about Sarah DiPiazza – Luxury Travel Planner & Concierge

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Because you’re not just paying for a booking — you’re paying for expertise, time, convenience and protection. I spend hours researching, comparing options, planning logistics, confirming details, and making sure everything fits your travel style. I also monitor your trip before and during travel, assist with issues, and provide recommendations you won’t get from a booking site. My fee ensures you get high-touch, personalized service instead of doing the work yourself.

Yes. I only book destinations I know extremely well or that align with my expertise. I do not book Disney theme park vacations — I’ve never been to Disney, and I don’t believe in planning a type of trip I have no firsthand experience with. I also do not build custom land itineraries in Australia or New Zealand. I only book those destinations as part of a cruise or as a pre-determined group guided tour where the itinerary is already structured by trusted partners.

I also avoid destinations that are unsafe, unstable, or not welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. If something doesn’t meet my safety or quality standards, I’ll guide you toward better alternatives.

Cruise pricing varies depending on the cruise line, ship, cabin type, destination, season and how early you book. A typical 7-night Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise can range from $1,200–$3,500 per person for mainstream lines, and $3,500–$8,000+ for luxury lines. River cruises generally start around $4,000–$7,000 per person. I’ll compare options to find the best value and perks that meets your needs.

Italy is amazing year-round, but the best times for comfortable weather and lighter crowds are April–June and September–October. July and August are the hottest and most crowded, while winter is perfect for cities, food, and culture. I’ll help you choose dates that match your travel style.

The best safari months depend on the country, but in general, June–October is ideal for wildlife viewing because animals gather around water sources. Some countries have unique highlights, like the Great Migration in Tanzania/Kenya (July–September). I’ll recommend the perfect timing based on where you want to go.

Caribbean cruises sail year-round, but the best months for weather are December–April. Hurricane season runs June–November, but cruises still operate — and sometimes offer great pricing. I’ll guide you based on your comfort level and the experience you want.

European cruises operate mainly from April–October. The best months for weather and fewer crowds are May, June and September. July and August are great but busier and hotter.

To really enjoy Italy without rushing, I recommend 7–10 days minimum. If you want to see several cities, 10–14 days is ideal. Italy is best experienced at a slower, more intentional pace.

Luxury safaris usually range from $6,000–$15,000+ per person, depending on country, time of year, and lodge level. Safaris include accommodations, meals, game drives, guides, transfers and more — so while the price looks high, the value is incredible. I’ll help you choose the right lodge and itinerary for your budget.

Yes — when planned correctly and with reputable lodges, safaris are extremely safe. You’re guided by trained experts who know the wildlife and environment. I only book trusted partners with excellent safety records.

Renting a car is great for regions like Tuscany, Puglia, and Sicily where small towns are best explored by road. It’s not recommended for big cities like Rome, Florence or Venice. Unless you have experience driving in Italy previously, I generally don't encourage clients to rent a car because of the confusing traffic laws & traffic signs that you must understand.

Every trip and supplier has different cancellation policies. When we plan your trip, I’ll review all terms with you so you clearly understand deadlines, refunds, and fees. Travel insurance can often protect your investment if you need to cancel for covered reasons.

The bedbug outbreak that made the news was temporary and heavily exaggerated online. Paris hotels and tourism authorities took immediate action. Bedbugs can technically happen anywhere in the world, but they’re not a daily issue — and I only book reputable hotels with high cleanliness standards.

For international trips, booking 3–6 months in advance is ideal. For peak season (summer, holidays), aim for 6–9 months. Booking earlier gives you better pricing and better schedules.

For the best cabins, pricing, and perks, book 6–18 months in advance. River cruises and holiday sailings should be booked at least 2 years in advance to get the best price & the cabin you want. Last-minute deals do exist, but they’re usually limited in cabin choice and dates.

Pickpocketing can happen in any major city, and Barcelona and Paris are known hot spots simply because they’re busy, popular tourist destinations. You don’t need to be scared — you just need to be aware. The key is using basic precautions: keep valuables zipped and close to your body, avoid leaving your phone in your back pocket, and stay alert in crowded areas like metros, busy squares, and popular attractions.

I’ll give you simple safety tips before you travel so you know exactly what to expect and how to protect yourself. With a little awareness and simple precautions, you’ll be totally fine and can enjoy your trip without worrying about this.

Yes — travel insurance protects you financially if something unexpected happens. It can cover things like cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, missed connections and more. If you’re spending thousands on a trip, protecting it just makes sense. I legally cannot force you to purchase trip protection - but I highly recommend it.