I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  Our family certainly did, but we are ready to get the heck out of the house for a quick Chicago getaway before New Year's.  We're going to hit Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest and the Museum of Science & Industry's Christmas Around the World.  Remember, I can help YOUR family with accommodations & more for a quick getaway such as this too!

Over the holidays, I learned that my Mom has been VERY busy delving into our family's genealogy in Hungary and Romania.  She even put together some lessons learned/helpful hints for all of you who might be interested in researching your family's history-thanks, Mom! :)  Be sure to check out your local public library for assistance as well, as many of them offer classes. 

Now that the 'homework' is almost done, I am helping my Mom plan a Fall 2010 adventure to Hungary to visit many of the locations she's researched!  In fact, word has spread and she now has 2 or 3 other family members interested in joining her!  I'll be helping with accommodations, airfare, rail passes (more economical than renting a car and in some cases, 2-5 people can travel on ONE pass!), and excursions. 

But Mom, if you're really determined to go horseback riding in the Great Hungarian Plain, I might just have to come with you... :)

About time, huh?  I finally added a selection of client and my own travel photos!  Look for even more trips, reviews, and details to be added in the future--there will be something new all the time!  If you have any questions or would like more information about anything you find in the Photo Gallery, just let me know.

I ask a favor of my clients when they travel-take photos of your hotel rooms or staterooms & public hotel or ship areas, so I can include them in the Photo Gallery!   Sometimes it is more helpful to see 'real-life' shots of these locations, as things might look a bit different from the perfectly-staged hotel photos. 

Click here to visit my new & improved Photo Gallery!

Coming soon to the Photo Gallery:

Really, I couldn't have said this better myself!  Ok, quite honestly, I'm not sure even I could have come up with 101 reasons--at least not quickly... :)

101 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Most of these reasons really boil down a couple of main things: 

-I'm here to provide great value for your vacation dollar (I work within YOUR budget and can stretch that budget go as far as it can go!)

-I provide great customer service (you talk to/email the same person every time (gasp!)).

-I can make your life a little easier (one-stop travel shopping and you can let me be the organizer for your group vacation!).

Customer service in particular is REALLY important to me, primarily because there doesn't seem to be much anymore and that is extremely frustrating! :( 

One last important item--using a travel agent (me!) does not cost you more money!  My suppliers do not pass the costs (my commission) on to you.  This also means I can do tons of research for you for one low price:  $0!  :)  So, ask away! 

Happy Holidays, everyone! 

Can't figure out what to give your significant other or yourself for the holidays?   How about celebrating the Grand Opening of Sandals' newest all-inclusive luxury resort in the Bahamas, Emerald Bay!  This is the world's first all butler, all oceanfront resort, so it really is the ultimate in luxury. 

You need to book THIS particular deal by 12/3 and travel between 1/22-12/28/2010!

The New Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is a 500-acre resort set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. This resort offers a selection of 183 "magnificently appointed" luxury accommodations with styles that range from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings. Unique to the Great Exuma property is a stunning 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, reputed to be among the best in the Caribbean, as well as a 17-acre, stand-alone Emerald Bay Marina by Sandals, the first-ever marina for any Sandals Resort. 

Book your Luxury Included® vacation to this Exotic Private Escape and save up to 50%*. Plus, get up to 1 Night Free when you book 7 nights or more on select dates & room categories!