I am constantly striving to learn about the different cruise lines and travel providers, their unique characteristics, and their strengths and weaknesses - all to best advise you. This is in addition to the training I have received through my host agency, KHM Travel Group.
I am also a member in good standing of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Fun fact - every picture on this website was taken by me while traveling - no stock photos here !!
I'm here to help you bring that vision into focus.....and the best part is YOU don't pay me anything. I never charge a fee, my commission is paid as part of the booking, and if I can't meet or beat their price I will tell you that and wish you bon voyage. And if it is out of my wheelhouse I will get you to someone with my host agency (KHM Travel) that can better serve you.
OK Bob, why do I need you when I can go on the cruise/resort/tour company website directly? You don't....but then who will you use to compare one cruise line to another. to tell you how the drink package works or whether it makes sense, or to tell you to give yourself at least 2 hours to clear customs when flying into Rome. You don't use a travel agent for expediency, you use them for their experience, their contacts, and their knowledge (and the knowledge of all of the other agents I can rely on and ask questions of).
Yeah, but you aren't a full time agent, how can you help? First of all, that is my strength, not a weakness - I'm not here to make money off of everyone and upsell you on the trips that pay me the biggest commissions....especially since I will only book for friends/family and their direct referrals. Secondly, I am doing this because I truly love to research trips and travel and find the best price for the best experience. So why not make some extra money off of something I love to do; and then turn around and use it to travel even more. Finally, because you will have someone to bounce ideas off of, call with questions, and to help with emergencies that doesn't have 400 clients to handle - I will be responsive and get back to you within 48 hours (unless I am on a trip myself).
Normandy and the Seine to Paris, a must. Castles of the Rhine, of course. But what about the Mekong Delta, the Nile, the Magdalena River in Columbia, an African safari river cruises, or European Christmas Markets? I am a certified travel advisor for AmaWaterways and Viking - the top 2 river cruise lines used by U.S. travelers - and can book any of the major river cruise lines and carriers around the world.
Scuba included at Sandals....yes please !! Direct charter flights from PIT/CLE to a resort in Aruba - book it. How about a bougie stay in the Caymans at a five-star resort. I've got you covered (stay at Tara's favorite hotel). The US, the Caribbean, or Europe - I have the connection and (hopefully) the best deals from Apple Leisure Group (Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Southwest Vacations, United Vacations), Hyatt's Inclusive Collection (Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, and Zoetry), Sandals, Beaches, IHG, Vacation Express, and more.
Do you want to sail the Caribbean and go where the pirates were? Follow the footsteps of the Greeks though the Med? Or see the northern lights while visiting Alaska? I can help you get there. I am a certified travel advisor with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Virgin Voyages; and I can book all major cruise lines and help you decide the one that best fits your needs and your budget.
A 10 day trip around the British Isles by rail - cheers lads. A curated trip to Italy hitting Rome, the Amalfi coast, and Naples - si signore. Or a more relaxed (but chilly) trip to Iceland or Scandanavia - Skol!! I have access to dozens of tour operators for group, small group, and independent travel through CIE Tours, Europe Express, Collette, Avanti Destinations, Railbookers, and others.
Whether it is during a cruise stop or a quick weekend visit to NYC I can help you book a food tour of Rome, a visit to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, or a swamp boat alligator tour in the Big Easy. Group tours or unique, individual experiences - let me help you with your bucket list with my connections to Viator, Shore Excursions, Allianz, and Travel Insured.
Amawaterways:https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/prestonstravel/
Viking Cruises: http://tinyurl.com/pc5u9da2
Virgin Voyages: http://tinyurl.com/yc7w5w5v
Norwegian Cruise Line: https://tinyurl.com/yhcskvk4
Shore Excursions Group: http://tinyurl.com/scb7nsu5
Viator - link available upon request (it is only good for 30 days at a time)