Travels with Tina

09/04/2024

Should you go back to the Caribbean islands you know this winter, or try somewhere new?

You’re spoiled for choice in the Caribbean, there are so many gorgeous resorts and hotels and every island has its own things to explore.

Here are a few questions I ask my clients to help them narrow it down:

➡️ What kind of vacation are you looking for? Adventure, relaxation, culture, or a mix of all?

➡️ What activities do you want to prioritize for the trip? Are you just relaxing at the resort or do you want to venture out? And what’s top priority, water activities, culture, food, etc?

➡️ What’s your budget? Are you sticking to your usual budget or are you splurging/

➡️ Who’s coming? Are you traveling with kids, family, friends, or will it just be you and your partner?

➡️ What’s one thing that would make this trip exceptional for you?

In short, the best Caribbean island depends on your personal preferences and travel style because no island is exactly the same.

If you’re interested in exploring some of the smaller island in the Caribbean like St Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, send me aDM.

Let’s find the perfect island for your next adventure!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day! How are you spending your long weekend?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/31/2024

Need a reason to visit the Bahamas? There are countless water activities, more than you could possibly do in one visit! From snorkeling to jet skiing, to swimming with local sea life to cruising the harbor on a pirate ship, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/30/2024

Can you picture yourself enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze from
the deck of this boat? While in the Bahamas, you simply must get out on the water to get the full Bahamian effect. I can help by adding a boating excursion to your plans!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/28/2024

There’s no color quite like this … the crystal-clear waters and powder-soft sands of the Bahamas are waiting for you.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/26/2024

That Color”, the one you can see stretching as far as the eye can see? It’s called ‘Bahamian Blue’, and there is no color quite like it anywhere else in the world! Ready to see it firsthand? Send me a DM to start planning your Bahamian getaway!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/24/2024

You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/23/2024

The Caribbean always gets rave reviews from my clients going on a girls getaway and it’s the perfect time to mention it because winter is just around the corner.

You could be enjoying warmer weather and soaking up some sun this winter!

If that imminent winter weather is on your brain and you want a head start on planning, send me a DM.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/21/2024

Nothing beats the feeling of exploring a new destination and immersing yourself in a different culture.

As a Caribbean travel planner, I understand the importance of finding trustworthy information to make your travel experience unforgettable.

That`s why I always prioritize research and firsthand experience to bring you the most reliable and up-to-date travel tips and recommendations.

From hidden gems to popular hotspots, I`ve got you covered! Let`s explore the world together with confidence and ease.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/19/2024

SO grateful to have such amazing clients.

I woke up to a special note from a client!

"Christina found an excellent trip for our family by listening to our desires and then working diligently to find exactly what we want, within our budget! She was on top of every detail and, when we did have a small hiccup that was the result of the resort issues, she helped resolve from a continent away!"

It‘s messages like these that remind me I‘m doing the exact kind of work I was meant to do.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the idea of planning a trip, let me know if there‘s anyway I can assist.

DM me "I NEED A VACATION" to get started!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/17/2024

Short on time but desperately in need of a getaway this Fall?

Sometimes, all you have is a few days of PTO for a quick getaway to rest and recharge.

But that doesn’t make your trip any less meaningful or easy to plan.

In fact, I would argue that the shorter the trip, the more you’ll need some planning help because you have less time to make the most of your time away.

Call me the queen of maximizing vacation time because that’s where I can help.

Whether you’re planning a city adventure, a quick break to an all-inclusive, or a little wellness time to relax and reset, I’ll help you plan an itinerary that maximizes your time.

Don’t let time be the thing that stops you from making the most of your vacation. Send me a DM so I can give you a list of hotspots for shorter trips.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/16/2024

How do you know when it‘s the right time to call in reinforcements to help with your travel planning?

Let me share with you the straw that broke the camel’s back for many of my current clients.

👉They were overwhelmed with the sheer number of travel options for where to stay and what to do and ended up with decision paralysis.

👉They were frustrated that reading online reviews, articles, and blogs did not actually clarify things for them but added to the noise and confusion.

👉They started trying to book things but realized halfway through that they just didn’t have the time for travel planning to become another full-time job.

If you‘re reading this and thinking, "This all sounds too familiar," then send me a DM, and let me take the overwhelm and drama off your shoulders.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/14/2024

What I would tell my younger self, travel edition ✈️

I would tell her:

🌸 You don‘t need to wait for others to travel, get out there and do it solo.

🌸 Pack the swimsuit, girl, life is too short not to wear what you want!

🌸 You‘re going to fall in love with the Caribbean; don‘t be afraid to go off the resort and explore more local stuff because 20 years from now, that‘s ALL you‘re going to want to do.

What travel advice would you give your younger self?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/13/2024

I’m just popping in to say “hi” to all the new faces I’m seeing around here!

My name is Christina Brann, aka, Tina! I’m a travel agent from Farmville, NC who loves to spend time with my husband and our little puppy, Toby. I also enjoy traveling to different places and enjoying a good book when I have some downtime.

Although my travel agency job has its highs and lows, I would never trade it for the world.

Now enough about me, tell me one fun fact about YOU in the comments!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/12/2024

Here’s the truth about honeymoon planning: you can totally do it yourself using online resources, but the real question is, do you want to?

I love that part of my Honeymoon Planning Services is gifting my clients back their time by taking this item off their wedding to-do checklist.

So, what I’m trying to say is, treat yourself, girl! Reclaim your time by letting me handle the finer details of the honeymoon so you can focus on the tasks you can’t delegate — like picking the dress and deciding on the first dance song.

The beauty is we’d work collaboratively on the planning so you’re as you’d like to be. Are you ready?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/10/2024

"Isn‘t it too early to be thinking about spring trips?"

Some advice from your travel advisor:

It‘s NEVER too early.

If you’re planning your Spring Break trip now, you’re way ahead of the curve:

➡️ You get first pick and can lock in the best rooms at those high-demand resorts and hotels before they fill up.

➡️ You have more time to look for promotions. I keep my eyes peeled for offers that align with the trip you have in mind so you can get the best value for your budget.

➡️ One less thing to stress about. Get it locked into your calendar so you have something to look forward to.

Let’s get you ahead of the Spring travel game. Send me a DM so we can start planning!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/09/2024

Is this you every night after work trying to plan your next vacation? 👇

You have a giant list of resorts you can’t keep straight.

10 browser tabs open with articles, reviews, and recommendations.

You‘re wondering if you should leave the resort and which local tours are the best option since they’re all starting to blend in and sound the same.

Friend, let me remind you that planning a trip doesn’t need to turn into a full-time job for you.

Here’s what you’re going to do instead:

👉 Hand your travel wishlist over
👉 Tell me more about the trip you’d like to take
👉 Give me some insights into past trips and what you loved or didn’t love

And let me bring it all together into a proposal with tailored resort recommendations, a list of tours I’ve done myself or have vetted, and a list of other tips and information about the destination you’re going to.

Send me a message or visit the link in my bio to get started so you can get back to enjoying your evenings!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/07/2024

Why would someone book a trip with a travel advisor instead of on the internet? Here are a few reasons 👇

Handpicked Accommodations: Without having to scour the internet with browser tabs toggled between multiple hotels, you can’t keep track of endless review sites that don’t actually give you any clarity.

Expert Recommendations: Whether I’m matching you to that lesser-known but amazing local guide or helping you decide which tours and experiences best suit your style, I’m sharing insights from my personal travel experiences and my network of travel experts around the world.

Reclaiming time: I save my clients dozens of hours and weeks, or sometimes even months, of scouring the internet trying to figure out what to book and how to pull a great trip together.

If you haven’t experienced the absolute relief and ease of having an expert take care of your travel plans, friend, I promise you, it is SUCH a good feeling.

Here when you’re ready to travel with ease!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/05/2024

Should you trust hotel reviews you see online?

Here’s my take as a travel advisor:

Yes, you can take reviews into consideration, but its risky to base your whole decision off the perspectives of strangers.

I’ve been to hotels that had bad reviews, but they ended up being perfect for me and my travel style.

On the flip side, I’ve been to hotels with great ratings that just didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Taking the time to understand what you truly want and value from your travel experience is a great place to start so you don’t get confused or swayed when you read reviews.

Here’s how I can help: ​​When I make recommendations on where you should stay and what you should do, I’m taking the time to truly understand your travel preferences, needs, and hotels and resorts you’ve enjoyed in the past.

That way I can give you clarity in the thousands of choices for resorts and hotels out there.

No having to guess or rely on mixed online reviews. Let’s chat! Send me a DM or comment below.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

08/02/2024

The only thing keeping me at my desk on this gorgeous sunny summer day here in NC are these itineraries and proposals for my awesome clients. I’m currently finalizing:

A week long honeymoon to Turks & Caicos.

A much-needed wellness trip to unplug for a client who’s headed for a solo adventure to BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia for a week.

A big milestone 20th anniversary cruise for my long-time clients who I’ve planned 15+ trips for over the years.

I’m going to finish these off and then hopefully have enough time for a night of pizza and a movie. Because summer is meant to be enjoyed!

Tell me, which of my client trips would you take?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/31/2024

Pesky summer travel hiccups + what to do about them

➡️ Seat Swap Surprises

So, you’ve checked in online and picked your seats, but then you get to the airport and... surprise! They’ve changed.

Head straight to the gate desk (not the ticketing counter). Gate agents are your best friends here—they can help fix the seating situation or find someone willing to switch seats.
Lost or Delayed Luggage

➡️ Your bags are MIA

Find the airline’s baggage desk near the baggage claim area and file a claim before you leave the airport. If you can’t locate the desk, call the airline ASAP to report your missing luggage.

Hang on to those receipts for any essentials you need to buy—just keep it reasonable (no designer splurges, unfortunately). Then, when you’re back, file a claim with your travel insurance. If you got

➡️ Delayed and cancelled flights

Check the Department of Transportation (DOT) Dashboard: If the delay is within the airline’s control, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard will show you what each airline should do to make it up to you.

➡️ Not Loving Your Hotel Room

Your room’s not up to par? Here’s how to get it sorted

Ask for the manager. Call from your room or go to the front desk and ask to speak to a manager. Be specific about the issues and honest about what resolution you’re seeking.

➡️ Rental Car Issues

If your rental car isn’t what you expected, contact the rental company’s customer service. They might be able to upgrade or switch your vehicle. Always check the car for damage before driving off the lot and report any issues immediately.

I hope you don‘t encounter any of these hiccups this summer, but if you do, use this as your quick start guide to problem-solving. Enjoy these blissful summer days!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/29/2024

Vacations are for breaking all the rules!

French macarons for breakfast? Sure!

Mimosas at 9am? Why not!

Napping by the pool all afternoon? Sign me up!

I’m team French toast for breakfast over here. What about you?

Cheers to living your best (and delightfully carefree) vacation life!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/27/2024

Money saved, money lost — it may seem cheaper to book a trip yourself but…

👉 You might snag a bargain flight, only to pay high baggage fees or get bumped if its overbooked.

👉 That cheaper hotel? It’s dated and lacks amenities.

👉 DIY travel planning often means missed discounts, exclusive deals, and insider tips that could save you more.

What I do is take my clients’ budgets and find the best value for their money.

It may mean recommending a hotel that’s a little bit more expensive but checks all of your boxes.

It could also mean recommending different travel dates so your costs are significantly cheaper.

It may even mean snagging you freebies, offers, and other value-adds you won’t get when you book yourself online.

Let‘s make smart choices together and stretch your vacation budget further without sacrificing quality or comfort. To get started with planning, send me a DM.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/26/2024

I’m incredibly biased, but I think my clients will agree that there’s nothing better than a little sprinkle here and there of special perks.

Things like:

📞 An email or call to the hotel manager before you check in (They’re always reminded when a client of mine is checking in!)

🛌 Room upgrades

🥂 Champs waiting in your room

If you’re like my clients and you enjoy extra special treatment and being taken care of, these are the little things that can elevate a trip.

Do you agree or disagree?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/22/2024

JUST BOOKED!!!

It's always a pleasure working with the Mitchell's. They will be celebrating their anniversary at Breathless Punta Cana Resort and Spa, along the stunning northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Breathless Punta Cana is the ultimate tropical escape for adults.

Are you looking to book your next vacation in Punta Cana? Contact me for more information!

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/20/2024

As I’m planning trips, there’s a running roll of thoughts that go through my head 👇

👉 Did I check for the best possible routes and airlines my clients are loyalty members of? (Gotta build those points where possible!)

👉 Is the hotel or resort in a location that makes sense for the type of trip?

👉 Are there special dietary needs to consider?

👉 Is the itinerary designed to hit the things that are most important?

👉 Are tours and experiences booked?

👉 Is there transportation to and from the airport and all of the places in between?

Y’all, it’s a whole lot to juggle.

It’s my job. It’s what I’m good at. And nothing makes me happier than taking these questions and worries off my clients’ plates so they aren’t stressing before or during their family getaways, couples trips, honeymoons, and cruises.

And friend, I can help you too! Don‘t waste another minute on travel logistics. Send me a message today, and let‘s start planning! ✈️🌍

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/19/2024

Summer Fridays are for relaxing after a long week, but first…

I’ve gotta tackle my to-do list.

✅ Finalizing the itinerary for honeymooners headed to Antigua

✅ Head over to the post office to mail travel documents for clients heading to Mexico for a family trip

✅ Send a reminder to a hotel partner that clients are arriving next week

✅ Organize my office.

Wish me luck!

What’s on your to-do list?

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com

07/18/2024

Let’s get started planning your next vacation!👇

Are you ready to see the world, because the world is ready to see you! My name is Christina Brann, and I am delighted to make myself available for all of your travel needs. After spending several years traveling, I have gained the expertise necessary to manage every minor detail of vacation planning...

07/17/2024

Can we get you on a vacation where your only concern is how you’d like your coffee?

Or whether you want to be enjoying the infinity pool overlooking the ocean or a lounger on the beach?

Very few things make me feel better than helping my clients kick off their relaxation BEFORE they even leave for the trip.

All of those stressful things that make travel planning complicated, things like:

➡️ Researching and finding trusted sources.

➡️ Picking the right resort when there are so many options that look great.

➡️ Picking tour companies, confirming the booking, etc etc.

The fun and relaxation start when you hand me your wishlist items, and I plan it all for you!

And when it’s time for you to leave and enjoy your getaway, I’m on deck to make sure your itinerary details are at the top of your inbox and your arrival goes smoothly.

Do you have any questions about planning trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, or a Cruise? Don’t hesitate to send me a DM anytime with your questions.

🌴 Christina Brann, Travel Agent
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.travelswithtina.com