Cruise Planners

Why Use a Travel Agent?

Published Wednesday, February 15th 2017

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!

CUBA - Q&A

Published Wednesday, February 15th 2017

Q: Who is eligible to travel to Cuba?

A: U.S. (including Cuban-born) and international guests are eligible to travel to Cuba from the U.S. if they either i) meet at least one of twelve categories of authorized travel; or ii) obtain a specific license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

Q: What are the twelve categories of authorized travel?

A: 1. Family visits;

2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations;

3. Journalistic activity;

4. Professional research and professional meetings;

5. Educational activities, including People-to-People exchange programs. Peopleâ€toâ€people tours are educationâ€based trips designed to promote interactions between travelers and the Cuban people. Peopleâ€toâ€people travel allows for little, if any, free time, as your time will be spent experiencing Cuba at its most authentic, through visits to Cuba’s most sought after destinations.

6. Religious activities;

7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;

8. Support for the Cuban people;

9. Humanitarian projects;

10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;

11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and

12. Certain authorized export transactions.

Q: Will travelers be required to have a visa/passport to travel to Cuba?

A: All guests (including international guests) will be required to have a passport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not allow U.S. guests to travel to Cuba with a driver’s license and birth certificate. Passports must be valid for six months after their travel to Cuba. The required tourist visa, known as a tourist card, allows the holder to stay in the Cuba for 30 days and is valid for a single entry. You must provide proof of confirmed return flight and booked accommodation.

Q: Is the zika virus in Cuba?

A: The CDC has issued a travel alert for certain countries (including Cuba) where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Q: What is illegal in Cuba that travelers may not be aware of?

A: It is illegal to buy cigars on the street; other than at approved retail stores as well as to exchange U.S. dollars into Cuban CUCs (Cuban Currency) any place other than at an official CADECA (Currency Exchange Houses) and hotels.

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