Working with a travel agent means you get to do the fun part…DREAMING, but not the work part, planning. Today I’m going to share the kinds of information I, as a travel agent, need to help turn your dream into a reality!

1. Are you hoping to explore a big city or relax in the countryside? Do you want to be in nature or surrounded by people, activities and shopping?

The setting is the first and, arguably, the most important piece of information to discuss. If cities make you anxious, then visiting the biggest ones may not be a good idea. If nature just seems a bit too boring, then nature based destinations may not be where you should spend your precious vacation days and dollars. The setting you choose will play a huge part in your overall happiness with a trip…don’t be afraid to think through how a particular setting will affect your vacation happiness.

2. What are your preferred accommodations? Are you looking for a luxury experience, a value experience or something in between? Are there any amenities that are a must have for you?

Whether you are a hotel snob or a motel lover, understanding what kind of accommodations you would typically choose and why is very important. For some people, the accommodations are paramount to the feeling of the trip. For others, they are just a means to an end. When I understand what you are looking for in accommodations, I can ensure that I am recommending options that fit with your vision, budget and comfort level.

3. Are you an adventurous eater, or do you prefer to stick with your tried and true favorites? Do you have any food allergies? Would you choose street eats or 4 course meals?

Let’s face it…food can make or break a trip. I once went on a trip where the food was so horrible I actually lost weight!!! Oh the horror. But seriously, bad food = bad trip. Food you aren’t comfortable eating = bad trip. Food that you can’t eat = bad trip. Taking the time to ensure you’ll have food you like and can eat will go a long way towards affecting your vacation happiness. You don’t want to wait until you're at a destination to find out you and the food are not compatible!

4. What kind of activities get you excited? Would you like to focus on a special interest (food & wine, golf, biking, etc.) during this trip?

How you envision getting to know your vacation destination is where the real fun begins. To me, the local cooking classes, walking tours, museum visits, historical sites (and on, and on, and on) are what really bring the destination alive. But, I don’t want to suggest you take a cooking class if you burn water. Or send you on a haunted cemetery tour if you are scared to death of ghost stories (this is me). Let’s discover what kinds of things make you tick, so we can customize your experience and up your vacation happiness!

If you've been dreaming of a trip, I'd love if you'd schedule a consultation below. We'll chat about the things listed above and more, to ensure I can help you plan and build a trip you love!

Travel is the best way to curate joy in your life. Let us help you make your next trip amazing!