I want to address some common questions that I get from friends and clients regarding my services:

COULD I BOOK THE SAME TRIP ON MY OWN?

Sure you could.. but you are not getting a personalized experience. People use travel agents because of the overwhelming amount of options to choose from on the internet or they simply don’t have the time to book a trip on their own. A major perk of being partnered wth American Express is that we only work with the TOP travel suppliers in the industry. It’s their sole job to vet out amazing destinations and properties around the world so you don’t have to.

IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT?

Not necessarily. I get paid by the airlines/hotels & travel vendors that I use. Often times, vendors contract air and hotel rooms over a year in advance so I have access to discounted rates that are not published and that only agents have access to. Some travel agents charge a service fee, but generally I do not do this unless it is a special scenario. Also, if you find a deal on the internet that is cheaper, you can send it to me and I can price match 99% of the time IF it’s apples to apples.

WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT?

* Offer value-added benefits, amenities, and a customized experience.

* Pledge to be your advocate before, during and after your trip. If something goes wrong, you don’t need to deal with the front desk associate at the hotel. You can just call me directly.

* Your one-stop shop for all your traveling needs.

* Secure the best value for you.

* Arrange transportation & excursions if needed.

* Provide knowledge on passport/visa requirements, trip protection, packing tips, recommendations for the best local restaurants, and so much more.

With that being said... let me help plan your next big trip!



 

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For more information on traveling to Cuba, visit travel.state.gov

 

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 2017 PRESS RELEASE

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Travel in 2017 looks very similar to what was anticipated in 2016. "Many baby boomers are hoping to do more traveling as they enter their retirement years. After decades of cramming travel into long weekends and limited vacation time, new retirees often have a pent up desire to visit new places." - (U.S. News & World Report)

Here is a glimpse into 2017 thus far: 

1.     Most Boomers (99%) will take at least one leisure trip in 2017, with an average of five or more trips expected throughout the year.

2.     Most (51%) expect to only travel domestically, but a significant portion are hoping to travel both domestically and internationally (43%).

3.     The majority of travel is anticipated in the Spring and Summer of 2017, and to a lesser degree in the Fall, regardless of destination.

4.     For Boomers, Bucket List trips are the most popular motivation for an international trip, while domestic trips are a combination of Summer vacations, Multi-generational trips, Weekend Getaways, and Holiday travel.

5. Top 2017 Boomer travel trends show that almost all will travel for leisure with about half traveling internationally.

 Trip Specifics:

·        Most Boomers are looking for a laid back and relaxing trip to give them the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family.

·        To do so, Boomers are planning to escape to Mexico, the Caribbean, and/or the British Isles (UK, Ireland) for their upcoming international trips. Their domestic trips, although covering a variety of cities, are most often being planned for a Florida or California destination.

·        Regarding authentic experiences, although Boomers would like to eat a meal with locals (50%), or tour with locals (40% among international travelers), they are not as open to staying with locals, domestically or abroad (18%).

·        As seen in past research, among Boomers who are still working, approximately 40% do not anticipate taking all of their vacation days. And when they do vacation, 40% feel it is at least somewhat important to stay connected to work while away, which is why many anticipate spending at least 10% of their vacation time working.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

85% of anticipated travel for Boomers has yet to be booked, meaning Boomers are still in the planning or idea phase. Boomers are not avid users of online resources for travel planning and booking, especially compared to younger generations like the millennials. Most prefer to use a travel agent for their travel planning. Although many continue to indicate a desire to travel more in 2017 than they did in 2016, a handful of barriers remain in the way; cost (43%), health (34%), and security concerns (28%) top the list.

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TSA to Notify Travelers of Upcoming 2018 Real ID Airport Enforcement - Signs at Airports to Inform Travelers of ID Requirements at Security Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have started posting signs at airports notifying travelers that beginning January 2018 it will start enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints, meaning that travelers seeking to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card for boarding commercial aircraft may only use such documents if they are issued by a REAL ID compliant state or a non-compliant state with an extension.

TSA’s notification follows Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson’s announcement earlier this year of the final phase of implementation of the REAL ID Act.  Effective January 22, 2018, TSA will only accept state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards if they are issued by a REAL ID compliant state or a non-compliant state with an extension.  As always, travelers may use alternate forms of identification such as a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. A complete list of identification documents accepted at TSA checkpoints is available on tsa.gov.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes the minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes, including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, from states that do not meet these minimum standards and have not received an extension for compliance from DHS.

DHS continues to work with states to encourage compliance and may grant extensions or determine compliance for additional states as warranted.  TSA will update signage if and when states that are currently listed receive extensions.  Learn more about REAL ID, check the status of your state’s compliance or read the frequently asked questions.

The Real ID Act of 2005 states that state-issued IDs from these nine states do not meet the minimum security standards of the federal government. They are Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina & Washington.

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