This summer marks four years that I have been a professional travel agent. Its been a very interesting, and fun, personal and professional journey. What was once supposed to be a "fun hobby job" to make a little extra money for our family's Disney vacations has grown into a full fledged career! I have gone from an agent working on my own just selling Disney, to being a co-owner of an agency with an awesome business partner, planning trips for families all over the world, and I've somehow built a budding career out of it!

While all of this was going on my personal life was just as hectic. Within a few months of starting I found out I was pregnant with our FOURTH child. A few short weeks later my husband was offered a new assignment within his company that moved us to Houston, and just a few weeks after that I actually met my now business partner and great friend. Over that time our family has dealt with the ups and downs of personal and professional life, but all along life kept moving on and getting even more blessed than I could imagine.

So it's a regular theme here on my blog-- using a Travel Agent is a tremendous value when you're planning your family vacation. This is especially true when trying to navigate places like Walt Disney World or looking to find the perfect cruise/resort that is "perfect" for your family.

Well today brought to life another great example of why using a Travel Agent is a great idea... We can help you save money and you don't even have to lift a finger!

I've written here before about the value of using a Travel Agent. While your initial reaction may be, "you are a travel agent so of course you see value!", I actually got into this line of work after I saw how much easier my own trips would be with a travel agent's help! This is especially true for trips that require a great deal of planning, like a Disney vacation or visiting a new place for the first time.

Recently the New York Times tackled the value of using a "Travel Adviser", even in today's world of internet travel planning tools, tips, and tricks (like this blog!)

We've all been there. Just a few days away from vacation and you are super excited about what lays ahead. The only thing between you and the perfect getaway is often the most dreaded thing of all-- taking your crazy family on the airplane! Inevitably the kids will get impatient, an adult in your group who may travel often for work will get annoyed with the inefficiency of family travel, and very quickly the powder keg explodes!

Well have no fear, here are a few tips to help make the flying process as smooth as possible.

If you're like me your main camera option for most family adventures is the handy dandy smart phone. I absolutely love the convenience, but lets be honest sometimes it just is not enough. So this past spring I went in search of a new point and shoot camera option.

My requirements:

• Something small that can easily slip into my purse. 
• A high level of megapixels- I love the details! 
• A good optical zoom-- at least 10x
  
• And something that auto programmed itself... I don't have time to figure out settings and juggle four kiddos!
• Quality HD video capabilities
• And of course, affordable!

I have to tell you I absolutely LOVE my job! It really is an awesome experience to help families make memories to last a lifetime. Often times though I get the same first question when I first speak to a new client-- why should I book with a travel agent? Well, there are lots of reasons!

Convenience- Let's face it. The world is a busy, busy place. We are constantly juggling work, family, and other commitments. We often just do not have time to plan a vacation, which is ironic because we really need a vacation to get away from the stress! Well, that's where I come in. My goal is to build a relationship with my clients, really get to understand their needs, and then plan the perfect vacation for them. Sometimes I plan every second of the trip. Other times I just give some pointers and advice for the client to maximize their trip. No matter what my job is to tailor services to your needs and help eliminate stress, because who really wants to stress over vacation!?