24 May 2018
travel

Wanderlusting with Dube Destinations

Friends, I have a really exciting post for you guys today!! One of my besties that I’ve known since college took on a new venture a little less than a year ago to follow her passion for travel and start a new career as a travel advisor.  I can’t think of anyone more perfect for the job and I’m so proud of her!  When she first made this move, I immediately reached out to her and told her I couldn’t wait to showcase her on the blog.  I think there are so many questions people have about travel agents and there is a lot of unknown.  I think we underuse them in this day in age with so much at our fingertips and we’re missing out on great customer service and a few fun upgrades and freebies!

I think in the past, I personally haven’t used a travel agent for a couple of reasons.  One, I enjoyed doing some of the travel research and booking on my own and two, because I wasn’t 100% sure if they were really FREE!!!

But my friend, Meg Dube, with Dube Destinations is here to clarify a few things with you and share ALL the amazing things she has to offer.   I will never make the mistake of trying to plan my own trip again!!!   In fact, I already put her to work on Matt and I’s upcoming Babymoon this summer!! Unfortunately due to Zika, we won’t be exploring the Carribean which is our favorite thing to do; but instead, she booked us a stateside getaway for a long weekend in West Palm Beach that I’m so excited about!

I wanted her to answer some of the most common questions that came to my mind about travel agents and also things that I think my readers would be interested in learning/knowing! So I hope I covered most of it and if you have more questions for her, leave them in the comments and we will answer those too!!

Be sure you make it to the end of this post too because she was gracious enough to offer a SUPER EXCITING giveaway to my readers and followers that we made very simple to enter 🙂

Without further ado, here’s Meg!

What are some FAQ that you get?  

Do people still use travel agents?  Doesn’t it cost more?  I don’t understand what you do or why I should use you…

In the current Instagram era, there is SO much information out there.  I do this all day every day.  Why not save your time and sanity and work with an expert.  I am in constant communication with resorts and destination connoisseurs from all over the world who specialize in any kind of travel you could imagine.  Yesterday I met with a lodge in Sri Lanka that has beachfront safari tents with elephants wandering through your yard.  Tomorrow I’ll speak to a new resort in the Caribbean that’s opening in 2019 and has tons of opening incentives that only my clients will have access to (stay 3 nights get the 4th free, complimentary sea plane from the central airport to the resort).  Things like that.

Also – you don’t pay a CENT more.  I only make my money from hotels and touring companies directly.  That cost is already baked in when you book with hotels on your own.  Why not have someone manage it for you and get you upgrades and perks!?

Do you book weekend trips or only big ones?

I can book absolutely anything.  Use me for a quick weekend villa rental getaway, for work travel, or even planning wedding room blocks!  I obviously also do more complex trips but why not make each hotel night stay more memorable with the perks and upgrades I can provide.  A little bottle of champagne upon arrival never hurt nobody!

What services do you provide when you book?

 Custom Itineraries, On-The-Ground Local & Specialist Guides, Insider Access, Commercial & Private Charter Air Team – On Call 24/7, Adventure/Expedition & Wellness Travel, Luxury River Cruises, Solo/Couples/Group & Family Travel, Honeymoons, Concerts & Festivals, Corporate Retreats, Concierge Services, Insurance Consultancy, Passport & Visa Processing

How are you paid?

Hotels, cruise lines, even travel-based search engines (Kayak, Expedia, Travelocity, etc) all include travel agent commissions in their published prices.  If you book anything through them, they’re pocketing the difference.  Why not work with me and get the customer service you deserve?  I also match any price you see online or anywhere else 99% of the time.]

Can you book Disney World?

Yes!  I have access to VIP touring that is essentially your Disney concierge from take-off to touchdown allowing for little-to-no waiting for rides, organizes all dining reservations, reveals secret tips and fun Disney facts throughout your stay to make your Disney adventure the best yet.  Any client that has used me for their Disney adventure says they could not imagine doing Disney again without their VIP guide.  I also know which hotels fit your needs for your park stay and have insider information as its released – such as this year’s free dining promotion during certain lengths of stay during certain time periods of the year.  Clients would have never known about these deals unless I had informed them and created the perfect itinerary based on their stay.
 

What are your favorite family friendly resorts?

Four Seasons Anguilla, Jumby Bay Antigua, Round Hill Jamaica, Beach Enclave Turks, Four Seasons Ocean Club Nassau, Amanyara, Mukul Nicaragua, Bahama House Harbour Island, Dorado Beach San Juan, Shore Club Turks & Caicos, Nizuc, Rosewood Mayakoba, Rosewood Bermuda, Kimpton Seafire, Ritz Grand Cayman, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, One & Only Palmilla, Four Seasons Nevis, Sugar Beach St. Lucia

Where are the best honeymoon places/resorts??

This question is tough.  It totally depends on your style!  My opinion about honeymoons is you only have this much time off from work very rarely in life with no repercussions.  Go far!  I like combining beach + culture.  You’re going to be jet-lagged and exhausted so arriving at a breathtaking beach for the first few days is ideal.  Nothing but frozen drinks, a great tan, and spa treatments in your future.  Once you get a little antsy, off for some adventure and Instagram-worthy shots!  Some recent honeymoon combos have been:
  • Gili Lankanfushi Maldives + Four Seasons Bora Bora for the ultimate over-water luxury combination
  • Bali – Amankila for ocean, pools, and Balinese villages and journey on to Ritz Carlton’s Mandapa in Ubud for yoga, river rafting, and zen moments
  • Stay in the US (underrated!) and combine Montana ranch life at The Resort at Paws Up and end with Napa wine tasting and relaxation at Meadowood Napa Valley
  • Euro luxury just a quick plane ride away with a combo of Cheval St. Barth Isle de France + Eden Rock
  • Caribbean heaven in Antigua with the combo of Hermitage Bay + Jumby Bay
  • Head to South Africa for Capetown wine country + Kruger National Park for safari
  • South American getaway with Buenos Aires (city) + Mendoza (wine country) + Patagonia (adventure)

How can I follow you?

@dubesdestinations on Instagram or check out my site DubeDestinations.com!!!

She also documents her trips here and you can read some of her incredible testimonials here!

GIVEAWAY

Head over to @HomeofMalones for a chance to win $250 towards your next trip booked through @DubeDestinations!!!!!!

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!” – Meg

Me and Meg in Napa last year!

And just for fun, I had to include a pretty good throwback!!  This is us almost 10 years ago at our friends wedding! 😭

 

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3 Comments

  1. Shelly wrote:

    Totally great timing for you to share this! And we went to West Palm in early March and loved it!

    Posted 5.24.18
  2. Amy Johnson wrote:

    I had no idea I didn’t have to pay a travel agent. I hate planning trips. I may have to look into this.

    Posted 5.24.18
  3. Owen Davis wrote:

    Such great info and advice! Will definitely check her out for future trips!

    Posted 5.29.18

Comments are closed.