About Me
Hi there - Shannon here. I've always had a love for travel.
I used to dream about it when I was younger - usually after reading descriptive journals of people backpacking through various locales. I finally had an opportunity to travel to the Bahamas for field work as an undergrad, and ultimately ended up volunteering for two summers. Back then, I was a broke college student, so I was very adept at fundraising, saving, and budget traveling. It took me quite awhile before I was able to break out and start traveling more frequently, but it's how I learned various tricks of the trade. I started to quickly realize that with every new place I visited, I became more emboldened with my travels. I had this urgent need to stray from the well-worn path and find immersive and experiential connections.
My husband and I are born adventurers and are very fortunate to have visited some amazing places thus far. I consider myself both ridiculously lucky and blessed. We believe in experiencing places like a local - leaving nothing but footprints, and taking nothing but pictures. We're both marine biologists, so we support ecologically sustainable suppliers whenever possible, especially when we can see how wildlife tours are directly impacted (whale watching, diving, sea turtle nesting programs, etc). We always learn a bit of the language of the countries we plan to travel to as well. I'm better at Hindi, and my husband is better at Mandarin (although don't tell him I told you that)!
After several years of planning travel for friends and family, I quickly realized that I had a knack for it. I wanted to bring my love of travel and adventure to others. That's how Just the Ticket Travels was born!
Sustainable Travel
The only thing we should take when traveling are photos. Likewise, the only thing we should leave behind when traveling are footprints! That's why we strive to work with travel suppliers and companies that are eco-friendly and work diligently to do things sustainably. Some of the initiatives our suppliers have enacted and believe in:
- Recycling / zero waste programs
- Carbon neutrality - Via planting trees, supporting kelp forests, or paying to offset carbon.
- Prosperity - Supporting the local communities where tours are held.
- Animal Welfare - Not supporting tours that promote the riding of elephants or sale of endangered animal products. We only support legitimate wildlife sanctuaries & parks.
- Hotels & chains that participate in the "Clean the World" initiative
- Standards of a "Certified B Corp"
Why Use a Travel Agent?
I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted by people that had an expired passport, didn't have the proper Covid test, didn't book with their legal name, or were freaking out over a canceled flight. A good travel agent can help you avoid ALL of those issues. For those issues that are unavoidable, we assist in mitigating and making sure your trip continues on smoothly! We also know where to find agent specials and inclusions that cannot be found with third-party booking engines.
TOP 12 REASONS TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT
1. Travel Agents are real people.
Unlike booking engines, travel agents can actually respond directly to individual questions and requests, no matter how small or unique. And unlike booking engines, agents can get to know their clients and build trust. I know what airline seats my clients prefer, if they have any allergies, what sort of activities they like, etc. I also keep an eye out for travel deals aligned with their future trip wishes and preferences!
2. Travel agents are connected.
They know which travel supplier representatives, destination management companies, and on-the-ground personnel to contact before, during and after their clients travel. In some cases, agents have access to things that the average traveler doesn’t, like charter flights and resort upgrades.
3. Travel agents save time and money.
In fact, a study by the American Society for Travel Agents (ASTA) found that travelers using a travel agent reported saving an average of $452 and four hours of planning time per trip.
4. Travel agents are proactive.
In case of an emergency, or even just to anticipate their clients’ needs, they can spring into action on their clients’ behalf. For instance, when the weather is bad, they’ll keep an eye on their clients’ flights so they don’t get stuck in a bad situation.
5. Travel agents know the difference between a great deal and great value.
Budget is important to almost everyone, and travel agents know how to get clients the most for their dollar – and when “deals” are too good to be true. You may find a steal at a specific resort, but I can tell you whether or not it's the right resort for you and why!
6. Travel agents are product and destination experts.
They’ve experienced the resorts, cruise ships, and activities they are selling. If they haven’t personally, they know which resources to turn to for trusted, accurate advice.
7. Travel agents eliminate the stress and anxiety associated with planning travel.
Rather than search through dozens of confusing websites, agents act as a one-stop-shop for travelers, no matter how complex their trip.
8. Travel agents provide travel inspiration.
Many people know they want a vacation, but aren’t sure where to start. Agents are full of creative ideas and suggestions that will make each traveler happy.
9. Travel agents pay attention to the details.
Experienced travel planners know the best times to visit certain destinations, which rooms at a resort are the most desirable, and which cruise cabins offer that extra square foot or two.
10. Travel agents are experienced travelers themselves.
They are full of helpful travel tips and tricks to make clients’ trips easier. For instance, they can advise clients on what clothes to bring for a week-long cruise, or how to prepare for a lengthy flight.
11. Travel agents advocate for their clients.
In times of trouble, agents are the first line of defense and can handle delayed or cancelled flights, incorrect room categories, etc. They work for themselves, not a specific travel supplier. Agents only receive commission after a client has traveled, so they have every incentive to provide excellent customer service from start to finish.
12. Travel agents are fueled by their passion for helping others.
At the end of the day, travel is about making memories. For agents, helping to create those special moments is what drives them to go the extra mile for their clients. The same can definitely not be said for online booking engines!
Contact Info
850-466-8323
JustTheTicketTravels@gmail.com
Located in Virginia Beach, VA but servicing the USA, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: Closed
*Available 24/7 for clients currently traveling*
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COPYRIGHT © 2021-2023 JUST THE TICKET TRAVELS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
FL SELLER OF TRAVEL REG. NO. TI89641. HAWAII SELLER OF TRAVEL LICENSE # TAR 7231. WASHINGTON SELLER OF TRAVEL UBI # 602 775122. CALIFORNIA SELLER OF TRAVEL REGISTRATION # 2089491-50. REGISTRATION AS A SELLER OF TRAVEL IN CALIFORNIA DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE STATE'S APPROVAL. AGENT IS NOT A PARTICIPANT IN THE TRAVEL CONSUMER RESTITUTION FUND.