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Long before I worked in the travel industry I had a passion for learning as much as possible about destinations all over world. I loved reading about fancy hotels, incredible spas, and exotic locations. I hadn’t traveled much but knew I wanted to. In 1997 I completed a travel agent training program and worked for a tour operator customizing vacation packages for individuals to Ireland, Scotland, and Britain.
After 5 years in the industry, 9/11 happened and everything changed. I went back to school to complete my degree in Psychology but never lost the passion for travel. I still continued to organize trips for friends and took some time to travel through Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, Fiji and New Zealand.
I am fascinated with luxury properties, five star cruise ships, and far away places few have ever heard about. I can’t watch or read enough about these things. I find it so enjoyable, that I finally decided to do what I am passionate about. I research destinations for the pleasure of it so why not share this knowledge with others?!
My intention is to use my enthusiasm along with my experience in the industry to assist you in creating your own dream vacation.
So, let’s get started. Where would you like to go?!
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Benefits of using a Travel Planner:
Most people ask me, “why should I use a Travel Agent when I can do it myself online?”
Let me start by giving you some of the benefits of using a travel planner:
One stop shopping - You will work with one person who will answer all your questions and book everything including air, car, hotels and tours.
Saves you time - Travel planners do all the research to ensure you get the best deal out there plus with so much information on the internet where do you begin?
Knowledge and experience - If we haven't been where you want to go someone in our network has. Travel Planners know who to work with depending on your destination. We work with suppliers who are specialists in the destinations they sell. Our partners have excellent reputations in the travel industry.
Contact with a human - I work with you from the start and am always here to answer your questions. You will not be on hold for 20 minutes or have to dial 1 to speak to a real person. And with on-sites in over 60 countries you will have a local contact number in case you have a problem when you are traveling. Plus I am only a phone call or email away.
It seems there is a perception if you book through a travel planner you will pay more. But most travel planners work for free. We earn commission only if a client books with us. And we rely on repeat business and referrals so we work hard to ensure the best vacation experience possible from start to finish.
In the article “Top 5 Travel Agent for Couples” Susan Breslow Sardon writes, “If you simply need to fly from point A to point B and stay at a brand-name hotel, you don't need a travel agent. That's the kind of trip you can easily book online. If you have more complicated travel in mind, want a specific type of experience, and appreciate expert advice, a top travel agent or tour operator can plot out and arrange a dream vacation for you.”
And in her list of the “best known and highly respected travel agents in the business”, Virtuoso Travel Agents came in as number one and this is what she wrote, “The gold standard in the industry, Virtuoso consists of an elite group of travel agents who specialize in arranging luxury and adventure travel. Virtuoso is the exclusive North American travel consultant for booking passage on Virgin Galactic Space Flights. Virtuoso travel agents also specialize in extraordinary earthbound trips than can range from dog-sledding in Alaska to lodging in the best suite in the best hotel.”
I also Googled the search terms “why use a travel agent" and here are some links I found interesting:
New York Times Article
Miami Herald Story
Smart Money Magazine
Fodor's Travel
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