travel agents in annapolis

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Explore the World Your Way

Welcome to fair winds travel, let us plan your perfect getaway and create unforgettable memories..

Fair Winds Travel is a boutique travel agency based in Annapolis, Maryland, focusing on truly bespoke travel. With our extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, fully customized travel experiences to our valued clients. Our experienced owner and senior travel advisor is committed to delivering personalized service and creating unforgettable journeys tailored to meet each individual’s unique preferences and needs. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous hiking trip, or a luxurious cruise, we are here to make your travel dreams a reality. Trust Fair Winds Travel to handle all aspects of your travel arrangements with professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for creating lifelong memories.

Our Services

Whether a weekend getaway with plane tickets or hotel, a scheduled escorted tour or cruise, or a bucket-list multi-stop family vacation, we have the experience and the connections to make your vacation the best it can be.

Flight/Land Packages

If you’re looking for a quick getaway within the US or to the Caribbean, we’ll work with you to maximize the value of your trip and pair you with an awesome flight-hotel combination.

Epic Cruises

Whether a short cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean or a more exotic cruise to Alaska, Europe, Asia or any of the other seven continents (yes, even Antartica!), we’ve got the right cruise for your needs and tastes.

Organized Tours

Whether large groups or small ones, on conventional tour buses or more locally-flavored transport, touristy or adventurous, we’ll pair you with a like-minded tour group to ensure an awesome adventure. 

Fully Customized Trips

All of our vacations are customized to your needs and tastes, but for those looking to tackle larger multi-stop dream trips, you’ve come to the right place: these are the types of trips we live to pull off.

Past Projects

Holy Land Cruise-Tour: Roundtrip flights, 11-night cruise Rome-Jerusalem, 4 nights Jerusalem, 3 private tours

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Iguazu Falls Excursion: Roundtrip flights from Buenos Aires, full-day Iguazu Falls experience with private guide

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Vienna, Salzburg, and Paris, with Spanish Riding School, Sound of Music Tour, Normandy Tour, Eiffel Tower, all hotels

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We Love Our Clients, and Our Clients Love Us!

“David put me and my fiance at ease by developing a few different itineraries based on our interests. I highly recommend David, as he is highly responsive and will take away any anxieties you have of planning a major trip!”

Sara H., Maryland (Italy) ★★★★★

“David arranged an amazing trip for me within some tight logistical constraints. He was professional, responsive, and he listened to my requests. Will definitely use Fair Winds again!”

Sarah J., Maryland (Argentina) ★★★★★

David presented options, listened to our feedback, and finalized the details we chose. Help at the end of the trip with a slight change to itinerary was priceless. We would recommend Fair Winds Travel because of the ease, the quality of service, and David’s friendliness, knowledge, and attention to detail.”

Margaret F., Alaska (Wales) ★★★★★

The World is Waiting for You

Ready to get going? Reach out today!

Phone: (410) 212-5088

Email: [email protected]

California Seller of Travel Registration Number: 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Florida Seller of Travel Reference Number: ST37113. Washington Seller of Travel Number: UBI#602775122. Hawaii Seller of Travel Number: TAR 7231.

Travel Agents in Annapolis, MD

• Locations ›
• Annapolis, MD ›
• Severna Park, MD (7 mi)
• Pasadena, MD (10 mi)
• Baltimore, MD (23 mi)
• Essex, MD (23 mi)
• Ellicott City, MD (26 mi)

Best Connection Travel Inc

• Travel Agent
• 2005 West St Annapolis , MD 21401
• Location Great
• Ratings Great

Creative Travel

• 177 Defense Hwy Annapolis , MD 21401
• Open 24 hours

Tiffanys Treasures

• Annapolis , MD 21401

Marilyn Malachi

• Annapolis , MD

Travel agent referral in Annapolis , MD

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About WanderLuxe Travel

Heather booze, owner and travel consultant.

I started my career in travel in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the industry. I have traveled extensively since then; having visited resorts and hotels all over the Caribbean and Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, Tahiti {with Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Huahine and Raiatea}, and The Maldives as well as Europe and South Africa. I am usually planning my next trip before I even return from my most current and always have something on my travel calendar!

I spent the first 6.5 years in the industry working in a storefront agency in Annapolis. In 2018 I launched WanderLuxe Travel in the hopes of growing and continuing to plan seamless, polished travel for my clients. Having been a destination wedding bride, I also bring an insider’s knowledge and experience to that process as well as my general expertise. My certifications and specialties include:

• Tahiti Certified Specialist “Tiare Agent”
• Hawaii Master Agent
• Mexico including Cancun, Riviera Maya & Los Cabos
• Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic, USVI and the Caribbean
• Europe including Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Greece
• Ireland and the UK
• Sandals and Beaches Specialist
• Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist
• AM Resorts (Secrets, Dreams, Zoetry and NOW Resorts)
• River and Ocean Cruises
• Authorized Disney Vacation and Cruise Planner

Latest Reviews

We first used Heather to help us with our destination wedding in Jamaica and her knowledge on the best resorts for weddings helped us choose the right place for our wedding. She was great throughout the whole process, from checking to see if the rates dropped to get us a better deal, to going above and beyond with helping us on last-minute issues with obtaining a marriage license. She was wonderful with all of our guests and made it super easy for everyone to book. She has always been super responsive and if she doesn’t know the answer to a question she’ll find the answer and get back to us in a timely manner. We now use Heather for all our travels. She makes it so easy and always finds us the best deals! Her knowledge and customer service is outstanding and we highly recommend her to all our friends and family.

I had a group of 10 adults wanting to travel to Punta Cana for a luxury vacation. With a large group, we decided to use a travel agent. Heather came highly recommended. We had a lot of criteria from the group that needed to be met. She graciously found us the PERFECT resort with every amenity requested. She handled every detail from flights to transportation once we arrived, check-ins, etc. Some members of our group wanted to take advantage of the excursions offered. Heather was able to accommodate everyone. Even at the last minute, when we were at the resort, she was able to add some members of our group to an excursion. We were completely taken care of from the beginning stages of planning to a welcome home email. She is by far one of the most knowledgeable travel agents in the business. Whether you are traveling with just your family or with a large group or even planning a wedding, she is determined to make sure your trip is not only memorable but carefree while also ensuring the best bang for your buck. Every single person from that initial group has used Heather's services for every subsequent vacation.

Not enough great things to say about Heather!! She planned my entire first trip out of the country from beginning to end. All of our travel and resort arrangements were perfect! She made it easy and convenient to pay for our trip directly through her and gave us her personal opinions on a few of the different resorts we were looking at. Anytime I travel or think about planning a trip, I think about her. I highly recommend her services. I typically do not leave reviews but her services made traveling so much less stressful for me!

We asked Heather to plan and book our travel to Cabo San Lucas because we knew that she had been there (she and Andy have been everywhere!) and we knew that she had great taste. She recommended and then booked for us an outstanding resort and the best package based on what we wanted to do (relax). We would recommend Heather to anyone that wants to have their vacation planning taken care of in the best possible way, so that you can just focus on having fun!

I am so thankful that I have had Heather as my travel agent! She has taken out so much of the stress and the time that it takes to plan a vacation, We were able to focus more on what we wanted to do, while she handled logistics and helped us stay within budget.  She listened to my ideas and helped make them into some of my most favorite memories. Heather helped me plan two of the best vacations I have ever had, Ireland, and Hawaii. We did not have to worry about details like transportation, where to stay, and what shows to watch. She is so well traveled herself, that she knows all the things to make your vacation as smooth as possible and is very well connected. I plan on using Heather for many more vacations in the future! Thank you, Heather for all of your help!

Annapolis Travel Agents

Heaven sent travel, llc.

We are a full service travel agency, that is ready to work with you one on one to make your Wedding and Honeymoon ... Read more unforgettable!!

STS Vacations

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, STS Vacations is a travel agency specializing in destination weddings. Working in ... Read more collaboration with the easy-to-use All Inclusive Resorts online tool, these specialists delight in jetting their clients off to their dream marital locations. From the golden sands of ...

Other options near Annapolis, MD

Time for travel.

TIME FOR TRAVEL LTD is a full service travel planning corporation specializing in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, ... Read more located in Davidsonville, Maryland. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding or lavish honeymoon we have the expertise to make your dream a reality. They’ll take the time to ...

Charm City Travel

Charm City Travel is a wedding holiday company in Baltimore, Maryland. Run by a diverse team of travel experts, this ... Read more business works hard to have couples jetting off to the destination of their dreams. Services Offered Charm City Travel boasts an expansive catalog of services for nearlyweds with ...

Enlighten Excursions

Enlighten Excursions is a travel agency with travel agents located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Boston, ... Read more Massachusetts. Specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons, the company has over two decades of experience in the industry. They encourage every couple to take advantage of their team ...

Good Day Travel

Good Day Travel is a business based in Capitol Heights, Maryland that provides travel agent services for destination ... Read more weddings and honeymoons. Owner and operator Marshe' Edwards is a research scientist with lifelong experience in traveling and loves helping clients to discover other cultures and ...

CP Experience & Travel

CP Experience & Travel located in Cheltenham, Maryland, is here to assist with the major wedding planning & other travel ... Read more services you may have! Need a Hotel Room Block? Want to book a honeymoon? Want to plan a bachelor/bachelorette party? I would love to help be a part of your special day! Please ...

The Wanderlust Bride Travel Boutique

The Wanderlust Bride Travel Boutique is a destination wedding travel agency. We take the stress out of planning your ... Read more destination wedding. We specialize in Mexico and the Caribbean. Providing a la carte services with our preferred vendors and specialty services such as welcome bag curation. We are ...

Booked N Busy Travel

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, Booked N Busy Travel provides premier travel planning services.

Indian Destination Wedding

Expanding horizons and breaking through borders – that has always been the mission of Indian Destination Wedding. Led by ... Read more seasoned event planner Ateet Ahuja – we’ve always been impassioned by the prospect of helping folks create memorable moments they’ll cherish for a lifetime, and have been planning ...

Suite Dreamz Travel

Suite Dreamz Travel is a travel agent in Cockeysville, Maryland, with more than two decades of experience in the field. ... Read more Hire them to plan your destination wedding or honeymoon so you can focus on everything else. Suite Dreamz Travel wants to “make your travel dreamz come true” and will do so through ...

Asimina Tours

Asimina Tours is a boutique luxury travel company located in White Plains, Maryland that services destination weddings ... Read more and honeymoons. This company specializes in tailor-made trips to Greece, Italy, and Turkey. These travel professionals are dedicated to giving each client the chance to explore ...

Travel Agents near Annapolis, MD

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Centsible Travel & Vacations

Unveil the Extraordinary - Your Adventure Awaits!

Explore incredible vacation packages and tours across the globe!

Welcome to Centsible Travel & Vacations!

Embark on a journey of extraordinary experiences with us. We are a dedicated travel agency committed to curating unforgettable adventures that cater to your unique desires and preferences. From exploring breathtaking destinations to immersing yourself in diverse cultures, we are here to transform your travel dreams into reality.

At Centsible Travel & Vacations, we understand the value of your time and budget. Our expert team combines extensive knowledge and personalized service to design travel itineraries that offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, we have the perfect options to suit your style.

Our partnerships with renowned travel suppliers allow us to secure exclusive offers, privileged access, and top-notch amenities for our valued clients. From luxurious accommodations to immersive experiences, we take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and remarkable journey.

With our commitment to transparency, fairness, and customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn. Our attentive support team is always available to assist you, providing peace of mind throughout your travels.

Let us be your trusted travel companion, guiding you towards incredible destinations and creating cherished memories. Start your journey of discovery with Centsible Travel & Vacations today!

Why Book with Us?

At Centsible Travel & Vacations, doing things differently. Starting from the belief that travel holds limitless possibilities, we create exceptional experiences for our very special guests. With a global collection of hotels, private residences, yachts and luxury hideaways, we use our local knowledge of worldwide destinations to deliver an unrivalled blend of culture and Centsible luxury for every traveller.

Join Our Upcoming Experiences

Join us on of our many destination experiences. Prices are based on double occupancy and may be reserved with a deposit for travel 90+ days in advance. We also can curate your custom group experience. Simply complete the quote request form or contact us to get started!

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About Cruise Planners- Halstead

Cruise Planners has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. From cruises to land tours and completely packaged vacations, we specialize in all types of travel and will create an unforgettable vacation just for you.

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Travel To Cuba With Peace Of Mind

Even today, with American-Cuban relations improved, traveling to Cuba can be complicated.

Adalen Travel specializes in travel to Cuba for individuals and groups, planning every step to make for the most luxurious experience.

Adalen Travel Services

Specializing in Luxury Tours To Cuba

Adalen Travel is located near downtown Annapolis, Maryland. We are a full-service travel agency that offers specialized luxury trips to Cuba under a general and specific license.  We provide full travel arrangements to include specialized itineraries for individuals, small groups, education institutions, organizations, professional groups, executive travelers, and VIPs.

We work with several Charter Companies and Major Airlines to provide you with the most convenient flights to Cuba from different locations in the United States.

Client Testimonials

Dr. kim hammond.

CDO, PetVet Care Centers Board Member, JHPIEGO

I travel extensively. When I go to unfamiliar international places, I have only a few requirements. First is safety. I need to know I wont have to worry about crime, food or water issues. The other requirement is an authentic experience.

Adalen is Cuban. She understood my needs and facilitated all my requests with ease. Cuba is an amazing country in transformation. There are many, many hiccups. Adalen’s attention to detail and her 100% percent personal involvement made our trip seamless.

David Robinson

President, Morgan Creek Productions

I cannot say enough good things about Adalen Travel. First and foremost, she is delightful to work with. She has the experience and will keep you safe. Adalen treats you like a family member and was our personal concierge 24/7. In addition, she is Cuban. Adalen’s unique abilities navigate you through the culture. You want that in Cuba.

Finally, this isn’t some sort of mass tour operation. You don’t have a big bus picking you up. You aren’t sitting eyes glazed over in some prepackaged lecture. She is a boutique, small groups of ten or less. Your group’s agenda is specific to your project whatever that may be.

Call Adalen Travel

Adalen Travel & Cuba Services, LLC 701 Melvin Ave, Suite B Annapolis MD, 21401 Phone: 410-280-9111 Fax: 410-268-0011 [email protected]

Make An Appointment

• 7 Locations
• 800-526-1412
• [email protected]
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WorldTravelService®

Full Service Business & Vacation Travel Agency

Travel Agency in Annapolis, MD

At WorldTravelService®, we deliver unparalleled travel management services to corporate clients and leisure travelers alike. So when you’re looking for a travel agency in Annapolis, MD, look no further than WorldTravelService®. We take care of your entire travel experience, from planning the itinerary, booking flights, and scheduling activities to reserving accommodations and working to ensure all special requests are fulfilled.

Already a client?   Access your account . Not a client yet? Call us at 800-676-3796 to learn why thousands of companies and luxury travelers entrusts their travel plans to WorldTravelService®.

Your Nearest Office Location

Looking for a corporate travel agency near Annapolis? Our Washington, D.C. travel agency is only a short distance away.

Want to book a cruise or other leisure travel trip from Annapolis? Our agents in our nearby Severna Park travel agency are ready to help.

Corporate Travel Agents in Annapolis, MD

Take the stress out of corporate travel by booking your next business trip with WorldTravelService®. Our corporate services streamline your business travel  and  your reporting and financials. You won’t believe you ever traveled any other way.

When you use our corporate travel agents in Annapolis, MD, you’ll receive:

• A dedicated agent assigned to your account
• The best flights and service
• Car rental and other ground transportation services
• Hotel reservations at special rates through our Preferred Hotel Program
• Standard and customized travel reports for tracking business expenses

We offer assistance for international business travel as well—all while saving you time, money, and hassle. From passport and visa services to state department alerts, no detail goes overlooked when you book with WorldTravelService®.

Questions about our corporate travel services? contact us  or call 800-676-3796.

Leisure Travel Agents in Annapolis, MD

Anyone can plan a vacation. But when you want an experience that brings dreams to life and creates lasting memories, come to our leisure travel agents in Annapolis, MD.

When you book your vacation, cruise, or retreat with WorldTravelService®, you get so much more than you would from a travel website. Experience the exceptional service that comes only with working with a knowledgeable travel agent. We deliver full-service leisure travel planning for trips of all kinds.

What perks do you experience as a WorldTravelService® customer? Because of our extensive relationships with hotels, resorts, and airlines, we’re often able to provide special amenities at no extra cost like:

• Complimentary room upgrades
• Special dining experiences
• Exclusive shore excursions
• Custom itineraries

Search for trips and destinations or sign up for our exclusive offers today!

Why Choose WorldTravelService® as Your Travel Agency in Annapolis, MD?

When you book a flight or hotel reservation through an online-only provider, you’re on your own as soon as you complete the transaction. But with comprehensive service from WorldTravelService®, we strive to meet your every travel need, from the moment you contact us until you arrive safely back at home after your trip. And our worldwide network affords our clients amenities that can’t be found anywhere else.

When you work with our full-service agency in Annapolis, MD, you get:

• Customized service:  An experienced agent assigned to your account who makes your needs and preferences their utmost priority.
• Knowledge:  Your travel agent brings you destination expertise, hotel rates and airfares at great rates, all-in-one package deals, and exclusive specials and promotions. Helping you determine how your budget can determine your travel options is just one of the benefits that come with working with a professional.
• 24/7 emergency assistance : You’ll never feel stranded in our care. With dedicated contact information, you can get help for any issue, at any time, any place in the world.
• Peace of mind : Your travel agent is there for you before, during, and after your trip. You can rest assured knowing that every aspect of your trip has been meticulously planned and expertly coordinated. And that bonus peace of mind comes at no extra charge.

Call us at  800-676-3796  to learn why thousands of companies and luxury travelers entrusts their travel plans to WorldTravelService®, Alexandria, VA’s leading full-service travel concierge to VIPs, business professionals, and serious travel connoisseurs.

Call A Travel Advisor

Your Dedicated Travel Advisors

Terry Tyler  :  202-728-4040 x 1215

Larry Forrer:  301-816-1403

Explore Annapolis , Maryland

Annapolis' roots hark back to 1649 when a group of Puritan families from Virginia established the settlement of Providence on the north bank of the Severn River. Within a year a new county named after Lady Anne Arundel, the late wife of Cecil Calvert, the second Lord of Baltimore, was established. By 1684 Anne Arundel Town was laid out on 100 acres across the Severn from Providence and by 1694 the first royal assembly meeting under Governor Sir Francis Nicholson designated the settlement on the south side of the river the new capital, which was renamed Annapolis in 1695 in honor of Princess Anne, King James II's daughter and future queen of England. Learn More...

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Aladdin Travel Agency

Location & hours.

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2820 Broadview Ter

Annapolis, MD 21401

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Exotic tropical island vacations, luxury and family cruises, romantic getaways, honeymoon packages, safaris, and tours. You need a vacation and we're here to help you find the perfect trip. Browse or search through our site (which is filled with the most comprehensive and up-to-date specials available) to see the wide variety of trips we offer and then contact us so we can help you narrow in on the perfect trip. We're looking forward to making your next trip a memorable and enjoyable one, so contact us today and get packing! …

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I'm pretty offended. My boyfriend and I had him recommended by a co-worker so we decided to check him out. We had a few emails back and forth where he was excited to work with us and we discussed where we were going. However, once we told him what we thought our budget was, he sent us this email: "After reviewing your email, I find I will not be able to assist in your traveling planning. Reasons are many but primarily my current work load is heavy and I can not devote the time neccesary to do a good job." I'm assuming he's upset because of what our hotel budget was ~$150-$200 a night, but we said we'd go higher - that was just our ideal price.

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

• South Africa

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