This year has been challenging for all of us! Now, more than ever, you deserve a vacation. And if you are not ready to travel just yet, that’s OK, you deserve a trip to look forward to! When deciding your next vacation- do not go it alone. Travel advisors are the best in the travel planning and booking biz and we are eager to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime or a quick weekend getaway. Plus, with benefits like insider knowledge, travel protection and secret perks, you would be missing out if you did not at least consider working with an agent when dreaming of your next getaway!
We do the Research for You
Between searching for authentic experiences, finding the best neighborhoods to explore, deciding where to eat, figuring out the currency and understanding local customs, researching a new destination can be time consuming! A recent study found that the average person spends up to 20 hours researching for a trip. Luckily, this is the kind of homework that travel advisors love to do. Plus, agents often have insider information on destinations you are unfamiliar with, thanks to firsthand experience, product knowledge, in-depth education, and client feedback.
Up to Date on Current Rules & Regulations
The recent pandemic has caused all of us to pivot and adapt, and the travel industry has had to shift more than most! This means that the rules and regulations have changed since your last international, or even domestic, venture. Stay in the loop by working with an agent who is up to date with the latest travel documents, rules and regulations ensuring that you don’t run into any surprises while in line at the airport. Does the destination require a COVID test and which type? Is there a mandatory quarantine? Is there another mandatory test after the initial one? Does my travel insurance cover COVID? These are very important questions today! And we have up-to-date answers. Agents are also aware of which trip insurance makes the most sense for you to purchase based on the type of trip and where you live. Being up to date and in the know on what exactly is needed prior to traveling and what to expect once you get there could make or break your trip!
Ready for the Unexpected
There is no one better to have by your side than a travel advisor who can cancel or rebook your trip when personal conflicts, a pandemic or weather events arise. None of my clients have ever had to spend hours on hold waiting for someone to get back to them regarding a question, trip cancellation or postponement. I do this work for them and I am reachable via phone, email, or text!
While vacationing abroad, no one likes getting the run-around in a frustrating situation, but agents are equipped with the right personal and professional connections to help get you out of a pinch relatively stress-free. My on the ground partners are ready to help and they are equipped with in depth knowledge of the surrounding area. This valuable support is 24/7. I have personally picked up my phone on the weekends to support my clients changing needs due to unforeseen circumstances. My goal (and job) is to make your vacation as stress-free as possible!
Best Itinerary Created According to your Budget
Basic Economy, Economy and Business class, fare options are abundant and can get confusing. Throw in extra services like seat reservations and checked baggage and the fees can begin to pile up! And this trend is not unique to travel by air, booking a cruise is equally complex, with different rate codes and room categories to choose from. Travel advisors can see past the overwhelming number of choices and will help you decide which combination is right for you without breaking the bank. Plus, thanks to our personal travel experience, advisors are transportation pros with a few tricks up our sleeve to help make your time in transit run more smoothly! Sometimes taking the train is the most economical choice, other times flying is. And depending on my clients’ goals renting a car and driving might be the way to go! I price all this out for my clients and develop a beautiful and organized itinerary based on their budget and desires. They can electronically refer to this itinerary at any point!
Free Perks
Being affiliated with Virtuoso has allowed me to VIP my clients’ experience with extraordinary hookups and free perks! Whether you are exploring a new domestic city or a destination abroad, we will do our best to connect you with a few extra frills along the way (think room upgrades, free cocktails, spa treatments and more). One traveler returning from the Inn at Perry Cabin recently boasted, “when you get upgraded to a large suite with a porch, breakfast included and food credit it makes for a wonderful getaway!” You can’t VIP yourself but I can!
Advocate
Whether it’s helping my clients get a refund from a canceled excursion, changing their flight plans or making changes to their itinerary as smoothly and cost effectively as possible I’m the number one advocate for my clients. “A travel expert can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly” Forbes states. During the first few months of quarantine I had a handful of people who booked online reach out to me and ask for advice and suggestions. They couldn’t get through to anyone and were desperate for answers. Now, more than ever, you need to book with someone you can reach that is available to help and advocate for you.
I Have Probably Already Been There
This past January I crossed off my seventh and final continent- Antarctica! I have personally visited 60 countries which means there is a strong likelihood I have explored the place you are longing to visit and can offer firsthand advice and input. And if I have not been there yet- I can 100% guarantee one of my colleagues have! Therefore, you will get personalized attention on your trip itinerary by folks who have been there (or live there) and personally experienced it! We know time is precious when you are traveling, and we want to make sure it’s best used according to your goals, desires and must-see sites!
Ready to start planning and booking your next getaway? I am ready to help! Reach out and schedule your free 30 minute travel consultation!
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