Being a travel agent who travels quite a bit, I have learned a lot about travel. I’ve learned travel hacks, the best time to visit destinations, packing tips, money-saving tips, and so much more. I thought I would break down my top 10 travel tips that I think will get you far in the traveling world. I’d love to hear what your favorite travel tips are! Comment below.

Top 10 travel tips from a travel agent.

1. Plan your trip sooner than later

My number one travel tip is to plan your trip sooner than later. There are many benefits to planning your vacation in advance. Often times resorts will have early bird pricing in hopes to book up their rooms. There are a lot more options for airfare, hotels, and excursions early on because you are looking ahead of everyone else. Also, when working with a travel agent, if you book in advance, you are able to pay in installments, instead of paying the trip all at once. It can really help financially to plan and book your vacation sooner than later.

2. Travel during shoulder or low season

Traveling during the off-season is my favorite time to visit a destination, for example, Aruba during hurricane season! 

One of the main reasons I love traveling during the low season is to save money. When you visit a destination when it isn’t peak season means hotels, flights, and activities can be less expensive. 

Click here to find out more reasons why it is the best time to travel during off-season and also see great destinations to visit during the off-season. 

3. Use a credit card with great travel rewards

If you’re not using a credit card with great travel rewards, you’re throwing money away. First, obviously don’t spend more than you have, but if you are able to use credit cards responsibly, then make sure you are taking advantage of all they have to offer.

Some benefits offered by credit cards that focus on travel are access to airport lounges, free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, free and discounted travel, and so much more. Two of my favorite credit cards that give amazing travel rewards are Chase Sapphire Reserve and Venture.

4. Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Before I got TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, I didn’t think I needed them. But now that I have both, I will never NOT have them! The convenience and time saved is worth every penny.

TSA PreCheck is used when traveling domestically in the USA and Global Entry is used when re-entering the USA from traveling internationally.

For TSA PreCheck, you get to go through an expedited TSA line where you don’t have to take off shoes or belts or take out anything from your carry on/personal luggage. If you live near a busy airport, this will save you so much time and energy! 

Global Entry is basically a fast pass lane through Customs when coming back into the USA. You don’t have to talk to a customs agent or stand in those long lines. You just walk up to a kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few questions, take a picture and you are good to go. After a long international flight, it feels so nice to just breeze through this tedious process. 

When you purchase Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck. That is the route I suggest going. Currently, it is $100 for a 5-year membership, and that included TSA PreCheck. If you purchase TSA PreCheck without Global Entry, it is $85 for a 5-year membership. If you are planning on traveling internationally once or twice in the next five years, get Global Entry. 

Another benefit to some credit cards that have great travel rewards is your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck costs are paid for! Then it really is a no brainer to get both if they are free.

5. Know what flight category you’re purchasing

With budget-friendly airlines, like Frontier, now showing up more than ever, other airlines are looking for ways to compete. Most major US Airlines are now offering Basic Economy airline tickets. There is a big difference between Basic Economy airline tickets and Economy airline tickets. Make sure you know the difference before clicking “purchase” or you could be kicking yourself down the way.

Before purchasing your next airline tickets, click here for the details on the differences between basic economy and economy airline tickets.

6. Get travel insurance

Since being a travel agent and working with many families and couples on various different types of vacations, I have learned that travel insurance is crucial. You just never know what is going to happen before or during your vacation that you will need to be covered for. 

Different travel insurances cover different things, so make sure you are purchasing exactly what you need. Travel insurance can cover anything from having to cancel a trip for unexpected health reasons, death in a family, jury duty, medical and dental issues while on the trip, lost luggage, and so so much more. When you are investing a good chunk of money on a vacation, it is a good idea to protect that investment as well as your health and belongings while traveling. 

If you have questions about travel insurance or need to purchase some for your next vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

7. Notify credit card company of travels

If you plan on using a specific credit card while on vacation, make sure the company knows you will be traveling. When credit card companies see charges on your card in an area you normally a not located, they will put a lock on your account. If you are traveling internationally and don’t have an easy way of approving your charges or proving you are located where you are using your credit card, you could be without money while traveling.

The good thing is that a lot of credit cards know when and where you will be traveling depending on what you purchase with your card. For example, Venture One and Chase cards will make note that you are traveling if you purchase your airline tickets with their credit card. Then when they see you are making other purchases within that time frame in the location your airline tickets are for, they won’t put a hold on your card.

It is always a good idea to double-check with your credit card company that they know you will be traveling and to expect charges on your card from that location. 

8. Share your travel itinerary with family or a friend

It is always a wise choice to share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member. You never know what could go wrong or when you will need help, and having someone know where you are in the world can come in handy.

9. Renew or get a passport early

If you are planning on traveling internationally this year, or hope you will be, renew or get your passport now. The processing time for getting passports has extended from 4 weeks to now an average of 6-8 weeks. Don’t wait longer than you have to and risk having to pay more money to expedite your passport to get it in time for your international vacation. If you are getting your passport for the first time, follow these easy steps to make the process easier.

If you already have your passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid six months AFTER you return from your trip. That means, if you are going to Mexico in January, your passport must be valid through July. If it expires within the 6 months after your trip, you will not be let on the plane.

10. Contact a travel agent for help!

Travel agents are experts in travel and many specialize in specific types of travel, like honeymoons, family vacations, destination weddings, or locations, like Hawaii, Caribbean, or Europe. To save yourself time and money, talk to an expert! It is so helpful to be able to ask your travel questions to an actual human, and not just a Google search. Travel agents can answer all your travel questions, plan your vacation, book your vacation, coordinate all the travel, recommend the best excursions, and so much more. 

Some types of vacations are more worthwhile working with a travel agent than others. Click here to see when you should work with a travel agent. 

When you are ready to plan and book your next vacation, email me! I specialize in honeymoons, couples trips, and group trips, but I have also helped many families travel all over the world. Simply put, I am here to help you travel more and stress less. Email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com to get started on planning your next vacation.

Are you like me and find it difficult to pick your next travel destination? There are so many wonderful places on this earth and they are all high on my travel bucket list. How do you pick just one?! So I had to come up with some ideas on how to make this decision process easier because I could spend forever trying to pick the next vacation spot. Here is the list for you!

When you can’t decide where to go, here are three ways to easily pick your next travel destination.

1. Follow the Flight Deals

Airlines are always having flight deals. Just this past week Qantas was celebrating their 100th birthday and was giving away $100 flights to Australia. Over Black Friday weekend every year, I have found some of the best flight deals. I got to Paris and back from London on a nonstop flight for under $500. I got two roundtrip tickets to Maui for under $500. Pretty much everyday Frontier is basically giving away free flights to random small towns in the US. If you are flexible on when you fly and where you fly, you can find flight deals year-round, but especially on Black Friday weekend. If you just follow the flight deals, the airlines will easily pick your next travel destination for you!

2. Go Where Your Budget Allows

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can really help narrow down vacation options. If you are really needing a vacation ASAP, but have a lower budget, you will most likely find options that aren’t more than a half-day flight away. If you have been saving up and have a bigger budget, you can choose a destination farther away. Set a budget and stay intent on keeping to that budget. Then you can easily narrow down your options for your next travel destination.

3. Strategically Pick A Location Based on Your PTO

If you work full time in a corporate setting, that most likely means you have limited paid time off. It’s important to use that time off wisely! When I worked in a corporate setting, I chose to take a lot of long weekend vacations over one big vacation a year. For you, one big vacation may be the perfect fit. For me, I needed to be traveling as much as possible, so multiple long weekend trips were perfect. Depending on your vacationing style, picking a location based on the PTO you have can be helpful. If you need to have a lot of vacations on your calendar each year, choose destinations throughout the US that you can easily visit on a long weekend, like Seattle, Savannah, and Denver. If you like to look forward to a long extended getaway once a year, save up your PTO and find that destination that will get you far, far away from home!

For more ways to help you decide how to pick your next travel destination, head to Waypoint Goods where I listed all ten ways to pick a vacation destination when you don’t know where to go. 

Also when you are there, make sure to check out Waypoint Goods travel scarves and travel journals. They are both lifesavers when traveling!

Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you from Erin Papworth with Nav.it! I virtually met Erin through Wanderful, an international women’s travel community, and through their Nav.It Podcast. Her thoughts on how travel can strengthen relationships resonated a lot with mine. I wanted to share, and what better way than in her own words! Thank you Erin for sharing your knowledge. I hope you all enjoy her 5 ways travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple.

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By: Erin Papworth, CEO and Founder at Nav.it

Couples that travel together, stay together. If some famous person hasn’t said it, let me be the first to make that grand statement. 

I have spent the majority of my adult life traveling, and I have had the pleasure of not only traveling as a couple and seeing the joy that it brought to our relationship, but also knowing many couples that use travel as a form of couples bonding (and maybe some therapy).

Here are the top reasons why travel can strengthen your relationship as a couple:  

1. You shake up the routine.

Travel is a moment to take yourselves out of your daily routine. This is also very helpful for couples who can connect in a new setting, with new energy.  When you are relaxed and the stresses of real life seem far away, it opens space to discuss issues with a new perspective and take your time to explore topics that shouldn’t be rushed.

2. Travel conversations open new lines of communication.

Now, not everyone travels the same, so getting on the same page about the kind of travel that makes you both happy is a good first step.  Is he a weekend-getaway type traveler? Are you an international explorer? It’s always ideal to work through your preferences, not only for your relationship, but for your wallet.  This is a great way to understand your partner more and to express your needs and desires. Since travel is usually low stacks (you’re not buying a house or having a baby!), it can actually be fun to find your travel cadence as a couple!

3. You get to learn together and see a different side of your partner. 

I never would have known my partner had an adventurous palette, and had even eaten snake, if we hadn’t been in a random village in West Africa.  At the time he was starving and was offered some fried crickets by our ever-helpful driver. As there was little else to consume in the area, he happily gulped them down. When I protested in disgust, he mischievously laughed and said: “this is nothing compared to the snake I once had!” And so, I learned more about him then, at the time, I wanted to know and decided not to kiss him for at least a day to ensure no random cricket legs got near my mouth.

4. It gives you a chance to talk about money.

Travel is a great and more neutral way to understand how each person in the couple manages money.  The amount you’ll spend (or at least the way you want to spend your money on a trip) gives you an opportunity to express your budget comfort zones.  Maybe s/he loves food and is willing to splurge, while you’d prefer to stay in a nicer hotel and eat street food. Working those styles out beforehand helps you plan out how much you want to spend and what you want to do before you go. It’s a great way to open a safe dialogue about spending habits in general too. (P.S. Nav.it has a great budget tracking app that can help you both keep track of your goals! It’s free to download and can be found at www.nav.it )

5. You make lasting memories.

When life gets back into a routine.  When you have children in school and are beholden to summer holidays like everyone else.  When your partner starts a business and she only has time to travel for work. At those points in your life, you will be so happy you have travel memories as a couple. It also gives you something to look back on and forward to.  Once you establish travel as a priority within your relationship, you know you will do it again. Maybe not at the frequency of the early years, but you will do it again. If it’s the yearly excursion, or the monthly weekend getaway, the experiences you have exploring the world together will define your relationship and your memories throughout time.

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Thank you Erin for sharing your insights on how travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple! To learn more about Erin Papworth and Nav.it head to their website at www.nav.it, listen to their Podcast, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Aruba in October. Death Valley in January. Italy in early May. These are just some of the destinations I have traveled to during the months that are considered “off season.” I’m not going to lie, my favorite time to visit a new city is during their off season, and it has become a trend with my travels. As a couple who wants to travel to as many places as possible, traveling during the off season allows my husband and me to do just that because of lower prices. But there are many more reasons to travel during the off season in addition to the prices! Let me tell you why…

What Does Off Season Mean?

First, let’s clarify what ‘off season’ means. Off season, also called low season, is the time of the year when a city or destination has less travelers visiting. Peak season is the time during the year when the city or destination is jam packed with tourists. For example, peak season in the Caribbean would be during the winter when everyone is trying to get away from the snow and cold. Off season would be fall when it is hurricane season and more likely to be rainy.

Perks of Traveling During Off Season

Traveling during the off season has so many benefits. First, there are more options for hotels, tours, and air because less people are visiting destinations during off season. There is the chance that the number of flights to a destination lower during off season, but I have never found that to be a problem.

Less travelers means less demand for hotels, tours and airfare, which results in lower prices! Hotels want to entice people to visit during off season and they do this by lowering their prices or adding in extras that you can’t get during peak travel season. 

Another benefit of traveling during off season is fewer people and less crowds. Imagine walking around the Cinque Terre during peak travel season verse off season. Off season sounds better to me. You are able to explore at your own pace and not worry about (literally) bumping into other people all the time. 

And finally, you can enjoy a better cultural experience when traveling during off season. When business is slow in a city because it is off season, the locals are also able to slow down and connect with travelers. It is a great time to connect with locals and truly learn the culture of a destination.

Research Each Travel Location’s Off Season

Traveling during the off season can be great in so many ways, but you also want to make sure you are doing research on the destination you want to go to. Rainy season, monsoon season, hurricane season and more can vary throughout the world.

For example:

• Costa Rica’s rainy season is May to November. The dry season with the best green colors is December and the foliage gets dryer and more brown up until May when the rains come back.
• Cabo’s hottest month where it’s almost unbearable to be outside (unless you’re in a pool) is September, which is also hurricane season. 
• Patgonia’s winter is during the United State’s summer, so unless you want a winter getaway in July, head to Patgonia in December.

Where to Head During Off Season

Here have been some of my favorite destinations to travel to during off season.

Fall

Crested Butte – September
For some reason, fall in Crested Butte is considered the off season. I understand. Winter is peak ski season and summer is great for hiking, biking, and more. But fall in Crested Butte is incredibly beautiful and it is my favorite time to visit!

Aruba – October 
Most people know that fall in the Caribbean means hurricane season. But what most people don’t know is that Aruba is so far south (just 15 miles from Venezuela) that it is considered outside of the hurricane belt. That means the odds of you experiencing bad weather in Aruba during hurricane season is very low. October brings low prices and smaller crowds to Aruba, making it my favorite island to visit in fall.

Belize – October
Even though it is technically Belize’s rainy season, October is a wonderful time to visit this country. When I visited in October, it only rained twice and it only lasted 10 minutes. That is the beauty of tropical rain. I liked visiting Belize in October because there was almost no one visiting. It gave me the chance to really talk to the locals. I also felt really good about supporting the locals and their economy during the slow season. Since tourism is a big moneymaker for Belize, during off season many locals have to get second, third or fourth jobs just to make do.

Winter

Death Valley – January 
I get it. Summer is when kids are out of school and families are traveling the country to check off National Parks. But Death Valley in summer sounds awful to me. Even for someone who loves the heat, being in a desert in summer does not sound enjoyable. But that is when it is peak season. I chose to head there in January. Off season meant very small crowds, perfect temperatures, and basically the park to ourselves! 

Disney – January
If there is any off season for Disney, my guess would be January. And by off season, I mean a slightly less busy season. The kids are just heading back to school, it’s one of the coolest months weather wise in Florida, and after the holidays, parents aren’t wanting to spend the money on a pricey vacation. Which is why I decided to go to Disney World in January! For me, it was perfect. Still busy, obviously, but seemed to be less crowded, not insanely hot like in the summer, more hotel options, and better prices on flights!

Spring

Pacific Northwest
If you head to the Pacific Northwest, expect a lot of rain. But, you could also get lucky! I went to Washington in April and Oregon in May and experienced very little rain. I was prepared with all my rain gear, though, so I would not have been disappointed! Smaller crowds and more affordable flight and accommodations made for two very fun vacations. 

Italy – April/May
Italy in late spring is perfect. It is warm enough to enjoy being outside but it’s not quite summer yet when the crowds and temperatures get unbearable. I found some great hotel deals, got the chance to get to know the locals because there weren’t as many people around, and was able to go at a slow pace and enjoy the locations I was in. 

Where have you loved or would love to travel to during off season? If you have questions about traveling during off season, send me an email at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

If you’re wondering, yes, travel agents do still exist (I’m one of them)! Your next question may be, “When should I work with a travel agent?” That is a very good question because not every trip is worth booking with a travel agent. For example, if you are only booking domestic flights, it’s best to book those on your own. (For tips on basic economy versus economy plane tickets, click here.) 

But if you are looking to take one of the following types of vacations, you should work with a travel agent!

1. International Travel

Traveling internationally can get complicated quickly. It can be hard to keep track of passport information, currency, transportation, time zones, customs, and more. With all the factors that go into international travel, it’s a good idea to work with a travel expert. Travel agents know the in’s and out’s of international travel. I know tricks for getting through customs quicker, the most efficient way to travel throughout Italy, which countries you need to exchange currency versus countries that accept the USD, and so much more. Working with a travel agent for international travel can ease stress and let you focus on enjoying your trip!

2. Family Vacations

It is hard enough to remember to pack all the things for the kids and yourself, you shouldn’t have to also worry about planning your entire family vacation. Working with a travel agent for your next family vacation gives you the change to actually enjoy the vacation! Travel agents know which destinations are family friendly. I know the destinations that will keep kids entertained the entire time, that welcome kids while allowing parents alone adult time, and will keep your kids talking about the family vacation for years to come. Family vacations shouldn’t be stressful, they should be enjoyable, and working with a travel agent can help guarantee that.

3. Destination Wedding

You may not think about working with a travel agent for your destination wedding, but you should! Travel agents work with couples to find the best destination location. We take into consideration your wedding wishes, group size, and more to find the best destination. With so many locations to choose from, it’s a good idea to ask an expert for help. Once you book a location, the couple works with the onsite wedding coordinator to plan the big day and the travel agent works with the couple’s guests for travel and accommodations. That way, the couple is not inundated with questions from all their guests on travel arrangements. The travel agent is there to coordinate all the travel so the couple gets to focus on the joy of their big day. Make sure to consult with a travel agent when booking your destination wedding!

4. Honeymoon

Your honeymoon is arguably one of your biggest and most anticipated vacations. Whether you go big and go on your biggest trip yet or go small, I cannot stress enough that you should work with a travel agent on your honeymoon. Your honeymoon should be your dream vacation with your new spouse. With how much effort and time it takes to plan a wedding, sometimes the honeymoon can get pushed to the back burner. Don’t let that happen! As a travel agent, your honeymoon is my top priority. Making sure you have nothing to worry about but focusing on relaxing or adventuring with your new spouse is what I’m here for! You will not regret working with a travel agent for your honeymoon!

5. Group Travel

Trying to wrangle a large group of friends, a family for a reunion, or employees for a sales incentive trip or retreat can seem impossible when tackling it on your own. That is where travel agents come into play. I know which companies and destinations have great deals on travel groups. As a travel agent, I work with each individual traveler to make sure their travel accommodations are taken care of. When one traveler’s flight is delayed, I take care of figuring out a new route. Group travel is successful when there is one point person in charge. The travel agent can take on that responsibility to make sure no one has to worry about their travel. Enjoy your vacation!

6. Theme Park Vacations

Have you ever tried to book a trip to Disney World and given up by the high prices and amount of options to choose from? How do you know if what you’re buying is going to be worth the price? A trip to Disney is not a cheap vacation, so you want to know you are getting your money’s worth! 

That is just one example of when to work with a travel agent for theme park vacations. Theme parks have many ticket options to choose from. When going to Disney, you also have options for dining plans, specialty dining you need to book in advance, hotels on resort and off resort, transportation, special photography, and so much more. It can get incredibly overwhelming. The great thing, though, is travel agents live in this world day to day. We know the ins and outs of theme parks. I get daily updates on what’s going on at Disney from new resorts opening to construction to special deals. It’s not your job to know every detail about these theme parks, it’s my job! Do yourself a favor and consult with a travel agent the next time you want to go somewhere like Disney. You will know for sure you are getting exactly what you want!

7. Cruises

There are so many different types of cruises from river cruises to ocean cruises to around-the-world cruises. There are different types of cruise rates, room types, and inclusions. Different cruise itineraries cater to different age groups and interests. It is very hard to keep it all straight and truly know what you are getting into when booking online. Working with a travel agent for your next cruise will help you know exactly the type of vacation you are walking into. I have taken trainings on different types of cruise lines, cruise itineraries, and all that is included. If I don’t know off hand the answer to your cruise question, I know exactly who to ask or where to find the answer. Save the headache the next time you want to cruise and contact a travel agent to help!

If you are interested in taking any of the vacations above, please reach out to me at hello@thekeystotravel.com. As a travel agent, I am here to help you travel more and stress less!

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