Frequently asked questions

We plan and book luxury hotel stays and cruises around the world, from a single special-occasion stay to a multi-stop journey. We recommend where to stay and explain why, book it for you with preferred partner benefits, then stay in touch with each property before you arrive so your preferences and perks are in place.

No. Curated Vacations is independent: we have no packages to sell, no sales targets to meet and no supplier we're obliged to favour, so every recommendation is chosen for you. Our affiliation with Fora is what gives us access - more than 5,000 preferred properties worldwide, through programs including Virtuoso, Accor HERA, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hyatt Privé, Marriott STARS & Luminous, IHG Destined, Hilton for Luxury, Rosewood Elite, Belmond Bellini Club, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For you, that typically means breakfast, hotel or resort credits, and upgrades, early check-in or late check-out when available, generally at the same rate as booking direct.

No. We're based in Sydney, but we work with clients across Australia and overseas. Almost everything happens by email and WhatsApp, so where you live makes no difference.

Fill in our short trip enquiry form, or email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us where you're thinking of going, when, and who is travelling. We reply within 24 hours.

No. We're just as happy to book a single night as a month-long journey. Our expertise is in luxury and upper-upscale hotels and cruises, so that's where we add the most value.

As early as you can. Popular resorts, school holidays, festive season and cruises can book out 9 to 12 months ahead, and the best rooms go first. For most trips, three to six months is comfortable. We can still help closer to the date, with fewer options.

No. We don't charge planning or booking fees. Rates through our preferred partner programs are generally the same as the hotel's comparable flexible rate when you book direct, with benefits added. Occasionally a hotel's own prepaid, non-refundable rate is cheaper; if so, we'll tell you so you can choose.

Hotels and cruise lines pay a commission on completed travel. It's paid to Fora, our host agency, and shared with us. It's already part of the rate, so it doesn't add to your cost, and it doesn't decide what we recommend.

The supplier, directly. We don't take or hold client money. Most hotel stays are paid at the hotel, and some rates are charged by the hotel or cruise line in advance. Where a card is needed to guarantee a booking, we send you a secure link to Fora's card vault, and the details go only to that hotel. Please never send card numbers by email or WhatsApp. More in our Booking Terms.

Usually the hotel's or cruise line's own currency. Any Australian dollar figures we give are estimates, and your card provider may add its exchange margin or international transaction fees.

It depends on the hotel and program, but typically daily breakfast for two, a hotel or resort credit, a room upgrade when available, and early check-in or late check-out when available. Some programs add extras such as welcome amenities or a complimentary night on longer stays. We confirm what applies before you book.

Fixed benefits such as breakfast and credits are provided as the program describes. Upgrades, early check-in and late check-out depend on availability on the day, so they can't be promised, but we always request them in advance.

In most cases, yes. Bookings under the major chains' luxury programs, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG and Accor, are generally treated like direct bookings, so you earn points and your status is recognised. Some brands, such as Four Seasons, have no points program. We'll confirm for your booking and make sure your membership number is attached.

Usually not, because benefits are tied to bookings made through a preferred partner. If your existing booking is fully refundable, we can check whether rebooking through us would give you the benefits at the same or a similar rate.

Yes. Our Self-Book portal lets you browse and book participating hotels with preferred partner benefits, whenever it suits you. New clients sign up here; existing clients can go straight to the portal. We still look after every portal booking.

Yes. We book ocean, river, yacht and expedition cruises, with preferred partner benefits where available, such as onboard credit or a cabin upgrade.

Not at the moment. You book flights directly with the airline or your preferred provider. If you travel on points, we're happy to share what we know about reward seats and help you look for availability, then align your hotel dates with your flights.

Yes. Our itineraries include restaurant and experience recommendations chosen for your hotel's location and your interests. Many can be arranged through the hotel's concierge, and we can coordinate this before you arrive.

Yes, and we don't charge for our time in making changes. What is possible, and any cost, depends on the supplier and the rate. We'll tell you the outcome before acting. See our Booking Terms for details.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance from the day you book. We don't sell or advise on insurance, so please choose a policy that suits you and read the Product Disclosure Statement.

Entry rules depend on your nationality, so the final check sits with you - but you won't be doing it alone. For Australian travellers, every itinerary we prepare includes the Smartraveller page for each destination, and if we spot anything that needs early attention, such as a visa or an electronic travel authority, we'll let you know well ahead of time.

Tell the hotel or supplier straight away, and message us at the same time on WhatsApp or email so we can step in. In an emergency, contact local emergency services first. Australians overseas can also call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Carefully. We follow recognised security practices and take sensible steps to protect your details, including multi-factor authentication, encrypted devices and secure links for card details, which never sit in our own systems. We collect only what a booking needs, never share client documents as public links, and never sell your information. Our Privacy Policy has the details.

Rather than storing your details in a separate system we'd build ourselves, our enquiry and sign-up forms use Fora's secure platform, which is designed for traveller information. What you enter goes straight there.