1
Why would I use a Travel Agent?
Using a travel agent to help plan your next adventure will save you Time, Stress, and Money. You will have an advocate and support through your entire travel experience, along with professional expertise and advice.
We have access to a variety of suppliers and special offers not available to the public, as well as bundled packages that can bring savings and added value to your vacation. You also get the bonus of personalized professional service and 24 hour support.
We are available before, during and after your travel, to make sure your vacation is everything you want it to be.
We take the research and planning out of your busy schedule and provide you with a tailored itinerary specific to your dreams, budget and style. We take care of everything, from the large to the small details of your trip.
Don’t pay for a service you don’t receive! A Travel Agent’s payment is already built into the prices you find online. You can be as involved in the planning as you’d like to be, and also receive personalized professional support.
You can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is taken care of. You’ll have the support you need to have an amazing and unforgettable adventure.
My job is to help you find the best value for what you're looking for that fits your budget, and provide you with expertise and support throughout your travel experience. My hope is that I can provide you with exceptional service and produce the adventure you've been dreaming about, leaving you rested and refreshed, with memories you'll cherish for a very long time.
2
Does it cost extra?
You pay for a travel agent even when you book on your own. Anytime you book a cruise, vacation package, hotel, resort, car rental, shuttle, activity, excursion, insurance, and even a lot of vacation homes; travel agent commission is built into the price you pay.
When you use your time, do all the work, have limited customer service, wait on hold, and have to deal with mishaps alone; you are still paying for a travel agent. But rather than giving that paycheck to me the travel agent, who will be your advocate and support, you are paying the company - Costco, Disney, Princess, Hilton, etc. AND I can often find you a better price (extra savings) and/or perks to go along with your purchase.
At the very least, I will get you the same price you would, do the work for you, offer personalized customer service and make sure that you get what you want. No blocked views. No 12 hour layovers. No sketchy airport ride to the hotel.
My goal is to make you so pleased with the service I provide that you come back for your next vacation and refer me to your friends and family.
I do charge a $25/person fee for booking flight only.
I will charge a $10 - $25 fee for booking items that commission is not included, but this will always be communicated before completing the reservation.
I also charge a $50 non-refundable Planning Deposit for the US, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations, and $100 for all other destinations, which will then be applied to your final payment upon completion. This is a non-refundable deposit in the case you cancel for any reason or do not decide to book through Travel Today With Tara. This will apply for up to three proposal revisions.
3
Can you save me money?
Though I can't guarantee anything, I can very often find you a better price and/or great perks to go along with your purchase. I have access to many suppliers, wholesalers and specials that are not available to the public. I also have Travel Agent magic.
At the very least, I will get you the same price you would, do the work for you, offer personalized customer service, make sure that you get what you want, and give you the information you need to have an amazing adventure.
My goal is to make you so pleased with the service I provide that you come back for your next vacation and refer me to your friends and family.
4
What's the process?
When you contact Travel Today With Tara, we will start with a 30 minute complimentary consultation meeting via phone or video conference. We will discuss your travel ideas, details and set expectations so that I can find you great options based on your preferences. If we both feel confident to move forward, you will receive a link to pay your Planning Deposit and I will get started working on your proposal.
We will discuss your options as needed until we get exactly what you want. Once you approve your itinerary, I will complete your reservations. You will provide your passports/ID, contact information and payment details. You will also complete a credit card authorization form to approve the necessary charges.
Once your reservations are complete, you will receive a detailed invoice and your reservation information with a complete itinerary and destination information. This will be updated as necessary to include any changes or additions.
I am available to support you throughout your entire travel experience. If you have any issues during your travel, I'm a phone call away to assist.
5
Do I need Travel Insurance?
“If you can’t afford Travel Insurance, then you can’t afford to travel.”
Always purchase travel insurance. Sickness, injury, theft, natural disaster, political unrest - the world is an unpredictable and constantly changing place. Accidents happen. You don’t plan for it; you prepare, so you can protect yourself and your travel investment. Save yourself potentially thousands of dollars by traveling insured.
Travel Insurance often includes coverage in the case of natural disaster, terrorism, illness, injury, death, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage and trip interruption. Check ahead of time if your medical insurance covers international treatment. Many foreign medical facilities do not accept US insurance, and/or require cash payments upfront in order to receive medical treatment. Travel insurance policies will assist in this situation.
Read through the travel insurance policy and make sure you feel comfortable with your options for what is not covered, especially if you are considering declining.
6
What Travel Documents do I need?
Carrying the correct travel documents with you will help to avoid major delays and fees.
PROPER IDENTIFICATION
A valid passport is crucial for traveling abroad.
As a general rule, make sure your passport’s expiration date is no less than 6 months AFTER your trip’s return date, though some countries vary on this rule. Check your expiration date as soon as you start planning your trip, and apply early to allow for any delays.
Every person, no matter how young, needs a passport if traveling outside of their home country.
A passport book is valid for 10 years for adults and is used for all international travel. A passport card is valid for 10 years, however is only for travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries, as well as domestic flights. You CANNOT use a passport card for international flights.
An ID card or driver’s license along with a birth certificate will be allowed for some cruises, however the name on all documents must match, and these will NOT be sufficient for an unexpected international flight home. It is strongly recommended to always use a passport.
As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID compliance will be required for all domestic flights within the United States. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
VISA
A visa may be required for your stay in a foreign country. Your travel agent will inform you if you need one, how to complete the application, and pay any associated fees. Many times a visa will not be required for a shorter “vacation” stay.
CUSTOMS/IMMIGRATION
Once you land in your destination country you will pass through customs and immigration before collecting your baggage. This is usually free and electronic. You may also need to complete a visa application. More countries are allowing you to complete this online ahead of travel, in which case you would show your receipt of application. Sometimes you will complete an immigration form while still in flight on the airplane, provided and collected by the stewards.
You will pass through customs and immigration again when you arrive in your home country.
MEDICATION
Some prescription drugs and US over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries. If you are traveling with medication, it is important to ask your travel agent or check with your destination’s embassy about regulations and documentation before you travel.
As a general rule it is good to travel with proof of your prescription and always keep medication in the original container.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT
Will you be driving abroad? Some countries accept a US driver’s license, while others require an International Driving Permit. You may also need supplemental auto insurance.
TRAVELING WITH A MINOR
Parents traveling alone with a child may be required to provide custody documents or a notarized written letter of consent from the other parent to border officials.
SAFE KEEPING
Remember to take photocopies of your documents before you travel. Give one copy to a close family member or friend at home. Bring one copy with you to keep on your person. Keep the originals secure in your hotel or stateroom safe. And don’t forget your itinerary, reservation information, and travel insurance certificate with emergency contact numbers. It’s always a good idea to keep these close.
7
Is it safe to go there?
Countries are required to report an updated safety level every 6 months. Travelers might get cold feet when they see an elevated safety level number. It's important to keep in mind that many cities within the United States have high numbers as well. If you would be comfortable traveling to major US cities like L.A. or New York, then you will be just fine in your destination, as long as you follow a few standard procedures.
Working with a travel agent will provide you with information regarding necessary travel documents like passport and visa requirements, as well as information and safety precautions related to your destination.
Here is a helpful Traveler's Checklist for important tips to follow before traveling out of the country.
Register with your country’s travel safety program.
Enter your travel plans and contact details so your government can rescue you or send help in the event of an emergency. You will be updated if there is any potential danger, and get help for your family and friends to get in contact with you.
Use pre-arranged transportation arranged through trusted vendors.
If you are taking a taxi, have your hotel concierge arrange the reservation, or call the company directly to reserve and then write down the driver's name and license number to confirm before getting in the vehicle. Never take a car that's waiting roadside.
Resort areas are usually very safe and secure. If you leave your resort, make sure to stay with your group and near your group leader.
Have the name and address of your hotel for reference somewhere so you can find your way back home. Always carry a copy of your passport when you go out. Keep the original in your room safe.
Tell your family or close friends about your travel plans. Include details like flight and accommodation information (or your travel agent’s contact information), a list of planned activities with contact of company or place, local emergency numbers, and the phone number of friends you meet along the way.
Six months prior to your trip, talk to your doctor about getting the required vaccinations you’ll need to visit your destination country. Wear light colors that insects don’t like, or find essential oils that help repel insects. Ask what the local tried-and-true method of repellant is, which is usually very effective.
There’s no need to be afraid. Be smart and don’t do something you wouldn’t do in your own country. Pay attention to your surroundings, use common sense, and listen to your instincts. Most people are friendly, generous, and willing to help you out, just like you. Being knowledgeable and prepared will equip you with confidence to experience some of the world’s greatest adventures.
10
How can I trust you?
Travel Today With Tara is certified and insured through Archer Travel Service, a parent company who has performed at the top of the travel industry for over 70 years. We have long-standing preferred status with a large number of major travel vendors and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Tara has been trained, certified and operating as a professional Travel Agent as owner of Travel Today With Tara since October 2022, and continues her education for various destinations and vendors.
Current certifications include: IATA, CLIA, Jamaica Specialist, Hawaii Destination Expert, Scotland Agent, Paris, French Riviera, Ireland, RailEurope, Virgin Voyages Gold and Sandals.
