LUXURY VACATIONS AND TRAVEL, LLC

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Blog Post

The Value Of A Travel Advisor

November 3, 2018

Why Book With a Travel Advisor

So, you want to go on a trip and you believe you know where to start.

As usual, you open Google and start looking up various destinations. Or, if you have a particular destination in mind, you initiate the search for flights and hotels.

Then you remember that you'll need a rental car or some sort of transportation, because you’ll want to tour your destination and some of the tours or activities may not be within walking distance. Speaking of tours, you start to wonder which type of activities are available at your destination and which ones you should pre-book to ensure availability on arrival.

After a while, you start to realize just how time-consuming setting up your whole itinerary can be. Yet you haven't even considered your best possible option: Your Trusted Travel Advisor .

Aside from simply working with a professional who knows their stuff, employing the help of a travel professional has plenty of other advantages. Among these are:

1. We Provide Outstanding Personalized Service.

When working with us, you are working one on one with a live person who takes the time to get to know you, your vacation desires, your likes and dislikes, and understand the dynamics of exactly the kind of trip you want to take. And, we are there to assist you with every aspect of your vacation. We are there for you before, during and after your vacation. Recall the last few times you went on vacation, did the online booking engine follow up with you, welcome you back home or send you a thank you gift? The best part …with many travel advisors, you pay absolutely nothing for the services provided to you.

If you are looking for a memorable vacation experience and not just a trip, contacting us is a wise option. Do you need a family vacation with activities for teens? Check. Are you a group leader and would like help planning a class reunion cruise? Double check. Is your desire to have a luxury experience like a real VIP? Triple check . We take the guess work and stress out of planning your vacation by taking care of the logistics & creating a customized experience for you based on your specifications—and may even include some surprises along the way! Besides, wouldn't you rather do business with someone you can get to know, or better yet, that you already know?

2. We Provide Peace of Mind.

We provide you “ peace of mind” by advocating for you should the unpredictable happens during your vacation. We also recommend travel insurance that provides you additional peace of mind. Having travel insurance/protection eliminates the worry of having to cancel in the future due to unforeseen circumstances. Let's face it, LIFE HAPPENS !

Let’s say you depart for your trip to Paris and you are super excited that you have begun the trip of a lifetime. You’re thinking of all the great memories you will make while on vacation. After a super long trip, you finally arrive. Although you’re overwhelmed with excitement, you’re also very tired and just want to relax before you take on Paris . You arrive at your hotel to find out that your room is not ready and it’s 3 hours past check-in time.

In an unfortunate case such as this, we are there to advocate for you and help reach a resolution. You actually reach a live person (no automated system: press 1 to speak to a representative or press 2 for the operator) . If you cannot reach a solution by speaking with the travel supplier, you simply contact us and we will take it from there. While other travelers are on hold trying to get their issues resolved, all you have to do is call us…your favorite travel advisor. Working with us provides you peace of mind that someone is there to assist and advocate for you every step of the way.



3. We Work To Get You The Best Value.

We make every effort to save you money and get you the best value with every booking. We often times have access to rates that are not available to the public. Typically, if you find cheaper rates for the exact same package or experience, we're able to price match. We make every effort to acquire extras, amenities, and/or perks that you are unlikely to get anywhere else. When working with us, you are also afforded the opportunity to make payments on your vacation with most suppliers until paid in full.


4. We Save You Valuable Time.

As your one-stop travel shop, we save you valuable time. Making travel plans can take time …time that some of us seem to not have enough of. We do all the planning and booking for you, so all you have to do is “ pack and go on vacation” .

“Your wait time is…104 minutes!” No one likes being on hold. You’re either stuck listening to terrible music or ads on repeat. When there are sweeping changes to the travel industry or to a supplier, hold times can be extremely long. We make sure our clients get the service they need, no matter how long we have to wait on hold. We save our clients time and energy, especially in times of crisis.

We take the stress out of planning group travel. If you’re a group leader and you’re traveling with a group, we can coordinate a group rate and get exclusive amenities and perks for your group. No matter the size or makeup of your group, we provide stress-free solutions for you. This enables you to use your time doing more important things (like deciding what to pack for your vacation).

5. We Have Incredible Partnerships.

That’s right, we have partnerships and contacts with major suppliers in the travel industry, so we know exactly who to call. With us in your corner, you do not go it alone. When travelers make bookings or sign contracts, they often ignore fine print. It’s not that they don’t care, it’s that so often policies are complicated and really, REALLY long. However, in times of crisis, understanding an airline or travel suppliers’ policy is crucial, especially when those policies are changing daily. We have the most up to date information from travel suppliers. We can help explain what refunds or credits a supplier is offering and what the options are for moving travel dates or rebooking vacations. 

6. We Are Passionate About Travel.

We are passionate about what we do and we do everything we can to ensure the best possible experience for you. Ultimately, travel is about making memories and we are honored to play a part in helping create those memories. We love helping others, not to mention helping others travel.

During the course of planning travel, there are times when you may overlook things. That’s where we come in. We do this all the time , so it's normal that we'll think of the things you might simply overlook. For example: You may not know or may simply forget that some countries won't allow you to enter if your passport is not at least 6 months past your trip end date. Or, the fact that your bank card may not work internationally if you have not coordinated with your bank in advance. Or, what about that small plane you’ll need to take to get to that remote island? We stay on top of the pertinent details, ensuring your trip will run smoothly, from beginning to end.

7. We Are Experts.

One of the best things about working with us is our knowledge and expertise regarding your desired vacation spot. We have traveled the world as a military family and enjoyed every bit of it, taking advantage of every opportunity we were given to educate ourselves on various cultures. Having traveled to so many different parts of the world has helped us appreciate and value cultural diversity. We have grown to love traveling and the educational and enjoyment benefits it offers.

Whether you're looking for a personalized Disney vacation or an unforgettable European cruise, we can help you plan it. We are knowledgeable experts who can assist you with booking any destination for any occasion. If we haven't been there, we have trusted destination experts to consult with. Bring your dreams to us and we do the rest.

The bottom line ...

Everyone needs someone in their corner. In good times and in the times that challenge us, having someone who is willing and able to support you and work through issues is irreplaceable. This is especially true in a crisis, whether it’s a global pandemic or a personal tragedy. When life gets in the way of even expertly planned vacations, travel advisors will be there for you. Not only will you receive invaluable guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable travel professional, but you'll also enjoy that all-important peace of mind that comes from knowing you're in good hands and will soon be embarking on the trip of a lifetime. 

Travel Insurance

By Angela Lindsey • February 20, 2022
Should I or should I not purchase travel insurance? That is the popular question these days. Whenever you purchase plane tickets, cruise tickets, or book a hotel, you are usually asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. Due to the purchase of travel insurance being an additional cost, many travelers usually opt out of it. It is often thought of as an unnecessary add-on like extended warranties and generally considered not worth it.

Let Me Upgrade You

By Angela Lindsey • January 14, 2022
When planning a client's trip, we always consider all the information given to us for a full personalized experience. This includes a client's budget. Every attempt is made to operate within the limits of the budget and still provide an amazing and unforgettable experience. But, it's a proven fact that a super tight budget forces you to miss some great vacation experiences. The next time you are creating your vacation budget, consider some of these small and affordable upgrades that are sure to improve your all-around vacation experience.

Preparing For The Unexpected

By Angela Lindsey • December 2, 2021
Preparing for the unexpected is an important part of taking trips, and as a Travel Advisor, working hard to stay on top of situations that might affect your health and safety is an essential aspect of my job. Here are 3 travel preparation recommendations.

Waiting On Your Passport?

By Angela Lindsey • August 13, 2021
According to the State Department, the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months. This means that passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time prior to the pandemic. The State Department website indicates the dramatic delays are the result of COVID-related issues…not to mention the drastic uptick in travel which is causing a high demand for passports. If you need to renew your passports immediately, unfortunately you are no longer able to book last-minute appointments online. The State Department announced this change on July 22nd, 2021. For emergency appointments, you can refer to the table on the “ Get It Fast ” passport section of the State Department’s website.

Get Ready For Travel

By Angela Lindsey • April 19, 2021
Demand for future travel is increasing and will likely outpace supply, even as more options reopen. One of the most important preparations for future travel is ensuring you have the appropriate travel ID. You don’t want to arrive at the airport for your long-awaited vacation, only to be denied boarding because of an identification issue! Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently 10-12 weeks, or 4-6 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.* Even flying to U.S. destinations, you need to be ready for the new REAL ID requirements going into effect on October 1, 2021. What should you know about getting your IDs ready to travel? I’ve highlighted a few key points.

Planning Romantic Road Trips

By Angela Lindsey • March 5, 2021
Road trips are back at the top of travel lists, as more people opt to explore the United States. For couples, taking a road trip together offers a chance to reconnect and make new memories together. If you’re a honeymooner, celebrating your anniversary, or first-time travel partners who are considering a road trip, here are some ideas to help you find romance on the road. As a romance specialist and one who loves and values romance in my personal life, I have tested all of these. Navigating Together On a road trip, navigating is part of the fun. Tracing the route, taking an impromptu detour to see a roadside attraction, and refueling at a locally-owned diner, are reminders that the journey is as important as the destination. My husband and I took a road trip to visit family and on the return trip, we mapped out a route to make a stop in Mississippi to celebrate our anniversary. We ate at local restaurants and checked out a few attractions. Oh, you didn’t think I was going to skip out on the beach did you? Yes, we spent a little time on the beach, enjoying the amazing views and sunsets.

Top Travel Trends For 2021

December 23, 2020
It’s no secret that we are dreaming about our next vacation. For many of us, 2020 meant delays and/or cancellations of our long-awaited vacations. After the stressful and challenging year, we’ve all been through…we need a change of scenery. With a percentage of next year’s vacations already in the books, the year’s travel trends and must-visit destinations are starting to emerge. Whether they are barbecue enthusiasts or book lovers, the below lists of locations, near and far from home, are a perfect starting place for 2021 vacation inspiration!

Wellness Travel

By Angela Lindsey • November 17, 2020
Turmoil, challenges and stress…nothing could more accurately sum up 2020 than this. Canceled events, working from home while homeschooling, higher health risks for going out in public, job loss, etc. are all reasons why 2020 has been extremely stressful. All the stress has taken a toll on our mental health. With all the turbulence this year has brought, travelers are focusing on ways to enhance their wellbeing. This includes physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

Romance on a River Cruise

By Angela Lindsey • July 30, 2020
Though travel to Europe is on hold for the moment, we know that many travelers are eager to visit its cities again. Thinking about the experiences of European travel will help you look ahead and inspire your future vacation. Those of us with a passion for travel often daydream about the cities and places we want to visit someday. And in these daydreams, we think about the person we love most and traveling the world with them. For couples who dream of checking off destinations around the world together, there’s a way to see and do more with your vacation time: take a river cruise! River cruising is one of the best ways to visit multiple cities without the stress of travel days, unpacking and repacking, or getting lost trying to find your hotel. From panoramic suites, themed excursions, and incredible itineraries, river cruising is the ideal vacation for couples looking for a romantic trip through Europe and beyond.

Helpful Travel Apps

By Angela Lindsey • July 30, 2020
 Travel is one of the fastest growing industries. Stay organized and prepared with the following travel apps. Mobile Passport - Allows you to upload your passport and fill out customs forms on your phone to speed you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 30+ airports and cruise ports. PackPoint – alleviates the stress associated with packing. Advises you of what to wear based on where you’re going, length of your stay, projected weather and activities you’re planning. Waze - Live maps include voice-guided navigation to easily guide you. You get community-based data on traffic jams and other information so that you can find points of interest like the cheapest gas stations and the fastest routes to your destination. Trail Wallet – A tool that allows you to organize and track your travel expenses.
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