Tanya Dagan 10/8/24 Tanya Dagan 10/8/24

ETIAS: Your Ticket to Europe in 2025

Everything You Need to Know About ETIAS: Your Ticket to Europe in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, there’s a new travel requirement you need to know about: ETIAS—the European Travel Information and Authorization System. While it might sound a bit intimidating, ETIAS is here to make travel both smoother and safer for everyone. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization that will be mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others, starting in 2025. It’s not a visa, but rather a quick online pre-screening that aims to boost security across Europe. By checking travelers before they arrive, the European Union can better manage who enters the Schengen Area—a group of 30 European countries with no internal border checks.

How Does ETIAS Work?

Applying for ETIAS is straightforward. If you’re planning a trip to Europe for business, tourism, or even just a layover, you’ll need to:

Fill Out an Online Form: You’ll provide information like your name, passport details, and travel plans. This takes only about 10 minutes!
Pay a Small Fee: The ETIAS application costs around €7, and it’s free for travelers under 18 and over 70.
Receive Your Approval: Most applications will be approved within minutes. Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Why is ETIAS Being Introduced?

The main goal of ETIAS is to enhance security. By having travelers apply in advance, authorities can screen individuals before they enter the Schengen Area, preventing any potential security risks. It’s part of Europe’s effort to keep borders open while ensuring that all travelers are safe.

Do You Need ETIAS?

If you’re from a country that currently doesn’t need a visa to visit Europe for short stays, then yes, you’ll need an ETIAS authorization from 2025 onward. This applies to visits of up to 90 days for purposes like tourism, business, or even family visits.

Final Thoughts

ETIAS is just a small step to help make sure your European adventure is all about having fun, creating beautiful memories, and experiencing everything this amazing continent has to offer. When you’re planning your next big trip, just hop online, get your ETIAS taken care of, and you’re all set!

Tanya Dagan 10/8/24 Tanya Dagan 10/8/24

Why Use a Travel Agent?

We Know What You Don’t Know About Travel

What constitutes an expert? An expert is someone who has mastered their craft and has extensive knowledge on a particular topic, usually knowledge that extends well beyond public understanding. Travel has become such a complex beast, that it requires expertise on multiple levels. This is where travel advisors come in. Advisors have taken the time and effort to master their trade, even while the information is ever-changing. There are many things beyond public knowledge that are necessary to know, which means that travel advisors know things that you aren’t even aware you need to know about travel. Here are five things that advisors are well-versed in and ready to assist you with when it comes to all things travel.

Time versus Money

There is a delicate balance that should be met between time and money. It is easy to spend (dare we say waste) too much time researching and planning travel on your own. When it comes to money, the same is true ... it’s easy to spend more money than is necessary because you aren’t even aware of where or how to spend it. When you invest in the work of an advisor, you’ll gain back precious time, and they will be able to get you the most bang for your buck.

Risk versus Reward

This is a dangerous balance! Some things are simply not worth the risk, so why even chance it? Travelers love the idea of getting great rewards when traveling (like saving money on air tickets, but at the cost of canceled flights, missing layovers, and too many other risks). Travel experts know when and how to take the appropriate action, always balancing risk and reward to get you the best experience possible.

DIY versus VIP

Then there’s the do-it-yourselfers. No one is questioning their ability to create a cool trip or stick to a budget, but at what cost? Advisors can often secure extra benefits, even things like VIP status for their clients, all while creating a cool trip and sticking to the budget. It’s all about who you know! (You know a great travel advisor!)

Suggestions versus Requirements

This is a tough lesson that we hope you never have to learn. Perhaps a friend or an internet search told you certain paperwork or testing is a suggestion… but what happens when it turns out to be a requirement? Part of the job of a travel advisor is to know the difference between the two as it applies to your trip! Don’t guess,

be certain.

High Season versus Low Season

Do you know when the best time is to visit your next destination?

Your travel advisor does. Certain times of the year may have a lower cost, but at the expense of terrible weather or big crowds. Or the opposite could be true: popular dates with nice weather and lower crowds could have a higher price tag. How are you supposed to know what dates to choose? You don’t have to! Instead, rely on your advisors’ expert destination knowledge to strike the perfect balance and find you the best time to visit.

All in all, there is simply too much to consider and too much information to know. It’s okay, trust us! We’re here to make sense of it all, then translate it into your perfect vacation experience.

Tanya Dagan 8/27/24 Tanya Dagan 8/27/24

Why I Avoid Using Third-Party Booking Sites

Ever wonder why third-party booking sites often offer the best deals? There’s usually a catch, and more often than not, it’s hidden in the fine print. I learned this lesson the hard way during a past vacation, before I became a travel agent. Now that I have more insight, I want to share my experience to help others avoid similar issues.

My sister and I decided to take a trip to Virgin Beach and stay at an oceanfront hotel. We were searching online for the “best deal” for a hotel with a restaurant on-site and free parking, all while sticking to a budget. We eventually found a deal on Booking.com, a site many of you have probably heard of. Booking the room was easy, and we were all set for a three-night stay.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were thrilled with our room. It had two queen beds, a living area, a kitchenette, and a patio door that led right out to the beach. It felt like the perfect getaway. The first night was great, and we eagerly planned a relaxing beach day for the following day.

But the next morning, as we were getting ready to hit the beach, there was a knock on our door. It was housekeeping, informing us that we needed to check out for the next guests. I was completely puzzled—I had booked the room for three nights. However, the housekeeper explained that we were only booked in that room for one night and that another party had reserved it for the next night.

Confused, I called the front desk, only to be told that while we were indeed booked for three nights, the reservation had us switching rooms after the first night. The second room wouldn’t be ready until 4 PM, the standard check-in time. This left us in a lurch, wondering what to do with all our belongings in the meantime. Frustrated, we ended up staying in the first room until the second one was ready, losing valuable beach time in the process.

When we finally moved to the new room, it was on the 15th floor and only had a king bed—something far from ideal for two people. Though we managed, it was not the experience we had hoped for.

As we checked out at the end of our trip, I asked the front desk what had happened. They explained that when booking through a third-party site, the system might assign you different rooms for different nights if the same room isn’t available for the entire stay. This information was, of course, buried in the fine print on Booking.com. How many of us actually read through every detail in the fine print when booking a trip? I usually just check the cancellation policy, assuming everything else is straightforward. Clearly, that wasn’t the case here.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: third-party booking sites might offer cheaper rates, but they come with hidden risks. Moving forward, I’ve resolved to:

Never recommend third-party booking sites for travel planning.
Always book directly with hotels and airlines.

By doing so, you can avoid the unexpected surprises and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.

Tanya Dagan 4/26/24 Tanya Dagan 4/26/24

Essential Tips for Your First Universal Orlando Vacation

Many travelers visit Orlando, Florida, to experience Disney, but often miss out on the equally thrilling Universal Orlando Resort. If you're considering a trip here for the first time, it can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate this exciting destination, here are a few tips for a memorable Universal Orlando vacation.

Explore Three Unique Theme Parks

Universal Orlando boasts three distinct parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Universal Studios features iconic movie set replicas and attractions like Diagon Alley, The Mummy Returns, and the Hogwarts Express. Islands of Adventure offers adventures in Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, and more. For water enthusiasts, Volcano Bay welcomes you with exhilarating water slides.

Choosing Your Tickets - Single Park or Park-to-Park?

To experience the Hogwarts Express, which travels between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you'll need a Park-to-Park ticket. This is essential for Harry Potter fans wanting to fully immerse in both magical worlds.

Universal Express Pass vs. Universal Unlimited Express

The Express Pass allows you to skip regular lines once per ride per day at most attractions, while the Unlimited Express Pass offers multiple skips per ride each day. Consider upgrading to an Unlimited Pass through your travel advisor, or enjoy it as a complimentary benefit if you stay at one of Universal’s premier hotels.

Choosing Between On-Site and Off-Site Hotels

Universal has hotels for every budget and preference, categorized into Value, Preferred, and Premier. Value hotels like Universal’s Endless Summer Resort offer budget-friendly options with easy access to Volcano Bay. Preferred hotels, such as Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort, offer additional conveniences like water taxi services. Premier hotels provide luxurious amenities, closest proximity to the parks, and complimentary Universal Unlimited Express Pass.

Exciting Ticket Add-Ons

Enhance your visit with various ticket add-ons like the Marvel Character Dinner, photo packages, and VIP experiences. These extras can make your vacation even more special, so ask your travel advisor for more details.

Dining Plans and Options

While you can't make advanced dining reservations as you can at Disney, Universal offers dining plans that are versatile across several locations. Purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup for unlimited refills on beverages throughout your visit. Also, feel free to bring your own snacks or explore numerous snack carts throughout the parks.

Experience City-Walk

This bustling hub offers dining, shopping, and nightlife right in the heart of Universal. Highlights include Hard Rock Café, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Don’t miss out on grabbing some treats at VooDoo’s Donuts.

Activities for Younger Children

Universal is not just for teens and adults; there are plenty of attractions suitable for younger children too. Enjoy rides like Pteranodon Flyers in Jurassic Park, explore Seuss Landing, or visit Woody Woodpecker’s Kids Zone. The park also offers a child swap service on many rides, which is convenient for families with small children.

What to Bring to the Park

Travel light to ease your day. Essential personal items can be stored in lockers available throughout the parks. Remember, most rides do not allow bags, and all bags are checked by security.

Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor

Booking your tickets through a travel advisor not only ensures early park access, similar to on-site hotel guests, but also provides expert guidance and planning.

Ready to plan your Universal Orlando adventure? Contact me today to start organizing an unforgettable vacation!

Tanya Dagan 12/3/23 Tanya Dagan 12/3/23

Winter Travel

TRAVELING FROM ONE CLIMATE TO ANOTHER

The winter season is a great time for a change of scenery. Some travel during the winter to reconnect with family and friends, while others travel for fun and relaxation. Whatever your reason, packing for such a trip can pose quite a few challenges! We’ve all heard stories of people getting to their destination but leaving their bathing suit behind (it was probably packed away with their summer clothes!) or watched someone try to cram their heavy winter coat into the overhead bin on a plane.

Here are a few tips and tricks for packing for dual-climate success!

Plan Ahead, Invest or Rent Heading off to the slopes?

Consider renting your gear rather than lugging it cross-country and through airports. Trading snow shoveling for playing in the sand? Investing in a packable winter coat is great for quickly and easily adding your warm coat to a check bag before sending it on the belt, plus it’ll be small enough to tuck away on vacation and not have it taking up so much real estate in your suitcase.

Layers Are Your Friend, Friend

Cold to warm or warm to cold, dress in layers on your travel days. Full-zips and items that are easy to put on/take off will save you from elbowing your neighbor on the plane. Make sure your carry-on has enough space for your removed layers, so that you don’t accidentally leave your favorite sweater at the gate.

Wear Shoes, Pack Your Sandals

What’s the lesser of 2 evils: walking barefoot through security (Eww.) or having to juggle your carry-ons and find a seat to re-tie your shoes? While neither is fun, it’s a good idea to save the space and weight in your bags and wear your heaviest shoes at the airport. If you’re going from cold to warm, consider tossing a cheap pair of flip flops in your carry-on.

Don’t Overpack

Easier said than done, we know. Start with a great packing list, and fight the urge to “just throw one more thing” in. We both know if it doesn’t fit today, it’s not magically going to be more comfortable on vacation, so just put it back. Having pieces that are great for mixing and matching and are wrinkle-free is key for saving space.

Success Lies In A Well-Planned Carry-On

Savvy travelers already know to throw valuables and medications in their carry-on. Taking a slightly larger bag to take just a few extras can make all the difference. No one wants their luggage to get lost; even the most amazing travel advisors can’t keep it from happening. So having a few essentials on hand is a dream. Plus, it helps with those other situations like spilling your coffee on yourself or getting caught in a rainstorm. Always throw an extra outfit as well as basic hygiene items in your carry-on: undies, t-shirt, makeshift pajamas, toothbrush, deodorant, soap. Better to have it and not need it than be the weirdo sitting by the pool in jeans and a sweatshirt with a giant coffee stain on it from 2 days ago because your bags got lost.

Now go and enjoy your winter getaway!

When you plan ahead and pack accordingly, all you have to worry about is what time to hit the slopes or finding the perfect poolside lounger. We hope this helps you travel with ease - all that’s left is to get your trip on the books! We want to know: where do you want to go this winter? Schedule a complimentary vacation consultation with us to get started!

Tanya Dagan 8/31/23 Tanya Dagan 8/31/23

US Virgin Islands

Discover Your Dream Getaway!

Welcome, wanderlust seekers, to a destination that's nothing short of a tropical Eden – the mesmerizing US Virgin Islands! If you've been yearning for a blissful escape where turquoise waters meet powdery white sands, where vibrant culture intertwines with untouched nature, then look no further. Let's embark on a virtual journey to this Caribbean jewel, perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

St. Thomas – Where Luxury Meets History

Picture yourself on the glamorous island of St. Thomas, where sophisticated resorts and breathtaking views abound. The bustling port of Charlotte Amalie welcomes you with open arms. Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through the charming alleys lined with colonial architecture and intriguing boutiques. Don't miss the chance to take in the panoramic vista from the mountaintop at Drake's Seat – it's a memory you'll cherish forever.

St. John – Nature's Sanctuary

For nature enthusiasts, St. John is an unspoiled paradise. Home to the pristine Virgin Islands National Park, this island boasts lush trails, hidden coves, and beaches that seem to have been plucked from a postcard. Trunk Bay's underwater snorkeling trail invites you to explore an underwater wonderland, while the Annaberg Sugar Plantation offers a glimpse into the island's rich history.

St. Croix – A Blend of Cultures

Dive into the unique cultural tapestry of St. Croix, the largest of the three islands. Wander through the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, where Danish influence is evident in every cobblestone street and pastel-painted building. Taste the fusion of flavors in the local cuisine, influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. And don't forget to raise a toast with some locally distilled Cruzan Rum – a true taste of the islands.

Sailing the Turquoise Waters

Ahoy, adventurers! Set sail on the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, a playground for water enthusiasts. Charter a boat or join a guided tour to explore the islands from a different perspective. Dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or simply relish the feeling of the warm breeze as you glide across the waves.

The Allure of Island Time

In the US Virgin Islands, time moves at its own pace – a rhythm that encourages you to slow down, unwind, and savor each moment. Whether you're soaking up the sun on a pristine beach, sipping a refreshing cocktail by the shore, or dancing to the beat of live calypso music, you'll find that the islands' spirit is as invigorating as it is soothing.

Capture Your Memories

Prepare your camera to capture sunsets that ignite the sky in shades of gold and pink, encounters with sea turtles in their natural habitat, and vibrant carnival celebrations that embody the heart and soul of the islands.

Are you ready to embark on a journey to the US Virgin Islands? Let the enchanting blend of culture, nature, and relaxation embrace you in its warm embrace. Your dream escape is just a plane ticket away – let's make it a reality!

Book Your US Virgin Islands Adventure Today!

Tanya Dagan 4/2/23 Tanya Dagan 4/2/23

PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Congrats, you’re going on vacation!

We are just as excited about your upcoming trip as you are, and we want to help you keep riding that high by addressing a major stressor that is often overlooked: preparing to leave for vacation. As much as we all want to just pack our bags and magically be transported to your destination, we all know there’s more to it than that. As your travel advisor, I want to provide as much value as possible for every aspect of your trip, even the un-fun things. When you take the time to plan for such things, you will help alleviate most of the stress and frustration during travel. Here is our list of actionable items and tasks to take care of, broken down by how far in advance you need to tackle them.

AFTER BOOKING YOUR TRIP:

• Check expiration dates on documents (Do you need to renew your passport? It is recommended that the expiration date is at least 6 months POST your return date).

• Do you need any vaccinations or immunizations? Check dates on things like tetanus and get any boosters prior to traveling.

• Check your luggage - is it in good working order? Is it time to replace it? Do you have proper luggage tags with easy-to-recognize markers on it?

• Start creating your packing list - do you need any new wardrobe items or travel accessories?

• Work on your trip budget and ensure your emergency fund is built up.

• Review itinerary from your advisor, along with any reservations that need to be secured.

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE:

• Secure all your travel documents, keeping them in one place, ready to travel

• Hire a lawn care service/snow removal service

• Set up ‘hold mail’ with postal service

• Arrange for a pet and/or child sitter

• Arrange for transportation to/from airport

• Order travel versions or a new set of chargers and/or boosters for your devices

• Download any travel apps

• Refill any prescriptions

• Make copies of your travel documents and store in safe place

• Reach out to someone to be your emergency contact- give them a spare key, a basic itinerary, possibly a letter of “next of kin” in case of extreme circumstances

• Notify your bank and/or credit cards of your travel - the dates and locations of where you’re traveling to

• Contact your alarm company - let them know when you’re traveling

• Get any cash, currency exchange if necessary

• Add international calling/data plan to your phone plan, if necessary

• Ask a neighbor to tend to your garbage bins and/or collect your mail, and collect any deliveries (if you did not put a hold on it)

1-2 DAYS BEFORE:

• Put outdoor lights, and a few indoor ones, on a timer

• Reprogram your thermostat so it runs less while you’re away

• Unplug small appliances, make sure things like coffee pots, curling irons, etc. are unplugged

• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked

• Check your phone! Keep any contact information in one place

- your travel advisor, your emergency contact, hotel, car service, babysitter, etc. Do you have any/all phone numbers and emails?

DAY OF:

• Clean out fridge/pantry, getting rid of anything that may go bad while you’re away from home

• Take out garbage

• Close blinds/curtains

• Turn down thermostat

• Make sure everything is unplugged and/or turned off (oven, faucets, lights, small appliances)

• Take a picture of the inside and outside of your luggage and carry-ons

• Take a picture of where you are keeping your keys while you travel - then you will know where to find them when you return

ESSENTIALS TO KEEP ON HAND WHILE TRAVELING:

• Travel documents in a safe, but easy to reach place

• Copies of travel documents (consider putting them in secret pocket of checked luggage within a sealed envelope or pouch)

• Valuables secured in carry-on

• All prescriptions in carry-on

• Chargers and boosters

• Change of clothes and basic health items (toothbrush, deodorant, pain medicine)

• Picture of your checked items, inside and out, as well as your carry-ons

• Take a picture of your parking space

• Traveling with kids? Snap a picture before you leave home, so you know what they are wearing

We wish you happy and stress-free travels! When you prepare properly in advance, you’ll have a much better chance at handling unforeseen circumstances more efficiently. If you have any questions about this or any other vacation planning, please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Tanya Dagan 3/13/23 Tanya Dagan 3/13/23

Creating a Successful Travel Budget

Chances are, you already have a destination in mind for your next vacation. Statistically speaking, chances are even greater that you have not created a budget for the trip. Most American travelers will only create an estimated amount for the total trip cost after they decide on the destination, but very few create a realistic budget … even fewer stick to it! According to the Detroit Free Press, 68% of Americans overspend on their vacations! Why? Because they fail to create a realistic budget and plan ahead for travel expenses. As your travel advisor, I want to help set you up for success!

Some questions to consider when creating your travel budget: What goes into deciding how much to spend? How do you decide how much to spend in each area? Most importantly, how can an effective budget keep you from blowing your budget? Continue reading to learn about our recommendations and how-tos for successfully budgeting for travel.

Before you go any further, it’s important to know how to set your overall budget, no matter the destination. A great rule of thumb is to budget 10% of your annual income to travel. Most Americans spend anywhere from 5-15% annually on travel. Whether you choose to use an annual bonus, or set aside money from each paycheck, this is a great way to determine your total trip budget. If you travel more than once a year, you will need to divide this total accordingly.

Next, consider the destination. We know that you are already daydreaming of your next trip. That’s great! You will need to know a bit about your destination so you can properly budget for it. What do you know about this destination? Have you been there before? If not, your trusted travel advisor can help you determine a realistic budget for this destination with you.

Now you’ve got the destination and your total budget. Now let’s get in to the nitty gritty: how do you allocate expenses accordingly? We like to follow a basic budgeting rule called the 50/30/20 rule, but with a few modifications specific to travel so you do not become another “I overspent on vacation” statistic. We also want to encourage you to “guess high” on your numbers, to stave off any surprises later. It looks like this:

50%- Transportation and Accommodations

30%- Food and Activities

20%- Incidentals

10%- Emergency fund

Yes, we know that equals more than 100%! Let’s break down each category to find out why.

50%: TRANSPORTATION & ACCOMMODATIONS

Half of your budget should be for travel and accommodations. This is: airfare, resorts/hotels, car rentals, gas for said car rental, and parking. This is a great place to start when creating your budget and is usually the easiest to forecast. Due to the current climate of air travel, you may want to consider overestimating on this item!

30%: FOOD & ACTIVITIES

Food equals all meals, including dining out, groceries, tips, drinks, and snacks. Activities means excursions, activities, tickets and passes. This category is where most budgets go wrong because travelers typically do not allocate enough budget. Not all destinations are created equal- dining and groceries can vary greatly by destination, so do your research. Activities tend to be a little easier to predict, but also make sure you allow for any in-the-moment/in-destination items that may pique your interest.

20%: INCIDENTALS

There are several small things that fall under incidentals: tips and gratuities, resort fees, baggage fees, pre-trip expenses, souvenirs, and other one-off items that you may not always be able to forecast. It is important to budget for the unexpected! This category so often gets travelers into trouble because they fail to plan for the unexpected. By planning ahead and adding it to your budget ahead of time, you’ll save yourself the stress during travel. This item should also be used for pre-trip expenses, things like updating passports, buying new luggage, parking at the airport, travel insurance, or even things like paying a pet sitter. This is a great place to have a line item for having cash on hand. Our recommendation is to have $50-100 per day to use for tipping or small purchases.

10%: EMERGENCY FUND

This item is where you go beyond the 100%: it is wise to save up extra money in case of an emergency! No one wants something terrible to happen when you’re traveling. (ALWAYS get travel insurance! You’ll notice it’s built into the budget above). While travel insurance can cover major expenses, what about things not covered? From here, the worst-case scenario is that you must tap into this item for something unexpected during your trip, like dropping your phone in the ocean when you’re parasailing or accidentally leaving your carry-on at your layover. Best case: you budgeted so well on the rest of your trip that this becomes your starter fund for your next vacation! We recommend keeping this in a safe account that you can easily access in case of an emergency.

Tanya Dagan 2/6/23 Tanya Dagan 2/6/23

WHY TRAVEL ADVISORS ARE MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER

There have been a few major events in history that have impacted the travel industry. Things like 9/11, the invention of the internet, and the Coronavirus pandemic have caused travel agencies to make changes in order to stay relevant and serve their clients well. What are those changes, and how do they affect you? Let’s look at a few key items so you can see why using an advisor is more relevant than ever.

Travel Insurance Is Vital, It’s No Longer Just a Suggestion Pre-pandemic, it was common to chance traveling without travel insurance. But now, with all the changes and requirements of travel, it’s more important than ever before. To accommodate, agencies and advisors have taken necessary steps to learn great products in order to make recommendations based on your needs. This also goes for testing, documentation, and ever-changing requirements. When you work with an advisor, they will be able to recommend the best travel insurance for you, as well as monitor any destination and/or testing requirements so you are prepared and ready to travel without the added hassle or risk.

Planning Travel Is Complicated!

There are so many moving parts to travel though that hasn’t always been the case! Booking a vacation used to be far less complicated than it is now. Thanks to technology and ongoing learning, many advisors are adopting a new way of taking care of their clients. New school methods are client-centric and are about crafting a trip for you, rather than just picking a pre-made trip package. Technology has also allowed advisors to have better, more accurate information than what is “Google-able” by you as a consumer.

Booking with A Travel Agent Is Not Transactional, It’s Relational No one likes to be ghosted, especially when you’re shelling out your own hard-earned money. Nowadays, advisors tend to establish a working, ongoing relationship with clients. That’s why many in the industry are no longer just called “agents” (someone who creates bookings) but now go by something more effective like “advisor” or “consultant” (implying a deeper level of service). They are there to take care of you.

Advisors Have Access to Systems That the General Public Does Not

Travel advisors have an entire world of systems and tools at their disposal, far beyond what you can see as a consumer. What’s more, these systems and tools give advisors access to virtually anything. The trips advisors can create for you are so much more than you could create for yourself. Additionally, advisors make a point to build great relationships with vendors and other advisors, as well as continually learn, train, and network to bring you an even greater experience.

With so many changes overall to the travel industry, it is best to rely on experts for your travel planning. Most people hire an accountant to do their taxes or a mechanic to fix their vehicle, simply because there are too many unknowns and too many risks that come from doing it on their own. Apply this same concept to travel and leave planning to a true expert in the industry. We challenge you to put us to the test! Schedule a complimentary vacation consultation to see what we can do for you.