Dreaming of a trip but can't seem to get it off the ground? Overwhelmed? We get it!
Our approach to personal travel planning might just be your solution.
You, my travel enthusiast, get onboard with the idea of using a planner to lift your travel dreams off the ground. Maybe someone recommended us or you found us on your own...we're glad you're here! I'll send you a Client Inquiry where you can provide some basic information and then schedule a free consult or video call where I can hear all about your desired trip and get to know you better.
After our service agreement is signed, the planning begins. I will create an on-budget Custom Proposal that will include a schedule with flight and accommodation options that fit your overall desires. After receiving your feedback and further fine tuning the options, a Final Itinerary is created for your approval. Deposits are made toward the large trip components and we can all take a breather.
At this point, we are cruising at a high altitude; the big decisions have been made and you have a trip booked. You can sit back and relax for awhile, but I'm not on autopilot! I'll formulate a task list so nothing gets overlooked and you will hear from me on a periodic basis regarding unique activities, curated excursions, dinner suggestions, options for local transportation and travel insurance. As decisions are finalized, I'll continue to update your itinerary which you will have access to online and through a free mobile app...we can chat back and forth right from the trip page.
Just as the final approach is a critical and precise phase of flight, essential for the safe and accurate landing of aircraft, so too are the last few weeks leading up to your trip. I'll send you a pre-departure checklist and a trip-specific packing list so you don't forget an all-important detail. Meanwhile, I'll do a final review of the itinerary, process final payments to suppliers, and confirm arrival procedures with you (are you supposed to contact your driver when you land, where do you pick up the rental car or house keys, do you want to order an arrival package of groceries or a bottle of wine for the room?). Taking care of the last minute details will ensure you arrive prepared, stress-free and ready for anything!
Make Unforgettable Memories
Small Ship Cruise
From idyllic coastlines edged by magnificent sea caves and crystalline waters to historic old cities lined with cobblestone streets and rustic bars– there are a thousand reasons why cruising Croatia’s coast is the best way to experience a European summer.
All ships range from 32-40 passenger capacity and from standard to luxury categories. There is even a young adult category! We'll help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. If you would like the ship completely private for your group, we can also make that happen!
with Private Driver
Flying in and out of Edinburgh, Scotland's compact, hilly capital, you'll have time to explore on your own and with several guided tours, hand-picked to your interests: acquaint, educate, entertain or terrorize.
After a night's rest, your private driver will pick you up on day two for your custom Grand Tour. You'll head to the ancient Kingdom of Fife to explore the many royal connections and the historic seaside town of St. Andrews. Over the next five days, you'll make your way up to the majesty of the Highlands, Borders & islands of Scotland. From dazzling white beaches to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, our Grand Tour will live with you forever. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights and some hidden gems that many tourists never see.
Villa & Sail Combo
SVG is one of those rare destinations you can count on to take you off the grid and transport you to absolute peace in paradise. You'll fly to St. Vincent and take an hour long ferry ride over to Bequia for a private villa stay.
It is easy to explore its picture perfect beaches, burn calories during gorgeous hikes, visit excellent restaurants, and mingle at fun beach bars. Added bonus is the opportunity to visit neighboring islands. You'll enjoy two full-day sailing excursions to the nearby Grenadine islands Mustique and Tobago Cays, the first on a traditional sailing schooner, the second on a catamaran or a private 63 ft. sailing yacht. Interspersed are opportunities for diving, snorkeling, hiking, spa visits, and just pure relaxation.
using Public Transportation
You'll begin your trip seeing some of the highlights in Dublin and then make your way west using public transportation spending 3 nights in Dingle, 1 night in Ennis at Dromoland Castle Estate, and 3 nights in Galway City. This is a fantastic option for independent travelers and offers a very economical way of seeing the country.
Discover majestic cliffs, rugged mountains, wild landscapes, lively charming towns with cozy pubs featuring traditional culture and music, ruins of ancient castles and landmark historical spots. Get active with hiking, biking, kayaking and enjoy afternoon tea at a historic castle!
A Signature Destination
We like to say that Costa Rica is one big playground…known for its stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, it’s an ecotourist paradise. From treetop jungle hideaways to luxury resorts, adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has something for everyone.
However, with two coasts, a dry and green season, varying elevations, and two international airports, it can be hard to decide where to go and when. Signature Sojourns can work with you to understand your ideal vacation and design the perfect itinerary just for you!
Examples of our detailed itineraries...yours will be custom to your trip.
Hidden Gems
Skip the large resorts and immerse yourself in an authentic Caribbean experience. Each of the featured villas quietly boast a rustic island feel and represent a true labor of love by their Saint Lucian owners. The diverse history of Saint Lucia and it's melting pot of Carib, African, English, French and Dutch peoples make it a culturally rich mixture of language, cuisine, music, and dance along with winding roads, fishing villages, and plenty of lush greenery. This trip explores the best this island nation has to offer.
Rainforest Pampering
Stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, majestic waterfalls, a protected marine sanctuary, and a day cruise on a 100 ft. two mast wooden sailing ship are just some of the adventures that await while staying at a 5 star eco-friendly boutique hotel with luxury spa in the heart of the Central Coastal region of Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
Trip Planning Process
- Custom proposal with 2-3 accommodation options
- Custom itinerary planning, day-by-day detailed schedule
- Flight consultation & booking
- Transportation planning & booking (trains, car rentals, shared/private transfers)
- Lodging options, including Airbnb/VRBO & booking
- Restaurant recommendations & booking
- Excursion planning & booking
Trip Management Process
- 24/7 support for client emergencies with live updates to the itinerary for important changes
- Pre-departure checklist and trip specific packing list
- Optional Travel Insurance & Policy Filing within documents section of itinerary
- Optional International Medical Insurance & Policy Filing within documents section of itinerary
- Online, PDF and free App viewing of the itinerary (Android and iOS)
- Integrated communication with your planner (receive messages and send feedback within the App or online version)
- Post-trip check-in and feedback
Ready to find out more? Click on Client Inquiry for pricing and to get in touch.
When you book your trip with us, all members of your trip will receive access to the itinerary through our free app. All of your trip details are loaded: flights, local transport, accommodations, excursions, dinner reservations, maps, emergency information, links to tickets and confirmations. This powerful tool enhances your experience and keeps everyone organized. Our clients love it.
Margaret Gustafson - founder and principal travel planner. I am self employed as a human resources administrator. Years ago, I started booking custom travel experiences for friends and family and decided to turn my passion into a business.
From a bareboat sailing adventure in the Grenadines for 12, a multi-city trek through China with 2 children, a 7 person pilgrimage to Italy visiting historic and holy sites, a small group celebrating Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, and romantic couples trips in Europe, Central America, and French Polynesia, I have coordinated some amazing trips!
I'm a natural organizer and love to resolve all the details that come up as I work my way through an itinerary. My joy is to create a custom experience so that everyone's needs are met (including budget!) and to ensure that each day flows smoothly.
Finally, I'm not in this alone. My husband Joe provides invaluable resources both to myself and to our clients. Together, we make Signature Sojourns soar.
Joe Gustafson - general business advisor for Signature Sojourns. Joe brings expertise in executive world travel in Europe, China, and Costa Rica plus niche interests in SCUBA and deep sea fishing. As he generally keeps late hours, he is your go-to person for late night client emergency calls.
Signature Sojourns LLC is an independent agency affiliated with Travel Quest Network (TQN) which has a network of over 3,000 travel professionals. Through our association with TQN, we are able to obtain great rates and provide a high level of service. TQN is a Travel Leaders Network Associate and accredited by International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), and a member of American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Margaret is certified on Travefy software, an all-in-one solution for travel professionals to manage travel operations including beautiful proposals and itineraries, trip management, work flow and securely stored data.
Fun Facts:
We have 6 children, 3 sons-in-law, and 1 granddaughter.
Three of our daughters were married in 2023, within 5 months of each other. Talk about precision planning!
Which itinerary stands out as your favorite?
That's easy. I once planned a solo trip for the grandson of an Army WWII veteran who fought with the Allies in the Ardennes and The Battle of the Bulge, during the winter of 1944-45. The itinerary required a large amount of research and took my client through all of the important museums, monuments, battlefields, and cemeteries in Luxembourg and Bastogne, Belgium. It was truly a moving experience for him, walking in the footsteps of his Grandpa, a true American hero, and I was proud to play a small role in making it happen.
What are some unique aspects of your itineraries?
I'm a visual learner so I love to include maps. You'll find maps scattered throughout my work, wherever I feel they would be useful. I'll provide an interactive map for a walking tour or a train route, including all the stops; the client just needs to access and press Go! on their mobile device. Joe has commented how helpful this is when taking trains in China and figuring out how close he is to his stop.
Also, I'll always check with my client if they would like to attend their house of worship while traveling. This often involves getting in contact with someone local to find out the service times as websites don't always publish that information and then fitting it into the schedule and coordinating transportation. Besides providing an opportunity to authentically practice their faith, it can be a valuable cultural experience for travelers.
Why is Amelia Earhart quoted on your page?
Margaret lived in Earhart Residence Hall at Purdue University, named after Amelia Earhart, who was a Purdue career counselor and adviser to the Department of Aeronautics from 1935-1937. Earhart was recruited by then-President Edward Elliott, who was impressed by her spirit of adventure and her message to women. Purdue is home to the world's largest compilation of Earhart-related papers, memorabilia and artifacts. Joe and Margaret's 5th daughter just happens to be named Amelia.
What is the cost for your services?
We charge a planning fee which is based on the number of travelers and the length of the trip. Rates start at $35 per travel day for two people and there is special pricing for families and groups. During our free consultation, we will discuss your trip specific planning fee.
"We had a terrific vacation in Scotland thanks to Margaret. From start to finish, she was detailed, meticulous and thorough. With six travelers, it is difficult to “herd the cats” and make sure we all got to the places we wanted to go, but Margaret not only found a way to get to all the destinations, but she made attractions, hotel and dinner reservations as well. She booked us a driver and he was the highlight of the trip. She booked us with Heart of Scotland tours, and our driver and tour guide, Kevin, was an expert driver and historian who enhanced our trip with great detail and background of every site we visited. Each day of the trip was packed full of the sights and sounds of Scotland. We would never have been able to do this without Margaret’s expertise and hard work. As for me, I will consult Margaret on any future trips abroad, knowing they will be expertly planned and that we will get the most out of our trip!"
Mark R.
"We just completed our first trip to Scotland and our first experience in using a travel agency. Signature Sojourns far exceeded our expectations in planning and organizing our trip with two other couples. Every detail was meticulously planned with clear communication regarding options and costs. Margaret's insight made this trip enjoyable and stress-free. We never wanted for anything, having our own dedicated guide/driver, transportation, tours, hotel reservations, and dinner arrangements all made in advance and executed perfectly. This became even more remarkable after sharing experiences with other travelers we met who were having issues finding places to stay and to even eat due to fully booked hotels and restaurants. Margaret and Signature Sojourns did more than convince us of the value in having an expert plan your dream vacation. We will definitely be counting on her expertise in the future!"
Michelle S.
"We had such an incredible experience in Ireland on our "Cleats, Castles, and Coast" trip planned by Signature Sojourns! All our activities were so well-researched and catered exactly to the kind of experience we were hoping for. Our itinerary was the perfect mix of free time for exploring along with guided tours and suggested site-seeing. Margaret knew exactly what tours and activities needed to be pre-booked, especially during "busy season", and worked-in some optional activities, as well, so we could tailor every day to how we were feeling! All our hotels were amazing and had a fantastic location based on the activities we wanted to do in each city. We traveled from Dublin, to Dingle, to Ennis (Dromoland Castle), and then made our way to Galway; each train, bus, and driver were pre-booked with our tickets all linked as a pdf in the trip plans app, making travelling between these cities so stress-free! Our whole trip went seamlessly, and we could never have planned this amazing experience without Margaret!"
Caroline O.
"We had a fantastic trip to Santa Fe expertly planned by Margaret at Signature Sojourns. We enjoyed learning all abut the history of Santa Fe with a docent from the history museum. Also, Margaret booked us for a beautiful guided hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains outside Santa Fe and a guided tour of the Bandelier National Monument. Our itinerary was perfectly planned and was just the right amount of activity. Plus, Margaret's restaurant recommendations and bookings were wonderful so we got to enjoy Santa Fe's foodie scene and dine at some of the very best restaurants. It was our first visit to Santa Fe and it was beautifully planned." Lauren M.
This is your unique trip. The way you travel, how you connect and interact with your chosen destination is yours alone. We know that, and we’re here to listen. We work to your specifications and to transform your travel dreams into life enhancing moments. We always work within your budget and are not limited to high-end hospitality travel but thoughtfully provide a custom experience for you.
While every minute of your trip doesn't need to be pre-planned and you will want room for spontaneity, globally more restaurants are advising or requiring reservations and pre-booking of excursions so they can best plan to serve you. Balancing your days with a few scheduled events and downtime will ensure you won't be disappointed. How else are you going to get that incredible panoramic sunset view from the corner table on the patio unless you plan ahead?
This is where my human resources background and the years of foreign executive travel for Joe come into play: all the intricate details of your trip are very important to us. Shifting global security protocols and health landscapes require travelers to be more informed and prepared than ever. Utilizing technology advancements will enhance travel safety, aid navigation, access emergency services, and provide up-to-date information on your destination. We will research and communicate local travel requirements and encourage you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect your trip investment.
Your local transportation will be well-researched and, if at all possible, pre-arranged. We'll go over the ins and outs of car rentals and familiarize you with local driving laws and conditions. Our packing list will allow you to have essentials on hand for your particular trip. Do you really want to take precious vacation time looking for the closed toe water shoes for your rappelling excursion?
Our thoughtful approach takes every member of your party into consideration so that everyone returns home relaxed, full of happy memories. If you have children or grandchildren, we would love to involve them in the planning process, letting them choose among a few activities that interest them. We'll work with local guides to make cultural visits interactive and appealing to the younger crowd and encourage them to create a scrapbook from the trip that will become a cherished keepsake. Teens can learn to become confident travelers by learning the exchange rates and paying in the local currency, finding the correct train or bus, practicing their foreign language skills, and pushing boundaries by trying new things and stepping outside their comfort zone.
With careful planning, an open mind, and a spirit of adventure, travel can be a transformative and rewarding experience for all involved. Our mission is to help you create an unforgettable experience that exceeds the expectations of everyone in your group.
Margaret Gustafson
Joe Gustafson
Personal Travel Advisors
Signature Sojourns LLC
Email: signature.sojourns@jmgusto.com
Cell: +1 704-756-5168
Where Travel Dreams Take Flight