Amusement Parks

As a travel agent, I am often asked where to look for cheap amusement park and attraction tickets for locations such as Disneyland and Disney World, Six Flags, SeaWorld, Knott’s Berry Farm and others. Discounts and coupons can be found by searching on the internet, but the best prices may be elsewhere. Planning ahead and researching can save you quite a bit of money especially if you are traveling with a group or family.
Always check with your travel agent, it does not cost you anymore and we do all the work!

Luggage Weight

Most people have no idea if they are exceeding weight limits when packing. Some try standing on a bathroom scale or just guess. It would be worth investing in a luggage scale to help you determine how much or what to pack in each bag.
Not sure how to choose a luggage scale? Different types are available for purchase. Find the one that meets your needs and budget.
•If you are short on money, decide how much you are willing to spend. How much is one worth to you? Consider the fees you will have to pay if the bags are overweight or oversize. Check with official airline websites for information. Each one has their own policy, requirements and fee schedule depending if the type is a carry-on or checked bag.
•Decide on the type of luggage scale: hand held manual, hand held digital and floor models. The hand held manual ones are basic and cheapest. Stop and lock types will record the weight before you set a bag back down. If you don’t have someone around that can read the scale while you are holding a bag, this is a must. As bag and box dimensions are things that are examined by the airlines, one with a tape measure would be helpful since it serves more than one purpose. The digital styles are easier to read and may have a more accurate reading. The floor models can weigh bags by placing them on the scale vs. having to pick them up and holding them in the air. •Read the reviews. Some online vendors have buyer feedback on the pages that have the products they wish to sell to you.
If you are concerned that you will be over-weight on the return, you may want to pack the luggage scale too!

2012 Travel Calendar

Be sure and check out our travel calender for 2012 at www.dmttravel.com

Get the hotels business card

I always take a business card from the hotel I am staying at because if I get lost, I can always ask for directions back to the hotel. Do this whether or not you are on an escorted trip
Speaking from experience this is a very unnerving situation when you do not remember your hotel name or address.

You really so want to see

Keep an update of your eye prescription with you when you travel in case something happens to your glasses or contacts. Also, take an extra pair of glasses.

Do Your Research

When you choose a destination, research first and find out all you can about it. Example: language, religion, population, foods, music, etc. Then you won't waste time explaing to your travel agent just what you are looking for and during your trip. Show Up Knowing! You can have something to offer and a means of asking intelligent questions.

" Copy That ID"

A colleague of mine recently had a client who lost his wallet while traveling. He did not have any ID to take to the airport. She advised him to go to the local police department where they finger printed him, gave him a copy of the police report, and contacted the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in his home state. That bureau faxed a copy of his driver’s license to the police department and he was allowed to go through security and caught his flight home. Always make sure you have a copy of your ID and keep in a separate place.

Just for Men

Just For Men

Here's a tip that's useful even if you're not on a trip. If you need a shave desperately and shaving cream is expensive where you happen to be, the cheapest and indeed the best is available over the counter from pharmacies - aqueous cream. It comes in tubes and economy pots and (as the name implies) is excellent for moisturizing dry skin. Highly recommended.

Roll your ties backwards and very tightly round two of your fingers, starting from the narrow end and finishing with the wide. Then secure by rolling a sock over each one, separately. This method will keep the ties from getting creased, and will even remove that annoying twist.

Carry a "mugger's wallet" when travelling overseas - with a big bill in front and a half-dozen or so smaller bills behind, along with my photo ID library card, some other papers, hotel coupons, etc, for bulk. Day-to-day, this is my source for minor expenses. But in an emergency, you can surrender it easily and hope that the assailant is more interested in a quick windfall than carefully assessing the situation and evaluating whether or not you have more stashed somewhere that he'll have to go to considerable effort to get.

On a crowded city street with a large tour group, and you are busy looking at history and your wife wanders off to the nearest shop? Men, carry a large patterned umbrella (big, bright flowers work well) and have your wife carry the same. Then, if you get separated, you can both open them up and raise them above the crowd and find each other in an instant.

On the wallet security issue, make sure you always keep your wallet in a front trouser pocket (not in your inside jacket pocket or your back trouser pocket). Since the front of your thighs are very sensitive, it's difficult for the pickpocket to get it out without you knowing.

Besides the rubber band for wallets, turn your wallet ninety (90) degrees so the wallet goes across your pocket rather than up/down.

Make sure that you have a thick rubberband around your wallet. This will ensure that you will FEEL if someone is picking your pocket with the friction of the rubberband against the material of your slacks as they try to relieve you of the wallet!!

Arriving

Whenever you arrive in any country, whether it be by boat, plane or whatever you are vulnerable. You have all your cash, cards, documents and anything else valuable on you right at that moment. It is even worse if you have never been there before and look like you haven't, there are always people who are willing to "help". Every precaution you take will help to avoid any potential problems. After all you do not want someone to "help" themselves to your belongings, when you have just arrived. Here are a few tips that should help.
Before leaving for your trip, try to get some prior information as to the rough layout of the airport where you will be arriving. This will help, to have a vague sense of where you should be going and where the taxis are located etc.

Whenever possible, especially in certain countries we recommend taking either the airport limousine, or a hotel pick up.

Never take a taxi that seems just to be hanging around, offering its services when there is a taxi queue available.

Try to keep your wallet and valuables safely secured in a handbag or in one of your hand luggage.

Change some money into the local currency before you depart. This gives you one less thing to worry about, and will stop you from pulling a large amount of money out at the airport arrivals.

Keep a small amount of this local currency, easily accessible in a pocket or something, and away from the majority of your well earned money. You will need sufficient for the ride into town, a tip (perhaps) and a little for unforeseen needs like toll ways or a bottle of water.

If you have not been able to find anything out about the airport that you are visiting then ask one of the airline staff, or the government tourism booth (if they have one at the airport) for some assistance, or tips on the best way of travelling.

Most countries really are very safe, but in others it is really very advisable to take to take as many precautions as possible. No matter what, the most important is that you have a great holiday.

Tips for Your First Spa Visit

Tips for Your First Spa Visit
Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
Arrive at a reasonable hour even if you need to leave work early.
Meet with spa coordinators immediately...
Choose a spa that fits your needs; overseas spas usually emphasize beauty rather than exercise, nutrition etc.
Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.
Does the manicurist also do facials; if so, this is not a true spa.
Read health and fitness magazines for a few months in advance and formulate questions; this is your chance to ask specialists everything: don't forget to have questions for the cook, hairdresser, class instructors, hikers, nurse etc.
Have a goal; this helps you to schedule properly and make priorities. i.e.: weight loss. stress reduction, learning about new ideas, menopause considerations etc.
List all the machines from your hometown gym; you can get a trainer to teach you how to use them more effectively.
Figure out how fast you walk so that when you join a morning walk you know your level. Instructors will say " this is the 12 minute mile group" etc.
Before you pack, find out about laundry facilities so you don't over pack. If facilities are not available, buy 9 Hanes Beefy T Shirts to wear on top--they will be cheaper to throw out than most spa laundry services.
Leggings and spandex shorts are easy to pack and to wash in your room.
Do carry some exercise clothes on the plane and wear your sneakers.
If luggage is delayed, you will find the spa store very pricey!
Packing in two small bags increases the chances that one will arrive with you.
Do not overindulge immediately on fresh salad, fruits or high fiber foods. Ask about ingredients, ie. some chocolate sauces contain prune nectar. You will pay the price!
Spread your appointments so that your body has a rest from exercise; i.e.. book a massage and longer services on the second and fourth days as you will probably be too tired to continue exercising.
Use your services for information you cannot get from your hometown: ie don't waste time on a manicure if the spa offers for the same price a physical trainer or hydrotherapy.
Ask a physical trainer for a short stretch routine to do in your room before you jump into the early morning walk, especially if you are not in great shape.
Bring minimum make-up and no jewelry; most spas are very casual and women wind down quickly. Spas are not a fashion show.
Do bring something from your college or your children's' school especially if you are going alone. Great way to identify new friends from the same background.
Try one new class or lecture each day even if you walk out before the end. These include meditation, tai chi, alternative health proposals. Try two new services; even picking what you consider "off the wall". Professional spas do not offer services which have no benefit.
Remember you will drink lots of water; get rid of your bathroom and locker room qualms. Some of those spandex girls used to look like you so don't be embarrassed. In the same vein, never look at the other people in a class; you are there for yourself not to compete with anyone else.
Keep an open mind and you will learn not just from the professionals but from the other guests.

Tipping guide

Waiter Fifteen percent of the bill (not including tax).
Captain: Five percent. Note: If diner writes tip on the check, the waiter gets it all, unless the diner specifies how it is to be split. (Example: Waiter, $5; captain, $2.)
Headwaiter who seats diners: Five dollars or $10 or more at intervals for regular patrons. He should be tipped in cash.
Sommelier Ten percent of the wine selection or 5% if the wine is expensive. Two dollars or $3 is a good tip.
Bartender: One dollar minimum or 15% of check
Hatcheck- Fifty cents to $1 per couple.
Rest-room attendant Fifty cents.
Doorman (to get taxi: Fifty cents normally. One dollar in bad weather or rush hour.
Other staff at a restaurant that is used regularly should be tipped once or twice a year.- Hosts, switchboard operators (where the restaurant provides telephone service).
Other tipping:


Nightclubs - Headwaiter should get $2 to $ 10 per person, depending on the impression the party host wishes to make on his guests. (Higher tip usually ensures better service)
Limousine service: Fifteen percent to the driver. If service charge is included in bill, tip an additional $5.
Hotels - Valet, room service, bartender, should get about 50 cents, depending on the amount and quality of service. Bellman: Fifty cents per bag. Chambermaid: One dollar per day.
Sports arenas and racetracks - A $5 tip to an usher will often give you and your guests access to unused reserved seats.

Tips For Traveling To Europe

Best Tips For Traveling To Europe

When traveling to Europe, consider off-season which is mainly from October to April. You will be able to save on airfare, and find more budget rooms.

Use a guidebook. Guidebooks cost approximately $20 and will save you a lot of money. An up-to-date guidebook pays for itself on your first day in Europe and you will learn about best places to stay, eat and visit to get more value for your dollar.

Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. You'll get your cash cheaper and faster. Note that they come with transaction fees, but you can minimize them by making fewer and larger withdrawals.

What Clothes To Pack

What Clothes To Pack

1. Coordinate your clothes around one or two basic colors. This cuts down on the number of shoes and accessories you have to bring.

2. Take as few clothes as possible. Plan on laundering. One person suggested one week's worth of clothes. I take fewer unless they are my washable silks.

3. Wear and carry washable silk clothing whenever possible. It is as warm as and as cool as cotton. It dries overnight and 10-15 pieces take no more room than two pair jeans. There are some other manmade fabrics that travel as well if not better, but they cost quite a bit more.

4. Plastic rain coat can double as a bathrobe or windbreaker.

5. Take older clothes that can be discarded along the way. Great for growing children. Many places, the local people are pleased to get these castoffs. There are travelers who take nothing but old clothes so they have that much more room for bringing souvenirs home.

6. Jeans - I never take them as they take so long to dry. If both the time and money for laundering are concerns, take lighter weight pants.

The 5 smartest vacation photos you've never taken

The 5 smartest vacation photos you've never taken

Use your digital camera as a "visual notebook" to record things you may find useful later on — not just for photos of your family at your destination. Here are some ideas:

'Return to owner'
Take a photo of a sign you make that says "This camera belongs to ..." and lists your name, contact information, and (perhaps) the promise of a reward. Set this image to "read-only" to make it difficult to erase. Keep it as the first picture on your memory card. If strangers find your lost camera and start looking at its photos, they'll know it belongs to you.

'Where was that again?'
Snap the location of your parked car, or take a picture of your hotel door with the room number on it. At the end of your jetlagged day, whether you're in an Orlando parking garage or Las Vegas resort, you'll appreciate having the photo to remind you of where you need to go.

'See? My car was fine when I left the lot'
Sometimes sneaky rental car companies will "ding" you for rental car damage you didn't cause. Avoid surprises on your bill by capturing "before" and "after" views of your vehicle. (Skip taking photos if an attendant walk arounds the vehicle with you and notes any damage on a form you both sign.)

'Which temple was that one again?'
Let's say that on a vacation you see dozens of the same category of sights: a Madonnarama of paintings at European art galleries; a Buddhathon of temples in Cambodia. Be sure to record the context of what you're photographing by shooting up close the text of a street sign, historical plaque, or a relevant page of your guidebook.

'Darn it. I wish I could print out this webpage'
Let's say you're using your hotel's computer to look up some information, such as a map for a museum's location, but you don't have access to a printer — or maybe don't want to pay a silly printing charge. Simply take a photo of the screen, and then use your camera's built-in LCD screen to view it as you walk.

Your first-aid kit

Your first-aid kit
Pharmacist Laura Mandos of the University of the Sciences suggests:

•Bandages and Neosporin for cuts. For larger injuries, bring tape and gauze.
•If the water isn't safe, saline solution is a sterile wash.
•Hydrocortisone cream. Provides topical relief for poison ivy, poison oak, or stinging nettles.
•Benadryl. Good for allergic reactions — and in a pinch, it doubles as a sleep aid.
•Imodium. Your go-to solution for diarrhea. (For an upset stomach, try ginger ale.)
•Prescription meds. Pack extra, in case you get stranded.

Travel Insurance

Read the fine print
Not all medical insurance covers travel abroad. Break your leg while hiking in the jungle and a medical evacuation could set you back $10,000 or more. So ask your insurer about exclusions before you go, and consider buying a supplemental policy.

Sunny Side Up

Sunny side-up
Bathing suit: Check! Fully loaded Kindle: Check! Two bottles of sunscreen for every member of your family: Seriously? That's right. For adequate protection, you need to coat yourself every 2 hours and apply a lot more than you realize. Vanity alert: The thin skin on the top of your hands is a prime target for age spots

Communicating in foreign countries

Before traveling to foreign countries, use an online language translator to explain your food allergies, health conditions and medications. Print the translated message, one for each country you are visiting, show it to the waiter, doctor or at the hospital.
Speaking from experience, having this information could help out in a very difficult situation

Be prepared for your flight

Over the years, I’ve learned that I needed to be well prepared for our trips. Here are some ideas that may help you reduce the negative emotions that can end up ruining your trip
1.Arrange for a ride: friend, family, shuttle, taxi or limo – this will allow you to relax on your ride to the airport and will eliminate the need to park your car
2.Reserve a parking spot – if you don’t know where to park or are looking for cheaper alternatives to airport parking (AirportParkingReservations.com)
3.Stay overnight in an airport hotel – not only will you be close to the airport, some have packages that include parking which may be cheaper than leaving your car at the airport, often with free shuttle service (ParkSleepFly.com)
4.Consider having a meal before flying, in or near the airport – if you are going to eat before, plan to leave at least an hour earlier (additional benefit – you will not be hungry when boarding the plane)
5.Check-in online – this will notify the airline that you are planning to be on the flight and you may not need to go to the counter if you’re not checking luggage (Please note: if you bought a vacation package and received paper documents, check to be sure what they are for. For example, Southwest Vacations mails what appear to be paper tickets, but they are only used to get through security. You must bring them with you to the airport, otherwise you will need to purchase new tickets. If you don’t go to the ticket counter, you will need to exchange them at the gate.)
6.Print out boarding passes – if you don’t need to check luggage, you can go straight to the security check point
7.Check gasoline level in your car – you may need extra time to get some gas or you may not have enough time if you need to stop on the way
8.Print out a map of your route – if you need to find an alternative route, a GPS may not be able to help you (Google Maps, Mapquest)
9.Pack activities for the kids – the less distractions, the better
10.Be prepared to leave early – unforeseen events can happen along the way
11.Check your flight – you will want to know if it is on time, delayed, or rescheduled
12.Check the traffic report – online (Sigalert.com – in the Los Angeles area) and on the radio
13.Check the weather report – especially important if you have a long drive to the airport (AccuWeather.com)
14.Consider checking bags at the curb – it will save you time if there is a long line at the counter and is convenient
15.Have a backup plan if you miss your flight – if you know your options prior to arriving at the airport, you will know what to do if something happens

What to pack in your carry-on

Have you ever felt like you have forgotten something at home after leaving for the airport? Or wished you would have put something in your carry-on instead of in your checked luggage? Here are some suggestions of things to include in your carry-on whether you are checking bags or not.
•Medication – pain relievers, allergy pill and prescriptions (may need a doctor’s note).
•Change of clothes – something to wear in case your luggage is lost or stolen.
•Toiletry bag – for small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion and toothpaste (3 oz. maximum), along with a toothbrush if you are stranded at some point.
•Jewelry – especially anything personal and special to you.
•Camera – not only because it has monetary value, but losing pictures and videos from your trip would be disappointing.
•Cell phone, computer or electronic game cords/chargers – some airports now have charging stations or outlets near waiting areas.
•Your airline’s phone number and your rights as a passenger – missed connections and canceled flights are not uncommon. It’s better to try calling while standing in line to make other arrangements. If you booked your ticket with a travel agent, you may also call them for help. By the time you get to a gate agent, you may have missed an opportunity to catch the next flight out. You will also want the information handy if your bags make it to your destination before or after you.
•Empty water bottle/container – save money by filling it on the other side of security. Usually airports will have a drinking fountain near restrooms.

Workout gear can double as sleepwear

So long as you aren't sweating buckets each day working out, you can at least use your tank top or t-shirt for sleeping. We like to air ours out in the bathroom for good measure.

Speak softly and carry a large hand bag

Your carry-on luggage should either be a large handbag or a backpack. I always see women bring a small suitcase, a laptop bag, a medium sized purse, and an assortment of plastic bags holding various post-security sundries. Are you joking? Who wants to be walking around a terminal for hours looking like a bell hop?

She’s got a lot of baggage

I won’t go through packing tips for checked bags, but the golden rule of packing is this; your carry on is NOT the place for items that will not fit in your checked luggage. Never, ever, ever. You don’t need your blow dryer or those cute tops you decided to bring at the last minute cluttering up your bag and annoying everyone in the security line.

Think ahead

Take partial tubes of toothpaste, hair products and other sundries. At end of the trip, whatever's left, leave behind; more space in your luggage for souvenirs!

And yet another scam

You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for all the charges for your room). You get to your room and settle in. Someone calls the front desk and asked for (example) Room 620 (which happens to be your room). Your phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following, "This is the front desk. When checking in, we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card." Not thinking anything, you might give this person your information since the call seems to come from the front desk. But actually, it is a scam of someone calling from outside the hotel/front desk. They ask for a random room number. Then, ask you for credit card information and address information. Sounding so professional that you think you are talking to the front desk. If you ever encounter this problem on your vacation, tell the caller that you will be down at the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone called to scam you of your credit card information acting like a front desk employee. This was sent by someone who has been duped .... and is still clearing up the mess

Pare down on accessories:

Regardless of where we're headed, we usually only carry one nice pair of earrings, one nice necklace and one set of thin bangles. Besides, you might find some cute jewelry at your destination. Ditto on magazines and books. Take one each if you must.

Shower Cap

Use the plastic shower caps that the hotel provides for wrapping your shoes. Works great!

Food for the kids

When traveling with children on an airplane and there is no food selection, travel with the instant Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and or instant Cup of Noodles or oodles of noodles soup and you just have to ask the flight attendent for hot water and you are all set.

Tipping in other country's

Do not tip anyone in a country you are travelling in with foreign coins as they can not use them. They can not take coins to the bank in their own country and cash them in. Either take a supply of American $1 bills, or tip in the country's own currency.

Know your destination

When you choose a destination, research first and find out all you can about it. Example: language, religion, population, foods, music, etc. Then you won't waste time finding all these things out. Show Up Knowing! You can have something to offer and a means of asking intelligent questions.

Be able to explain your allergies

Before traveling to foreign countries, use an online language translator to explain your food allergies. Print the translated message, one for each country you are visiting, show it to the waiter, and enjoy your meal knowing they understand and are aware of your needs.

Do Your Research

When you choose a destination, research first and find out all you can about it. Example: language, religion, population, foods, music, etc. Then you won't waste time finding all these things out. Show Up Knowing! You can have something to offer and a means of asking intelligent questions.

Copies of your ID

I recently had a client who lost his wallet while traveling. He did not have any ID to take to the airport. I advised him to go to the local police department where they finger printed him, gave him a copy of the police report, and contacted the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in his home state. That bureau faxed a copy of his drivers license to the police department and he was allowed to go through security and caught his flight home. Always have clients make a copy of their ID and keep in a separate

Travel with Kids/ Bring a change of Cloths

Everyone tells you to bring a change of clothes for the baby. Seeing as babies traditionally have very poor motor skills, not to mention little control over their bodily functions, they tend to get messy. To all but the greenest rookie, the spare onesie is a given. But no one mentions that when baby spills/pukes/suffers a GI blowout, studies (conducted by me, over and over and over) show that she is always, one hundred percent of the time, sitting on mom’s . So be sure and pack a change of clothing for yourself. You will be glad you did!

Travel with kids/ Forget about how you look

Really. I mean, sure, change out of your puke and poop-stained clothes when you can, but when traveling with a small child you are going to look like the living dead. Accept this. And who really cares? Have you ever in your life bumped into someone next to whom you sat on a plane in 1997? No! They go away, you go away, and the worst that can happen is some guy in Topeka occasionally wonders what happened to that frazzled lady who had really bad hair, small chocolate handprints on her boob and something green stuck between her front teeth

Travel with Kids / Barf bags are underrated

Not, of course, for their intended purpose; in that case they’re almost useless where a baby is concerned. When she barfs—and she will—the odds that you will have time to retrieve, open and position the thing properly in order to catch the fallout are 1 in 564,983,203 (actual figure). But since they are complimentary, grab every one within reach. They work great for carrying poopy diapers until you can locate an inconspicuous trash bin, come in handy for stashing the messy remains of half-eaten bananas and semi-chewed prunes, can be fashioned into a mouthpiece to help relieve hiccups, and if you’re creative and have a crayon or two floating around in your bag, you’ve got an instant hand-puppet. (Please note: Do not attempt any of the above if the barf bag actually has barf in it.)

" Girls On The Go"

" Girls On The Go" Ladies Travel Group Girls on the Go January Meeting.
Once again we had a full house and a great time
Three trips were presented to the group:
New England Back Roads (A Fall Colors Tours) travel dates October 11th thru October 18th, , 2011
Italian Mosaics, October 18th thru October 30th, 2011
...Costa Rica, February 2012
You can find all the details and pricing for these trips at: www.dmttravel.com

Travel with Kids /Consider other passengers

Consider other passengers—carefully—when packing. This means loading your carry-on with lots of studious but engaging books, stickers and puzzles—and leaving the annoyingly cheerful Wiggle Giggle Gorilla at home. Years ago a friend told me about a flight she was on where a couple traveling with a small baby handed out earplugs to every passenger on the plane. I am here to tell you, the response is overwhelming! Grumpy and gratefully, temporarily-deaf old men will actually go out of their way to lean over you to coochie-coochie-coo your child’s chin. Flight attendants will offer you complimentary headsets. Strangers of all ages will smile and wave as you pass them (again and again) on your way to the loo. Best twenty bucks you’ll ever spend.

Reasons for using a Travel Agent 96 thru 101

96. Good Lounge Recommendations
Travel specialists can help you decide if purchasing access to an airline lounge is worth it or not.
97. Good Airport Hangouts
Travel agents travel a lot. They can probably help you figure out what to do with that extra time you have in an airport after getting through security.
98. Where to Watch Your Wallet More Carefully
Although you should always take extra care to hold onto your wallet when traveling, travel agents can warn you if pick-pocketing is common at your future destination.
99. What to Put in the Hotel Safe
Travel agents can give you good advice on what you should be keeping in that hotel safe while you are out exploring the sites so there is nothing important missing when you return.
100. Altering Your Travel Arrangements
If you have already booked your trip but want to change some details your travel agency can help get all the necessary steps done, leaving you without the headache and confusion.
101. It Makes Traveling Easy
Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.

Reasons To Use A Travel Agent 91 thru 95

91. Don’t Like Letter Writing?
A good travel agent will send a letter to the airline or hotel for you if you should have a bad flight or poor service at a hotel.
92. Sound Important When Talking About Your Trip
After a bragging about a great trip to coworkers or the neighbors, and they ask how you got all those details organized you can say, “My agent did it.”
93. Forbidden Fruit
Your travel agent can forewarn you of items not allowed to be brought back into the United States. –Yes, you have to smoke those Cuban cigars before you leave to come home and you can’t bring that “rattling rose apple” back with you from India!
94. Financial Planning
Travel experts can help you to create a budget to stick to while you are on your trip, so you can have a good time and not break the bank.
95. Good Babysitters
Travel experts might be able to help you find a local babysitter in the area you are traveling to if you want to plan a night out alone.

Reasons to Use A travel Agent 86 thru 90

86. Because We Said So
Our business is to help you find a qualified travel specialist.
87. What to Expect on the Flight
Your travel expert can give you helpful answers on what to expect long flights to be like, and maybe some interesting activities to do while flying.
88. It is Their Job
Travel agents actually work to get different accreditations to increase their qualifications as a travel expert.
89. Lost Baggage
If the airline should lose your baggage, your travel agent can get on the phone and make sure the airline works as quickly as they can to solve the problem allowing you to at least go relax at the hotel.
90. Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right. They Sure Have a lot of Business
Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels. *

Reasons for using a Travel agent 81 thru 85

81. It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
82. They’re Out There… Use Them
Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can.
83. Possibility of a Free Gift
Some travel agents offer free incentives. Who doesn’t like the possibility of free presents?
84. Even if the Internet Goes Down Your Trip Can Still Be Planned
Your travel agent is still getting your trip planned even if your internet at home or at the office is not working.
85. Back-up Distributor of Documents
You can give your travel agent a copy of all your travel documents so if anything were to get lost you have someone to call that can send copies.

Why to use a Travel Agent 76 thru 80

76.They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists
Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a preprogrammed website?
77. Best Pre-Seat Assignments Possible
Travel agents can talk directly with the airline to arrange for you to get the seats with the most leg room, seats that might not otherwise be released until the day of the flight.
78. Mapping Routes Out Ahead of Time
Not really good at reading maps? A good travel expert can help you to map out any basic directions you might need on your trip ahead of time.
79. Family with 3 Small Children and Only Want 1 Room?
A travel expert might be able to find a way to help a family with small children get around the hotel policies of only 4 to a room.
80. Help, I’m Lost!!!!!!
If you should get lost somewhere along the way, your travel agent could be a good outlet for help.