Travel Expert in the Pines

23/09/2022

Exactly like I said!!! LOL

14/09/2022

6 Reasons to use a Travel Advisor When Planning your family vacations! Southern Living

1. They're Matchmakers
It might be tempting to jump onto one of the many travel sites, read a few reviews, and take the plunge, but Perry says that not only do those online sources not paint the full picture, but they also miss out on one of the most important aspects of planning a trip: you. "I spend time getting to know my clients, and I spend time getting to know the world," says Perry. "By doing so, I can create an experience that matches each person to the best destination, resort, and adventure. That can't happen online." Armed with your trip goals, budget, and objectives, a travel agent can target your ideal vacation destinations with likely half the stress and in half the time as us non-pros.

2. They're Well Connected
Cost savings are a big part of planning a vacation, and we're willing to take them wherever we can get them. It's tempting to save yourself on the upfront fee of a travel agent or advisor and just go the road alone, but one thing we all know is that time is money. "I tell my clients from the beginning that the return of the investment that they pay to hire me will far exceed its value," says Perry. "Time is such a valuable commodity and the time alone that a traveler can save by trusting their plans to an expert travel advisor is worth every dollar."
They'll certainly save your eyes from hours spent scouring the web for the best resorts, flights, car rentals, and more but, on a more exciting note, an experienced travel agent also has the expertise to hook you up with your dream vacation scenario. "Travel agents are well-connected within the travel and tourism industry and often they are travelers themselves," says Twidale. "Because of this, they know ways to save, hidden local gems, and other things that can really make a trip memorable."

3. They'll Navigate Family Dynamics
If you've ever tried to plan a multi-generational vacation or even a trip with numerous adult family members, you might be more than happy to pass the torch to a trained professional. Navigating tricky family dynamics is not for the faint of heart and, better yet, typically not best suited for someone personally involved in these sometimes complicated familial relationships—particularly if you're an in-law. Twidale says this is a time when a travel agent can "referee" the situation, making sure that all voices are heard so the end result is a vacation that everyone enjoys.
Her number one recommendation for large family trips? "Cruising is actually an excellent option when traveling with a big family. There are a variety of activities, both on and off the boat, that will appeal to a range of ages and tastes."

4. They'll Resolve Any Issues
Even if you use a professional planner, things sometimes go wrong on trips. It's inevitable. The benefit of having someone in your corner to squash the chaos though might be the difference between a vacation that is a wash and one that only experiences a minor hiccup.
"This is really where a travel agent shines. They can contact the airline or hotel on your behalf and act as your advocate to get things back on track," says Twidale. "Since they deal with these kinds of issues regularly, they can quickly get things resolved without you having to get involved."
Whether it's a lost reservation, a misplaced passport, or even something as minor as needing to find a 24-hour pharmacy, an agent will be on the ball so you don't have to be. "When you are on vacation, you should be vacationing, playing, relaxing. You should not be problem-solving! Leave that to the expert that you hired to assist you!" says Perry.

5. They're Up To Date on Current Travel Restrictions
Now more than ever, traveling isn't what it used to be. It's complicated and restrictions vary from one country (and even state) to the next. Travel agents should be up to date on all of these variances, ensuring that you're more than prepared for your destination. "Life across the globe is different than it was three years ago and we have made it our priority to become familiar with these challenges and changes so that we can always provide the best advice and assistance to our clients," says Perry.

6. They're Masters of Surprise
Just when you think the trip couldn't get any better, your travel agent might have other ideas. "Travel advisors also have connections and relationships all around the globe that give us opportunities to provide clients with experiences that they might not be able to have, had they booked their vacation elsewhere. Sometimes that can be better pricing, and sometimes it may be the upgrade from a parking lot view to an oceanfront view with a bottle of champagne!" says Perry. "There's nothing better than providing my clients with fun surprises along the travel journey!" This isn't to say that every travel planner will go above and beyond, but it might just inspire you to ask for a few surprises along the way when they set about creating that itinerary.

25/06/2022

2022 Best of the Pines.....

12/06/2022

Travel is picking up more than ever now, especially since US citizens are able to come back home without a neg covid test if they're in another country. If you want to travel internationally, I strongly suggest that you call sooner rather than later as hotels, Villa's and other accomodations are filling up quickly. A lot of tours, especially those who are only selling small group tours are filled up or only have a few open spaces. It was difficult for me to get tickts to the VIP Vatican tour for a family of 6. I hope y'all have a great summer!

Insider summer favorites in Spain, France, the UK, and more.

11/06/2022

YAY!!!! No longer will US Travelers have to get the negative covid test before flying back home!!!! This begins at 12:01am Sunday, just after midnight tonight!!!

Now, maybe travelers will have more confidence traveling out of the country to see what they've been missing!

Call me soon if you want to travel this year. A lot of suppliers are so busy they can't take on more trips right now, but if you want to travel a little later in the year, we should be ok, it depends on where you want to go and dates.

26/04/2022

Another reason to use a legitimate Travel Advisor:

Trivago’s fine is not the first high-profile fine for an online booking engine or OTA this year. New York-based OTA operator Fareportal, which runs CheapoAir and OneTravel, was fined $2.6 million by New York because of deceptive marketing practices. That OTA boasts that it is ranked in the top 5 online travel companies in the U.S. by revenue and in the top 3 online travel companies in the U.S. by monthly traffic.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the fine, which was announced in March, was being levied because the company “used deeply deceptive tactics to trick millions of consumers into booking airline and hotel rooms,” with “dishonest and predatory behavior.”

Most notably, James and New York targeted “dark patterns” that Fareportal, and other OTAs, typically use to “trick consumers into buying goods or services.”

Shame on these online companies!

26/03/2022

This is an awesome discovery! Kudo's to him and his brother Adam!

Under the sea, untold wonders await in the form of untapped medicinal potential. Chemist Sam Afoullouss dives into the science behind natural remedies, explaining why the ocean's great (and still largely unexplored) biodiversity is ideal for deriving and inspiring future treatments -- if we protect....

08/03/2022

It's been a bit crazy busy here lately! I'm still booking trips, but most of them are in specific areas of the world. Pandemic hit us pretty hard and now that it's waning, we have the Russian war!

We're being careful, reviewing all the real news to be on the ready to cancel should Putin decide to go all out!

Hopefully, things will settle down and he will stop this madness. I'm not scared yet and I won't stop traveling!!

Take care, stay safe and keep traveling.....

23/11/2021

The pandemic has put everyone in a hard situation. I'm so thankful for all of my clients who have kept in touch. Many couldn't travel last year, but a few did travel in the US and enjoyed getting away from the house for a while. This year has been a little rough, but I hung in there and now the proverbial gates have opened up to "help getting us out"! Thank you and wishes for each and everyone of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, wherever you are!

17/11/2021

The next Best of the Best properties! Any takes? Give me a ring!!

A complimentary night in Paris, a UNESCO World Heritage site tour in Galle, and more.

04/11/2021

Time to go cruising again! I love cruising and will help you get through all of the hoops, rules, and protocols for Covid.

Epic expeditions and seaside retreats.

27/10/2021

Another new expedition Cruise Line, introducing.....Aurora Expeditions! Call, text, message or email me if you're interested!!

Your next adventure includes up to 25% off fares, plus exclusive Virtuoso benefits.

05/10/2021

A little late, but worth the wait!!! Best of the Best, in case you didn't receive your copy, I'll keep posting these Luxury snippets on here! Call, text, message or FB me!

Receive 20% off in Aspen, afternoon tea in Bangkok, an extra night in Tokyo, and more.

25/09/2021

Lots of great information in this new issue of Virtuoso Life! Iceland is on my radar to visit next. I've been wanting to go for several years and I hope to go as soon as all this mayhem disintegrates! So, enjoy this issue and call, text, message, or email me and we'll work together to get a wonderful experience for you and/or you and your family or friends!

Plus, resorts for tennis lovers and eight experts on how they’re thinking about travel now.

20/09/2021

Games, ya gotta love this one! LOL

14/09/2021

The night before you fly, get a good night's sleep so you'll be spunky the next day!! LOL

According to one previous study, travelers are up to 100 times more likely to contract a cold after flying. But, instead of downing powdery vitamin concoctions and slathering on a pound of hand sanitizer, it turns out this is the best medicine to fight a plane cold.

14/09/2021

Restaurant Etiquette should be used all the time. From someone who has worked in that industry for almost half my life, I can tell you it's hard work for not much pay! Please be kind and tip well!

Whether you use the apps or make a phone call, remember these four rules for making restaurant reservations.

04/09/2021

Well, I think I missed posting the last copy of Virtuoso Life! Apologies for that, but I think you're gonna love what's in this issue! Some of the wonderfully awesome places in this edition is still on my "Bucket List". I wonder if I'll be able to tick some of them off within the next 5yrs, my goal? Are any of these incredible places in the world on your 'Must see' list? Call or email.....I'm waiting to see if you have any of my choices.....

A stunning road trip in Iceland, a Wanderlist-worthy safari in Botswana, and more.

25/08/2021

Great hotels around the globe. Yes, from the BEST OF THE BEST and here they are, enjoy. Personally, I loved my stay at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya!! Wish I could've stayed longer...one of the BEST resorts on my list!

A complimentary night in Arizona, a private pool villa in Riviera Maya, and more.

12/08/2021

My youngest son & his wife have been married almost 2yrs and have been trying to have a baby. A few years ago, both found out there were issues with each of them that deterred their wish to have children the way God created them. So, with God's help, their last resort is IVF which is very costly. Both of them are public servants and work so hard, son being a K9 officer and daughter in law, helping students in a college. I'm being selfish if I say that I truly wish for a grandbaby. But my wishes are for both of them to become parents. I know they will be THE best parents as I've watched my son care for and treat my other grandchildren from birth like the BEST UNCLE EVER! His wife has a huge heart and treats the children the same way....GREAT AUNT EVER, aside from Uncle's sister!! LOL

If you feel in your heart to help them out, please do, even if only a little bit or please send up a little prayer or two!

Thank you so much for just reading this post.

My sister, Ashley, met her soul mate several years ago. They are pub… Crystal Cannon needs your support for Journey to Baby Thomas - Funding the Missing Piece

17/07/2021

Giving everyone a heads up! Look at your passports & see when they expire. It has been put out there that it is taking from 12-18 weeks to get your new passports! If you're wanting to travel out of the US, you will need to get your passport earlier than you think. Some that have summer plans already in place are having to cancel or move them farther out because their passports don't cover the 6mos rule of being valid.

12/07/2021

I'm up for the local Best of the Pines businesses. Please take time to vote for my business in the Business & Professional Services section.

https://bestofthepines.com/ #/gallery?group=384823

07/07/2021

As of July 19, U.S. visitors who have been vaccinated, have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months will be able to visit Ireland and they will not have to quarantine.

Yippee!!

26/06/2021

Tips for getting back out there to many places that you NEED to visit! Allow yourself to be pampered and partake of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G food! Just reach out to me via messenger, phone, or email. Since I'm almost always on my computer, emails might be best - [email protected]! I look forward to hearing from YOU soon and assist with all of your travel!

Cape Cod, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and more.

12/06/2021

Summer FUN, let's begin planning YOUR summer getaway(s) right now! Domestic or a few International destinations, I'm happy to assist with making your special getaway A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Road trips, island retreats, and more sun-soaked travel ideas.

26/04/2021

Great article to read:

Consumers Are Ready to Travel Again, Here’s Why They Should Use an Advisor
by Jessica Montevago / April 16, 2021

Photo: Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock.com.

Multiple signs have pointed to consumers' readiness to travel again, with demand for leisure travel steadily climbing.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 1.58 million people at U.S. airports ahead of Easter weekend, the highest recorded number since the pandemic began last March. In fact, in a promising sign, the U.S. has seen consistent daily passenger numbers above one million passengers in a day.

Another encouraging statistic, more than 100,000 Americans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine so far, while more than 57 million are fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that fully vaccinated individuals are at low risk of spreading the disease while traveling.

Now that more Americans are gearing up to make vacations they’ve been dreaming about and planning for over a year, it’s more important than ever that they use advisors. Travel advisors will be an indisputable part of the travel experience, and consumers would be smart to rely on their expertise during the complex trip planning process.

While some international travel has yet to return, more and more destinations are opening their borders. With cruise lines, airlines, and hotels all implementing various COVID-19 protocols, having a travel advisor navigate that on behalf of their clients will ensure a seamless experience. There are also ever-changing vaccine and test requirements.

“A travel agent is more important now than ever before in helping you navigate the new travel landscape,” said Jamie Lynne Mussolini, founder, and president of Beachfronts Travel. “The new protocols, travel authorizations, insurance requirements, and documents needed are a hurdle for a first-time visitor however using an agent that knows this would save you so much time or at the worst being turned away at the airport.”

Some people will be taking bucket list trips after a year inside. Consumers will need the knowledge and skill of a travel advisor to put together these types of complex and meaningful trips without issue.

Eileen Anderson of Journeys Afar said, “This past year reminded me that my professional expertise has value and exclusivity with numerous trade partners beyond the reach of novice travel planners,” adding that her clients appreciate her knowledge, connections, and efficiency.

Whether it’s through a relationship with a supplier, industry know-how, or providing a human voice at the other end of the phone, advisors save their clients from the confusion and frustration that might arise.

Marc Bokoff, Cruise Planners franchise owner, said by securing client refunds, future travel, and cruise credits, “we proved the value of a fully engaged travel advisor advocating for clients during a very tough time.”

“I maintained a list of canceled reservations and whether they were refunded or had FCCs. This allows me to follow up at appropriate times to see if/when they will be ready to rebook while managing the expiration dates. Some clients opted to rebook along the way and have weathered multiple suspensions and we have been working very closely with them to continue to manage expectations.”

Meanwhile, travelers who booked with online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Priceline have struggled to get their refunds back. According to formal complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation, of the 14,604 complaints received from January to December 2020, 94% were about obtaining refunds for unused or lost tickets, fare adjustments, or bankruptcies.