Travel Dreams By The ELK Mama

06/08/2023

Marriott International’s portfolio of hotels and resorts offer great family options on all four islands.

06/08/2023

Catching waves and feels out on the open ocean

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

Five tips to travel more mindfully, responsibly and sustainably.

03/29/2023

Delia duPlessis shares her tips for planning trips for family travelers.

03/27/2023

Few places are as beautiful as Greece. 💙😍 Let's get ahead and start working on your summer vacation plans today!

03/26/2023

Travel continues to be tailored to couples, but these tips and resorts make single-parent family travel easy.

03/26/2023

But can you do this? Google has an answer for just about everything but at the end of the day, the search engine doesn’t live up to the expertise of a travel advisor. Ditch planning your own vacation and find out what I can do for you and your next adventure.

03/25/2023

Up to $200 off Hawaii Vacations booked by 03/30/2023!

03/24/2023

The beauty of Antigua. 😍

03/22/2023

Family vacations CAN be in paradise!

03/22/2023

Sturggling to decide whether you want an adventurous or relaxing honeymoon? Our travel agency can help you narrow down your plans based on your interests! Learn more today.

03/21/2023

Happy . 🌳 Trees are proven to boost both our mental & physical health, so take this as your sign to book a woodsy escape today.

03/20/2023

It’s 😁

We’re not sure about you, but nothing brings us more joy than a great trip! Let's book your dream getaway and prioritize your happiness TODAY.

03/20/2023

📍 Lisbon, Portugal

The first day of Spring tomorrow has us dreaming of summer trips. Don't wait, book your European adventure with us today! 🌺

03/12/2023

❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

Discover how SeaWorld is helping our flippered friends.

03/12/2023

Away We Go To Theme Parks. Nothing says “family vacation” like theme parks. The epicenters of high-octane fun, parks are full of magical moments and unforgettable wild rides. This is the place where fantasy meets reality, and visitors of all ages get to feel young at heart.

03/11/2023

Dolphins, mantas, and birds, oh my! See them all from Riviera Nayarit’s lovely Playa Frideritas. Also known as Kiss Beach, it’s as romantic as you’d imagine, especially at sunset. Still, the gentle waves and great eats make this a good family spot—and one that definitely deserves a spot on your vacation list. Ask me for nearby hotels available through Funjet Vacations!

03/10/2023

So much to see, so many places to go … and so many ways to save! Book with Funjet Vacations and me by 3/30, and you can get up to an extra $200 off hotel discounts up to 60% for travel through 12/15.

03/10/2023

Find nature, adventure and more in The Bahamas, your next destination vacation. DM how to get started on your next getaway.

03/10/2023

📍 Ilulissat, Greenland

Interested in hunting the Northern Lights? Let's plan your adventure today!

03/10/2023

Fall in love with travel by creating lasting memories with your family. how to get started on your next getaway.

03/09/2023

In the Bahamas, you’ll find a wide array of culinary delights from both the sea on the land at the fish fry. It’s not only a place to go for a meal, it’s where we socialize with old friends and make new ones.
Create lasting memories through the gastronomy of the Bahamas, and DM me to learn how you can get your next getaway started with Funjet Vacations.

03/09/2023

Just passed my Bahamas Specialist training!!! I'm excited, you should be too!!! Let's start planning today!!

03/08/2023

FAQs

1) What does The ELK Mama specialize in?

I specialize working with families and couples. Helping you create a vacation within your budget. I enjoy working with all inclusive and resorts. I also have my certification from the College of Disney Knowledge (current, 2023). I'm currently working on training with NCL and other cruise lines, and Universal. In the near future, I'm hoping to be skilled in planning Stay-Cations, for those wanting to explore their own town/state.

2) What about airfare, hotels, Europe, adventures, business trips, girls trips, ect?

I have two options...

a. I can give it a go and learn something new...or
b. I can assist you in finding a travel advisor who has had plenty experience in the travel you are looking for.

3) Do you charge any fees?

I do, though I do consider them fairly reasonable. As of now, I do NOT charge a pre-booking fee (what is a pre-booking fee? Skip to question 4). I do charge a booking fee with a sliding scale. What is that? In keeping with my beliefs, everyone deserves to find their dream vacation, no matter their budget, I have a sliding scale. You choose what you can pay. Maybe this trip, only $25...but next year you have a career change and want to pay $100. The choice is yours. My pay scale is $25-$100+.

I also charge a $25/person for airfare (by itself, I do not charge for airfare if it's included with a vacation package). Why? In short, this is the fee airlines charge me to book on my client's behalf. Honestly, I rarely see great discounts on my booking system for airfare. If airfare is not included in your vacation package, I highly recommend finding and purchasing airfare on your own.

4) What is a pre-booking fee?

A lot of travel agents are now charging a pre-booking fee, before they get started on your project. It takes many hours to research and plan a vacation, that's within our client's budget. And after we put all that effort and time in if a client decides to go another route, we're left with nothing for our hard work. A pre-booking fee ensures we get a small earning. Most travel agents do put your pre-booking fee towards your deposit, when you decide to move forward with the trip.

5) Will you charge a pre-booking fee?

As of now, no. I am just starting off and I appreciate all the experience I can get. Though, I might decide to start charging a pre-booking fee in the future on all new clients, if the need becomes necessary. But, I will give plenty of notice.

6) What if something goes wrong on my trip?

Contact me immediately! Let me worry about being on the phone with the resort, airline, etc. I will do my very best to make things right.

7) What if a tragic event occurs and I can't make my trip?

Much of this depends on your cancelation period and the venue's rules (which you agree to when you sign the booking agreement). I HIGHLY recommend purchasing travel insurance. Whether through me, third party, or on your own. You never know what the future holds, travel insurance can help a lot.

*Did you know, some credit card companies have you covered while you travel? Give them a call and find out your benefits or if you can add on travel insurance.

8) Do you have a rewards program?

As of now, not exactly, but I do believe in appreciation and saying thank you...especially to my loyal clients. Reviews, referrals, loyalty year after year...I remember and make a note. Sometimes I receive agent incentives (ridiculously reduced rates, free room upgrades, room credits, etc) that I pass on to you. Special notes and extras. I'm always thinking of ways to show my appreciation.

9) Why book with a travel agent? Can't I make my own travel arrangements?

You most certainly can! But, when you plan with me, I'm with you before, during and after your trip. Let me remind you to renew your passport, what the weather will be like, COVID requirements and updates, country travel alerts. Trouble with the hotel? Go out and eat, contact me and I'll stay on the line with the hotel for an hour or two.

When you travel with me, you travel with a peace of mind.

Did I miss anything? Please send me a message or comment on this post.

03/08/2023

It's 💍

Considering a destination wedding? Reach out to learn how planning your special day through a travel agent will save you time!

03/07/2023

Hurry!!! Book now!!

You can now be among the first to book reservations and stay at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest and most affordable hotel.