How I plan tailor-made trips at LastMinute.Life

At LastMinute.Life, I organise tailor-made trips, designed to make life easier for you and give you a real break, whether on the other side of the world or close to home. So how does it work in practice? Here are the main stages of the way I work, from first contact to your return.

1. Listening comes first

Everything starts with a conversation, by phone, video call or email: I work entirely remotely, with travellers all over France and abroad, in French and in English. You never have to travel to meet me.

I take the time to understand your wishes, your constraints and the way you like to travel. A cosy hotel or a local stay? Beaches, hiking, lively cities or complete calm? My aim is to capture your state of mind, not just your dates.

2. The budget, from the start

I always ask for a budget from our very first conversation. It is not a formality: it is what allows me to propose a realistic trip, rather than a list of ideas out of reach. Tailor-made travel is not reserved for big budgets. Above all, it is a way to avoid bad decisions, the kind that cost time and money once you are there.

3. The itinerary, before the quote

I first build a complete itinerary, with the stages, the accommodation under consideration and the real journey times. You approve it, ask me for adjustments, and we refine it together.

Only once the itinerary is settled do I draw up the quote. You are not comparing prices: you are approving a trip. The quote is valid for seven days, and my fees are built into the price of the services.

4. The bookings

Once the quote is accepted, a first deposit triggers the bookings. Ideally, it covers the flights and accommodation, which are the services to secure first. Payment can be made in one or several instalments, by bank transfer, bank card or chèques-vacances (French holiday vouchers).

I book and confirm everything myself, with the protection of an agency registered with Atout France, covered by a financial guarantee and professional liability insurance.

5. Before departure, everything is ready

About a month before departure, I send you your travel book: a programme organised as themed days rather than an hour-by-hour schedule, addresses, practical advice, and explanations for every check-in and check-out. It comes in digital form, with a printed version on request.

I also check you in online for your flights and send you the boarding passes.

6. During the trip

I remain reachable right up to departure. During your stay, you can choose the round-the-clock availability option: a direct line you can reach at any hour to deal with the unexpected from France, whether a delayed flight, a missed connection or accommodation that needs changing.

7. And afterwards?

When you get back, I love hearing from you. It is also how I keep improving my services, and it is often where future travel plans begin.

In short

• You have an idea, or simply want to get away.
• I listen, I propose an itinerary, then a quote.
• I book, and prepare your travel book and boarding passes.
• You leave with peace of mind, and I am there to make sure everything goes well.

To find out what sets a registered agency apart from a travel planner, I have written a full article. And all my services are on this page.