We get a lot of great questions — and we love them. Here are the ones we're asked most often. If yours isn't here, please reach out and we'll be happy to help.
WHY BOOK WITH A TRAVEL AGENT?
Why should I book with you instead of doing it myself online?
We come from an Italian family where gathering together, really being together, is everything. That's what shaped how we think about travel. A great vacation isn't just a good deal or a nice hotel. It's the trip where your kids put down their phones, where your partner takes a breath, where your family feels close again in a way that day-to-day life doesn't always allow. That's what we're planning for. We bring 13 years of experience, personal travel knowledge, and genuine care to every booking — and our services are typically at no extra cost to you.
What makes Travel With The Finocchis different from other travel agents?
We're not here to just move bookings. We're here because we believe Canadian families are craving something they can't quite name: presence. Calm. The feeling of being away from the noise and genuinely with each other. Italian culture taught us that family is everything, and every trip we plan is rooted in that belief. We want your family to come home closer than when you left.
Does it cost more to book through a travel agent?
In most cases, no. Travel agents are paid by the resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators, not by you. There are some exceptions: we do have fee structures in place for flight-only bookings, very short hotel-only stays, and complex itineraries involving multiple transportation components. We'll always be upfront about this from the start so there are no surprises.
Will you help find promotions and deals?
We always look for promotions and apply them wherever possible. The honest truth is that some offers have short windows, specific deposit structures, or availability constraints that make them impossible to apply — for anyone, whether you booked yourself or through an agent. What we can always promise is that we'll look, we'll be transparent, and we'll never leave savings on the table without telling you. And if someone is promising you otherwise, that's worth a second look.
What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?
When you book yourself online and something goes wrong, you're on hold with a call centre. When you book with us, you call us. We advocate for you, work with suppliers on your behalf, and help find solutions. Your experience doesn't end when you leave home, and neither does our commitment to you.
Are you TICO registered?
Yes. We are TICO registered travel agents operating under Playcation Travel Ltd. of Toronto. TICO registration means we meet Ontario's consumer protection standards for the travel industry, giving you added peace of mind when booking with us.
BOOKING PROCESS
How do I get started?
Simply reach out via our contact page or email us at finocchi@playcationtravel.com. We'll have a real conversation about your family, your travel dreams, your budget, and what you're really hoping this trip feels like. Then we get to work.
How far in advance should I book?
For all-inclusive resorts we recommend 3-6 months ahead, especially around March Break, Christmas, and summer. For cruises and theme park vacations, 6-12 months gives you the best availability and pricing. That said, we can often find wonderful last-minute options too, just ask.
Do you serve clients outside of the Niagara region?
Absolutely. While we're based in Grimsby, Ontario and serve families across Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto, and Oshawa, we work with clients all across Canada: from Vancouver and Saskatchewan to Newfoundland. Everything can be handled remotely, and we include a personal web meeting before every trip so nothing gets missed.
CRUISES AND RESORTS
How do I know which resort is right for my family?
This is one of our favourite conversations to have. We ask about your family's ages, pace, interests, and, importantly, what you want your family to feel on this trip. Rested? Adventurous? Close? We match you to a resort we genuinely know and trust, not just one that's popular or on promotion.
Is a cruise right for our family?
Cruises are one of the best family vacation formats available. You unpack once, everything is included, and you wake up somewhere new every day. We're passionate sailors ourselves with personal experience across many leading cruise lines. First-time cruisers are very welcome. We'll walk you through everything so you board with confidence.
Do you book river cruises as well as ocean cruises?
Yes. We book both. Ocean cruises are wonderful for families and Caribbean sailings, while European river cruises tend to suit couples and adults looking for a slower, more immersive way to experience multiple destinations. We'll help you figure out which style fits your family best.
FOOD ALLERGIES AND ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
Can you help us travel safely with food allergies?
Absolutely! This is something we take very seriously, because our own children have these challenges. We specialise in helping families navigate food allergies at resorts, on cruise ships, and at theme parks. We know which properties have strong allergy protocols, how to communicate your needs with suppliers in advance, and what questions to ask before you ever book. No family should have to choose between safety and the joy of travelling together.
Are all-inclusive resorts safe for guests with severe food allergies?
It depends on the resort — which is exactly why having a knowledgeable travel agent matters. Some resorts have excellent allergy-aware kitchens and well-trained staff, while others are not well equipped. We'll only recommend properties we're confident can accommodate your family safely, and we'll help document your needs with the resort before you travel.
Can you help plan a vacation for someone with mobility needs or a disability?
Yes. Every family deserves to travel together, full stop. We ask the detailed questions that matter: room accessibility, pool and beach access, shore excursion options, medical facilities nearby. We find the right fit so that every member of your family, regardless of their needs, can be fully present and part of the experience.