Uniglobe Five Star Travel

03/06/2023

From FORBES. Why you NEED a TRAVEL ADVISOR... Marisa Thalberg doesn't know where she's traveling in 2023, but she knows how she'll get there: with the help of a travel advisor.

A travel professional gives her "peace of mind," in an increasingly unpredictable world, says Thalberg, a marketing executive from Charlotte, N.C. When she works with an agent, she adds, "I know she'll maximize my hard-earned leisure travel."

This year, we can all use a little peace of mind.

Just when we think we'd seen the last of the holiday meltdowns, the FAA's computers go on the blink, freezing air travel nationwide for hours. And just when we believe the war in Ukraine is nearing an end, another horrific missile attack sends shock waves that are felt by anyone planning a trip to Europe.

"Travel continues to be complex," says Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group. "A travel advisor will be as valuable in 2023 by providing the traveler expert advice before, during and after their trip."

PROMOTED

Travel advisors are not for everyone, though. If you need a quick domestic airline ticket or a roadside motel, you might be safe skipping an advisor and saving the booking fees, which can be considerable. But if you're planning a more complicated trip — a safari in Kenya, an Antarctic cruise, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land — you need a pro. Now more than ever.

But what’s the latest on travel pros in 2023?

They're virtually indestructible. Travel advisors working today have been through the mill, as my grandmother would say. That includes 9/11, brutal agency commission cuts, the online travel revolution, and the pandemic.
They've learned new tricks and developed new specialties.
Travel advisors personalize everything these days — your transportation, accommodations and activities. They're doing it better with technology.
They've taken their travel expertise to the next level, learning about countries, cities and even neighborhoods. Google can't compete with that.
Also, travel advisors are constantly improving, and their educational journey is continuing in 2023.
MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR

06/22/2021

Want to see a Polar Bear up close and in person!?! Let us help you plan the trip with Natural Habitats!

01/27/2021

Want a creative way to visit Japan?! Try Setouchi Private Yacht charters. Sail in your own private Bali 4.0 catamaran yacht. The real pleasure of taking a cruise on the Seto Inland Sea is that you can admire the beautiful, varied scenery of “Japan” while enjoying an extremely extraordinary atmosphere in which time flows at a leisurely pace allowing you to stay on board and visit several of the 3000 islands located in the Seto Island Sea. You pick the islands and the pace! Enjoy amazing cuisine, scenery and activities while experiencing this incredible inland sea. To learn more watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qaB8E33ycs

10/23/2020

If you could pick anyone in the world to travel with that you don't know personally (a celebrity, an author, a TV host, etc.), who would you choose to go with and why?

10/23/2020

Can you name this quintessential Polish dish? Click "See More" to reveal the answer!
They're pierogis! Poland is famous for its pierogis, a dumpling with either a sweet or savory filling, such as fruits, cheese, potato, sauerkraut, or meat, that is then boiled in water and lastly pan-fried before serving. The pierogis are made in various ways depending on holidays or events and have become a significant part of the Polish culture.

10/22/2020

In Alberta, Canada, visitors to Abraham Lake (also called Lake Abraham) are treated to a peculiar phenomenon underneath the water's surface: frozen bubbles.

These bubbles are caused by trapped methane gas getting released from decaying plants within the lake. As the gas bubbles rise to the lake's surface, the bubbles freeze, giving the lake this neat visual effect.

10/22/2020

Can you complete all five within a week?

10/21/2020

10/21/2020

Do you know what lake is known as the "Jewel of the Italian Lakes"?

Hint: It's located in Lombardy, Italy and it's one of the deepest lakes in all of Europe. Its charm comes from the stunning views, artistic atmosphere, and villas and homes outlining the lake. Do you think you have it? Click "See More" to reveal the answer!
It's Lake Como! Were you able to name it?

10/20/2020

Travel is slowly starting to open again, and we are so grateful to be part of helping feed and grow those travel dreams! We're here when you're ready to start taking those next steps.

10/20/2020

Time for a game! From the three beach towns pictured...Choose a place to live in, vacation in, or never visit again. What's your answer?

10/19/2020

Good Monday Morning! Isn't this where you would want to spend your afternoon? I know I would!!

Bon dimanche 🙂 An autumn day in Avignon, Provence, sitting in front of the 700 year old Palace of the Popes with a glass of red wine - who would you love to be sitting here with?! ❤️
https://www.thegoodlifefrance.com/palais-des-papes-avignon/

10/19/2020

This year has taught us the importance of human connection, especially when booking travel. Sure, booking online can seem quick to begin with, but booking with a travel advisor means you have a travel advocate on your side. Travel advisors have come to the rescue of countless travelers with travel plans during the pandemic. Support your local travel agency to see just how valuable we are.

10/18/2020

Tell us where you're going based on your favorite fairy tale!

Sleeping Beauty - Neuschwanstein Castle
It's easy to imagine that this castle could contain residents within it under a sleeping curse, untouched by time. The castle is so quintessential that it's been used as inspiration for several fairytale-inspired creations.

Rapunzel - Lake Reschen
A solitary 14th-century church tower is the sole visual remnant of cities intentionally flooded by water. We haven't heard a version of Rapunzel being trapped in a tower surrounded by water, but if the witch had this option at her disposal, we're sure she would have taken advantage of it.

Hansel and Gretel - Borgund Stave Church
Although this 12th-century building was built as a church, the pointed staves and worn wooden exterior have some serious witchy vibes. Imagine replacing the wood shingles with gingerbread, and you have the perfect Hansel and Gretel witch house.

10/18/2020

Fall is a magical time of the year with the leaves and weather changing - there's something so cozy and special about this season. If you could spend time in another part of the world to enjoy the fall, where would you go? Let us know in the comments!

10/17/2020

Studies have shown that, even just in the planning trips of a vacation, we get boosted levels of happiness. So even if you're not ready to travel anywhere yet, we'd love to help you start planning.

10/17/2020

Time for a game! From the three riverside cities in Europe pictured...Choose a place to live in, vacation in, or never visit again. What's your answer?

10/16/2020

Can you name this bridge?

Hint: It's commonly referred to as the "Old Bridge" and is located in Florence, Italy, crossing above the Arno River. Shops stand along the bridge where you can find jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. This bridge holds special historical significance as it was the only bridge over the Arno River that wasn't destroyed during World War II. Do you think you know the answer? Click "See More" to reveal it!
It's the Ponte Vecchio! Were you able to name it?

10/16/2020

This traditional Irish Halloween bread serves two purposes: to eat and to tell fortunes! The bread itself is made with dried fruits, like raisins and sultanas, spices, and tea. Baked within the bread are items that are said to tell your fortune, like a coin to represent wealth coming your way.

10/15/2020

If you had to traverse the whole country, would you rather travel by train or travel by car?

👍 for car
❤️ for train
😆 for neither, that's too long to sit in a train or car!

10/14/2020

We can't wait to help you with it!

10/14/2020

What would your backronym* for "beach" be?

*Like an acronym, but you start with an existing word and create a phrase to match it

10/13/2020

Located in a remote village in northern Iceland lies a giant sundial called the Arctic Henge. Although it's still under construction, it's on track to dwarf the size of its ancient predecessor, Stonehenge, when finished.

10/13/2020

Send yourself a postcard from your favorite locations while traveling, jotting down some of your memories from the day. They're easy to find at almost any tourist spot, have amazing pictures, and are a great keepsake to look back through when you return home.

10/12/2020

What adventurous vacation will you be taking next? The first destination you find will reveal your future! Share with us in the comments where you'll be heading.

10/11/2020

Tell us where you're going based on your favorite fairy tale!

Beauty and the Beast - Hohenzollern Castle
On top of a hill, this castle stands above its surroundings. Adding to its air of mystery, fog can often be seen obscuring everything around it, making it genuinely appear a world apart. It's the perfect location for a lonely, sulky beast.

The Six Swans - Lake Kussharo
This lake is visited by hundreds of whooper swans during winter, making for a magical view. Whether any of the geese are actually princes under a curse, we can't say.

Snow White - The Dark Hedges
The way these trees wind their branches and lean in over the road makes them appear as if they're looming over you. Coupled with how their winding branches block light, an overall feeling of menace pervades this location. One could imagine a desperate princess fleeing evil powers through a forest populated with these trees.

10/11/2020

Relive your favorite travel experience. Tell us where you were and who you were with!