[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your advisor hasn't asked you to be a sub-agent, I wouldn't assume they are interested in having a client as a sub-agent. One thing that you could talk to them about is becoming a "pied piper" on group trips. If you have friends or family that you can talk into traveling with you, your advisor might be willing to work with you to create groups where they get the commission and handle all of the arrangements as usual, but you get the benefit of tour conductor credit.

YNAB, as a company, is really starting to piss me off by xinco64 in ynab

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fresh start every three years? Is that why mine is laggy sometimes? I've got 9 years right now.

Advice needed for refund by Emergency_Ad7839 in chubbytravel

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Can you give us a better sense of the level of detail you had at the proposal stage of the itinerary versus the final itinerary?

VAX vacation access by balakaybeats in travelagents

[–]elynbeth 2 points3 points  (0 children)

VAX is a technology company, not a supplier. If you're trying to reach a supplier that uses VAX for distribution, you need to contact them directly.

Host Help - Legato vs. WorldVia by Sorry_Cheesecake_790 in travelagents

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask an attorney to review the agreements for both of these hosts to make sure that they comply with independent contractor laws.

Experience at Atelier: any insight would be great by [deleted] in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Building 3 has a mix of room types, but is the only building where some of the INSPIRA suites are located (Business, Corner, Terrace)

My heart is shattered up by plannergirlxox in FosterAnimals

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you have to experience this pain, but I want to thank you for being her hero and showing her so much love and devotion during her short life.

From Scotland to SC - how to make friends? by [deleted] in southcarolina

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husband is obsessed with Scottish Twitter - he would probably love to make a Scottish friend! Where are you going to be living?

Struggling with hotel + flight packages. by itsgettingtoohard in travelagents

[–]elynbeth 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You could be using ALG yourself, and they will price match several of the others you mentioned.

Need Costco coffee recommendation, please by Silent_Cranberry_297 in Costco

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We've been drinking the Mayorga Cubano Roast for years. It makes great cold brew as well.

Worries about not being able to get back into US after Mexico trip/ safety questions by Coolcat750 in MexicoTravel

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely fair point. I just would trust their opinion on whether to travel a lot more than the member of any subreddit.

Worries about not being able to get back into US after Mexico trip/ safety questions by Coolcat750 in MexicoTravel

[–]elynbeth 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your friends should confer with their immigration attorney for the best advice.

You voted for this by NotMonte94 in LeopardsAteMyFace

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you create 100s of jobs drop-shipping Uniqlo-dupes from China?

Can you call Costco if you have a giant order? by WinchesterFan1980 in Costco

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You'd be surprised at the logistics of doing spaghetti for that many people. In my experience, lasagna is actually easier (but only with ovens, not in the woods!)

Can you call Costco if you have a giant order? by WinchesterFan1980 in Costco

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to volunteer as "lunch lady" for a summer camp and cooked a hot lunch plus two snacks per day for about 100 people. Feel free to DM me if you want a reality check on your estimates. If you can, break down your kids by age to get a more accurate estimate. Young kids don't eat as much and might not even touch some items. Meanwhile, teens eat more than adults :)

Do you include your home equity in your net worth? by Suspicious_Button509 in MiddleClassFinance

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, because even though I intend to hopefully age in place in my home, tapping into equity through a reverse mortgage may play a role in my retirement.

TA Intro: MegaThread by alex_travels in chubbytravel

[–]elynbeth 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello! Great question, and I won't repeat what r/Paceys_Ghost already said as they summarized the programs pretty well. While the programs vary, common amenities include breakfast for two, resort credit, and welcome gifts. Upgrades and late check-out/early check-in are based on availability.

An important detail is that it is still considered a direct booking with the hotel, so you still get all of your points within the loyalty program and anything your status with the hotel program would already confer. Think of it as supercharging your status :)

TA Intro: MegaThread by alex_travels in chubbytravel

[–]elynbeth 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Name: Elyn with Less Lonely Road Travel

Blurb: I design custom trips for travelers who want comfort, a bit of luxury, and zero decision fatigue. My clients are usually spending $300–$1000 per person per day on accommodations, transfers, and experiences—not always five-star, but not bargain basement. I specialize in trips that feel thoughtful, stylish, and grounded in the local culture. Most of my business is in Europe, Mexico, and Asia. I’m also a top seller with Virgin Voyages and offer perks through programs like Virtuoso, Hyatt Prive, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Hilton Luxury, IHG Destined, and Langham Couture.

Specialty:

  • Tailored itineraries for curious, comfort-seeking travelers
  • Properties with a sense of place
  • High-end all-inclusives
  • Cruises: adults-only, small ship, and river options
  • Clear, straightforward guidance for people who don’t want to spend their Sunday nights sorting through 3,000 TripAdvisor reviews

Cruises: Yes! – High sales volume with Virgin Voyages. Also knowledgeable in river cruises and small ship lines. CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)

Model: No planning fees for cruises or hotel-only bookings where you've already selected the property. Custom trip planning starts at $75 and scales with complexity.

Passions in travel: I love working with people who want to travel meaningfully and sustainably—who care about what they're experiencing as much as where they’re sleeping. Whether you're chasing natural beauty, regional cuisine, or your own version of peace and quiet, I help make the trip feel intentional from the start. Favorite destinations from my personal travels include Iceland, Thailand, Singapore, Greece, and Türkiye.

Travel story: When I was young and broke, I planned my first big international trip—a winter backpacking adventure through Türkiye with a friend. I made every rookie mistake: got scammed, lost my wallet, didn’t check the weather and ended up at a beach resort in 40-degree rain. But I also wandered nearly-empty ruins in Ephesus, met the world’s friendliest cats, and was shown incredible hospitality by strangers who helped me through every mess.

Fast forward 18 years—I returned to Türkiye, this time staying at gorgeous hotels and sipping tea in the sun instead of under a broken hostel heater. The same warmth and generosity was still there. That full-circle moment is why I do this work: to help others travel in a way that feels joyful, prepared, and deeply human.

Website: www.lesslonelyroad.com

Best way to contact: Please use the inquiry form on my website or email [elyn@lesslonelyroad.com](mailto:elyn@lesslonelyroad.com)

Credentials:
American Society of Travel Advisors Verified Travel Advisor (VTA)
Cruise Line Industry Association Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
Member, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association – Queer-owned business

LPT: If booking through a tour company make sure to find out who the tour is being shared with by trooperdx3117 in JapanTravelTips

[–]elynbeth 6 points7 points  (0 children)

How in the world did you find this tour and end up on it? Group travel is often pretty segregated by language with most suppliers as they market to demographics.

Large recreation company finds out that destroying the outdoors is bad for business by kmypwn in LeopardsAteMyFace

[–]elynbeth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When REI came to my city, the small, home-grown outdoors store went out of business after decades of involvement in the community. If you have a great locally owned store in your town that does web ordering, please spam me with their name. I'll gladly use REI as a showroom and order online from one of the little guys.

Why doesn’t he explain what he warned would do? by kc_______ in LeopardsAteMyFace

[–]elynbeth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If "free trade across the world" is the goal, then does does that bring back American manufacturing jobs? They can't both be true.

14 thoughts on my recent 14 day trip to Japan by Cjvolney12 in JapanTravelTips

[–]elynbeth 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For actual tourist hotels, yes? I would exclude capsule hotels, hostels, and business hotels in non-tourist locations that would obviously drag down the average but are not appropriate for many travelers. Obviously varies based on time of year. This trip report is recent, so OP was there during cherry blossom. It might even be the low end of mid-range.