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MEXICO ~ TRAVEL AGENT RATES and FAMS

Supplier Listing  ~ You book directly with the Suppliers. Read all TERMS,CONDITIONS, and CREDENTIALS NEEDED prior to making reservations. Suppliers have the right to revoke discounts at anytime if protocol is not met and failure to present proper identification! 

Info listed is alway BASED on AVAILABILITY and  Subject to Change

**You must be a FAMTRAVELFORME.COM Subscriber to access this WEBSITE! 

LOOKING for CABO PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION CLICK HERE  for rates and booking instructions. Our Top Pick! 

My Favorite CABO Snorkel Tour Click HERE  

My Favorite CABO Sunset Party Cruise Click HERE  

Other Favorite Tours :

FAVORITE CABO TOURS click here!  

BECOME A LOS CABOS SPECIALIST and Reap the Rewards and Benefits!

Several Resorts offering fabulous Perks, Rewards, Extra and more after you complete 

the Specialist Courses for Los Cabos! What an offer!

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM   for booking info you MUST  advise of Full name, Email on subscription and Supplier requested! so we can verify your account.

ATELIER HOTELS - Cancun and Playa Mujeres

25% OFF BAR  ~ ALL INCLUSIVE

ATELIER PLAYA MUJERES - Adult only 

OLEO CANCUN PLAYA - All Ages

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM    for booking info you MUST  advise of Full name, Email on subscription and Supplier requested! so we can verify your account

ALL RITMO CANCUN - Hotel Info  

From $75.00 pp/nt Double Standard Room

From$85.00 pp/nt Double Jr. Suite min 3 nights / max 7 nights   - High Season 1/3 -4/21, 2024; Low Season 4/22 - 12/20/2024

EMAIL Sales to check availability and book! 

Bahia Principe  Resort -  Travel Agent Info 25% - 50% off rack rates  valid 5/13/2024 - 12/20/2024  

REGISTER, LOGIN, Click on BAHIA Principe Rewards (loyalty program)

Here you will see the booking instructions with them to receive the fabulous Travel Agent Rates, Loyalty program to receive rewards and FREE Stays!  4 Resorts in Mexico  to book TRAVEL AGENT  RATES you need to request by submit form to sales to request 

 The "NEW "HILTON CANCUN MAR CARIBE ~ ALL INCLUSIVE in Mexico

opens after November 1, 2023

20-50% off BAR 

 min 2 nights 

 HILTON CANCUN ~ ALL INCLUSIVE in Mexico

Low Season , min 2 nights 

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM    for booking info you MUST  advise of Full name, Email on subscription and Supplier requested! so we can verify your account.

BARCELO RESORTS  - Travel Agent Rate Info 20% off BAR for Travel Agents -  ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT ! 

 to check availability for Travel Agent Rates !  Must be registered as a BARCELO PRO Travel Agent please check all terms and conditions for booking rules. You must have the TRAVEL AGENT CREDENTIALS NEEDED for this supplier .  

All rates are based on double occupancy. and have several seasonal rates. best deals are low season! 

BARCELO GRAND FARO LOS CABOS - BARCELO TUCANCUN BEACH - ALLEGRO COZUMEL - OCCIDENTAL COZUMEL BARCELO COSTA CANCUN BARCELO IXTAPA BEACH BARCELO MANZANILLO RESORTS Barcelo Maya Palace - Jr Suite Deluxe  Barcelo Karmina - Deluxe Room  Barcelo Maya Grand - Jr. Suite Deluxe BARCELO HUATULCO BARCELO MAYA GRAND BEACH RESORT (Complex) includes 5 resorts!  2 discounts include BARCELO MAYA COLONIAL, BARCELO MAYA TROPICAL, BARCELO MAYA CARIBE and the BARCELO MAYA BEACH ! COLONIAL,TROPICAL, CARIBE and MAYA BEACH see rates below for superior room , little more for a Jr. Suite  BARCELO MAYA PALACE DELUXE  Stay at 1 resort and Play at 5! 

OCCIDENTAL NUEVO VALLARTA - OCCIDENTAL GRAND XCARET DESTINATION  

ROYAL HIDEAWAY PLAYACAR (ADULTS ONLY)  

LOOKING for CABO PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION CLICK HERE  for rates and booking instructions. 

BLUE BAY RESORTS  -  Travel Agent Info up to 50% off BAR  double occupancy  ALL INCLUSIVE ! BlueBay Grand Esmeralda in Playa Del Carmen to book  email sales. 

BLUE DIAMOND RESORTS

 25-50% off BAR RATES

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM You MUST provide your Name and EMAIL on your Subscription so we can verify your account with us.  

BLUE DIAMOND RESORTS  must be requested within 90 days from travel dates.

Must have bookings with Blue Diamond Resorts

ROYALTON RIVIERA Cancun   , ROYALTON SPLASH RIVIERA CANCUN

Planet Hollywood Cancun

HIDEAWAY at Royalton Riviera Cancun 

Royalton CHIC Suite Cancun

Royalton Cancun 

Mystique Holbox  site inspection required at ALL  properties!

CATALONIA RESORTS  -    Agent Info up to 20-50% off rack rates  ALL INCLUSIVE!!   call each hotel direct to book

CASA DORADA  CABO SAN LUCAS - Agent Info up to 50% off rack rates in the SUITE  Free Buffet Breakfast for 2 per day and welcome amenities.  email for availability

CLUB MED  -   Travel Agent Portal TRAVEL AGENT REDUCED RATES  . Based on availability  Discounts at Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Ixtapa Pacific 

Need to Register 

Log in.  click above - REWARDS and BENEFITS - Reduced Rates for Travel Agents  shows FAMS and Special Travel Agent Offers for specific locations as well!  Now offering DAY PASSES!  GREAT AGENT LOYALTY PROGRAM and SPECIALIST PROGRAM offering fabulous REWARDS! Book the resorts and EARN FREE NIGHTS!

EL CID RESORTS  -    EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  FOR BOOKING INFO  for TRAVEL AGENT RATES !You must give us your Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription and send you the booking info.

EL CID TRAVEL AGENT RATES   2024 rates From $142.00 per night  ALL INCLUSIVE - book online! double occupancy

From $91.00 per night room only 

**MAZATLAN -   El Cid Castilla Beach, El Cid Marina Beach, El Cid Granada Golf & Country Club,  El Cid Moro Beach free upgrade room, 2 kids 12 and under stay, eat & play free. All Inclusive privileges, $1200.00 Resort Credit coupon Booklet per room (min. 3 night stay) **RIVIERA MAYA (Cancun)- ALL INCLUSIVE ! Hotel Marina El Cid Spa and Beach Resort    From $212.00 per night plus tax  -ALL INCLUSIVE 

Ventus Ha' at Marinoa El Cid - 

From $174.00 per night plus tax - All Inclusive

Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa and Beach Resort From $182.00 per night plus tax - All Inclusive  luxury room with Jr. Suite upgrades if available. 2 kids 12 and under stay, eat & play free. All Inclusive privileges,$600.00 Resort Credit coupon booklet per room (min. 3 night stay)  **COZUMEL -  El Cid La Ceiba Beach Resort   From $151.00 per night plus tax - Room only Studio room with upgrades if available. (min. 3 night stay) click above Travel Agent Rate info for online booking  good through 12/20/2024 **alway check terms and conditions and the credentials needed. 

EXCELLENCE RESORTS  -  ALL INCLUSIVE 

20-40% OFF BAR for Travel Agents 

Excellence Playa Mujeres 

Excellence Riviera Cancun 

BELOVED PLAYA MUJERES

FINEST PLAYA MUJERES

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM   FOR BOOKING INFO  for TRAVEL AGENT RATES !You must give us your Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription and send you the booking info.

THE FIVES HOTELS & RESIDENCES   - Property info

up to 40% OFF BAR for Travel Agent rates  - Puerto Morales

The Fives Beach, The Fives Downtown, The Fives Oceanfront, The Fives Residences

FAIRMONT RESORTS -    Fairmont Agent Discounts 25-50% off rack rates book online  click on fairmont famous rates  Register, Login, Book Fairmont Famous Agent Rates! book and earn rewards - must have booked with in 6 months to be eligible. Fairmont Acapulco Princess  Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya

KARISMA RESORTS  AZUL RESORTS/ NICKELODEON/ MARGARITAVILLE EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  FOR BOOKING INFO You MUST  give us your Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription. 20-50 % off BAR RATES  for Travel Agents GI Vacation Consultants ALL INCLUSIVE GOURMET INCLUSIVE MUST complete all training -   GI Vacations Consultant for discounts and promotions.  When you enroll in the Gourmet Inclusive Program you will receive many additional benefits and earn free nights . You must do a site inspection of all hotels. NOW OFFERING DAY PASSES for TRAVEL AGENTS!  RIVIERA MAYA - 

Nickelodeon Riviera , Margaritaville Riviera Maya 

RIVIERA CANCUN - Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, Margaritaville Island Cancun,  

GRAND RESIDENCES RIVIERA CANCUN  -  Agent Info From $150.00 pp per night in a Jr. Suite - ALL INCLUSIVE  To book call EMAIL SALES   and ask for the travel agent rate!

HARD ROCK HOTELS  (AIC HOTEL GROUP)  ALL INCLUSIVE -   2024 TRAVEL AGENT FAM RATES based off of 40% off BAR RATES ~ ALL INCLUSIVE!   EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  FOR BOOKING LINK for TRAVEL AGENT RATES ! You must give us your Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription. DAY PASSES reduced for  Travel Agent Now offering the WOW Specialist to learn about Weddings on the Water.  Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and HARD ROCK LOS CABOS!  - All Inclusive 

NOBU HOTEL LOS CABOS -  European plan only ~ No Day Pass offering at NOBU UNICO RIVIERA  MAYA RESORT -ALL INCLUSIVE  - Travel Agent Rates

DAY PASSES reduced for  Travel Agent 

THE NEW AVA RESORT CANCUN ~ ALL INCLUSIVE~  30% OFF BAR opening rate! WOW! valid 1/5/24- 12/15/24  black outs do apply see all terms and conditions  and low/high seasons for all resorts. Always based on availability.

HAVEN RESORT RIVIERA CANCUN - 2 different promotions offered!  

From $155.00 pp/nt - Jr Suite  ALL INCLUSIVE  ~ Adult only ! Low Season for 2024 FABULOUS Stunning Resort ADULT only in the middle of Cancun and the Riviera Cancun. Luxury sophisticated! Wow!  OR 

HAVEN RESORTS CANCUN  - HIP ADVISOR GETWAY! ​Become a certified HipAdvisor and immerse yourself in the relaxed luxury of Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa with our HipAdvisor Getaway Travel Advisor Package. Exclusively for certified HipAdvisors - through our HipAdvisor Preferred Advisor Academy - you will learn first-hand what makes the relaxed rhythm of Haven the perfect choice for clients looking for a luxurious, worry free, and uncrowded Mexico vacation. To become a certified HipAdvisor , complete our HipAdvisor  Preferred Advisor Academy course. Space for this exclusive package is limited so complete the course today! and you must have current bookings! 

Book you clients at this beautiful property

From  $420.00 per person for 3 nights Jr Suite Partial Oceanview (low season)

$585.00 per person for 3 nights Serenity Club Jr Suite Partial Oceanview (low season)

Booking Window: Now but SPACE is limited! Complete the course and you must have bookings

Valid for Travel:   Through  December 23, 2024 

  EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM   for booking info you MUST  advise of Full name/ email on subscription and Supplier requested! so we can verify your account

"NEW"  HILTON VALLARTA  RIVIERA  ~ ALL INCLUSIVE in Mexico - Puerto Vallarta 

up to 50% off BAR  - click here to book travel agent rates , 

Click on OFFERS - Then Book my Exclusive Rate - make sure to see the TERMS and CONDITIONS  - use CHROME  BROWSER

HYATT RESORTS  -  Hyatt Agent Discounts up to 50% off daily rates. You need to join as a  World of Hyatt  and create a Travel Agent profile with your IATA number to access the Travel Agent Rates, rewards, promotions and resources. Click on link above and it will take you to the Travel Advisor page and you will see Enjoy special Travel Agent Rates for you to book online! you must provide Travel Agent Credentials upon check in. There is a Travel Agent Hotline number to call with questions.   15 Resorts in MEXICO Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency,  Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, Hyatt and  Hyatt Residences and Thompson Resorts

HILTON RESORTS in MEXICO  

up to 50% off BAR  - click here to book travel agent rates ,  USE CHROME BROWSER

Click on OFFERS - Then Book my Exclusive Rate - make sure to see the TERMS and CONDITIONS so many beautiful resorts in MEXICO

IBEROSTAR RESORTS  -    Agent Info  

up to 35% off lowest available rate offered -   ALL INCLUSIVE!  Book online click above and REGISTER with  IBEROSTAR PRO LOGIN, AGENT RATE - booking instructions are listed! here is a minimum 3-night stay and proper Travel Agent credentials must be shown upon arrival in order to receive the discount.

**many resorts in Cozumel, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Nayarit

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP (IHG) Agent Discounts 35 -50% off rack rates .  Need to REGISTER, BOOK ONLINE Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, EVEN Hotels, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts , Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, Hualuxe  ******Just new TRAVEL AGENT PROMOTIONS many hotels listed  click link above~ Travel Agent Resources~ Agent Promotions List hotel promos all over USA and the World ! get traveling. InterContinental Presidente Cancun; Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa; Holiday Inn Cabo; Holiday Inn Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and many more! 

HOTEL INDIGO LA PAZ 

LA COLECCION  RESORTS   ~ 2024 FIESTA AMERICANA TRAVELTY RESORTS/AQUA/EXPLOREAN for booking info  EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM     You MUST advise full name, email  on subscription and Supplier requesting so we can verify your account

  up to 50% off rack rates TRAVEL AGENT RATES!  there are many hotels in Mexico the chains are Grand Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Americana, Explorean, and LIVE AQUA  Hotels and Resorts. Become a FIESTA AMERICANA TRAVELTY EXPERT  Agent for Cash incentives and earn extra perks. Also enroll in the Agent Cash Incentive reward program!

TRAVEL AGENT FAMS RATES  2024 at these selected resorts!  They offer High/ Low Seasons (least expensive) From $139.00 pp/nt  or DOUBLE occupancy only!   Peak: $159.00 pp/nt *Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun ************************************************** From $150.00 per ROOM per night plus tax  double occupancy

 EP RATES    ~  Valid Sun-Thurs only!  *LIVE AQUA URBAN RESORT SAN MIGUEL de ALLENDE in  MEXICO CITY! 

************************************************** From $119.00 pp/nt  double + tax - double occupancy  / Peak:  From  $139.00 pp /nt Resorts:

*Live Aqua Beach Cancun All Inclusive  Adults Only!

*Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos AI Golf and Spa 

*The Explorean Cozumel (Adventure Travel) 

*The Explorean Kohunlich  (Adventure Travel)

************************************************* From $99.00 pp/nt  double occupancy only!   ALL INCLUSIVE!  

Peak season  from $119.00 pp/nt double occupancy only Resorts: *Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive  *Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive  *Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Spa 

************************************************** From $55.00 per ROOM per night single or double occupancy only ) EP RATE PLAN  *Fiesta Americana  Cancun Villas

**************************************************

From $80.00  per ROOM per night single or double occupancy only ) Peak: $125.00 per ROOM

EP RATE PLAN 

*Naay Tulum Part of Curamoria Collection

From $99.00  per ROOM per night single or double occupancy only ) Sun - Thur 

From $180.00 per ROOM per night Fri/Sat

*Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca

    EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM and MUST  advise Full  Name, Email  on your account and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription.

Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen - 20-40% off BAR Rates 2 Different Meal plans available to book:  Room only, half board, All Inclusive

Email Sales to check room availability and book

MAJESTIC RESORTS  -

  EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM to get booking info You must let us know full name, email  on subscription and Supplier requesting so we can verify your account 

MAJESTIC ELEGANCE PLAYA MUJERES ~ ALL INCLUSIVE Junior Suite  $75.00 pp per night double occupancy $50.00 per extra person per night $40.00 per child per night (2-12) Elegance Club - Adults Only!  $85.00 pp per night  TRAVEL DATES :  May 1, 2023 - October 31,   2024

 Marriott Resorts  in MEXICO

 20-50% off  TRAVEL AGENT RATES! Agent info here  

REGISTER . SIGN IN - Promotions - TA RATE Search Rates 

always based on availability

Marriott Hotel Excellence Educational Program Agent info here

complete course to earn FAMTASTIC RATES! 

Several properties offered : Casa Magna Marriott Cancun, Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Spa, JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa, JW Marriott Los Cabos Resort and Spa.  

MELIA HOTELS and RESORTS -   Hotel Info 20% off BAR  You must enroll in the MELIA PRO TRAINING! Travel Agents who become a MELIA PRO are granted the benefit of receiving the company's best available rates as well as up to 20 percent commissions. MELIA REWARDS Loyalty rewards programs members enjoy access to exclusive offers, alongside the added benefit of earning points for professional and personal activities and up to 20 %  discount for travel agents. Hotel Chains offered: GRAN MELIA, ME, PARADISUS, MELIA, INNSIDE , TRYP, and SOL Hotels. 

MELIA Puerto Vallarta  -

Paradisus Cancun

Paradisus Playa del Carmen  -family side - All Inclusive

OASIS RESORTS -  up to 2 rooms! 

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM for booking info! You MUST  let us know full name, email  on subscription and supplier requesting!  so we can verify your account and send you the booking info.

GRAND OASIS CANCUN / GAND OASIS PALM:

From $89.00 pp per  night ALL INCLUSIVE - 2024

PYRAMID CANCUN / SENS CANCUN : 

From $99.00 pp per  night ALL INCLUSIVE - 2024

NEWLY RE-OPENED and Refreshed GRAND OASIS TULUM:

PREFERRED HOTELS  -   Travel Agent Rate   From 35% up to 50% off rack rates see web link for all properties worldwide to get this special rate it MUST be booked  BOOK ONLINE  using link above.  must be Registered with them. Brands: Preferred Hotels, Preferred Boutique, Summit Hotel and Resorts, Sterling Hotels, Sterling Design. must have credentials.

OCEANS by H10  Hotels - Travel Agent Info    25%off website rates Ocean Maya Royale - Playa del Carmen Ocean Riviera Paradise - Play del Carmen  Ocean Coral & Turquesa - Cancun  Travel Agent rates are based on availability and offered only in these months May-June 2024; September - October 2024 based on availability -Free room upgrade to Jr. Suite or maya deluxe  -Bottle of sparkling wine.  -Free late checkout until 3pm - 15% off spa services.  to book email sales! 

PALACE RESORTS -    

From $165.00 pp per night Travel Agent Rates All Inclusive - Palace 

From $210.00 pp per night Travel Agent Rates All Inclusive - Le Blanc PALACE RESORTS AND LE BLANC RESORTS  wow!

AL INCLUSIVE ! for booking info EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM you must give us your name and email on subscription and supplier requesting to verify your account. Become a  Palace Pro Specialist Agent  and experience more with the  READY, SELL, STAY!   For Complimentary nights stay! You must enroll online for the SPECIALIST PROGRAM. This is a fabulous offer!  Cancun -Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace Golf and Spa Playa Del Carmen - Playacar Palace  Cozumel - Cozumel Palace and Isla Mujeres Palace

Le Blanc Spa and Resort/ Moon Palace Grand ~ Le Blanc Spa and Resort Los Cabos " New Property" VALID JANUARY 5 -DECEMBER 23 ,2024 Black out dates do apply!

PARK ROYAL HOTEL and RESORTS -

From $79.00 pp per night All Inclusive 

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM for booking info! You must let us know full name, email and Agency on subscription and supplier you are interested in!  we will send you the booking info

PUEBLO BONITO RESORTS -   2024 From $135.00 pp per night ALL INCLUSIVE!   Low Season From $150.00 pp per night ALL INCLUSIVE!    High Season EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM for booking info! You must let us know full name, email and Agency on subscription and supplier you are interested in!  we will send you the booking info Mazatlan - Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort and Spa (Jr. Suite) Los Cabos - Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort and Spa (Jr. Suite)                  Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort and Spa (Jr. Suite)                  Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa (Dlx Room)

Low Season /High Season   SEE ALL TERMS, CONDITIONS, and CREDENTIALS NEEDED! 

PLAYA RESORTS  - TRAVEL AGENT RATES  Through 3/30/2024

up to 35% off Prevailing rates    ALL INCLUSIVE - Low/High Season blackout dates do apply EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  

You must let us know full name, email  on subscription and supplier you are interested in!  we will send you the booking info   many Travel Agent offers and booking incentives to earn FREE nights and CASH. Hyatt Zilara Cancun - Adult Only

Hyatt Ziva Cancun - 

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos 

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta -

Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun 

HILTON Playa del Carmen - Adult Only

SEADUST CANCUN - FAMILY The Yucatan Resort   playa del Carmen - Adult only

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen - Adult only 

Wyndham Alltra Cancun SEE ALL TERMS, CONDITIONS and CREDENTIALS NEEDED! 

RIU RESORTS  -    Riu Agent Discounts 25% off rack rates   Need to enroll in Riu Partner Club         click on RPC  (Riu Partners Club) need to enroll agency and  get username and password for agent resort discounts and rewards promotion. RIU SPECIALIST! This is currently being worked on!!!! stay tuned

T he courses will give you the tools and resources to learn about all 3 brands, RIU CLASSIC, RUI PALACE and RIU PLAZA and the destination they are in. 

Complete, get your certificate, you will then have enough points for 2 nights stay after 1 client booking!

SANDOS HOTELS AND RESORTS -   Travel Advisors save 40% OFF BAR 

to receive the booking info you must EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM 

You must give us your full Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription.

Sandos Caracol From 85.00 pp per night 

Sandos Playacar From $85.00 pp per night 

Sandos Cancun  From $99.00 pp per night

Sandos Finisterra  From $114.0 pp per night 

Travel Advisor Rates is calculated 40% OFF FLEXIBLE rate at the time of booking

through December 15, 2024  -  black out dates do apply  

SIRENIS HOTEL and RESORTS  -  Travel Agent Info From $70.00  pp per/nt  double occupancy  ALL INCLUSIVE BEACHFRONT properties, crystal clear water and white sand beach GRAND SIRENIS RIVIERA MAYA 5/1/24- 12/15/24 $70.00 pp/ nt double occupancy

must be booked 30 days prior to arrival Rates require a site inspection to check room availability and book EMAIL SALES   Travel Agent Reward program to earn FREE NIGHTS Click  here

SENSIRA RESORT and SPA - Hotel Info

From $145.00 per person per night ALL INCLUSIVE (double occupancy) Oceanfront Resort! What an offer for Travel Agents!  April 1 - December 15, 2024 

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM   FOR BOOKING info !You MUST provide Full Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription and send you the info.

TEMPTATION CANCUN RESORT - From $95.00 pp /nt All INCLUSIVE (double occupancy) EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  

You must give us your Name, email and supplier requesting so we can verify your subscription. From $95.00 pp/nt ALL INCLUSIVE  double  - Adult ONLY!  From $190.00 pp/nt ALL INCLUSIVE Single - Adult ONLY!  TERMS and CONDITIONS and CREDENTIALS NEEDED! Now  - 5/1/ 2024 -   max 3 nights  Sunday - Wednesday only 

not offered during  the month February.  

TESORO RESORTS - hotel info

TESORO IXTAPA ~ From $160.00 per night plus tax - double /  All Inclusive 

TESORO LOS CABOS  ~ 

From  $139.00 per night plus tax - double  / Breakfast only 

From $219.00 per night plus tax - double /  All inclusive 

TESORO MANZANILLO ~ From $155.00 per night plus tax - double / All  inclusive 

for specific booking instructions for 

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM You must provide us your name and email on subscription and supplier requesting to verify your account we will then send you the booking info

  INCLUSIVE  by HYATT  (formerly AMRESORTS  )offering AMAZING TRAVEL AGENT RATES !  INCLUSIVE by HYATT 

consists of NOW, SECRETS, DREAMS, ZOETRY, BREATHLESS, SUNSCAPE  RESORTS 

20% - 35% off BAR EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM You must provide your name and email on subscription and supplier requesting to verify your account we will then send you the booking info. Become Master Agent for deeper discounts, free nights and incentives. DAY PASSES AVAILABLE! 

SEE RESORTS BELOW

SECRETS RESORTS -    20%-35%  off BAR - ALL INCLUSIVE **Become a Confidant  Agent for deeper discounts, free nights and incentives . DAY PASSES 

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort  Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf and Spa Resort in Cancun  Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Secrets The Vine Cancun, Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta, Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa, SECRETS Aura Cozumel, DREAMS RESORTS -   20-35  % off BAR   ALL INCLUSIVE 

Dreams Sands Cancun, Dreams Riviera Cancun, Dreams Tulum, Dreams Los Cabos, Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta and Dreams Huatulco, DREAMS Vista Cancun, DREAMS Playa Mujeres, DREAMS Acapulco, Dreams Jade, Dreams Natura, Dreams Sapphire Cancun, 

BREATHLESS RESORTS -  20-35 % off BAR   ALL INCLUSIVE  

Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort and Spa Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa 

Breathless Cancun Soul

NOW RESORTS  -  20-35% off BAR   ALL INCLUSIVE

 Now Emerald Cancun

ZOETRY WELLNESS RESORTS -   20-35% off BAR   ALL INCLUSIVE 

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita (Riviera Maya) Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun 

Zoetry Casa Del Mar CABO

SUNSCAPE RESORTS -  20-35% off BAR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ALL INCLUSIVE

SUNSCAPE Akumal Beach Resort and Spa SUNSCAPE Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa SUNSCAPE Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa

SUNSCAPE Sabor Cozumel

VIVA WYNDHAM RESORTS - ALL INCLUSIVE 

 20-40% OFF BAR ~ ALL INCLUSIVE - double occupancy - Low Season is your best deal! Wow! Great deal! Space is limited!  2 properties

  EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM for booking info!  

You MUST ADVISE full name, email on subscription and supplier requesting! So we can verify your account.

VALENTIN IMPERIAL MAYA- agent info from $95.00-129.00 pp nt  double occupancy    ALL INCLUSIVE!!  

5 star property in Riviera Maya

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM  You MUST ADVISE full name, email on subscription and supplier requesting! So we can verify your account and send you the booking info

XCARET HOTEL -   Hotel Info  

35% off BAR RATES - ALL INCLUSIVE

ALL FUN INCLUSIVE Access to all Parks

EMAIL FAMTRAVELFORME.COM

You MUST ADVISE full name, email on subscription and supplier requesting! So we can verify your account and send you the booking info

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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

OFFICIAL TRAVEL

(CT:LOG-343;   02-11-2022) (Office of Origin:  A/LM)

14 FAM 531  EmploymenT and Assignment Travel

(CT:LOG-343;   02-11-2022) (State/USAGM/USAID/Commerce/Agriculture)

When two or more types of travel are combined, the pertinent provisions apply separately to each segment of the trip.  Types of official travel follow below.

14 FAM 531.1  Appointment Travel

a. Official travel and transportation for U.S. citizen employees, their families, and effects, may be authorized from place or places of residence or other place specifically authorized to official duty station.

b. Effects may be authorized to be shipped at U.S. Government expense from place of storage.  Shipment of effects is authorized for employees whose tour of duty at post is one year or more or who serve less than a year and are transferred or otherwise removed from post for the convenience of the U.S. Government (see 3 FAM 2440 regarding curtailments).

14 FAM 531.2  Alternate-Seat-of-Government Travel

a. Official travel and transportation for U.S. citizen employees, their families, and effects, may be authorized to and from the alternate seat of government.

b. There is no per diem at destination unless specifically authorized. Shipment and storage of effects, and privately owned vehicle, may be authorized.

14 FAM 531.3  Relocation Travel

Official travel and transportation may be authorized for employees to move from one official duty station to another.  This includes permanent change-of-station (PCS) and transfer moves.

14 FAM 531.4  Home Leave Travel

a. Official travel and transportation may be authorized for U.S. citizen employees and their families from post or any place abroad where presence is due to U.S. Government orders to home leave address within the United States (or U.S. commonwealth or possessions) and return to post of assignment or a new official duty station.  Home leave travel is not authorized for family members already on separate maintenance allowance (SMA) authorization (see also 14 FAM 536.1 ).

b. Employees and their families traveling should spend 20 workdays in the United States (see 3 FAM 3434.2 for exceptions).  Except as provided in 14 FAM 532.4 the family may not travel until the employee is eligible for home leave and has been issued home leave orders.

14 FAM 531.5  Rest and Recuperation Travel

a. Travel of an employee and eligible family members may be authorized and performed in accordance with 14 FAM 523.2-1 , subparagraph f(1)(d) and in 3 FAM 3720 .

b. Each post eligible for rest and recuperation (R&R) travel will fund one of the following three travel options to employees and eligible family members:

(1) Round-trip travel to post's designated foreign relief point.  Lists of eligible posts by regional area and their designated relief points are in 3 FAH-1 Exhibit H-3722(1) through 3 FAH-1 Exhibit H-3722(5) ; or

(2)  Round-trip travel to any one city in the United States (the 50 States and the District of Columbia) or one city in its territories including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; or

c.  Only the designated foreign relief point, the traveler's selected city in the United States or U.S. territory, or "R&R Cost-Construct Cap" can be shown as the destination on the authorized itinerary of the R&R travel authorization.

e.  Employees authorized premium class travel through MED/DRAD will have a cost-construct cap established on a case-by-case basis using the same methodology used for economy caps outlined in 3 FAH-1 H-3726.3 .

f.  The Department recommends that posts use the lowest cost unrestricted airfares for travel to the designated relief point or U.S. city or U.S territory.  However, funding for R&R travel is a post function and, as such, the final decision whether to use restricted or unrestricted fares for R&R travel is a post responsibility.

14 FAM 531.6  Marine Security Guard

See 12 FAM 435 .

14 FAM 531.7  Military Furlough, Resignation, Retirement, and Other Separation Travel

a. Official travel and transportation may be authorized for U.S. citizen employees, their eligible family members, and effects, from post or any place where presence is due to U.S. Government orders to designated place of residence in the United States (see definition of "United States" in 14 FAM 511.3 ).

b. When a U.S. citizen employee elects to reside at other than the designated place of residence, expenses must be allowed based on constructive cost (for "cost constructed travel," see 14 FAM 511.3 and 14 FAM 612.3 ) to designated place of residence in the United States.  See 3 FAM 2510 on separation of U.S. citizen employees and 3 FAM 2560 on military furlough.

c.  This regulation provides Civil Service employees, who mandatorily converted to Civil Service from Foreign Service under the Foreign Service Act of 1980, those benefits of travel and/or transportation of effects to which they were entitled at the time of such mandatory conversion.

14 FAM 532  Family tRAVEL

14 FAM 532.1  Family Travel for Representational Purposes

14 FAM 532.1-1  Eligibility and Purpose

Travel for representational purposes may be authorized for one family member only.  The authorizing officer is expected to make sparing and judicious use of this authorization.  In all cases, the justification must demonstrate a clear advantage to the United States.

14 FAM 532.1-2  Within Country of Assignment

a. As a general guideline, local travel of a family member should be authorized when:

(1)  Representation by the officer alone could not be accomplished effectively; or

(2)  Protocol or local customs would be served; or

(3)  The travel is necessary in connection with VIP visits or important meetings at which spouses of foreign dignitaries are present.

b. The chief of mission in consultation with heads of other agencies in their country of assignment will develop local rules and practices to promote the maximum degree of uniformity in the exercise of this authority.

14 FAM 532.1-3  Outside Country of Assignment

Representational travel outside the country of assignment is restricted to family members of high-level officers and will be authorized only when a clear need for dual representation exists.  Normally, travel will be restricted to eligible family members of chiefs of mission, deputy chiefs of mission, country public affairs officers, and USAID mission directors or USAID representatives.  However, in exceptional circumstances, the eligible family members of a subordinate officer may be authorized such travel.  Typical of the circumstances warranting representational travel outside the country are the following:

(1)  When an ambassador or USAID mission director accompanies a foreign dignitary to the United States on a state visit or as a presidential guest and the dignitary is accompanied by a spouse or other members of the household;

(2)  When a State, or USAID officer attends an international conference or meeting sponsored by a group or organization of nations, such as the United Nations, and the spouses of participants have also been invited to attend; and

(3)  When the President sends U.S. delegations abroad or congressional or other high-level delegations proceed abroad, accompanied by their spouses.

14 FAM 532.1-4  Domestic-Based Employees

Representational travel by family members of domestically assigned employees is restricted to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, and Under Secretaries, unless a waiver is granted by M, and will be authorized only when a clear need for such representation exists.

14 FAM 532.1-5  Authorization and Documentation

a. Department of State : The chief of mission may (subject to the availability of travel funds) authorize representational travel within and/or outside the country of assignment for employees at post.  This authority may be redelegated only to the deputy chief of mission.  The Assistant Secretary of the regional bureau may authorize for the chief of mission.  For representational travel outside the country of assignment, advance approval must also be obtained from the assistant secretary of the regional bureau.  For domestic based employees, the Under Secretary for Management must approve all representational travel for family members.  Representational travel by a family member of M must be approved by D.

b. USAID :  The director of the USAID mission or USAID representative may (subject to the availability of travel funds) authorize representational travel within and/or outside the country of assignment.  This authority may not be redelegated. For representational travel outside the country of assignment, advance approval must also be obtained from the regional bureau Assistant Administrator in Washington.

c. The officials cited above must provide and sign a justification statement.  For control and inspection purposes, the authorizing officer should record and file the justification statement in the Department's eTravel Services (ETS) software (currently E2 Solutions).

14 FAM 532.2  Adding New Eligible Family Members

Employees who wish to add a new eligible family member – EFM - (see 14 FAM 511.3 for the definition of "eligible family member") do so by completing Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residency and Dependent Report, to GTM/EX/IDSD or HCTM/FSC for USAID staff.  Once the new EFM is added to the Form OF-126 then the employee’s travel authorization will be updated to include new EFM and travel expenses may be incurred based on the updated travel authorization, notwithstanding the time limitation specified in 14 FAM 584.2 .  Travel will be authorized from either the location at which the new EFM joined the family (for example, place of birth or adoption) or from the employee’s official home of record.  Shipment and storage of additional effects may be authorized in accordance with 14 FAM 613.2 .

14 FAM 532.3  Advance Return of Family Financed by U.S. Government

14 FAM 532.3-1  General Policy

In certain cases, an employee's family may be authorized, before the employee's eligibility for travel, to return to employee's residence in the United States.

14 FAM 532.3-2  Conditions of Authorization

a. The Department of State, USAGM, Commerce, Agriculture, or the USAID mission director or USAID representative may authorize advance travel of an employee's family members when the chief of mission or the head of the agency establishment abroad determines that the public interest requires the return of a member of the family for compelling personal reasons of a humanitarian or compassionate nature, including but not limited to cases which may involve physical or mental health or death of any member of the immediate family.

b. The Department or Agency in Washington, DC, may authorize advance travel of family members when there is an obligation imposed by an authority or circumstances over which the individual has no control.  Advance travel may be authorized by the Department or Agency in Washington, DC, after family members have been at the post at least 6 months under the following conditions:

(1)  A child who is not eligible for educational travel (see 14 FAM 532.5 ) has been at a post abroad and educational needs (for the equivalent of grades 1 through 8 only) so require; or

(2)  A child 21 years or older, is unmarried, and has traveled to the post before attaining such age (see 14 FAM 532.6 ).

14 FAM 532.3-3  Authorized Costs

Only one-way transportation will be authorized for advance return of family.  If a family member subsequently travels at U.S. Government expense to the same or another post to which the employee is assigned, the total cost of the advance return and subsequent travel may not exceed the cost which would have been incurred had the family member traveled at the same time as the employee.

14 FAM 532.3-4  Repayment Agreement

Before any obligation of U.S. Government funds is incurred, the employee must execute a repayment agreement in accordance with the format in Form DS-4020, Repayment Agreement for Advance Travel of Family.  The original and one copy should be forwarded to:

(1)  State :  GTM/CDA, by memorandum, subject:  APER;

(2)  USAID :  M/PM, USAID/W as an attachment to a memorandum;

(3)  Commerce : USFCS/OIO/OFSP as an attachment to a memorandum;

(4)  USAGM :  E/O, P/N, VOA/X, and D/OHR as an attachment to a memorandum.

(5)  USDA/FAS :  Foreign Agricultural Affairs, International Services Division; and

(6)  APHIS :  International Services/Administrative Services/Personnel.

14 FAM 532.3-5  Repayment Requirements

The conditions under which repayment must be made by the employee for travel expenses borne by the U.S. Government in connection with the advance return of employee's family are as follows:

(1)  The employee fails to complete the service period (see 3 FAH-1 H-2423 , subparagraph c) required to become eligible for travel and transportation at U.S. Government expense; or

(2)  There is a change of dependency status which cancels the eligibility of family member(s) for return travel to the United States (see definition in 14 FAM 511.3 ) at U.S. Government expense.  (A divorce or an annulment prior to the issuance of travel orders no longer cancels eligibility of family members for return travel to the United States.)

14 FAM 532.3-6  Repayment Liquidation or Refund

(CT:LOG-343;   02-11-2022) (State/USAGM/USAID/Commerce/Agriculture)

If the employee is subsequently transferred, assigned, separated, or returned on leave at U.S. Government expense to the United States and the expenses of the advance travel become a proper obligation of the U.S. Government, the employee will be relieved of the obligation set forth in the repayment agreements to the amount of allowable expenses (see 14 FAM 532.3-4 ).  If the employee has previously made repayment, employee may request and receive an appropriate refund.

14 FAM 532.4  Advance Travel of Family Financed by the Employee

a. The employee may arrange for advance travel of family, paying the cost initially and claiming reimbursement after the employee has been issued travel authorization which covers the travel of family and after the employee has reached eligibility date.  Reimbursement is limited to the amounts payable had the family traveled at the same time as the employee.

b. Reimbursement may be made for advance travel or return travel to the United States for a spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3FAM 1610 and/or minor children of an employee who have traveled to the post as eligible family members even if, because of divorce, annulment or dissolution of domestic partnership, such spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 and/or minor children have ceased to be eligible family members as of the date the employee becomes eligible for travel.  Reimbursable travel may not be deferred more than 6 months after the employee completes personal travel pursuant to the authorization.

c.  If the advance travel of family was to the employee's temporary duty (TDY) post and the employee was transferred to the post at the end of the employee's TDY, employee may claim reimbursement for expenses of allowable travel and transportation of family and effects which were incurred prior to the effective date of transfer of the employee and the date of employee's transfer travel authorization.

14 FAM 532.5  Educational Travel

a. Travel of a child may be authorized in lieu of an educational allowance, once each way annually between school and the employee's post for secondary education and for college education in accordance with section 280, Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas) and the Federal Travel Regulations.

b. Unaccompanied air baggage is allowable in accordance with 14 FAM 613.3-1 .

14 FAM 532.6  Travel of Children 21 Years of Age or Older

a. An employee's child who is unmarried and who is 21 years of age or older may be authorized return travel to the employee's place of residence for separation purposes in the United States (see definition in 14 FAM 511.3 ), provided the child, when attaining the age of 21 was at, or proceeding to, a post abroad to which the employee was assigned.  The first travel authorization that is issued to the employee authorizing travel of the family after a child has reached the age of 21, constitutes authority for such travel.  The return of the child to the United States should be completed within 1 year of the date the employee's travel begins.

b. A child 21 years or older, who proceeds to the employee's post, may not be returned to the United States nor perform any travel at U.S. Government expense, except as provided for educational travel up to the 23rd birthday, plus additional years allowed for any military service, in subchapter 280 of the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas).

c.  Travel of a child who is under 21 will usually be authorized to an employee's next assignment if the employee's transfer is to occur before the child's 21st birthday.  If that child's travel does not commence prior to turning 21, that authorization is no longer valid.

d. If a child commences R&R or home leave/return travel before attaining the age of 21 and turns 21 while in travel status, the child is authorized return to post under the travel authorization that was in effect prior to his turning 21.

14 FAM 532.7  Travel of Family While Employee Is on Temporary Duty (TDY) En Route to or from Post of Assignment

a. Payment of per diem during an employee's period of TDY, which may not exceed 30 calendar days total, is authorized for members of an employee's family accompanying the employee to the post of assignment only under the following conditions:

(1)  When the employee is ordered to stop within the country of destination for orientation, training, or consultation while en route to post of assignment;

(2)  When the employee is ordered to stopover outside the country of destination for orientation, training, or other TDY while en route to the post of assignment, provided that the stopover is in the positive interest of the U.S. Government and is made necessary by a threat to the health, safety, or well-being of the employee’s family if required to continue on to post of assignment other than in the company of the employee;

(3)  In cases where the family member, because of representative responsibility in the U.S. Government's interest, is required to stop at agency headquarters while en route abroad to employee's post of assignment in order to undergo special orientation and/or training designed to ensure the effective discharge of those responsibilities; or

(4)  In any other cases when specifically authorized by the agency in advance in writing in travel orders.

b. When an employee is ordered to stop for TDY in the United States or abroad en route to or from employee's post of assignment, the family does not have to accompany the employee as long as they join the employee at the stopover point.  Per diem at the stopover point may be allowed for members of the family only during the period of TDY of the employee and for the actual time at the TDY location.

c.  Per diem, not to exceed 3 work days, may be authorized when an employee or the employee's family members who are at a constituent post and are traveling on home leave, transfer, or separation orders must stop, at the time of travel, at the Embassy in country or at an embassy in a neighboring country for the purpose of storing or retrieving effects or obtaining passports, visas, or immunizations.

d. Stopovers should generally not be authorized for family members in connection with international, interagency, interregional, or intermission conferences, unless specifically authorized by the agency in advance in writing and reflected in travel orders.

14 FAM 532.8  Return Travel of Spouse, Domestic Partner as Defined in 3 FAM 1610, and/or Dependent Children to the United States in Connection with Marital Separation, or Divorce, or Statement of Dissolution of Domestic Partnership

a. Return travel of an employee's spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 may be authorized to the employee's service separation address in the United States (see definition of "United States" in 14 FAM 511.3 ) or any other location on a cost-constructive basis from the employee's post of origin to the employee's separation address when a permanent marital separation or divorce is intended, or a statement of dissolution of domestic partnership has been submitted.  Generally, a separation agreement should exist, but in the absence of an agreement, the chief of mission or head of agency's establishment abroad may determine that such travel is warranted and may initiate authorization action.  The circumstances upon which this determination is based should be summarized in writing and retained at post in accordance with 5 FAH-4, Records Management Handbook.

b. Return travel of spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 may be included in the first travel authorization issued to the employee authorizing travel of the family after an agreement to separate, divorce, or dissolve a domestic partnership is reached.  In the circumstances referred to in paragraph a of this section, such travel may also be requested as advance travel in accordance with 14 FAM 532.3 and 14 FAM 532.4 .

c.  Only one-way transportation to the employee's service separation address, or to any other location in the United States on a cost-constructive basis from the employee's post of origin to his or her separation address, will be authorized for return travel of spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 .  If the employee subsequently requests travel of the spouse at U.S. Government expense to the same or another post to which the employee is assigned, the total cost of the return and subsequent travel may not exceed the cost which would have been incurred had the spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 traveled at the same time as the employee.  In such cases, if the cost of the return and subsequent travel exceeds the employee's authorized travel, the employee will be liable for payment of the excess cost.

d. Before any expenses are incurred for return travel of spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 , the spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 must execute an agreement in accordance with the format in Form DS-4021, Agreement for Return Travel of Spouse (or domestic partner).  This agreement states that the spouse or domestic partner as defined in 3 FAM 1610 understands that travel back to the same post will not be authorized at U.S. Government expense, and that the agreement is signed voluntarily.

e. Travel of dependent children of an employee may be authorized under this provision only if a legal custody agreement exists or the employee otherwise agrees in writing to permit the children to leave post permanently with the spouse.  The employee must also submit a revised Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report, to declare as a loss those children for whom return travel is requested under this provision (see 3 FAH-1 H-2347.8 , subparagraph a).  The employee may also request advance travel of children in accordance with 14 FAM 532.3 , if travel is not intended to be a permanent return to the United States.

14 FAM 532.9  Transfer Travel

(CT:LOG-343;   02-11-2022) (State/USAGM/USAID/Commerce/Agriculture) (Foreign Service)

a. Official travel and transportation may be authorized for U.S. citizen and Foreign Service national employees, their families and effects, from old post, or any place where presence is due to U.S. Government orders, to new post.  Transportation of effects is allowed from old post to new post and/or to point of storage; or to new post from old post, previous posts, and/or points of authorized storage.

b. Effects may be shipped between places other than those authorized subject to provisions in 14 FAM 612.3 .  When emergency conditions exist at the new post, another destination may be designated for travel of the family and transportation and storage of effects and a motor vehicle.  Upon termination of the emergency, travel and transportation to the new post may be authorized.

14 FAM 532.10  Spouse Travel to Obtain a Visa or Reset Residency

Management officials at post may authorize, from post funds, travel expenses when the spouse of an employee assigned to post must travel out of country to obtain appropriate visas or reset residency permissions to remain in-country when the host government will not accredit the spouse.  The travel expenses under this provision may include transportation expenses, per diem, and authorized miscellaneous expenses (e.g., visa fees, where authorized under 14 FAM 562.1 , subparagraphs a(1) through a(4).  Expenses incurred are for the spouse only.  Time in travel status should be minimized to the extent possible to obtain a visa or reset residency permissions at the most cost-effective point to post.  Spouses who are employed on family member appointments (FMA) or personal services agreements (PSA) are not authorized administrative leave for the purpose of the travel.

14 FAM 533  Temporary Duty (tdy) Travel

14 FAM 533.1  General

Official travel and transportation may be authorized for U.S. citizen employees from any place to TDY station or stations and thence to such place or to post (see also 14 FAM 532.7 covering travel of eligible family members). Official travel and transportation may be authorized for Locally Employed (LE) Staff from their post of employment to TDY station or stations and for return to the post of employment.

14 FAM 533.2  Authorizing Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel

a. State only :  Form JF-144, Temporary Duty (TDY) Official Travel Authorization, is used for approving TDY travel.  Approval may cover travel performed for administrative or medical purposes, rest and recuperation, short-term training, attendance at conferences, etc., between the United States and other countries, within the United States, or abroad.  Authorizations issued in the form of telegrams, etc., are confirmed by the subsequent issuance of a Form JF-144, or equivalent official form.

b. USAID only :  See ADS 522, Performance of Temporary Duty travel in the United States and Abroad.

c.  Commerce only :  Form CD-29, Travel Order, is used for authorizing TDY travel when headquarters, Washington, DC, issues the travel orders.  Otherwise, Form JF-144 is used when post issues the travel orders.  Included is travel for administrative purposes, rest and recuperation travel, short-term training, medical purposes, attendance at conferences, etc., performed abroad, within the United States, and between the United States and points abroad.  Authorizations issued in the form of telegrams are confirmed by the subsequent issuance of either a Form CD-29 or a Form JF-144.

d. USDA only :  Form AD-202, Travel Authorization, is used for authorizing TDY travel.

e. USAGM only :  Form IA-34-A is used for authorizing TDY travel; Form JF-144 is used for overseas correspondence travel.

14 FAM 533.3  Training Attendance

Official travel may be authorized for employees to receive training.

14 FAM 533.4  Conference Travel

14 FAM 533.4-1  Attendance

Agencies must select conference sites that minimize conference costs and conference attendees' travel costs.  Agencies must minimize conference attendees' travel costs by authorizing the minimum participation necessary to accomplish agency goals.  The authorizing official must assure that the number of attendees from the Department is necessary and justified.  In addition, the need for conference and meetings for which the total travel and per diem estimate exceeds $5,000 must be authorized by an Assistant Secretary, executive director, or equivalent.

14 FAM 533.4-2  Conference Site

When available, use U.S. Government-owned or U.S. Government-provided conference facilities to the maximum extent possible.  The authorizing officer should avoid conference sites that might appear extravagant to the public.

14 FAM 533.4-3  Conference Site Selection Process

a. Locality selection procedures :

(1)  When arranging to conduct a conference, the authorizing officer must consider at a minimum three alternative conference sites;

(2)  Each considered site must be selected based on the belief that it would result in lower overall conference costs and conference attendees' travel costs.  The sponsoring or co-sponsoring office must survey the cost of conference facilities at each of the considered sites, and must determine the potential cost to the U.S. Government of conducting the conference at each of the alternative sites.

b. Exception :  A conference site may be selected without following the procedures outlined above for the reason of disproportionate participation.  The procedures outlined above do not apply when a majority of the U.S. Government attendees are from the locality proposed as the conference site, or when only one site accomplishes conference goals.  In the latter case, the authorizing officer must certify in writing that the selected locality is the only conference site compatible with accomplishing the sponsoring or co-sponsoring office's objectives.

c.  Documentation :  The authorizing officer must document the cost of each alternative conference site, and must retain a record of the documentation for every conference held.  The authorizing officer must also make the documentation available for inspection by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), or for other interested parties.

14 FAM 533.5  Experts and Consultants Travel

Persons employed intermittently as consultants or experts and persons serving without compensation (including citizens or subjects of other countries) are authorized travel expenses, including per diem, while away from their homes or regular places of business, in accordance with 14 FAM 560 .

14 FAM 533.6  Information Meeting Travel

(CT:LOG-343;   02-11-2022) (State/USAGM/USAID/Commerce/Agriculture) (Foreign Service and Civil Service)

Official travel and transportation may be authorized for employees to attend a meeting to discuss general agency operations, and/or to review status reports or discussion topics of general interest.  If a site visit is conducted as part of the same trip, the entire trip should be considered a site visit (see 14 FAM 533.10 ).

14 FAM 533.7  International Conferences

When travel to, or in connection with, conferences is financed under Department of State appropriations available for international conferences, such travel must be performed in accordance with the provisions of the travel authorization and other appropriate instructions issued by the Department pertaining to the conference.

14 FAM 533.8  Invitational Travel Authorizations Federally Financed

Each invitational travel authorization must specify the purpose of the travel (e.g., conference attendance, information meeting, speech presentation, etc).

14 FAM 533.9  Invitational Travel Authorizations Non-Federally Financed

To defray the cost of air travel, any donations from non-Federal sources must comply with the Department's regulations in accommodations on airplanes ( 14 FAM 567.2 ), including all applicable OMB guidelines (OMB 93-11), as well as the Department’s regulations regarding gifts of invitational travel (see 2 FAM 962.12 ).

14 FAM 533.10  Site Travel

Travel of an employee may be authorized to visit a particular site in order to perform operational or managerial activities; e.g., oversee programs, grant operations, or management activities for internal control purposes; carry out an audit, inspection or repair activity; conduct negotiations; provide instructions; or provide technical assistance.

14 FAM 533.11  Special Mission Travel

Travel of an employee may be authorized to carry out a special agency mission such as involvement in noncombat military unit movements; providing security to a person or a shipment (e.g., diplomatic pouch); moving witnesses from residence to other locations; and covering travel by Federal beneficiaries and other nonemployees.

14 FAM 533.12  Speech or Presentation Travel

Travel of an employee may be authorized to make a speech or a presentation, deliver a paper, or otherwise take part in a formal program other than a training course where the authorizing official makes a specific determination in writing that such activity is related to and in furtherance of the agency’s mission.

14 FAM 534  Medical Travel

a. Official travel and transportation may be authorized for U.S. citizen employees and their eligible family members from any place where presence is due to U.S. Government orders to nearest locality where suitable medical care can be obtained and thence to an official duty station.

b. Travel of attendants may be authorized.  For other special provisions, see 16 FAM 316 and 14 FAM 523.2-1 , paragraph e.

14 fam 535  oTHER TRAVEL

14 FAM 535.1  Directed Departure

14 FAM 535.1-1  General

When, in accordance with 3 FAM 2443 , it is the judgment of a chief of a diplomatic mission that the departure of an employee assigned by the Department or Agency to a post under the chief of mission's jurisdiction would be in the interest of the U.S. Government, the authorizing officer at the post may issue a travel authorization detailing the employee to a nearby country.  For the Department, the post-authorizing officer may issue a travel authorization transferring a State Department employee and that employee's eligible family members to Washington, DC.  For USAID, a travel authorization transferring an employee to Washington, DC, must originate in or have prior approval of Washington, DC headquarters.  For USAGM, a travel authorization transferring an employee to Washington, DC must originate in or have prior approval of Washington, DC headquarters.

14 FAM 535.1-2  Procedures in Connection with Directed Departure

To authorize purchase of transportation permitting the detail of an employee or to transfer an employee and eligible family members in accordance with 3 FAM 2443 , chiefs of mission may allow issuance of Forms OF-1169, U.S. Government Transportation Request (GTRs).  The travel order establishing the official obligation of funds will be issued by the Department or the Agency, after the travel commences, upon receipt of the report required in 3 FAM 2445 .  Travel will be chargeable to the current applicable appropriation.  Other fiscal data will be supplied by Washington, DC.  Movement of household effects and shipment of automobiles must not be authorized until receipt of instructions from the Department or Agency.

14 FAM 535.2  Travel under Authorized/Ordered Emergency Evacuation

14 FAM 535.2-1  General

a. When the Under Secretary for Management (M) makes a determination that an emergency exists at a post requiring the evacuation of official U.S. citizen employees, official travel and transportation may be authorized for the employees, their eligible family members, and effects from post of assignment to place designated in the travel orders, and thence to post.

b. When M makes a determination that an emergency exists at a post requiring the evacuation of Foreign Service national employees, official travel may be authorized for the Foreign Service national employees and their immediate families to the nearest practicable place for the duration of the emergency.

c.  The authorizing officer at post must issue individual or blanket travel authorizations (see 14 FAM 628 for shipment and storage of household effects (HHE)).

14 FAM 535.2-2  Travel Authorizations under Authorized/Ordered Emergency Evacuation

a. State only :  The authorizing officer at post must issue individual or blanket travel authorizations.  Each authorization must cite the names of the persons traveling.  In addition to the usual post distribution of copies, the authorizing officer must furnish information copies of all evacuation travel authorizations to the:

(1)  Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM/CDA/AD);

(2)  Travel and Transportation Management Division (A/LM/OPS/TTM);

(3)  Appropriate regional bureau; and

(4)  Office of Accounting Operations (CGFS/F/AO).

b. Commerce only :  The authorizing officer must furnish evacuation travel authorization copies to the:

(1)  Office of Foreign Service Human Resources (USFCS/OFSHR);

(2)  State's Travel and Transportation Management Division (A/LM/OPS/TTM); and

(3)  Office of Planning and Management.

c.  USAGM only :  The authorizing officer must furnish evacuation travel authorization copies to the:

(1)  Office of Foreign Service Personnel (D/OHR);

(2)  Office of Administrative Operations Division (M/AO); and

(3)  Appropriate administrative office.

d. USDA/FAS only :  The authorizing officer must furnish evacuation travel authorization copies to the:

(1)  Foreign Agricultural Affairs/International Services Division (USDA/FAS/OFSO/ISD); and

(2)  State's Travel and Transportation Management Division (A/LM/OPS/TTM).

e. APHIS only :  The authorizing officer must furnish evacuation travel authorization copies to the International Services/Administrative Services/Travel Section.

f.  U.S. Despatch Agents :  The Department's or Agency's transportation office will ensure that the appropriate U.S. Despatch Agent receives a copy of the evacuation order or request and authorization for use in clearing the employee's shipment(s) through U.S. Customs.

14 FAM 535.2-3  Prohibitions Against Official and Personal Travel to Posts under Authorized/Ordered Emergency Evacuation

See 3 FAM 3770 regarding requirements and restrictions for official and personal travel to posts under authorized departure, ordered departure, suspended operations, contingency operations, and posts designated partially unaccompanied or unaccompanied.

14 FAM 535.3  Emergency Visitation Travel

The cost of emergency visitation travel in connection with the serious illness, injury, or death of an immediate family member is performed in accordance with the provisions of 3 FAM 3740 .

14 FAM 535.4  Visitation Travel

14 FAM 535.4-1  Authorization

Travel of an employee or eligible family member may be authorized and performed in accordance with regulations in 14 FAM 523.2-1 , subparagraph f(1)(h), and in 3 FAM 3730 .

14 FAM 535.4-2  Travel to Countries With Closed Posts Or No U.S. Diplomatic or Consular Relations

See 3 FAM 3780 regarding requirements for official and personal travel of employees to countries with which the United States has no diplomatic or consular relations or where all U.S. posts have been closed, and where travel may be prohibited or restricted.

14 FAM 536  SPECIAL TRAVEL

14 FAM 536.1  Voluntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA) Travel

14 FAM 536.1-1  Authorization

a. Travel may be authorized for all eligible family members for whom SMA is granted under Section 260 of the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR).

b. Per 3 FAM 3232.3-3 , only one change of status of SMA for each family member will be permitted for a single tour of duty.  See DSSR 264.2(b) regarding change in status in an evacuation.

14 FAM 536.1-2  Authorized SMA Location(s)

a. The following SMA travel at U.S. Government expense may be approved to authorized location(s):

(1)  When the employee's point of origin is in the United States, an employee's family members may remain at the employee's last official duty station in the United States, or travel to the home leave location designated on Form OF-126 or Washington, DC when the employee is transferred to a foreign post of assignment;

(2)  When an employee transfers from one foreign post of assignment to another, an employee's family member(s) may travel to the home leave location designated on Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report, or Washington, DC;

(3)  If an SMA is granted during an employee's tour of duty abroad, the employee's family members may be authorized travel to the home leave location designated on Form OF-126, or Washington, DC.

b. For shipment of household effects under SMA Grant, see 14 FAM 613.7 .

14 FAM 536.1-3  Alternate SMA Location

a. U.S. family members traveling to an alternate SMA location in the United States (see definition in 14 FAM 511.3 ) may do so on a cost-constructive basis.  The maximum amount of reimbursement is the cost required to move the family members from the authorized point of origin to the authorized SMA point.

b. Foreign location: An employee's family members traveling to a foreign SMA location may do so on a cost-constructive basis.  The maximum amount of reimbursement is the cost required to move the family members from the authorized point of origin to the authorized SMA point.

c.  Should an employee's SMA grant be terminated due to the employee's subsequent transfer to another post of assignment while the family members are at a foreign location, the employee will be responsible for the payment of excess travel costs involved in relocating the family members to the new post of assignment.  The excess travel costs, if any, must be determined through a constructive cost analysis that compares the travel cost of the employee's eligible family members that would have been authorized from an authorized SMA location to the next post of assignment compared to the amount that is actually incurred.  Any amount in excess of the amount allowable is payable by the employee.

d. Family members in a foreign alternate SMA location have no diplomatic status or privileges.

14 FAM 536.1-4  SMA Travel Financed by Employee

An employee who initially pays the costs of advance travel of family members may subsequently claim reimbursement of travel and transportation expenses if the agency later authorizes an SMA grant for the affected family members.  An employee may not recover a greater amount than would have been incurred had the U.S. Government procured the travel (see 14 FAM 544.2 , paragraph c).

14 FAM 536.2  Death of U.S. Citizen Employee

The following applies to an employee abroad, on domestic assignment, or on TDY.

14 FAM 536.2-1  Expenses in Connection with Remains

a. Following the death of a Foreign Service employee or EFM while in a foreign area, expenses may be authorized for the reasonable cost of preparing remains including the cost of embalming, clothing, cremating, casket, or container suitable for shipment to the place of interment; expenses incurred in complying with local and U.S. laws; and transportation of remains from place of death to the employee's authorized separation address. Transportation of remains to any other place in the United States or its territories as designated by the next-of-kin may be done on a cost-construct basis against the authorized separation address, by surface, or by air.  For shipment of remains to a foreign country, see 14 FAM 536.2-4 .

b. Following the death of a Foreign Service employee or EFM while on assignment in the United States or a non-foreign area, expenses may be authorized for transportation of the remains from place of death to the employee's authorized separation address. Transportation of remains to any other place in the United States or its territories as designated by the next-of-kin may be done on a cost-construct basis against the authorized separation address, by surface, or by air.

c.  For Civil Service employees, refer to FTR, chapter 303.

14 FAM 536.2-2  Family Travel Expenses

Expenses may be authorized for the travel of the family from the last place at which dependents resided and traveled at U.S. Government expense, to any place in the United States designated by the next-of-kin as separation residence or place of interment.  For travel to foreign countries, see 14 FAM 536.2-4 .

14 FAM 536.2-3  Transporting Effects

Expenses may be authorized for the transportation of effects from the last post of assignment, and safe haven if effects are located there, and from any place where effects are stored at U.S. Government expense, to separation residence designated by the next-of-kin.  For transportation to foreign countries, see 14 FAM 536.2-4 .

14 FAM 536.2-4  Foreign Destinations

Actual authorized expenses may be authorized for travel, transportation of effects, and/or shipment of remains to a foreign country and are allowed up to the constructive cost to place last designated by employee as separation residence.  Place of interment may differ from residence for travel and transportation of family.  When one location or the other is in a foreign country, this does not limit the next-of-kin's discretion in designating an authorized location in the United States for either interment or travel and transportation of family.  Authorized expenses may be incurred at any time within 12 months following the date of death, unless the time limitation is waived by the GTM/EX Director or USAID Executive Officer for USAID staff.

14 FAM 536.3  Family Member Death

a. This section applies when the employee is assigned abroad or is on domestic assignment.

b. Actual expenses may be authorized for round-trip travel of a family member and for transportation of remains to the separation address or on a cost-constructive basis to any other point in the U.S. or foreign country.

14 FAM 536.3-1  Expenses in Connection with Remains

See 14 FAM 536.2 .

14 FAM 536.3-2  Family Travel Expenses

Travel expenses are authorized for an employee or an eligible dependent to accompany the remains of a family member to the place of interment in the United States or abroad and return to the duty station (see 3 FAM 2550 ).

14 FAM 536.3-3  Transporting Effects

Transportation of effects is not authorized in connection with a family member death.

14 FAM 536.4  Travel and Transportation Expenses Authorized in Connection with Deaths of Locally Employed (LE) Staff when in Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Status

Travel and transportation expenses are authorized when a LE Staff dies at a post abroad to which that LE Staff has traveled at U.S. Government expense.  Types of expenses authorized are detailed below.

14 FAM 536.4-1  Expenses in Connection with Remains

Expenses in connection with remains are authorized only as prescribed by 5 U.S.C. 5742, and within made available to the post.  The chief of mission must determine the payments to be made.

14 FAM 536.4-2  Transportation of Effects

Transportation of effects is authorized from the TDY post where death occurred to the LE Staff's post of employment.  Payments are to be made from allotments made available to the post.

14 FAM 537  through 539 unassigned

The COMPLETE Guide to FAM Trips & Travel Agent Discounts

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Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them

Ahhhh.... the travel industry. It's a beautiful industry and one we here at HAR are lucky enough to work/play in! One of the greatest perks in travel are travel agent familiarization trips, or FAM trips for short. They're also sometimes called FAM tours.

Here's the thing, people outside the industry usually have two conflicting thoughts about travel agents:

1) When they find out I work with travel advisors they ask if travel agents still exist.

2) Then they immediately think I'm a travel advisor and ask, " Do you get to travel a lot? For free?!? "

Here's the answers to those questions:

1) Ooooooh, my friend, travel agents sure do exist! In 2022, traditional travel agencies market share was 21% and online travel agencies was 22% ? True story. Here's more on a travel agent career outlook .

2) And yes, as a producing travel advisor you get to travel a lot and sometimes for free or at a significant discount. Producing is the key word here. :)

What I can never figure out is how you can think travel agents aren't around if they get to travel all the time to gorgeous destinations for free or reduced costs. 🤔 Wouldn't the market be flooded with people wanting to become a travel agent if that was the case?!

These enviable trips are called FAM trips and they're key to travel advisors being invaluable resources to their clients.

(For those of you dying for some 'me time' on the beach, don't worry, FAM trip is short for familiarization trip. It DOES NOT mean you have to bring your family with you on the trips. 😂 In fact, if +1s are allowed, it is often at a little higher cost but often FAM trips are just for advisors.)

So let me break down what a FAM trip is, what happens on FAM tours, where you can find FAM trips, and the question I know you all are asking, how you can get invited on a familiarization trip!

What is a FAM trip for travel agents?

A travel agent FAM trip is a trip offered by a vendor, destination or another entity in the travel industry

Let's clarify one thing. A FAM trip is not the same as travel agent discounts on personal travel. For that, you can check out our article with over 200+ travel agent rates we lovingly keep updated for you. :)

A travel agent FAM trip is a trip offered by a vendor, destination or another entity in the travel industry—like an industry association, a host agency or a travel consortium to travel advisors—allowing the travel agent to experience the product/destination so that they can better sell it.

Travel advisors are salespeople at their core and like any salesperson, they can sell more when they experience the product or service.

Vendors and destinations know that travel agent FAM tours are a cost-effective way to increase sales. All the pics the travel agents post while on FAM trips are darn good PR and advertising!

I'll tell you a secret: once you become a travel agent and start connecting with industry colleagues

a) you will get out of offices all. the. time. from colleagues traveling to awesome places and

b) your social feed will be crammed full of pics from your industry besties traveling around the world. :)

What are the different types of familiarization (FAM) trips?

Those social feeds crammed with enviable travel photos I just mentioned? Well, they are meant to be marketing the destination/property/etc. So you should definitely be feeling FOMO and jealousy.

BUT! That could literally be the only hour the advisor was able to enjoy the pool or beach during their 3-day familiarization trip. Like most things on social, the reality of a FAM trip is often much different than what the photos painted.

Let's break down FAM tours into a few categories so you have a better idea of what to expect.

And for the record, I just created these categories since I really feel like we need to differentiate them so please help me grow this industry lexicon and start throwing them around in industry forums! 😂

Working FAM trips

These FAM trips are exactly what they sound like. Working FAMs are the majority of familiarization trips and they are meant to maximize your time in the destination.

This means that you're often up at 6 am, on your feet all day visiting multiple properties (called site inspections ) or having in-destination experiences like a pasta-making class or white water rafting.

After a full day of action, you sit down for your dinner and do some serious networking. You don't hit the bed until 10 or 11 pm. FAM trips are tons of fun, but they are also tiring! It's like traveling with your ADHD friend that is inexhaustible. :)

The company or destination that organized the FAM trip wants you to see and experience as much as possible so you often have a jam-packed schedule from sun up to past sundown.

EXPERIENTIAL FAM trips

Experiential FAM trips are still working familiarization trips but have a more relaxed schedule, as in you won't be touring 4 resorts in Jamaica a day and then have evening activities. :)

You might be staying at a dude ranch and each day have an activity or two planned.

Or you might have attended a travel conference and signed on for the pre/post tours where you get to do a guided activity each day and then return to your hotel at night. (Here's a guide to maximize your travel conference learning and networking.)

Experiential FAM tours are my favorite FAMs because they're easier to remember more vividly. Plus, I don't come away completely overstimulated and sleep deprived!

AWARD FAM TRIPS

When your agency starts really producing, award FAM trips will open up for you.

Simply put, they're awards trips for top producing travel agencies but they also function as a FAM because they may include visiting a few properties. Plus, when most people think of FAM trips, they're wondering about free or discounted tours and award FAM trips fall into that category.

On award FAM trips, the host really pulls out the stops so you can experience all the host and the destination have to offer

On award FAM trips, the host really pulls out the stops so you can experience all the host and the destination have to offer! After all, these are the agencies that bring in a lot of sales.

Award FAM trips are typically fully comped and the familiarization trip host will have all sorts of great things planned for you! It's a lot of networking and fun, and less work. :)

What happens on a travel agent FAM trip?

Your itinerary will vary based on the type of travel agent FAM trip you're on. As I mentioned earlier, working FAMs have jam packed schedules!

If I were to generalize, I would say that on a FAM tour expect to be wined and dined at different properties or restaurants. You'll tour various properties where you'll see different room categories as well as meet with key staff that will allow you to better serve your clients.

When it comes to cruise ships, cruise FAM trips are often called Seminars at Sea when you get to sail on the ship and ship inspections when you tour it while it's in port.

And equally as important on FAM tours is the networking and bonding that happens with your host and fellow travel colleagues. Most advisors have their family and then they have their 'travel family', which are the colleagues they get to travel around the world with. As we all know, travel bonds people like nothing else!

Cruise FAM trips are often called Seminars at Sea when you get to sail on the ship and ship inspections when you tour it while it's in port.

Travel agent FAM trip technology + FAM trip marketing

You'll take tons of pictures and videos to share with clients and use for marketing. You'll also take a lot of notes. How do you keep all that FAM trip info straight? Here's a few resources for you.

Fam with Intention has a paid course on what to do before, during and after your travel agent FAM tour to make sure you maximize the experience.

Keeping track of everything you see and do, as well as the people you meet on travel agent FAM trips is challenging. HAR has free ship inspection forms as well as free site inspection forms that can help you out. They're old school PDF but can't beat free!

And if you are looking for something way more snazzy in app form (paid), check out MyFamTrip or FamGuru .

How much do travel agent FAMs cost?

I wish I had a specific answer for you but travel agent FAM prices will vary from completely free (sometimes referred to as hosted, as in they're 100% hosting you) to a decent discount.

Here's what you can generally expect included on a travel agent FAM trip:

• Excursions/Activities

What's usually not included on travel agent FAM tours:

• Tips for your drivers, bellhops, guides, housekeeping, etc. (These people work incredibly hard and depend on tips so make sure to bring cash.)
• Your travel insurance (never included)

Where can I find a list of travel agent FAM trips?

Great question! Here are a few places you can find FAM trips listed.

HAR's INDUSTRy calendar

We have a great list of FAM trips on HAR's free travel industry event calendar that you can check out.

Often times travel industry conferences in popular tourist destinations will offer pre/post-add-ons that allow you to experience the destination at a discounted rates.

FAM-SPEcific websites

Other online places to find travel agent FAMs are destination-specific websites like:

• MexicoFamTrips.com
• CaribbeanFamTrips.com
• JamaicaFamTrips.com

There are also a few websites that list travel agent FAM trips like :

• Famtrips.travel
• FAMrates.com (paid subscription)
• WanderfullyFammed , which are led by an advisor/photographer and part of the trip is that she provides all the marketing content for advisors to promote it during and after.

But here's another secret, the real travel agent FAM deals that are generously subsidized are not publicized. They are invite-only FAM trips or require you to apply, where the competition is stiff.

Travel Consortium + Host AgencY FAM TRIPS

Your host agency and/or consortium are one of the places where you can find the generously subsidized FAM trips.

Only members of their networks have access to these FAM trips and there may be sales or other requirements you need to meet. They may send out an email with the opportunity or they may reach out to advisors they know would be a good fit for it so that's another reason to cultivate those relationships with your host and consortium!

DESTINATIONS and vendors FAM TourS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

Another place where you can find severely discounted travel agent FAM trips is through destinations and preferred suppliers like cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and resorts.

\When you sign up as an advisor with them that gets you into their database and you'll receive information on upcoming travel agent FAM opportunities.

These FAM trips may be emailed out to the entire database and you have to apply, or it may be that the organization reaches out individually to their ideal travel advisors. Again, build those relationships at travel industry events so you're top of mind. :)

How the heck can I get invited on a travel agent FAM trip?!?

Love your enthusiasm!

Let's back up a step because the first requirement is that you're a travel agent. If you aren't one but think it would be a cool career (it totally is), check out our article with more info on how to start your travel agency .

The next requirement hurdle is you'll need to be a producing advisor.

On rare occasions, new advisors without a history of sales can be invited on a travel agent FAM trip, but you'd have to show you have the potential to bring in sales. This is usually done by showing your network of friends/colleagues/clients as the target demographic for that particular FAM trip.

Another option for newbies is you can show that you are serious and focused on selling that particular brand/destination/trip type. Do this by reaching out to your BDM (business development manager) and writing up an in-depth sales plan on what you'll do to bring them sales.

Other than that, each FAM will have its own requirements which they'll communicate to you.

FAM Trip Etiquette

Believe it or not, not everyone behaves well on FAM trips. Whether this is your first FAM trip or your 30th, it's important to know FAM trip etiquette.

We put together a one sheet for you to help promote proper FAM etiquette. Share with colleagues or print some out for your upcoming FAM and offer them to any new advisors who may need some guidance on etiquette!

If you're someone that hosts FAM trips, feel free to use the image and send out with your FAM materials.

You now are fully educated on one of the best travel industry secrets... travel agent FAM trips! I hope you can experience one soon as they're amazing experiences. :)

If you're an advisor that landed on this article, I would LOVE to have you share any FAM experiences or advice in the comments below!

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry, helping on and off with her mom's homebased travel agency. She has worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (her fav) and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 You can also catch her on her Substack, Bumblin' Around, where she writes on things outside the world of HAR.

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FAM Trip Checklist for Travel Advisors

As we head into the fall, we look forward to things cooling down a bit – the temperature, and maybe even your workload! If fall is a slower season for you, this might be the optimal time to plan a FAM trip. A FAM trip, or a familiarization trip, is a vacation exclusively for travel agents that is either free or deeply discounted by travel vendors, hotels, resorts, or cruise lines. The purpose of a FAM trip is to help a travel agent become familiar with the products and services travel vendors offer so they can help their clients choose the perfect vacation package.

FAM trips are one of the many fun parts about being a travel agent. But what many of your friends may not realize, is that it’s also a work trip! In order to make the most of any FAM trip travel agents ask questions, make notes, and take any learning experience that comes their way. If you’re getting ready for an upcoming FAM trip, make sure you’re checking off a few important to-do’s.

➡️ Related: 8 Ways for TA’s to Stay Productive During a Slow Season

Get Ready for Your Next FAM Trip

1. set goals for yourself.

Don’t leave home without writing down goals for your trip! What do you hope to learn, try or see? Once you have your goals, figure out how you will accomplish them, whether it’s adding something to your itinerary or connecting with a vendor you want to work with.

2. Try new things

Even if you have a narrow target demographic, your clients represent a diverse group of interests and preferences. Put some unique experiences and outings on your itinerary. Try a wide range of activities that will cater to all of your clients.

3. Take trips that fit your niche

Of course, take some trips just for you to enjoy! But make sure you are also staying up-to-date with the ins and outs of your niche . Take a trip (or multiple!) specific to your niche each year. There will always be something new to learn!

4. Take notes

Keep a little notepad with you for taking specific notes you might be more likely to forget when you return home. When taking notes, think about some of the most frequently asked questions you get from clients and jot down info you think would benefit them the most.

5. Let travel frustrations be learning experiences

Rather than be frustrated with a travel delay (problem), look at it as a learning experience. Any problem you run into is one you can now help your clients avoid. Any problem you experience (and survive!) just gives you that much more credibility to advise your clients.

6. Network while you’re there

A good industry network is PRICELESS to travel agents. This is because relationships with travel vendors is one thing your clients do not have and cannot buy. A FAM trip is a great time to do a little networking !

7. Ask questions

Good questions – the best way to learn! Ask vendors specific questions about their properties, tours, excursions and whatever else your clients might need to know.

8. Take photos and videos

You don’t have to be the world’s greatest photographer. But you can still improve your photography and videography skills! Travel marketing is 90% visual so you cannot overlook the skill of getting some high quality photos to share with potential clients. Take some time to learn photography basics, then make sure you are capturing some good stuff while you’re traveling!

Shawna Levet

Shawna is passionate about helping travel agents grow their business and expand their knowledge as travel experts. She has been in the travel industry since 2011, helping agents and travelers alike find the best negotiated airfare and travel coverage to meet their needs.

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The CLIA and IATA cards, as well as supplier exclusive FAM trips, are just some of the great perks you can gain as a travel agent.  Gateway Travel works with and is partnered with both CLIA & IATA, who are regulatory authorities in the world of travel.  We also work with world-renowned suppliers who provide wonderful discounted travel opportunities to our agents throughout the year, known as FAMS.  Why pursue your CLIA and IATA card?  The most notable benefits of obtaining these cards include extra training directly from the regulatory site and discounts reaching over 50% with our preferred suppliers.

You qualify for your CLIA card at the 80-90% commission level. For the 60-70% commission level, you have the option to fast-track for $299.

Here is some helpful information about the CLIA card to help you make an informed decision:

Validity: The CLIA card is valid for the calendar year. You have the option to renew at the end of the year.

Discounts: The CLIA card can provide discounts with suppliers we are registered with, mainly cruise lines. Note that some suppliers may require you to have your own card, some may require bookings as well, and others may require both. The CLIA card will not provide discounts to Disney and Universal despite the website language. For Disney, Universal, and Marriott discounts, you need an IATA card.

Cost: The cost of the CLIA card is $129, paid to CLIA for 2024

Deactivation: The CLIA card will be deactivated if you leave Gateway.

To get your card, create an account with CLIA at cruising.org. Choose Gateway Travel as your agency and Travel Leaders as your consortium.

UPCOMING FAMS

Explore our upcoming selection of FAM trips, each crafted to offer a unique blend of education, luxury, and adventure. Our trips span across continents, featuring popular destinations like Paris and Tokyo, exotic locales like the Maldives and Machu Picchu, and exclusive retreats in secluded corners of the world. These trips are more than just vacations; they are opportunities to engage with local cultures, understand new travel products, and network with industry leaders. With TopFams, you're always at the forefront of travel trends and destinations. Our FAM trips are carefully selected to ensure they meet the high standards of quality, safety, and educational value that our advisors expect. Stay updated with our ever-evolving roster of FAM trips, designed to keep you ahead in the dynamic world of travel.

Amazing Morocco

Explore Morocco's charm on our exciting fam trip: Marrakech, local cuisine, vibrant traditions, and Essaouira's relaxation await.

Glimpses of India

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, rich cultures, and diverse landscapes of India, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Riverside Luxury Cruises & Travel Minds Present a Seminar at Sea

Embark on a transformative journey on the Riverside Debussy with Riverside Cruises and Travel Minds on the romantic Rhine as we set sail on a Seminar at Sea tailored exclusively for travel advisors.

Wildlife Wanderer Kenya Safari

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari through Kenya's wildlife havens with top-tier accommodations and expert guidance.

Kenya & Tanzania

Embark on a thrilling safari adventure through Amboseli, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

SOMETHING AMAZING IS ON THE HORIZON

Explore the majestic Himalayas, ancient temples, and warm hospitality of Nepal, where spirituality and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.

Experience the timeless charm of Bhutan's ancient monasteries and emerald valleys, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

Indulge in the exotic paradise of Sri Lanka, where ancient ruins, lush tea plantations, and golden beaches await exploration amidst a rich cultural tapestry.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Explore Puerto Vallarta's diverse charms, from golden beaches to thrilling jungle adventures.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Montego Bay, a tropical paradise nestled on the northwestern coast of Jamaica.

Cancún, Mexico

Cancún is a world-renowned destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

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I have an age-gap marriage, and my parents do, too. Being married to my husband helped me understand my parents better.

• When I met my husband Dan, I barely thought about the difference in our ages.
• However, he's almost 20 years older than I am, and my parents are in an age-gap marriage, too.
• At first, having a similar age difference to my parents bothered me, but I've come to appreciate it.

I was terrified to tell my mom how old my partner was when she asked.

"Ummm, he's in his late 30s, I guess," I mumbled to her over the phone. I was slicing almost a decade off his age.

Growing up, my dad was often mistaken for my grandad due to his gray hair and 15-year age gap with my mom. I can remember several times when I was asked by classmates why my dad was so old.

I'd always imagined marrying someone my age, raising a family, then growing old and retiring together . But when I met Dan on a beach in Egypt early in 2023, I hardly thought about his age for the first few months of dating. He was adventurous, fun-loving, and liked to party as much as my peers, despite being almost 20 years older.

It was only when my mom asked about his age that the uncomfortable truth dawned on me. I had copied my parents' marriage and chosen to be with a much older man.

A first, I was worried about how much older he was

Aside from the psychological ick that I'd styled my own relationship after my parents', there were a number of other reasons age-gap relationships made me uncomfortable.

The potentially unbalanced power dynamic worried me. Typically, the older party is likely to have much more financial power, and I never wanted to be in a position where I would be dependent on my partner .

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Age discrepancies in relationships also raise other issues. My mom is gearing up for a decade of caring for my dad. In my situation, I wondered if Dan would want to have children and spend weekends playing around with them.

I was concerned that perhaps we weren't compatible in the long term and faced a generational disconnect . What if he found me too young, or thought I was immature? What if I was unable to relate to him on an emotional level because I lacked life experience?

There is also a general sense of — and worry over — judgment from others. None of my friends had raised eyebrows when I told them his age, but I was nervous to meet his family for the first time, especially as I was much closer in age to his nieces and nephews than his siblings.

Fortunately, my parents, his mom, and his wider family greenlit our relationship after they met us and even commented on how well-matched we are in terms of what we want out of life.

I got over it, and our relationship helped me understand my parents better

Time showed me that just because it's unconventional doesn't mean it isn't right for us. I never cared about Dan's age when I was getting to know him, and it doesn't play a significant factor in our day-to-day relationship.

So I decided to ignore it and focus on the many good reasons I chose to be with him: his kindness, compassion, and excitement for life. He agreed to adopt a street puppy with me, and we're planning on moving to a new country together later this year.

It's also helped me better understand my parents' relationship. My mom was younger than me when she met my dad, and she told me he gave her the financial and emotional security she craved, which initially I thought was deeply unromantic.

But as I see them enjoying retirement and exploring the world together, it all makes sense. My dad jokes that my mom keeps him young, and their relationship has clearly flourished over the decades despite the age gap .

Dan and I are expecting our first child together this summer, and he is overjoyed to be a first-time dad. He was always the one getting up multiple times in the night to put our puppy out to potty, and I have no doubt he'll be the more enthusiastic partner about staying up late into the night with our newborn baby.

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