What makes you different from other travel consultants?

Jet Lag & Curry isn't built on commissions — it's built on expertise. Our advisory services are completely fee-based: you pay for our time and knowledge, and our recommendations don't change based on what you book or where you stay. That's rare in the travel industry, and it's the foundation of everything we do. We tell you the truth about what's worth your money and what isn't. That $500 omakase everyone raves about? We'll tell you if the $80 one down the street is better. We focus on confidence-building and cultural understanding, not just logistics. Learn more about How We Work.

How does the consultation work?

It depends on which service you choose, but every engagement starts with understanding what you actually want from your trip – not what you think you should want. We listen to your interests, concerns, and travel style, then share specific recommendations based on our personal experiences. We're not reading from guidebooks; we're sharing places we've actually been and people we actually know.

Do you book things for me or just advise?

It depends on what you need. Our core service is advisory — we give you the expertise, and you make your own bookings. But Kevin is also an independent travel advisor through Fora Travel, which means he can handle hotel and travel bookings directly when that's helpful. When he does, a standard commission is paid by the hotel — not by you. He'll always be upfront about when that's the arrangement. See how it all works.

What if I’m already working with a Travel Agent?

That's great — we love working alongside agents. JL&C's advisory expertise and a travel agent's booking capabilities are genuinely complementary. We can give you the deep Asia knowledge your agent may not have, while they handle the logistics they specialize in. And if you ever want Kevin to handle bookings directly through Fora, that's an option too. Let's talk through the best setup for your trip on a Discovery Call.

How do I know you really know these places?

Numbers don't lie: we’ve collectively visited Japan, Thailand and Singapore more than 65 times over the past 15+ years. And the photos in our gallery are from our travels. But more importantly, we don't just visit – we live these destinations. We've built relationships with chefs, discovered neighborhood gems that locals guard as secrets, and yes, we've made plenty of mistakes so you don't have to. Our pop-up dining experiences featuring authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine aren't just for fun – they're proof that we understand these cultures deeply enough to recreate them at home.

What if something goes wrong during my trip?

We help you prepare for success with guidance on travel insurance and pre-trip planning to minimize surprises. For true emergencies, you'll need to rely on local authorities and your own resources – we're based in the U.S. and don't have emergency contacts on the ground. But for smaller trip mishaps, our Bespoke clients get real-time problem-solving support, while other service levels can reach us via email (though there may be some delay). We've been known to help identify last-minute reservations and navigate unexpected closures from afar.

Why should I pay for advice when I can research online?

Because we've already done years of research, made the mistakes, and built the relationships. The internet will tell you about the famous ramen shop; we'll tell you about the tiny place next door that's actually better and has no line. We save you time, money, and disappointment. Plus, cultural context matters – knowing how to behave, what to expect, and how to show respect makes all the difference between being a tourist and being welcome.

What if I don't like your recommendations?

We're always happy to revise and provide alternatives. Our advice is based on our most recent knowledge, but Asia is dynamic and not everything is guaranteed. We love getting feedback and will work with you to customize future suggestions based on what we learn together. In rare cases of significant dissatisfaction, we'll work with you to find a fair solution.

Do you only work with first-time Asia travelers?

Not at all. We work with nervous first-timers, seasoned travelers wanting to level up their game, business travelers adding personal experiences to work trips, and food lovers seeking the ultimate culinary adventure. If you want insider access to the Asia we know and love, we can help regardless of your experience level.

What countries do you cover? Only Asia?

Our deepest expertise is in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore – the places we've spent the most time and built the strongest networks. We can also provide guidance for other Southeast Asian destinations, but we're upfront about where our knowledge is strongest. We'd rather be honest about our limitations than give you mediocre advice. We have also traveled extensively in Europe and other regions, so feel free to reach out and we can give you a few tips - especially our dining favorites! - or see how our services might be tailored.

For bookings outside Asia, Kevin can often help through his Fora affiliation — just ask.

How far in advance should I book with you?

For casual trips, 2-4 months gives us plenty of time to craft great recommendations. If serious fine dining is a priority (especially in Japan), 4-6 months is ideal for securing those impossible reservations. But we're flexible – we've helped people secure outstanding sushi reservations with just 48 hours' notice. Our motto: "order matters." If fine dining is important, book restaurants first, then hotels, then flights. We can always get creative with shorter timelines.

Do you work with families traveling with children?

Absolutely! We've personally traveled extensively in Asia with kids ages 5-15, and Asia can be incredibly family-friendly when you know what to expect. Many parents think they need to wait until their children are older, but that's simply not true. From kid-friendly gyoza shops in Tokyo to cooking classes in Thailand, there are amazing experiences designed for families. We'll help you navigate cultural considerations, find accommodations that work for families, and discover activities that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Plus, we know which experiences to skip with little ones and which ones will create lifelong memories.