-based itineraries, river and ocean cruises, and trips that combine both, for example a land tour plus a cruise segment. As an Accredited Cruise Counselor through CLIA, I can help you sort through ships, itineraries, and cabin options so the cruise portion fits your style, budget, and comfort level.

Getting Started

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through my inquiry form, send an email, or schedule a call, whatever is easiest. Share a little about where you'd like to go (or what kind of experience you're after), your dates or general timeframe, and who's traveling. From there, I'll follow up with a few clarifying questions, and we'll begin shaping your trip together.

  • I'm based in Arvada, Colorado, and love working with local clients in the Denver metro area, but I also plan trips for travelers across the U.S. Most of the planning happens virtually by phone, video call, or email, so you don't need to be nearby to work with me.

  • It's completely normal, and it's exactly why Mountain Man Travels exists. Between search engines, booking sites, and social media, it's easy to end up with too many tabs open and no real plan. My role is to narrow the options to what fits you, explain the pros and cons clearly, and build a trip that feels exciting rather than stressful.

  • Item descriptionI'm based in Arvada, Colorado, but I typically don't book in-state trips, such as local hotel stays, ski weekends, or short getaways within driving distance. My focus is on larger adventures and international or out-of-state travel, destinations like Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and beyond. If you're unsure whether your trip falls within my scope, feel free to ask and I'll point you in the right direction.

Working With Mountain Man Travels

  • Most trips start with a simple email or phone call. Once I know the basics (who's traveling, rough dates, general ideas, and budget range), I'll send you my inquiry form to capture the details that matter. After you return that, we'll schedule a short call or continue by email to clarify anything, then I'll research options and match you with the right suppliers, whether that's cruise lines, tour operators, resorts, or on-the-ground partners, for your style and budget. From there, I put together a proposal, we review it and make tweaks as needed, and once you're happy with the plan, I handle the bookings, confirmations, and final trip documents so you can focus on getting ready to go.Together we'll match the destination and style, whether that's Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or somewhere else entirely, to your interests, comfort level, and pace.

  • Absolutely. Many clients come to me with a destination in mind but feel overwhelmed by the logistics and choices. If you know where you want to go but not how to put it all together, I can help with routing, lodging, experiences, and pacing so the trip makes sense and feels realistic.

  • Yes, that's very common. If you just know you want somewhere warm, good hiking and culture, or a big bucket-list trip, we'll talk through what you like, what you don't, your comfort level, and your budget. I'll suggest destinations and travel styles that fit, then build from there so you're never guessing from a list of random search results.

  • Most trips are best planned within these timeframes:

    • 9 to 12 months ahead for big bucket-list trips or peak-season travel, like major holidays or popular summer destinations

    • 6 to 9 months ahead for most international trips

    • 4 to 6 months ahead for many cruises and closer-to-home getaways

    If you're not sure, reach out even if it feels early. Starting sooner usually means better availability, more options, and less stress.

Pricing, Fees & Changes

  • In some cases, I charge a plan-to-go deposit, especially for complex, fully custom itineraries or trips with multiple moving parts. If a deposit applies, I'll tell you upfront and explain exactly what it covers. If you book, that deposit is applied directly toward your trip cost before final payment.

  • My goal is to get you the right trip at a good value, not just the cheapest option online. I work with trusted supplier partners who often offer package pricing, promotions, or added perks you may not see on public sites. In many cases, the cost is similar to what you'd pay on your own, but with better planning, support, and details handled for you. I'll always be transparent about pricing and won't pressure you into something that doesn't fit your budget.

  • Most payments are made directly to travel suppliers, such as cruise lines, tour operators, or resorts. When a payment is due, I'll send you a secure credit card authorization form through Travefy for you to complete, and once it's submitted, I process the payment on your behalf with the supplier. I'll let you know what's included before you approve anything, and I'll remind you of key deadlines so you don't miss final payment dates.

  • Change and cancellation policies are primarily set by suppliers (cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and tour companies) and vary by provider and trip type. I'll walk you through those terms before you book so you understand your options. If you need to adjust or cancel, I'll help you navigate the process and explore any available credits or refunds based on those policies. This is one of the key reasons I recommend travel insurance.

Support, Safety & Insurance

  • Safety is a top priority. I work with trusted partners, share health and security advice, and recommend travel insurance tailored to your plans. My background as a Public Safety officer and EMT also shapes how I plan for your security and well-being before you ever leave home.

  • Yes. Travel insurance is an important layer of protection for many trips, especially when flights, cruises, or higher-value experiences are involved. I'm not an insurance broker, but I can explain common coverage types, provide options from trusted providers, and help you understand which policy might fit your needs so you can make an informed choice.

  • I can't apply for documents on your behalf, but I can point you to the right resources for passport processing, visa information, and entry requirements for your destination. I'll let you know what's typically required so you can handle applications well in advance of your trip.