Frequently Asked Questions

Travel by Darcy LLC is a boutique travel agency based in Exeter, New Hampshire, owned and operated by Darcy Allen, who brings over 30 years of experience as a professional travel advisor. We specialize in luxury cruises and tours, along with family vacations, romance and anniversary travel, small destination weddings, and customized vacation planning to exciting destinations around the globe. While we offer expertise in international travel, we also handle cruises departing from the U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a travel advisor takes a more consultative approach. Rather than simply booking what you ask for, we ask about your travel style, priorities, and budget, then curate options and handle the details from start to finish. At Travel by Darcy, we think of ourselves as travel advisors first — your trip is planned around you, not a preset package.

Thanks to modern technology, all of our communication can be efficiently handled via email and phone. If you’re local to the Seacoast, you’re welcome to request an in-person appointment. Our office is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Dudley House at 14 Front Street in Exeter, at the corner of Front and Court Streets. Please note that in-person consultations are by appointment only, and onsite parking is available. For planning purposes, the Dudley House is a historic building and, unfortunately, is not wheelchair accessible, as there are steps into both entrances. If this affects your visit, let us know and we can arrange your consultation by phone instead.

Yes. While our office is based in Exeter, New Hampshire, we work with clients across the United States. Most of our communication happens by phone and email, so distance is never a barrier to working together. Local clients are also welcome to schedule an in-person appointment at our Exeter office.

Travel by Darcy is an award-winning travel agency, registered as an LLC in New Hampshire. Owner Darcy Allen is a member of several prominent travel industry associations and is affiliated with a nationally recognized agency with over $1B in annual sales. Countless client testimonials are available on our website, Facebook, and WeddingWire. This is not a part-time job or hobby; it has been Darcy’s full-time profession since 1996. She is committed to staying current with travel trends, pursuing ongoing education, and dedicating the time necessary to excel in the industry. We are eager to leverage our experience to provide exceptional service for you.

The reality is that all travel agents have access to similar information. However, the key differentiators are the agent’s experience and their ability to effectively utilize this information. Consider whether the agent is adept at finding the best value for your vacation efficiently and whether they respond to inquiries in a timely manner. Have they taken the time to ask you personalized questions to understand your travel preferences and match you with the most suitable hotel, resort, or cruise experience? For instance, if an agent specializes in Disney vacations, would they be the best fit for planning a grand tour of Europe? These are important factors to consider when selecting a travel agent.

Generally, no! Professional travel agents are skilled in saving you time and money by asking the right questions to determine the ideal vacation that fits your personal interests and budget. We add value to your vacation experience with our professional guidance and expertise. You’ll pay the same, or even less, than booking directly with tour companies or cruise lines. The average person visits over 12 websites and spends more than 10 hours researching vacation ideas. How much is your time worth? Let Travel by Darcy LLC take care of the details for you.

We do not charge a planning fee for luxury cruises, guided tours, or hotel-only bookings of seven nights or longer when no additional arrangements are needed. However, for custom travel planning that includes airfare, ground transportation, curated sightseeing, or multiple destinations, a planning fee will apply. Any planning fees are discussed during your initial consultation, before any work begins. Schedule your discovery call.

At Travel by Darcy, we operate primarily on a commission basis, meaning we are compensated for our time and expertise when clients book their travel plans through us. As a result, our professional advice and services are exclusively available to our active clients. For liability reasons, we are unable to provide guidance on trips booked independently. The commission we receive is paid by the suppliers—such as hotels, cruise lines, and package companies—and is already included in the public price.

Your travel is a meaningful investment, and we treat it with the care it deserves. All payments for travel services are made directly to the supplier, such as the cruise line, tour operator, resort, or vacation company, so your funds go straight to the company providing your experience. The only charges Travel by Darcy collects are our own planning fees, when applicable. Most suppliers invite you to secure your reservation with a deposit, with the balance due by the final payment date, typically 60 to 90 days before departure. Some cruise lines require final payment 180 days or more in advance. You’ll receive a clear payment schedule at the time of booking. Please note that certain promotions may require immediate purchase to secure special pricing.

While we have the capability to book a wide range of travel services, we choose not to handle airline tickets, train tickets or car rentals as standalone requests. The one exception is air-only reservations for local clients who are able to meet with us in person at our Exeter office. Airline ticketing fees start at $55 per person. For all other flights, we recommend booking directly with the airline rather than through a third-party website, especially in the event of schedule changes or delays. Additionally, we do not book accommodations with companies or properties that do not partner with travel agents, such as small bed & breakfasts or platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Our priority is to ensure you have a stress-free, value-packed vacation experience. To achieve this, we work exclusively with reputable tour and package companies that support the travel agent community and provide exemplary service for our clients.

Yes! We love planning honeymoons, anniversary trips, and destination weddings. We work with popular all-inclusive resort brands like Sandals, Secrets, and Couples, as well as independent hotels and resorts in top international destinations, so we can match you with the right property for your style and budget. For destination weddings, we assist with small groups, helping coordinate travel for you and your guests.

Yes, we’re happy to assist solo travelers. We can help you find women-only group trips, advise on special single departures for river cruises, and point you toward solo travel savings on select guided tours and ocean cruises. We do not book “singles” cruises designed for matchmaking or dating.

Unfortunately, no. If you plan to use miles or points to pay for your trip, you will need to book directly with the airline or vacation desk managing your rewards. Our professional insight and assistance are available exclusively to clients who book their trips directly through us.

If you plan to travel during peak season for your chosen destination, booking as early as possible is essential. Early bookings often come with incentives when made 3 or more months in advance. For specific needs or interests—such as a room with a view or an overwater bungalow—booking 6 or more months in advance is strongly recommended. Additionally, many popular European river cruises can sell out up to a year in advance. Once you have determined your destination, travel dates, and are ready to make a deposit, don’t delay. Contact us to start planning your trip.

Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance for most trips, especially for cruises, international travel, and any vacation with a significant financial investment. Travel insurance can protect you against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. We’re happy to provide options and guidance on coverage during your planning process.

For all international travel, a U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates is required. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the consulate of the country they plan to visit to determine specific entry requirements. It is the traveler’s responsibility to verify and obtain all necessary documentation for their trip. Additionally, minors traveling without both legal parents or guardians must carry a notarized letter of consent. For more information, please visit www.state.gov/travel.

While you could book your trip independently, working with a travel agent often provides the same or better rates. We frequently have access to package rates, special amenities and payment plans that are not available when booking individual elements of your trip. In the event of an issue, would you prefer to wait on hold with a call center, or receive personalized attention from a travel agent trained to resolve problems efficiently? Additionally, by choosing an independently owned travel agency, you are supporting a local business. Book locally, travel globally.

The short answer is we don’t. We often find that the so-called “deals” may not be as discounted as they appear, may involve substandard accommodations, or come with significant travel restrictions and additional financial charges. It is crucial to carefully review all fine print before making a purchase.

We offer a professional service that includes expert advice, logistical coordination, and over 30 years of experience. We know the best hotels, optimal airline connections, and the most effective logistical arrangements to ensure you make the most of your hard-earned vacation time. No website or app can match the personalized service and expertise provided by a professional travel advisor. Without an advisor, you are left to navigate these details on your own.