The AYLI Design Process.
So you've decided to take a trip! Now what? Now the fun begins. Between the time you sign your service agreement and the time you travel, we'll move through the following steps together.
Complete Your Traveler Preference Survey
This is how you share what your perfect trip looks and feels like. We’ll dive into travel style, interests, preferred pace, and any must-do or must-avoid items. This works best if every traveler fills it out on their own (yes, even the youngsters) so everyone’s preferences are represented.
Review and Refine Your Travel Budget
Based on your survey, AYLI will break your budget down into flights, accommodations, transportation, pre-booked activities, and special meals. This early clarity ensures your trip aligns with your financial comfort zone and guides our recommendations for lodging and experiences.
Book Flights
With your itinerary taking shape, we identify flight options that balance convenience, timing, and value. You’ll receive clear booking details, including flight numbers, times, and class of travel, so you can confidently book the flights that make the most sense for you.
Neighborhood Research and Home Base Selection
The right home base can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Based on your travel preferences, you'll receive neighborhood briefs for our top 2–3 home base options, along with lodging recommendations for each.
Reserve Lodging
With your home base selected, AYLI takes care of all lodging reservations and room selections. We communicate directly with the hotel or villa’s management team to ensure your group’s expectations and needs are understood before you arrive. Depending on the property, we may even be able to secure some great perks!
Detailed Design
Now that we’ve built the framework, we can start filling in the creative details. Approximately six weeks before you depart, you’ll receive your Trip Guide. It includes critical destination information, practical travel tips, day-by-day itinerary recommendations, and restaurant suggestions that align with each day’s activities. Think of it as a travel book written just for you. After you’ve had a chance to review, we’ll schedule a meeting to go over questions, make adjustments, and flag any new can’t-miss experiences.
Book High Priority Experiences
AYLI itineraries are intentionally designed to allow lots of room for exploration, spontaneity, and flexibility, while giving you the information you need to be able to move through your trip seamlessly. We are, however, living in a world of timed tickets and intense crowd control, so it is essential to book your can't-miss experiences ahead of time. As with your lodging, AYLI handles this for you, balancing availability with other trip priorities (and energy levels).
Pack Smart
A few weeks before you leave, you'll receive a customized packing list based on the most likely weather at your destination and your planned activities. This will give you time to decide whether you need to purchase anything prior to your trip (without having to live with whatever Amazon can get you overnight).
Enjoy Your Adventure
From departure day to your final ride back to the airport, you have everything you need to confidently enjoy your trip. No "I don't know, what do you want to do today?" moments. No panicked bad restaurant choices. No trying to figure out which museums are open when or where the nearest pharmacy is. You're covered. Relax. Enjoy. (And if something does go awry, or you decide you want to mix things up, we are always available to provide on-trip support.)
Throughout this process, you're in charge but you're not alone. We're here to answer questions, adjust plans as your needs evolve, and ensure every element of your journey reflects your vision. Travel planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming—and it should be exactly As You Like It.