Frequently Asked Questions
What is From Your Friend?
From Your Friend is a luxury concierge and curated lifestyle guide offering bespoke travel planning and exclusive recommendations. Think of me as your well-traveled friend—here to share the best of the best, save you hours of research, and help you make the most of your time away.
What services do you offer?
From Your Friend offers à la carte and full-service travel planning, all designed to make your trip feel thoughtful, elevated, and effortless:
Complimentary Hotel Bookings – If you already know where you'd like to stay, I'm happy to handle the reservation at no charge—no minimum budget required, and you'll receive VIP perks when available.
Hotel Lookbook – Not sure where to stay? I’ll curate a personalized lookbook with four hotel options tailored to your preferences and trip goals. Then I’ll assist with your booking. (Requires a minimum nightly budget of $400.)
Curated Lists – Based on your destination and interests, I’ll create a personalized list of recommendations—covering where to eat, what to do, and what not to miss.
Full-Service Planning – A comprehensive, door-to-door experience. Includes flight suggestions, hotel research and reservations, on-the-ground transportation (transfers, car services, etc.), dining reservations, and a fully customized day-by-day itinerary.
How does the monthly retainer work for frequent travelers?
For friends who are always on the go, the monthly retainer offers ongoing, concierge-level support tailored to your pace of life. It includes:
Unlimited hotel research and bookings
Dining reservations and curated restaurant guidance
Flight suggestions based on ideal timing and routing
Flight booking (available when flying business class or higher)
This service is especially well-suited for business professionals or anyone who travels frequently for work and wants a seamless, elevated experience with every detail handled thoughtfully and efficiently.
Available by referral only. Please inquire directly to confirm availability.
Can you book hotels for me?
Yes! Whether you already have a hotel in mind or need help finding the perfect one, I can take care of the booking and ensure you receive the best perks possible through my travel partner network. I also offer personalized hotel recommendations based on your style and trip goals.
Note: For curated hotel recommendations, I require a minimum budget of $400/night. If you’ve already selected your hotel, I’m happy to assist with booking at any budget.
Do you book flights?
At this time, I do not typically book flights. However, for full-service planning, I’m happy to suggest flight options that best align with your itinerary—considering timing, number of stops, and overall convenience—so your transfers are smooth and your trip feels seamless from the start.
In certain cases, I may be able to assist with booking business class or higher, depending on the airline and route. While flight booking is included in the monthly concierge service, I may also be able to assist outside of that on a case-by-case basis. It’s best to inquire directly for availability and details.
I also take care of all on-the-ground transportation, including airport transfers, hotel pickups, and any car service needed throughout your stay.
Do I need to book a full trip with you to get recommendations?
Not at all! That’s the beauty of à la carte services. Whether you’re looking for just a list of restaurant recommendations or a custom itinerary, I’ll tailor it to exactly what you need.
How far in advance should I reach out to plan a trip?
The earlier, the better!
• For full-service planning, I recommend getting in touch at least 4–6 weeks before your departure.
• For à la carte services, 2–3 weeks in advance is usually ideal.
That said, if you’re planning something last-minute, feel free to reach out. If I have availability, I’ll always do my best to accommodate.
How long does it take to receive my recommendations or itinerary?
All services are thoughtfully crafted and require a minimum of 5 business days to complete.
Here’s a breakdown:
Hotel Lookbook: minimum 5 business days
Curated List (cafés, restaurants, etc.): minimum 5 business days
Recommendations Guide: minimum 5 business days
Custom Itinerary: 7–10 business days
Rush options may be available for an additional fee.
How does pricing work?
All services are custom and priced based on the scope of your trip. To ensure each experience is thoughtfully tailored, I offer quotes on a case-by-case basis.
Please inquire directly to receive a personalized proposal based on your travel needs, timeline, and preferences.
All services are currently referral-only.
How do I get started?
You can fill out a short inquiry form via the contact page or email me at kristiana.bashian@fora.travel. From there, I’ll follow up with next steps and a quick questionnaire to get to know your travel style better.
Please note you MUST include the name of who referred you in order to hear back.
What makes From Your Friend different from a travel agency or guidebook?
Every recommendation is handpicked, deeply researched, and curated with you in mind. I blend personal experience with insider insight so that your trip feels custom—not copy-paste. It’s thoughtful, elevated, and always from someone who genuinely cares—because that’s what friends are for.
Do you only plan luxury trips?
While I lean luxe, I always consider your unique preferences and budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a five-star resort or a charming boutique hotel, I’ll help you find the best version of your ideal trip.