I used to wonder what working with a Travel Agent would be like. Why use a Travel Agent when I can just book it myself? Turns out there are many reasons – the benefits of working with Travel Agents goes way beyond just saving you money.
They provide a service to make planning your vacation easier, relieving you of the headache that comes from having to plan, build an itinerary, find the best companies, and booking the trip. All that stress goes POOF, and you sit back like a queen, receiving the best service you’ve had! I only wish I’d discovered the benefits of Travel Agents sooner.
Here are the benefits of using a Travel Agent!
Many people still consider using a Travel Agent “old school” or “old fashioned”. However research shows that the demand for Travel Agents is starting to rise, thanks mostly to the millennials (Rock On friends!) Some people may even think Travel Agents are just for the wealthy or frequent flyers.
But they aren’t… A short weekend getaway for a couple, a family road trip down to Florida, National Park campers, or a month long luxury European trip exploring several countries. Agents are for anyone looking for guidance and security planning their trip.
Why Should You Use a Travel Agent?
Did you know there are certain days of the week that offer the best flight rates? or that oftentimes prices are negotiable? How about the best time to purchase to get the best rate? Travel Agents do. They monitor the weekly, everchanging sales and promotions and where the best deals are.
Benefits of Using a Travel Agent
Travel Agents do so much more than just booking your vacation. They will make sure you are prepared from the time you leave your home, until the time that you return.
They work directly with their partners (Delta, Marriott, Emirates, Disney, Hertz, Carnival etc) who have passed the screening of top of the line travel arrangements- so you have peace of mind that you are touring with award winning high quality tour companies and partners.
Support Your Community
When you book through a 3rd party online, you’re paying that 3rd party to book your reservations for you. You may not realize it, because the fee is hidden in “taxes & fees” which is included in your overall total.
Instead of sending that money to the 3rd party middle man, why not support your local Travel Agent instead? Keep your money in the community, and help support your local businesses.
Advisors are not just for people who don’t like to plan
My frequent flyer friends have said to me “but I enjoy researching and planning my own trip.” I completely understand this, I really do. So why can’t you? Work WITH your Travel Agent to plan your trip. Plan it, and work with an advisor to book it. Advisors specialize in the destination that you’re going to on your trip & know the most efficient planning methods, so geek out and have fun talking about your plans together.
Your Agent will help guide you, brainstorm with you, ask you questions you may not have thought of, and help you to relax and have fun planning your trip in an informative way.
PRO TIP: if you are researching and googling parts of your trip such as airfare or hotel costs, the companies put cookies into your computer. That means each time you look up the price, they know how many times and which dates. So guess what? You’ll start to see the rates go up a little bit each time.
They will Save you Money
Sneaky, right!? So remember, as you’re researching, you are unintentionally costing yourself money. I’m not saying don’t research, go nuts! Then reach out to your advisor, tell them what your thoughts are, and let your advisor make the arrangements for you. Use their expertise, resources, and connections to save you money!
Travel Agents have a partnership with the hotel, and that will often come with added perks or benefits for you as their client. Benefits that are only available to you because you worked with a Travel Agent to make your vacation reservations for you.
VIP Treatment
How do you and your special occasion stand out in Las Vegas from the hundreds of other travelocity reservations? Sorry, but you don’t. Imagine what would happen if you called your hotel before your arrival and requested VIP treatment, with a bottle of wine & bon bons waiting in your room, oh! and a room upgrade for a better view… because you don’t get to travel often, and this is a special occasion.
The hotel most likely will think you’re ridiculous and pompous, probably won’t be accommodating all of your requests, and will ask themselves “who does this person think they ARE?”
When you book with a travel agent, they CAN and WILL ask for VIP treatment for you and the others you’re traveling with. That could be a free breakfast, room upgrades for better views, and resort credits to use once you arrive towards shops, spas, restaurants, etc at the hotel.
Benefit of Travel Agents – They Save You Time
Another benefit of working with a travel agent is the communication. Instead of waiting on hold whenever you have a question or issue with your booking, you can text your agent. Or use whatever your desired method of communication – text, e-mail, phone, facetime etc, your agent will accommodate you.
Experience Personal Service
Have the comfort of knowing you can reach your agent personally, instead of waiting on the phone for hours for “the next available representative that will be with you shortly.” Your agent will provide a much more personal, speedier assistance with your questions & concerns regarding your vacation.
Travel Agents Understand How Travel Insurance Works
Going on vacation is expensive, having an emergency on vacation is even MORE expensive. What if you are traveling without your children, then your child gets sick or hurt while you’re in Spain? Or how about just as you’re boarding your flight, your boss calls to tell you the big meeting you’ve been preparing for months has been changed to tomorrow instead of next week?
Do you understand your travel insurance policy? Will it cover your emergency trip cancellation? Did you even purchase travel insurance?! What happens now?!
The disadvantage of not having travel insurance, is that all the cancellation fees, medical emergency costs, new booking arrangements, or transfer fees are paid by Y-O-U. I always insure my trips when I travel because you never know what could happen. Just ask my friend Kaytee about that one time in Thailand…
Comfort in Knowing You’re Covered
Calling the insurance company is a pain in the you know what. When you book with a travel agent, you can call them and get. The benefit of Travel Agents is that they know what insurance policy is best for your trip. They will recommend the best option for you, and insure your trip, giving you the comfort of knowing if any emergencies came up, you’re covered.
Is insurance a waste of money if you don’t use it? Yes and no. I don’t know about you – but I would much rather have insurance for $100, that I don’t use. Instead of paying $10,000 for the emergency that I didn’t purchase insurance on. I’m prone to getting ill on trips, so having insurance gives me security, knowing that worst case scenario – I don’t have to pay all the expenses that come with the illness.
**For international travelers coming to the U.S. I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing travelers insurance. Our medical care is extremely expensive, and even a quick trip to the emergency room is enough to drown you in debt. **
Another benefit of Travel Agents is that they provide excellent quality service and dedication to highest standards. They LOVE traveling, it’s their passion, it’s not just “a job”. They are extremely knowledgeable with how the travel industry operates, opening doors for you than if you were to book on your own.
Have you worked with a Travel Agent before? What did you like & dislike about the experience?
The Ultimate Weekend Packing Guide for travelers. Use this list so you know what to pack for vacation. This also make great travel gift ideas! Read more The Ultimate Weekend Packing Guide
Sorel Boots Coupon Codes Below are all the current and upcoming deals & coupon offers from SOREL; this post will continuously be updated based on current Sorel discounts & promotions **UPDATED JAN 20, 2020** SOREL – End of Season Sale – Up to 40% off! Ends 2/27 CLICK HERE TO SAVE NOW Pin15Share7TweetShareFlip22 Shares
My Eco Friendly Gifts list is great for travelers and other sustainability supporters. Let’s help to minimize carbon footprints globally with these 15+ Unique Eco Friendly Gifts!Read more 13 Unique Eco Friendly Gifts
Located just over an hour south of Denver is Colorado Springs. This beautiful area offers sunny skies and crisp mountain air all year round. Filled with outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, and adventure this area is perfect for a weekend trip. In January Logan and I visited Colorado Springs for a weekend and celebrated our anniversary.
Here are some of the highlights and must see spots we found during our Perfect Weekend in Colorado Springs!
From Denver Airport drive 1.5 hours south down highway 25 towards Colorado Springs. During our weekend in Colorado Springs we rented a car to have the freedom and flexibility to move at our own pace.
Downtown Colorado Springs: Downtown is buzzing with boutiques, parks, eateries, and a lively nightlife scene. Drink at the local breweries, and wine bars, then dance the night away at a club or concert! The area is a designated creative district. Walk around the city and you’ll find sculptures dotting its streets.
West Colorado Springs: This residential area is quiet and laid back. You’ll be close to nature to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and rock climbing. West Colorado Springs is also home to both the Garden of the Gods and the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Manitou Springs: A great resort area to stay for the perfect weekend in Colorado Springs. Just outside of the city limits, the town is known for its incredible panoramic views of Pikes Peak. You’ll find The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a group of reassembled ancient cliff structures and the entrance to Pike Peaks Highway here. Hike up a steep slope on the Manitou Incline Trail or shop on Manitou Avenue, home to art galleries and specialty boutiques.
Camping: Spend some quality time in the great outdoors at one of the many Colorado Springs campgrounds. You’ll find rustic walk on sites, fully equipped RV sites, and even cabins!
A new summit complex area began being built in late 2019. Construction of the summit will continue into 2020, with an estimated completion by later this year. Please be aware of your surroundings when you reach the top, as it is considered an active construction site. There are more details about the construction status here. Opening is scheduled for fall 2020.
There are four main ways to explore Pikes Peak and reach the summit:
Drive Your Car
Experience the beauty of the mountain as you ascend up the scenic Pikes Peak Highway. There is a $15 per person entry fee to access the road that winds its way up the mountain. **Currently Pikes Peak Summit is considered an active construction zone**
If you’re short on time and want to make the most out of your weekend in Colorado Springs you can find private and group tours HERE that will take you to the summit of Pikes Peak as well.
For the really adventurous visitors, try biking or hiking to the peak. There are tour companies that will drive you to the top and provide a guided bike tour down the mountain.
Go hiking on one of the many trails in the Pikes Peak area. If you plan on hiking your way to the top – Barr Trail is the most popular route to reach the summit. No matter which method you choose you will not be disappointed with Pikes Peak – “America’s Mountain” is stunning.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 1,474-acre city park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Here, exposed layers of sedimentary rock have been turned upward at the base of Pikes Peak. Deep canyons filled with gorgeous colored rocks in gold, salmon and other colors.
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space Park was privately owned until 2003, when it was bought by the City of Colorado Springs as open space. The land was divided into five separate tracts, and each track has specific restrictions as to how it can be utilized.
Location
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located along Highway 24.
3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
This striking park in Colorado Springs is DRONE and DOG FRIENDLY!! Other activities in the park include a campground, hiking trails, horse trails, a bike park, mountain bike trails, a large fenced in dog park, and more!
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is Colorado’s BEST KEPT SECRET. Just under an hour drive east of Colorado Springs will take you to Colorado’s most unique open space. The Paint Mines are given their name for their beautiful, bright colorful clays. The clay was once collected by American Indians to make paint in various colors.
The bright rainbow colored bands get their colors from oxidized iron compounds. The Paint Mines Interpretive Park contains evidence of human life from as far back as 9,000 years ago! The parks geological formations are spires and hoodoos, formed through various erosive actions. Creating gullies and layers of colored clay you see along the hike.
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Landmark of 1,300 acres of stunning red sandstone formations. The park is free to enter, making this a budget friendly activity! Make sure to bring your camera, you’re going to want pictures for this stunner of a park.
You won’t want to miss this gem during your perfect weekend in Colorado Springs! There are 15 miles of hiking trails spread throughout the Garden of the Gods Park. The park is family friendly with difficulty levels that vary from easy, paved paths to scrambling. There are trails for all everybody. Stop at the Visitor Center and pick up a free trail map. While you’re there you can ask a volunteer what trails they suggest for your skill level.
Park Information
Length: ½ mile – 4 miles depending on trail
Duration: 20 minutes – 4 hours depending on trail
Trail Difficulty: easy to moderate depending on trail
Scenery: gorgeous views of the unique rock formations found in Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
The park is open year round May 1 – Oct 31 5am – 11pm Nov 1 – Apr 30 5am – 9pm
Join a small group tour that takes you to both the Garden of the Gods AND Pikes Peak. If you’re looking to sit back and relax, take a full day tour and enjoy those PLUS a city tour.
Be sure to check out the Seven Falls and Cave of the Winds Park if you have time!
Everything you need to know for the Perfect Weekend in Colorado Springs, USA. Look no further – I cover where to stay, hikes, hidden gems, and the best stops for your weekend in Colorado!Read more The Perfect Weekend in Colorado Springs
Colorado’s hidden gem, The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located just outside of Colorado Springs. This hidden gem of rainbow hoo doos & spire formations is a must see.Read more Paint Mines Interpretive Park
The Perfect Weekend in Denver takes you through the city for some food and fun and then into the Rocky Mountain National Park. All in one weekend!Read more The Perfect Weekend in Denver
Today is National Plan a Vacation Day! and according to research travel advisors save 3.5 hours in planning time and over $400 per trip on average for their clients. Not only that, but Travel advisors help you avoid booking mistakes and improve your travel experience with perks and insider access.
Read more or check out ChelseaMessina.Inteletravel.com for the best tools and the perfect place to inquire about your bucket list destination vacation!
The Grassi Lakes Trail is a 4.3 kilometer (2.7 miles) out and back moderate hike located in the city of Canmore, in Alberta Canada. The local trail is just outside of Banff National Park. Canada wins for most beautiful lakes you’ve ever seen.
To get to Grassi Lakes trailhead, go past the Canmore Nordic Centre and take a left down Ken Richie Way. You’ll head down a paved road to a parking lot on your right. Try to get there early to get a parking spot and hike with less people. The trail is mostly uphill taking you to 2 beautiful lakes. The trip back down can be risky if you’re not in the right footwear. I would highly recommend hiking boots for this hike.
There are two different trails leading up to the lakes, an “easy” path and a “difficult” path. We took the easier trail and it was still a steady uphill climb that was at times challenging. The trail is a wide gravel path and easy to follow. All-terrain strollers will make it up this route better. The “difficult” Grassi Lakes trail is offers much more excitement and killer views. I would not recommend strollers or young children take this trail. If the trail is wet or snowy wear crampons to avoid potential for injury.
Michigan is located in the midwest of the United States. The state is known for the Great Lakes, and it’s 3,288 miles (5,292 km) of surrounding fresh water lakeshore. Some of the best fall foliage drives in Michigan are among it’s pristine shorelines. Road trip scenic routes across the state to see the best fall colors.
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As a local, my favorite thing to do in Michigan is a fall foliage road trip. The gorgeous fall scenery attracts people from all over, wanting to experience the bursts of color Michigan becomes in October. Make sure to Check the Fall Color Map before heading out on your road trip to ensure colors are at their peak.
These are the BEST fall foliage drives in Michigan!
