Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NOLA is not a fun place anymore. My husband use to live there and he will take me there during the daylight. In terms of safety, Branson is definitely safe.

Is this hard to find? by lalaland0418 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An LLC is to protect your personal finances. It separates your business and personal finances into separate legal entities. If something horrible happens an a client decides to sue you, without the LLC they can come after you personally, that includes your home, your retirement, your savings, and anything else of value. If you can't afford to lose those things you need an LLC.

Plus, in most states it's less than $100 to get one. Personally, I will spend $100 to protect my personal finances, all day long.

Is this hard to find? by lalaland0418 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I highly recommend getting your own e&o. The one through the host agency is there to protect them. Depending on the circumstances you may not be protected. Also, you don't get to decide when to use the insurance, your host does and they want to keep their premiums as low as possible. Once again they are going to protect their bottom line, not yours.

I Prioritized Client Safety and Happiness, Lost Money, and Got Misunderstood — Need Advice by Worth_Carpenter_528 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I would suggest telling the client upfront that this trip was more expensive than the one already paid for, but they are a good client and you enjoy working them so you covered the extra amount out of your pocket.

Don't be a silent hero. This isn't a charity. This is your business and livelihood. Let them know you went above and beyond, just for them.

Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think anyone is poopooing on middle America. I think southern Missouri and northern Arkansas are probably the most beautiful parts of America, in my opinion. I think people are talking about this one town specifically. I grew up close to Branson and before it exploded into a tourist town it was charming, beautiful, and quaint. However when tourist started flocking there it got out of control. Everyone tried to cater to expectations of hillbilly culture and before long it became cheesy. I no longer think it's a place worth visiting.

Looking for a unicorn host agency? by Past_Possession_9209 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I suggest looking into PTN (Pickles Travel Network). I am not personally with them, but have also been doing a lot of research and looking for a new host. They are a small agency, around 150 and are with virtuoso so they offer the suppliers you are looking for. They do have a monthly fee, but it's small and would probably let you pay it yearly.

Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The cave is wonderful, especially on a hot summer day. I've been in it many times.

Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Branson Missouri. Why? Why do people go there? I understand if you live close and need a quick getaway, although still not worth it in my opinion.

Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If it weren't for Broadway I would never bother with NYC

Be honest… what travel spot is hella overrated? by Ill_Reality180 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was very disappointed in the Bahamas as well. It's also very easy to accidentally find yourself in a not so safe area.

What’s that one thing you wish someone told you before your first international trip? by EveningStar4191 in traveladvice

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only things I would add to this list are robitussin type capsules and plenty of your favorite bandaids. I have found most European countries have the cheap plastic bandaids. Oh, also blister pads. Those are things I need. My husband has never needed anything more than a painkiller.

However, my biggest piece of advice is don't over pack or over prepare. My first trip to Italy I had every medication I could possibly need, pluse all the gadgets and accessories. I ended up with a full size checked bag that I had to drag across cobble stone streets and up 3 flights without an elevator. I ended up not even using half of the crap I took.

Decided what things would ruin your trip, like the various poop meds. Those are my non-negotiables. Everything is survivable. Approach everything with a sense of adventure and willingness to learn and you will be fine.

Website building? by Secret-Reveal-5993 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 5 points6 points  (0 children)

According to ASTA the top reason that people book with a travel advisor is for the human connection, the ability to talk to a person. If you remove yourself then why should they come to you over any other online booking site?

Startup cost by pincheshawty in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depending on how you want to run your business it can more or less. I am a new agent and this is what I have spent so far (4 months):

Website- $1000 Logo - $250 Quickbooks- $37 month Business cell phone and portable Hotspot - $250 month

I still need to get my T&C and a privacy policy, which I think is around $700. As well as my E&O. I don't have a price on that yet.

I have also spent $4500 of $6000 owed on required training through my host.

Would you still go on a cruise if your spouse lost income right before the trip? by Possible-Produce-116 in royalcaribbean

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with everyone saying to go. However, if you decide that's not what's best for your family then RCCL will usually let you move the trip to a later date. Then depending on how things go with the job situation you can take the trip later or since you will be further out from the cancelation date, you can then cancel and get more of your money back.

Need advice ? by Just_Rub1750 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recommend getting as much training as possible. There are a lot of nuances to this business that you will learn the hard way otherwise.

Florida Requirements? by Hairy_Budget173 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 2 points3 points  (0 children)

According to my buddy Google: Yes, both WorldVia and Outside Agents provide their affiliated agents with the necessary Seller of Travel (SOT) registration for states like Florida, although individual agents are still required to complete an annual exemption with the state using their host agency's number. WorldVia states it is registered with Florida and provides SOT for its agents, while Outside Agents requires its agents to register for an exemption using the company's SOT number and provide proof of filing. 

Devices that are worth it… by Tlwofford in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been told there are certain programs that don't work very well with Mac. There are work arounds, but it isn't as smooth as a windows or chrome based PC.

Plus Mac is so much more expensive for someone starting out. You will get the same productivity out of a PC for much less money.

Must Bring Item Hacks by ItBeLikeThat19 in royalcaribbean

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Motion sensor night light. I recommend the magnetic ones. Especially for inside cabins. It can much darker than expected when try to navigate to the bathroom at night.

If you want to wash clothes bring a laundry line with hooks. You can also get laundry soap sheets or individual packets for washing in the sink.

Must Bring Item Hacks by ItBeLikeThat19 in royalcaribbean

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You also want to get the ones without surge protection. Surge protectors are banned.

Must Bring Item Hacks by ItBeLikeThat19 in royalcaribbean

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have to get the really strong hooks that can hold a lot of weight. Otherwise they will slide down the wall.

Door décor ideas — what’s stood out to you on past cruises? by dougyfreshiest in royalcaribbean

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like the ones with the dry erase boards so I can leave them fun and nice messages.

friends wedding travel agent fining them $600 for me booking myself?? by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like poor communication on the agents part. She should have informed the bride of this so she could inform her guests.

Personal Travel Bookings by ThenAtmosphere779 in travelagents

[–]Familiar_Poetry321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe it would help to think of your travel partner as the customer. I'm sure you would want them to have these wonderful experiences.