Not every story we share is about dreamy landscapes or seamless journeys.
Sometimes, the hardest part of being a travel designer isn’t about where — it’s about who.
Because behind every itinerary lies a relationship.
And when that relationship is grounded in trust, the work is transformative.
But when trust is absent, it weighs heavier than any suitcase.
💔 When Passion Meets Mistrust
Recently, we were engaged to craft a private 17-day journey through to the remote South America for a solo traveler. Every detail — from premium accommodations and private guides to accessibility arrangements — was thoughtfully considered and tailored.
We poured ourselves into the planning, as we always do.
But instead of collaboration, we received a wave of emails laden with suspicion.
There were no questions — only conclusions.
No space for dialogue — just declarations.
Our guides were called “ignorant.”
Our work dismissed as a “hard sell.”
Our pricing labelled “plucked from the air.”
And perhaps most painful — the accusation that we were dishonest in our intentions.
For a business built on trust, this wasn’t just disappointing. It was deeply hurtful.
Because integrity is everything in what we do.
Without it, there is no foundation. No partnership. No meaningful journey.
To be accused of something we are not — of acting without honesty or care — shook that foundation more than any logistical challenge ever could.
😞 The Emotional Cost of Caring
What many don’t see is the emotional labour behind what we do.
We’re not simply booking hotels or managing schedules.
We’re caring — deeply — about someone else’s time, dreams, and sense of safety in an unfamiliar place.
We agonise over potential flight delays and ferry timings, call guides in remote towns to ensure they’re the right match, and vet every property for comfort, charm, and alignment with our clients’ values.
We act with integrity in every decision — because our clients trust us with something precious.
So when that effort is met not with conversation, but accusation — it doesn’t just sting.
It wounds.
Because it’s not just our process being questioned — it’s our character.
🧯 Why We Stepped Away
After delivering the full proposal as promised, we made the difficult decision to respectfully step away from the project.
Not because we couldn’t handle feedback — we welcome thoughtful dialogue.
Not because we are unwilling to improve — we grow with every engagement.
But because the foundation of mutual trust and integrity was no longer there.
And without that, no itinerary — no matter how well designed — can truly succeed.
Stepping away wasn’t a reaction. It was a boundary.
A necessary one — to protect the heart of our work and the values we stand for.
🌿 What We Learned
We learned that professionalism is not just about delivering high-quality work.
It’s about staying rooted in integrity, even when it’s tested.
We learned that boundaries are not barriers — they are prerequisites for excellence.
That walking away, though painful, is sometimes the most respectful choice — for both sides.
And we were reminded that our work is relational, not transactional.
We’re not here to win bids or out-quote the market.
We’re here to connect, co-create, and serve with honesty and care.
Because our work begins where the transaction ends.
And the best journeys are built not just with expertise — but with trust and integrity at every step.
💬 A Note to Future Clients
If you’re looking for someone who will consider every detail so you can travel without worry…
If you’re seeking more than a booking agent — someone who designs with intuition, thoughtfulness, and care…
If you value mutual respect, honesty, and want to build a journey together…
We’d love to work with you.
But if you’re looking solely for the cheapest quote, the fastest turnaround, or a transactional exchange without trust — we may not be the right fit.
Because the best travel experiences aren’t built from checklists.
They’re built from connection, shared values, and integrity.
And we serve best when our cup is full — ready to design something extraordinary for the next deserving traveller.