Do Travel Agents Still Exist?

Do Travel Agents Still Exist?

Do travel agents still exist? Because, you know, the Internet! This is the number one question I’m asked when people learn I am a Travel Advisor. Here are several benefits for clients choosing to use a Travel Advisor to help plan their trips:

First, Travel Advisors help clients choose a destination and how best to experience it. I’ve been to many destinations – but if not, I’ve got trusted colleagues who have, as well a host of research resources to draw on for my clients’ behalf. In order to match my clients with a great experience, I take time to get to know them. I hate to see people spend money on an experience they don’t enjoy, or have a subpar vacation, even if it was presented as a steal of a deal. 

Second, Travel Advisors save clients time and hassle. The Internet is called the Information Highway for a reason, but it’s a double-edged sword, and it may be difficult to know what's accurate. My knowledge and experience allow me to quickly assess available options. I love sitting on hold (said no one, ever!) – but as their Travel Advisor, my clients can outsource this time consuming and sometimes frustrating task to me.

Third, Travel Advisors may be able to get their clients special treatment they can't find on their own. Thanks to my relationships with travel suppliers, I can often get amenities, upgrades and other special VIP touches that my clients don't have access to. So while some DIY vacationers may pat themselves on the back for saving $100, it’s not unusual for my clients to enjoy special perks worth more, and adding an extra touch to their experience.

Fourth, the job of a Travel Advisor does not end when the client has booked travel.  I go the extra mile to find great restaurants I know they will love and book reservations, recommend and book extra special activities (for example, golf tee times, shore excursions, food experiences, day trips out of city, etc.) I do my best to prepare my clients for travel, to minimize surprises. I confirm that passports are current (and whether visas or other extras are needed,) help them with packing advice, and even tipping guidelines.

Fifth, Your Travel Advisor reads through the fine print, so you don’t have to. There are myriad rules imposed on the traveling public by airlines, hotel companies and tour operators, frequently resulting in fees for change or cancellation, as well as defining their obligation to the traveler in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, which might disrupt travel. I review this language and interpret terms and conditions for my clients, to assist them with making a fully-informed purchase decision. Additionally Travel Advisors have access to dedicated travel insurance companies with products that are often less expensive and more comprehensive than those offered by an airline or tour company.

Bonus – Have you ever tried to organize a trip for a group of people? Traveling with a group (family, friends, people with a common interest, etc.) is a wonderful way to experience a destination but it can quickly become complicated. You can delegate planning a group trip to a Travel Advisor, who will track all travelers and associated bookings, payment deadlines, documentation requirements, etc. It’s not unusual for travel companies to offer special perks when a group travels together! 

Finally, your Travel Advisor is a phone call away. If my clients experience unexpected challenges during their travel, they know they need just to phone or text me, and I will work to resolve the issue. Have you ever sought help from one of the online mega-agencies? If so, you understand the value proposition here!

Happy Travels,

Joan Q

joan@tastefulvoyages.com

CST #2123649-40

Paris Treats for the Traveler With a Sweet Tooth

Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance and sweet on the palette. It is a sugar lovers dream and the biggest problem you’ll have when it comes the delectable French deserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that sweet last course, we’ve broken down the top 10 French desserts for your visit to France. And if you have to eat more than one a day just to get through them? Well, c’est la vie!

Tartes Aux Fruits – The tartes aux fruits are prepared with fresh fruit inside a buttery pastry.  The fruit sit atop a heavenly Chantilly cream.  You can enjoy these tartes in both a miniature individual portion, or as a pie-type slice.

Photo by Nick Collins from Pexels

The Éclair – The éclair is a popular dessert in Paris.  The long French pâte a choux pastry can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream, and topped with a sweet fondant or chocolate ganache.  Did you know that in French,  the term éclair means lightning?  

Photo by RitaE on Pixabay

The Paris Brest – This pastry was created to celebrate the Paris to Brest bicycle race in 1891.  Shaped in a round in homage to a bicycle wheel, it's a ring of pâte choux filled with praline flavored crème.

Photo by Jordan Mathie on Unsplash

Macaron – Macarons are undeniably delectable.  There are so many flavors to choose from.  The base ingredients include an airy meringue and almonds.  Be sure to not confuse with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16^th century.

Photo by Yosef Pregadio on Unsplash

Tarte Au Citron – Tarte Au Citron  (lemon tart) is a very popular dessert, consisting of a rich pastry crust and delicious lemon filling.  The filling, however, is not made with fruit, but rather is a custardy cream containing lemon juice, lemon zest and of course, eggs and sugar.

Photo by Alisha Mishra from Pexels

The Mille Feuille – This fluffy treat comes in a vanilla or custard slice and is comprised of several layers of puff pastry.  Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème.  Another name for the Mille Feuille is the Napoleon.

Photo by iSAW Company from Pexels

The Tarte Tatin – Named after the hotel that serves the dessert (Hotel Tatin), the tarte Tatin is a unique upside-down pastry.  Its ingredients include caramelized fruit prepared with sugar and butter.  It pairs famously with a bit of tart crème fraiche. 

Photo by Chloe Benko-Prieur on Unsplash

Choux à La Crème – These cream puffs are created using puff pastry as well.  They swell while cooking and are actually hollow.  The oozing center can be either whipped cream or custard.   Interestingly enough, once you add chocolate as the topping and ice cream as the filling, it then becomes a profiterole.  

Photo from Pixabay

Croissant – Not limited at all to dessert, this buttery flaky wonder is a signature French pastry.  There are so many ways to top it; you can use fruit, chocolate, fondant or a compote of your choosing.  You will not be disappointed.

Photo by Mick Victor from Pexels

Petits Four – Translated, petit four means small oven, and are also known as mignardises.  The fours are miniature bite-sized confections that can also be savory if you choose.  The sweet route includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit.  These pastries are perfect for tea parties. 

Photo by Stux on Pixabay

Catch the Holiday Spirit - On a Cruise!

A December cruise can be a wonderful experience for you and your family! Especially if you’re looking for a change from that “White Christmas!” Trade in  your snow boots for flip flops as you cruise destinations such as Mexico, The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Enjoy twinkling stars, sparkling lights, beautiful holiday decorations and all the festivities of the season. Holiday cruises are packed with lots of onboard activities and the incredible ports of call.  

Here are some of the many reasons to consider a holiday cruise:

Family Time

Typically when families get together during the holidays, it always involves work. Cooking, cleaning, decorating, driving out-of-town family around. But when you’re on a cruise, you actually get to enjoy each other’s company.

Sunshine

If you ask most people if they’d rather shovel snow or go snorkeling, we’re betting most would grab their mask and fins! While your neighbors may be buried under a foot of snow, you can soak up the sun poolside or enjoy a tropical cocktail underneath a palm tree.

Onboard Entertainment

We think holiday entertainment at sea is the best! Watching all your favorite seasonal movies, enjoying Holiday Shows put on by talented dancers and singers are among the shipboard offerings which really do contribute to great family memories!

Holiday Shopping

If you didn’t get all of your holiday shopping before your cruise, no worries! Grab a few bottles of Tequila in Cozumel and bags of coffee from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica for the coffee lovers on your list. The gift ideas are limitless as you visit various ports of call!

Christmas Traditions

You don’t have to miss timeless Christmas traditions while at sea. Non-denominational services are usually offered and you can even sing carols around the tree before Christmas Dinner is served.

Decorations

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the holiday with all your cruise ship is sure to offer. Beautiful wreaths, trees—large and small, will make your holiday festive and bright! And the best thing is you don’t have to take any of it down after the holidays!

Memories

We’re pretty certain that your Holiday cruise will be one of your family’s favorites for years to come. Children and grandchildren will remember the time they built sandcastles on the beach on Christmas Eve, or spent New Year's Day at a Mayan ruin. 

Room Service

What a gift! Holiday breakfast in bed! You can order the perfect cup of coffee or order in pizza while you watch your favorite holiday movie in your stateroom. Room service is the ultimate gift for the mom who does it all!

Ready to plan?  I’d love to help!  joan@tastefulvoyages.com | tastefulvoyages.com