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See Why Costa Rica is Like No Place in the World
Costa Rica is like no place in the world. From almost every vantage point, rainforest vistas tumble into picture-perfect inlets and coves that punctuate the shoreline.
With activities including canopy zip-lining, kayaking through mangrove estuaries, catamaran cruises, rafting, horseback riding, sea kayaking, hiking, birding AND local wildlife featuring monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas and sloths, there is no place like Costa Rica.
Please contact me for more ideas and to book your travel to Costa Rica today!
Costa Rica - Popular locations and places to know
Costa Rica - Facts
1. Because Costa Rica is close to the equator, sunrise and sunset are at the same time every day. That's right 365 days a year!
2. It is the most bio-diverse country in the world with over 900,000 species of wildlife, 900 of them are birds. You're likely to catch a sighting in natural habitats, national parks, and volcanic areas.
3. Costa Rica's national anthem is played on every radio station daily at 7am.
4. It's the hummingbird capital of the world! There are over 50 species that call Costa Rica home.
5. Costa Rica is Spanish and translates to “rich coast.” Why? It's said that the country's founder, Christopher Columbus, believed the area was filled with precious metals.
Some of the top activities Costa Rica has to offer...
You want to visit Costa Rica! Awesome, we can help get you there. But one of the questions we’ll ask in helping you do so is what you’d like to see and do there. Relax? Explore nature? Seek adventure? All the above and more? Probably. There is just so much available, we’ll need to have a serious discussion on what your priorities are. To help we’ve put together a list of eight of the best activities to do during your visit. After reading let us know what’s on the top of yours!
8 Great Activities Costa Rica Has To Offer
1. Hiking – An activity that likely is top of mind when you think of Costa Rica and there certainly is no shortage of places to do so. Volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests – the choice is yours. Once that’s settled, think about the level of difficulty you’re comfortable with. These two things will help in the best recommendation. Additionally, it is suggested you consider guided hikes. Your expert leader will be able to provide general assistance and a trained eye to spot wildlife.
2. Surfing – Surfers from around the world frequent Costa Rica year-round because of its warm waters and waves. Choose your coast – Pacific or Caribbean, select your level of experience – beginner, intermediate, or advanced. We can even make some recommendations. If you’re in need of a lesson, they’re typically easy to find, even just by stepping foot on some beaches!
3. Snorkeling and Scuba – Wildlife sightings aren’t limited to land. There are 7,000+ marine species that can be found in Costa Rica’s surrounding waters. So, it is no surprise that it is on the top of the list for water activities. If you’re a snorkeler, think about if you’d like to do so by boat or shore. If a diver, we can help recommend dive sites. Just let us know your level of experience.
4. Whitewater Rafting – Costa Rica provides a stunning background for this adventure. There are a few areas that would be recommended if this is something you’d like to do. Beginner or advanced, let us know what intensity of rapids you’re comfortable with, and we can point you in the right direction. If the kiddos are up for the challenge, there are some options that are suitable for them too. It’s a great family activity!
5. Visit Waterfalls – Some of the most picturesque sights in Costa Rica can be found at its numerous waterfalls. After all, there’s something so magical about water cascading over a cliff to the pools below. There are plenty of options to choose from, just keep in mind a few things. Some falls will require a hike to access, entrance fees will vary, and some allow swimming while others do not. Also consider a guided tour if you won’t have access to a rental car during your stay.
6. Zip Lining – If you’ve Googled “excursions in Costa Rica” you’ve likely seen a picture of someone effortlessly flying over green canopy, rivers, and cliffs. It’s a very popular activity that can be found all over the country. You should expect a safety demo and a short hike. Then you’ll glide line by line, each getting a little longer than the one before. If you’re an adrenaline seeker this is a must do! If not, we wouldn’t recommend it. Do not invest money in something if you’re not 100% comfortable with.
7. Bird Watching – It isn’t unusual for people to travel to Costa Rica for this very reason. Some enthusiasts even build a whole itinerary around this activity. There is 900+ species and most often seen will likely be toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Because the country is so eco-diverse, make a couple of watching stops. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
8. Yoga – Yes, you read that right! Costa Rica is indeed a haven for yoga lovers. You could see or take a class quite literally anywhere – a resort, beach, volcano, or rainforest. If you’re a beginner, give it a try at least once. If you’re a wellness enthusiast and it’s your reason for travel, it belongs on your list. Think wellness retreat, group trip for your studio, location for instructor training or continuing education.
There you have it, some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer! Of course, there’s a ton more that isn’t listed, so if you have any questions let us know. If you’re ready to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer, please feel free to reach out!
23 Great Excursions & Tour Package Options For Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is the epicenter of cloud forest exploration and the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica. With over 400 unique bird species, Monteverde is an especially treasured destination for birding.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike Transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a hike through the high elevation forest with professional naturalist guides! Trek through the misty forests’ dense vegetation and majestic trees. You will see giant prehistoric tree ferns, trees covered with blooming bromeliads, and many of the species of birds that call Monteverde home. Keep an eye out for the shy Resplendent Quetzal bird!
Monteverde Sky Tram & Trek Zipline Tour The tour starts with the Sky Tram, a ride on the cableway up to the platform where the Trek zip line adventure begins. This is one of the most extensive canopy tours in the country, with 2 very long cables and 11 cross-sectional zip lines. After zipping through the treetops, you will have time to unwind and enjoy the panoramic views from 2 observation decks. **Height and weight restrictions apply. Inquire for details.
Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Jacó and the surrounding Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is peppered with spectacular national parks and beaches, offering a breadth of coastal experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities. A mountainous shoreline with strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue are characteristics of the Central Pacific coast. The region is home to the popular surf town of Jacó, Playa Herradura, Carara Biological Reserve, and the Tarcoles River.
Tortuga Island Catamaran Cruise Early this morning you will transfer by ground to Puntarenas. Enjoy a snack-type breakfast en route before boarding a catamaran for a cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island. Just 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Isla Tortuga is a sanctuary of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, home tropical birds, and flora typical of the Costa Rican Central Pacific area. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing under the shade of palm trees on this beautiful island. A tropical lunch will be served on the island.
Horseback Riding with Ocean Views & Waterfalls After your equipment and safety instructions, depart on your horseback journey to the waterfalls. Along the way you will see farms and get a closer look at nature as you ascend through the rainforest. You may be able to spot toucans, Scarlet Macaws, and White-faced capuchin monkeys. Upon arrival to the swimming area, your guide will set you up with fresh fruit and water, and you will have time to relax and enjoy the waterfalls.
Costa Rica’s south Caribbean coast Costa Rica’s south Caribbean coast is lined with perfectly imperfect beaches swaying palm trees. The clear, turquoise water welcomes swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and snorkelers. This off the beaten path area managed to fly under the radar of Costa Rica’s tourism boom. It continues to remain a pristine beach and rainforest destination with a unique, Caribbean culture of its own.
Snorkel & Hike Cahuita National Park Cahuita National Park is a nature lover’s playground full of land and sea adventures. Start your adventure at the beach, climbing on board the boat for a ride out to the local coral reef. You will then have roughly 2 hours in two different parts of the national park to snorkel in the ocean, depending on the weather. After, fuel up with tropical fruit on the beach before heading out on a hike through the coastal rainforest. Since the park is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, chances are good that you’ll spot monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs, and other interesting creatures.
Jaguar Rescue Center, Bri Bri Chocolate Tour, & Waterfall Hike Start with an educational visit to the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center, which serves as a refuge and rehabilitation center for many local animals, including wild cats, monkeys, snakes, and sloths. Then, witness organic chocolate made from scratch by a member of the Bri Bri indigenous tribe— from plant to plate! The Bri Bri have a long history of chocolate production in the Puerto Viejo area. Finally, head about 30 minutes outside of town to a breathtaking Puerto Viejo Waterfall for a hike and refreshing swim.
Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting: Class III-IV You’ll depart your Puerto Viejo hotel early in the morning for a drive to the Rios Tropicales Operations Center. Here you will enjoy a Costa Rican breakfast before heading to the put-in on the banks of the Pacuare River. Here, your guides will give you rafting & safety instructions. Then, you’ll begin to paddle 14 miles deep into the heart of one the primary rainforest. As you master the river’s wild rapids, you’ll pass through densely vegetated rainforest gorges and pristine waterfalls. After this adrenalinepacked adventure, you’ll return to the operations center to change and have lunch. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon.
Costa Ballena The stretch of South Pacific Costa Rica coastline from Dominical to Ojochal, known as the Costa Ballena, is Costa Rica’s up-and-coming beach and rainforest destination. The South Pacific Coast is more remote than other areas of the country, sitting just north of the Osa Peninsula. Pristine rainforest, miles of ocean views, and solitude are some of the South Pacific’s most magnificent features.
Marino Ballena National Park Sea Kayak & Snorkel This tour begins at low tide as the waves shift to one side of the Whale's Tail, which is a good spot for snorkeling. Paddling to this point will take between 30 to 45 minutes. The snorkeling portion of the tour will take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours and will give you the opportunity to see a variety of fish and coral species, such as Giant Conch, starfish, Parrotfish Snapper, Damsels, eels, Moorish Idol, Surgeons and various types of coral species. Catch a wave and ride back into shore on your kayak. Then, enter a small mangrove forest in Ballena Marine Park where it is possible to spot sea birds, toucans, and some small reptiles.
Whale & Dolphin Combo Tour (seasonal) Board a boat from Punta Uvita Beach and visit the famous Punta Uvita Whale’s Tail, Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets, and Ventana Sea Caves. During the tour, you will search for Humpback Whales (seasonally) and two different species of resident dolphins. The boat will pass near the caverns of Ventanas Beach where you can observe wonderful rocky formations and the amazing caverns that were carved out by the ocean over thousands of years. **Tours during the dry season (January – Feb) include a short session of snorkeling on the reefs of the Marino Ballena National Park
Half-Day Sportfishing Put your sport fishing skills to the test on this half day tour. The waters off the Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica are rich in nutrients, and there is a great variety of fish such as mackerel, roosterfish, snapper, and tuna. The inshore fishing is done within a few miles off the shores of Bahia Ballena.
Manuel Antonio Located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio remains one of the country’s best beach and rainforest locations. Manuel Antonio National Park is the main attraction of the region, with monkeys, tropical birds, and iguanas comprising a large portion of the wildlife population. From almost every vantage point, rainforest vistas tumble into picture-perfect inlets and coves that punctuate the shoreline.
Damas Island Estuary Boat Tour Explore one of Costa Rica’s most unique environments from the comfort of a boat! As you glide through the Damas Island Mangrove Estuary, you might spot curious families of monkeys as they migrate across the mangrove ecosystem in search of food and adventure. You might also see tropical seabirds, turtles, a range of reptiles, and maybe even a caiman or two! You will wind through acres of pristine Costa Rican estuary as guides explain why the mangrove eco-structure so vital to Costa Rica and the world. This tour will end with a relaxing yet rewarding meal.
Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak Paddle gently through the inland waterways of the Damas Island Estuary, one of the most unique eco-systems on the planet. This important ecological area is where the salt waters of the ocean meet the fresh waters of tropical rivers, creating a periodically submerged forest of hanging roots. On the banks, you might spot local inhabitants, like the Sally light foot crab, boa constrictors, silky anteaters, monkeys, lizards, seabirds, and sometimes even crocodiles!
Coastal Sea Kayaking Paddle your way around the Manuel Antonio coastline on this active kayaking tour. Beginning at the port of Quepos, you will start your adventure by paddling south. From a vantage point only possible in kayaks, you’ll catch awe-inspiring glimpses of Manuel Antonio’s breathtaking cliffs as we follow along the coastline. Depending on the tide, you may stop off for a snack at a secluded beach. Then, paddle close to tropical rock formations, where shorebirds are known to nest. This fun half-day on the water is a great way to explore the area and get moving!
Rainmaker Reserve Hike Located about 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, this private rainforest reserve is a great place to experience local wildlife, like birds, butterflies, frogs, and lizards. Explore the Rainmaker trails with your guide, who will teach you about the history and biodiversity of the reserve and its inhabitants. After this, you'll have a chance to navigate the canopy bridge system and experience the rainforest from an elevated perspective.
Nocturnal Jungle Walk This unique guided adventure is 2 hours to be a part of one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the country – the nocturnal tropical wet forest. Get in contact with many of the nocturnal inhabitants of the Wildlife Refuge, such as the kinkajou, the armadillo, or various snakes! With more than 30 identified snake species, you’ll learn about which are dangerous and about their natural history. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Tropical Aquatic Gardens, which is home to a variety of frog and toad species.
Local Flavors Cooking Class Learn how to prepare classic Costa Rican dishes on this local food adventure! First, you’ll head to a farmers’ market in nearby Quepos to find the best ingredients for your dishes. Then, visit a nearby ranch to meet the culinary team and search the organic garden for some final ingredients. Finally, begin preparing your Costa Rican staples, following local recipes. You’ll cover everything from tortillas to “picadillo” (minced meat and veggies with spices).
Get in touch with Ashlee Lund
Ashlee Lund
Let me help you with your next vacation! I caught the travel bug at a young age and have not stopped exploring this beautiful world. There is just far too much to see, do, and learn about which is why I want to help people get to their dream destination! I have traveled to several different areas of this world - everywhere from Orlando, Florida to Mt. Everest. Contact me today to begin planning your next adventure whether you desire a cruise, Hawaii, Europe, or another dream destination! I would be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for!
Back by popular demand! The ultimate guide to ensure a stress free, hassle free and fun vacation in Costa Rica! Our Costa Rica guide shows popular locations and places to know, packing list, best times of year to visit for certain activities, local customs and sayings, and so much more. Download our guide today!
Ashlee Lund
See Why Costa Rica is Like No Place in the World
Kansas City Travel Agent Near Me
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Let me help you with your next vacation! I caught the travel bug at a young age and have not stopped exploring this beautiful world. There is just far too much to see, do, and learn about which is why I want to help people get to their dream destination! I have traveled to several different areas of this world - everywhere from Orlando, Florida to Mt. Everest. Contact me today to begin planning your next adventure whether you desire a cruise, Hawaii, Europe, or another dream destination! I would be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for!
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Free time is rare for me these days, so it was invaluable that Ashlee took on the time consuming tasks of researching options, finding deals, waiting on hold with support, and organizing schedules. Without her, I would have been a sleep deprived mess before the trip even started. -Tyna
50th Wedding Anniversary
We had booked a trip in 2020 which we were not able to go on due to the pandemic. With the credit we still had with Delta Vacations expiring at the end of this year, and with our 50th wedding anniversary coming up in 2024, Ashlee came to our rescue. She has helped us plan a most wonderful and fun trip to Las Vegas in April of 2024, something we would not have done our own. Ashlee's help in booking the airline, the hotel, and additional events while we are there, will make it easy for us to finally take some time away just for us. 50 years together is a milestone, and an adventure we will enjoy! Thank you to Adventures with Ashlee & Vincent Vacations for getting us there! -Pat
About a week ago, I returned from my 5-night voyage aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. I had the opportunity to sail to Cozumel, Mexico, and Bimini, The Bahamas. This was my second voyage with Virgin, but my first journey was aboard the Valiant Lady. I wanted to see how much of a difference, if any, there were between the two ships. Besides some of the shows, a few decoration differences, and the ports I visited, everything was the same.
EMBARKMENT DAY
On my first Virgin cruise, I went solo while meeting other travel agents and solo travelers onboard. This time around, I decided to bring a friend to show her what the hype was all about.
We began our journey by flying to Miami the day prior. I decided to fly into Ft. Lauderdale this time as she flew into Miami. I’m a huge fan of exploring and trying new things, so I decided to try alternative transportation methods other than Ubering from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami for about $80. I took a look at Brightline, but it was a hit or miss for me to make it on time. I decided to try the Tri-Rail which required me to take a free shuttle from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the Tri-Rail station. I then had to purchase a train ticket to Miami International Airport that cost me $5 one way – that sure beats $80.
Once I arrived in Miami, I hopped on, “The Mover” – a tram from the train station to the airport. It was a quick ride, but then it was a little bit of a walk to meet my friend at baggage claim. While I did take a look at booking a shuttle for $40, most, if not all, only ran until 1:30 or 2:00 pm. If you’re a budget traveler, the Tri-Rail is an option, but not quite as convenient or timely as a rideshare.
The next morning, my friend and I headed to Terminal V to check in our luggage so we could go explore the city until our embarkment time. While Virgin Voyages already includes your gratuity in the price of your booking, the people checking in your luggage are a third-party company that does appreciate tips – that was something I didn’t know the first time I went on my Virgin cruise. After we checked in our luggage, we went inside the terminal to check in and get our bracelets that were used as a key and a credit card - no more purse carrying! Within ten minutes of checking in our luggage and checking in at the terminal, we were ready to explore the city! The great thing about Virgin Voyages is that they have a free shuttle to take you to and from Bayside. If you’re not familiar with Bayside, it’s a great area to explore local shops, have amazing food, listen to live music, and even ride the Ferris wheel if you want a great view of the ocean and the city.
After breakfast and exploring many shops, my friend and I decided to head back to Terminal V and wait our turn for our 3:45 embarkment. Surprisingly, we were able to board at 2:45 as the boarding process was moving quickly and smoothly. The first thing we did on board was book The Ship Show as that’s one of the first things to fill up. I tried explaining to my friend to not worry if restaurants are booked (other than maybe The Wake & The Test Kitchen), as people always cancel or don’t show up. We headed to our cabin and were greeted by our friendly cabin attendant and our luggage. Kindly, we asked him to separate our beds into two twins so we could each have our own bed which he did within the hour while also getting us fresh blankets.
I had to show my friend the different mood lightings you could do in the cabin, and she got a kick out of the “Get it On” mood with the sexy music playing along with it. Thankfully, we never had to use the “Hangover” mood lighting during our journey, but we did utilize the “Cinema” mood at night while watching a movie (a very large selection by the way at no extra charge). The next thing I had to show her was the infamous red hammock that puts me to sleep within minutes! We had an amazing view of downtown Miami before departing.
A DAY AT SEA
Our first day of traveling to Cozumel, Mexico was a full day at sea through the Gulf of Mexico. While some may ask, “What is there to do?”, there were plenty of activities and shows to see on board. We did have to go to “Lick Me Til I Scream” for some ice cream and eat at Extra Virgin (an Italian restaurant) for our first night. It was amazing, and Daniell our server had his entire section cracking up with his fun sense of humor. I promise you, this is a ship that’s not like other ships. Come as you are and turn your cruise into a party cruise, a relaxing cruise, or a foodie cruise. Did I mention that no kids are allowed?
COZUMEL, MEXICO
My friend and I were excited to disembark and head to our expedition of snorkeling with sea turtles, starfish, and sting rays! I was a little terrified to go into the middle of the ocean, but the crystal blue waters were amazing to see! After getting into the ocean and getting myself to calm down a bit, I stuck my head underwater and saw a school of fish heading my way. We continued to follow the coral reefs when a massive sea turtle appeared. I have never seen one in its natural environment, so it was incredible for me to see! Not more than a few minutes later, a large starfish was on the floor of the sea. We continued to swim, and suddenly, four large sea turtles were swimming beneath me!
Next up was stop number two, and once again, we got out of the boat to explore. This time I was brave enough to jump out. It was incredible to not only see one starfish but to see over a dozen spread out all at once! I didn’t want to leave! Our last stop was Sting Ray Bay where were able to stand with the water going to our waistline and watch sting rays swim around us. It’s a very touristy area where several boats pull up, serve nachos in the ocean, and grab a drink or two. I felt like I was on Spring Break.
After about a 20-30 minute boat ride back to land, my friend and I went to grab a bite to eat at a place called, “Dick’s Dive” where we were served incredible food and margaritas the size of our heads. Overall, Cozumel was an amazing place to visit despite the construction and hot sun, but it’s somewhere where I would love to stay at a resort or venture over to Playa del Carmen via ferry.
BIMIMINI BEACH, THE BAHAMAS
Our final port was at Virgin’s private island in Bimini. My friend and I rented a golf cart and explored the beautiful beaches around the island while passing places where Ernest Hemingway would stop to fish and write. The water was a blue I’d never seen while at the ocean before, and if I weren’t incredibly sunburnt, I could have spent all day there relaxing and admiring the beauty. I’m always fascinated to learn how other cultures live differently than I do. While it’s a small island, it has incredible beauty and incredible food at Virgin’s private beach club. Thankfully, you are allowed to use your wristbands at the beach club if want to order a drink.
OVERALL
My final thoughts on the cruise were that I was satisfied and perhaps a little disappointed with a few things, but overall, I had a wonderful experience. There were some new shows, but most of them were the same as the Valiant Lady which I was just on less than three months ago. Not much of it was a surprise for me, but I did try Bingo with the Diva this time. Incredible prizes compared to other cruise ships! The Michelin star food was of high quality, and I won’t deny that I ate way too much. While many people rave about the Test Kitchen, I was a little disappointed that it was the same menu that I had on the other ship, and it’s more about the experience than the food.
The other thing I was disappointed with this time was the fact that our basic internet that comes with the cruise was not working. Many Sailors couldn’t do basic web browsing which left us no choice but to upgrade according to Sailor Services, but the premium internet worked wonderfully at sea. I hope this is something they will look into. This cruise isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok. It’s a ship that’s about being open-minded, coming as you are, and enjoying pieces of luxury wherever you are. While there were some disappointments, that’s unfortunately a part of vacationing, and I would go on Virgin again. Gunbae was another restaurant that I was able to try for the first time, and it was incredible! If you can afford the $55 upcharge, I would HIGHLY recommend trying the Wagyu beef platter. It is cooked to absolute perfection!
A few weeks ago, I had an amazing opportunity to attend the annual Signature Travel Network conference in Las Vegas. For those who don't know what this conference is, it is a huge conference filled with travel agents, agency owners, hotel managers, etc. who fill up The Venetian's conference rooms for several meetings and an opportunity to network with several vendors. Overall, it's a great learning experience as a travel agent so I can provide my clients the best deals and quality that they won't find anywhere else.
It was a bit intimidating attending the conference of over 2,500 travel agents that I had never met, but I was able to remind myself that I was there for myself and my current and future clients. At the end of the conference, the agents and owners were able to rent out Las Vegas' Sphere for a few hours and enjoy great food and the ultimate experience. I highly recommend going to The Sphere at least once.
Think Big
There were several great speakers, but one stuck out for me - Ben Nemtin from MTV's, The Buried Life. Ben wrote a book about living your best life and facing your fears. What Do You Want to Do Before You Die is also a New York Times #1 Best Seller.
I began to question the meaning of life at an early age, and I began to think big in high school - more so when I graduated from college. I traveled across the globe, climbed some of the tallest mountains in the world, and I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people from various countries while staying with them in their homes. My fascination of understanding that there's a different way of life other than my own, is what has driven me to become a travel agent. I want to show people what's out there and how amazing the world is.
I did manage to send Ben an email after the conference, and surprisingly, I heard back! My thinking big in Vegas didn't stop there as I met with a company who can send people to space for $125,000/seat for six hours. No rockets involved. While I thought it was a bit odd to be meeting with them at first, I began to realize, 'Don't limit yourself to what you know. Learn. Grow. Find something extraordinary for your clients.'
On the note of thinking big, my Kansas City Chiefs were playing the Philadelphia Eagles a couple weeks ago. I knew Mama Kelce (Travis and Jason's mother) was going to be visiting a local restaurant to serve food. Whether or not it was for charity, I knew I wanted to go. I was one of around 30 people to get in the building as I waited out in the cold rain for about an hour. However, when it was my turn to go talk to Donna Kelce, she was escorted to the media area.
In all honesty, I don't know why I wanted to go to this event. I'm not even a Swiftie. Perhaps a part of me saw this as a networking opportunity with other Chiefs fans or to simply enjoy some time away from my computer. Whatever the reason, I made some connections - even a nice chat with her brother, Don. My ambitious mind decided that it was a great idea to slip Mama Kelce my business card in case she ever needed to travel to one of her sons' games. While I'm pretty certain she has all that taken care of, it built my confidence, and it provided me with experience.
The same goes with travel. I know a lot of people who are skeptical to travel to a place they've never been to before. For myself, it began with small road trips with my family to getting on my first plane to Disney World. Eventually, my small adventures led me to Mt. Everest with people I didn't know, as well as traveling to nine different countries with people I had never met in person. I chose to follow my passion and not let my worries get in my way.
Whether you, or someone you know, is looking for vacation, I can help you begin the process with no fees.
P.S. I have yet to hear from Mama Kelce about her next vacation. I assume she's waiting until after the Super Bowl to book something.
Travel has played a large role in my life since I was the age of five. I remember my first time on an airplane while on my way to Disney World. My feet barely reached over the edge of the seat, and I remember being terrified the moment the cabin doors closed. For anyone who knows me well, they are probably thinking, 'You were afraid to fly in an airplane?' Absolutely!
My mother told me to hold her hand, close my eyes, and to think about Mickey Mouse. I did indeed, and soon enough, we were in the air. I'm so glad I made it to Disney World later that day in order to catch the Main Street Parade with Mickey waving at me! ME! Of course Disney had to play, 'When You Wish Upon a Star' as Mickey was passing by. My family doesn't cry, and here I am with tears streaming down my face as I was so happy to see a character that I thought only existed on TV.
I'm very glad I overcame my fear of flying - as well as learned how important compression socks, earbuds, slippers, and water is on a long flight. As a child, I wanted to be so many things. I wanted to be a doctor, an architect, and I even wanted to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. My dream came true in 2013 when I reached Everest Base Camp at nearly 18,000 feet in elevation over a 12-day hike in frigid temps. Believe me, my entire body was content with reaching 18,000 feet instead of 29,000 feet.
I know some of you may be saying, 'That's great Ashlee, but where are you going with this?' Great question. I have always been the type of person who books my own vacations to save every penny possible. I have even slept on a stranger's couch while in Europe. However, I sacrificed a great deal of comfort and privacy, but I will admit, I did meet some great people from all over the world. Today, I'm going to mention three reasons why having a travel agent is beneficial to anyone who is traveling anywhere in the world.
1. Expertise and Personalized Service: Travel agents are knowledgeable professionals who can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your preferences and budget. They have knowledge of destinations, accommodations, and activities, allowing them to tailor your trip to your specific needs and desires. This personalized service can result in a more enjoyable and memorable travel experience.
I think back to eleven years ago when I began to prepare for my 12-day journey to Everest Base Camp with an elevation gain of nearly 17,000 feet from where I live. This was the first time I ever used a travel agent, and I know that if I didn't use one, I wouldn't have known to get a visa, get vaccinations to enter a third-world country, to bring an ice axe, and to even purchase rescue insurance in case of an injury or if a war broke out!
2. Time and Stress Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when researching and booking flights, accommodations, and activities. Travel agents can take care of these details for you, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with trip planning. They can also handle unexpected issues and make necessary adjustments to your itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
First of all, I don't even want to think about having to plan a trip to Everest in order to remain safe, to know where I'm going, and to abide by every law where some couldn't speak English well or at all. One thing about me is that I get stressed while booking my own vacations, but I love planning for others. Perhaps I want as few choices as possible so I can be on my way. It's ok to not know what you want for a vacation and to simply say, 'Ashlee, I need a vacation! I don't know where, but I like the ocean!' That's where I come in and help take some of that weight off of your shoulders!
3. Access to Exclusive Deals and Resources: Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators that are not readily available to the general public. This can result in cost savings for you, making their services cost-effective. Additionally, travel agents can help you navigate complex travel regulations and provide assistance in emergencies, such as flight cancellations or delays.
One misconception I hear from potential clients, or those opposed to travel agents, is that we're trying to increase the prices. From what I have learned as a travel agent is that most of us want to sell a package to our clients as we're passionate about traveling the globe, and we want to share that passion with our clients. It's also how we earn our paycheck which is what makes this job incredible for us.
The good agents want you to come back for your next vacation and won't force you to book until you're ready or until we find a better deal. Being a travel agent requires building special relationships that require trust. Would you want to be on hold with a third-party company who likely can't help you or rely on an agent who sleeps with their business phone next to their pillow in case a client has an emergency and will call on your behalf to get things settled? We don't earn a penny if you don't travel, so I firmly believe there is no point of raising the price to the point in which I lose your trust. It's not worth risking our reputation.
While these are some of the top reasons to use a travel agent, it's important to note that the value of a travel agent can vary depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your trip. If you value personalized service, time savings, and access to insider knowledge and resources, a travel agent can be a valuable asset in planning your travels. Also, some agents don't charge any fees for their services.
Whether you prefer a relaxing vacation along the beach, or for some reason want to sit on an airplane for 21 hours and another 9 hours in airports and then climb a mountain, a travel agent can be beneficial even on your most unique adventures.