How I Work
Silicon Valley Travel runs every trip through the same four-stage process, from discovery call to landing back at SJC or SFO. Planning is complimentary, Signature Travel Network perks are included, and Gretchen Ode stays reachable on your direct line while you travel.
A Structured, Predictable Process
Every Silicon Valley Travel client moves through the same four phases. Gretchen tells you which phase you are in, what you owe, and what happens next.
Discovery Call
Gretchen books a 30-minute video or phone call to identify who is traveling, target dates, rough budget range, and the feel you want the trip to have. Silicon Valley Travel charges nothing for this call, and Gretchen will say so directly if a different agent is a better fit.
Research and Matching
Within 3 to 5 business days, Gretchen delivers two or three itinerary options priced end-to-end. Each option lists the resort, flight route (Hawaiian Airlines from SJC to Hawaii, Fiji Airways from SFO to Nadi, Air Tahiti Nui from SFO to Papeete, or the relevant carrier for Europe), airport transfers, and honest pros and cons.
Booking and Confirmation Packet
Once you pick a direction, Gretchen books flights, hotels, transfers, insurance, and pre-reservable dining. Silicon Valley Travel then issues one confirmation packet with every reservation number, address, check-in time, and Signature Travel Network amenity credit in a single document.
In-Trip Support
Gretchen stays reachable at (408) 982-7127 while you travel. Cancelled flights, missed connections, resort room mix-ups, weather delays: Silicon Valley Travel clients text one number and get a real person, not a support queue in another time zone.
What Silicon Valley Travel Planning Costs
Silicon Valley Travel planning is complimentary because Vincent Vacations and its supplier network pay commission when Gretchen books a trip. Your total cost matches the supplier's public rate, and Signature Travel Network amenities layer on top at no charge.
Planning Fee
Silicon Valley Travel charges no consultation fee, no research fee, and no booking fee. Discovery call, itinerary options, and confirmation packet cost nothing out of pocket.
Trip Cost
You pay exactly what Viking, AmaWaterways, Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger, or the resort chain publishes on their own site. Signature Travel Network perks are additive, not price-adjusted.
What Gets Added
Signature Travel Network members receive amenity credits at 1,300+ hotels, room upgrades when available, priority check-in, and Gretchen's direct number for in-trip support.
Is Silicon Valley Travel the Right Agent for You
Silicon Valley Travel Is a Great Fit If
- You want a Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Viking, AmaWaterways, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney Cruise, Caribbean, or Germany trip planned by a specialist who has personally traveled there
- You value Signature Travel Network room upgrades and resort credits more than saving $50 on a comparison site
- You want a direct number to text at (408) 982-7127 when a flight cancels mid-trip
- You would rather answer 10 targeted questions from Gretchen than compare 40 resorts yourself
- You expect a 90% repeat-client experience: Silicon Valley Travel earns 9 out of 10 clients back for the next trip
Silicon Valley Travel May Not Be the Best Fit If
- Price is the only factor and you are hunting the absolute cheapest option regardless of experience
- Every hotel, flight, and transfer is already booked and you just need someone to hand it off to
- Your destination falls outside Gretchen's specialty regions (Silicon Valley Travel refers these to trusted colleagues)
- You expect a reply at 2 a.m. Pacific on a Sunday for a trip departing four months from now
- You prefer to research every detail yourself and only want a booking-only service
Book the Discovery Call
Bring rough dates, who is traveling, and one or two destinations you are considering. Gretchen handles the rest during a 30-minute call at (408) 982-7127 or [email protected].