As we are all buying our Pumpkin Spice Lattes and having our weekend campfires, our minds are starting to think winter and for many that means skiing, especially here in South Central PA. Everyone is talking about ski clubs at school, ski lessons, and when the season will kick into gear at Ski Roundtop and Ski Liberty. This also means families are starting to plan their annual ski trips out west. We have families that head west every year for a ski trip. It is not cheap to take a trip out west in peak ski season. When you figure in the airfare, a resort stay or condo rental, lift tickets, etc… you are probably looking at around $7000.00 conservatively.This does not even take into consideration the additional items like dining, ski lessons, transportation and all those extras. Did you know you could travel to the Alps to ski for an All Inclusive vacation for almost the same price? Talk about doing something different and outside of the box. Club Med (yes that Club Med) offers amazing ski vacations all over Europe that even include things like kids clubs and baby sitters. You always hear people mentioning that skiing the Alps is one of their dreams but it does not have to be a pie in the sky dream. It is often much more affordable and accessible than people expect. Also, did you know that skiing in the Alps offers much better snow and vertical drops than those offered in the US. The Rockies have vertical drops from 1200 to 2500 feet but in the Alps that drop is 4500 to 6000 feet.


Over the last 20 years, Club Med has had a major rebranding and has become a leader in offering amazing All Inclusive vacations but not just in the Caribbean, all over the world including Asia and Africa. One of the products they are best known for are their ski products. Not only do they offer an array of ski in ski out locations but the trips are completely All Inclusive meaning all of your meals, drinks, and activities including ski and non ski activities are included. They even offer unlimited ski and snowboard lessons to everyone in your group. They offer 15 resorts in the French Alps, 2 in Italy, and 1 in Switzerland. These resorts all offer numerous ski amenities and accommodate families of all ages and sizes. 


One of the more popular resorts in France is the Val Thorens Sensations located in Les Belleville, France. Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and has over 300 miles of ski runs. Not only does the resort include your skiing and lessons but has a great entertainment team for your evenings. They have evening shows and theme nights but you could also decide to relax in your comfortable room. The rooms range in size from a room that will sleep 2 people to larger rooms for families that include living rooms and fireplaces. The food at the resort is awesome and features not only standard American cuisine but true French delicacies and the restaurant has a Michelin star chef in charge. 


You could also decide to head to Italy and visit Club Med’s Pragelato Via Lattea. The beauty at this resort is unbeatable and it is a great option for families traveling with younger kids. The resort includes your standard skiing and snowboarding but also includes cross country skiing, hiking, and nordic walking. In addition, there is a fun snow garden for children to explore. The resort again features very comfortable rooms that include family suites with two bedrooms. The resort has 3 restaurants and also has a mountain restaurant only open for guests of the resort. Again, all dining and drinks are included during your trip. 


If you want to visit a ski resort that has a bit more of a cosmopolitan feel you could head to the St Moritz Roi Soleil in Switzerland. St.Moritz is one of the oldest and best known ski areas in the world and is in the heart of the Alps. When you visit this resort, you can ski, snowboard, cross country ski, participate in snow shoe walks, and nordic walking. You can refresh from your skiing with world class dining including authentic fondue. They have rooms that can accommodate families or singles and the rooms focus on the beauty of the outside.   


We would love help you plan a once in a lifetime trip to ski in the Alps. Let us give your family a memory or experience that is something completely new. 

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As a travel agent, it can be hard to be impressed. You see amazing trips on a daily basis and you see and hear about amazing properties all of the time but it is rare that you are completely wowed by an experience. I recently went on a family trip to Hotel Xcaret in Mexico and was completely at a loss for words. I have never been to another property like this one. If you want an amazing, authentic Mexican vacation this is the resort for you. It has something for those traveling with family, couples, friends, and even business trips.


This resort has definitely been on the travel agent radar since we first heard of its inception. Xcaret is famous in the Cancun area for their amazing parks and attractions for guests. Everyone that has been to Cancun has seen a sign or advertisement for Xcaret. Mexican Architect Miguel Quintana Pali originally purchased the land to build his residence on but as they were clearing the property they discovered cenotes and underground rivers that the area is famous for. At that point, they decided that this would be the ideal location for people from all over the world to discover some of Mexico’s most beautiful scenery. After teaming up with the Constandse family, the vision of Xcaret park was brought to life and opened to the public in 1990. As one of the first of its kind, it is a destination to not only learn about Mexican culture and nature, but to do so in a natural setting. At the park, there is an amazing bird aviary, other animals that are from this area of Mexico, replicas of Mayan villages, ancient ruins, water activities, cultural shows, and great areas just to relax by the ocean. By 2013, the original park expanded to include 6 parks and attractions. These activities include an amazing bird aviary, butterfly house, cenotes, underground rivers, ziplining, snorkeling, exploring ancient ruins, and more. Their newest adventure park, Xavage, is opening in April. I have jokingly been describing the area as Disney World minus the crowds and characters. The links for the different parks and activities are included below:


https://www.xcaret.com/en/attractions-xcaret/
https://www.xelha.com
https://www.xplor.travel/en/
https://www.xplor.travel/en/xplor-fuego-admission/
https://www.xensespark.com
https://www.xichen.com.mx/en/
https://www.xenotes.com/en/
https://www.xoximilco.com/en/
https://www.xavage.com/en/

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When I first heard the hotel mentioned, I loved the idea of having another hotel near the parks for the convenience aspect. There is another hotel on the park property that provides transportation so in my mind I was thinking it would be nice to have the additional property for clients to choose from. I heard it was going to be All Inclusive and include all meals which I also liked but anticipated since that is the norm in the Cancun area. Little did I know that All Inclusive would not only include all meals and drinks and activities at the hotel but also include admission to all of the Xcaret parks and include food and drinks at those too. Plus as a guest you get a separate entry line, lockers, etc…. Once I heard all of this I decided I would have to check it out. It almost seemed to good to be a true.


We visited in the beginning of March and I can honestly say the property is AMAZING… it is unlike anything I have ever seen or experienced. The company prides itself on the hotel being built using “nature itself as the essential element to conserve and protect.” In addition, this was the first hotel in the Americas to receive the EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard certification for promoting a sustainable construction project. This is evident throughout the entire resort. The resort was quite literally built into what already existed in terms of the topography of land. The resort is beautifully built into the already existing caves and the jungle surrounding it. There are new discoveries all over the resort including hidden waterslides, walking trails, fitness circuits, and rivers and lagoons. It takes your breath away at times it is so beautiful. Then you add in the facilities and the amazing staff, and it is unbeatable. There is no other All Inclusive that I have ever been to that combines luxury with cultural heritage and natural beauty as Xcaret does. This is in no way an Americanized resort. From arrival, you are welcomed into the Mexican culture. Starting in the lobby, you are welcomed with homemade ice pops made using fresh, local ingredients, artwork made by local artisans, and music being performed by local musicians. All of the art throughout the resort is made by local artisans including the artwork in your room, the decorative lamps, the textiles in the rooms and even the tiles in your bathroom. In addition, every night when your sheets are turned down, you are left with a Mexican candy in an adorable Mexican basket. They include a note explaining why this item is special to Xcaret and Mexico in general. In the morning, you are greeted by the sounds of the birds and monkeys in the jungle, many of which you can see right from your room. 


As an All-Inclusive, there are 10 restaurants on the property and eight bars offering unique experiences in each one. The food options include traditional American food but have an extensive array of true Mexican food. The restaurants also include an Asian fusion restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a seafood restaurant, and a restaurant allowing you to explore numerous Mexican specialities while dining in a beautiful cave. Also onsite is Ha’, inspired and created by Carlos Gaytan, the first Mexican to receive a Michelin star. This is the only restaurant that is not included and is available at an additional cost. It is an adults only restaurant that takes you through a 7 course Mexican cuisine exploration that is paired with the best Mexican wines. The All Inclusive price also includes 24 hour room service plus restocking of the minibar and snack options in the room. Plus as fun perk, during the day there are roaming taco carts, ice cream carts, candy carts, fresh fruit carts, and smoothie carts all of which are included in your all-inclusive price. 


The activity options at the resort are very extensive also. If you want to relax at the beach with a drink in hand this might not be the best resort for you but if you want to combine relaxation and adventure this is the perfect option. Onsite at the hotel, there is an extensive lagoon system which has kayaks and paddle boards free for guests. You can also swim in the lagoons and enjoy the beaches at them. The ocean is the beautiful, clear blue water you would expect but it is not a calm ocean. There are a lot of waves and a heavy undercurrent so though it is enjoyable to swim in it is not somewhere you will want to spend the entire day. The resort has numerous pools to choose from and finding a free chair is never an issue. There are 3 gyms onsite and a beautiful spa. There is also a kids club and a teen/family hangout that has pool tables, ping pong, and shuffleboard. As an added perk, there is a Catholic chapel onsite for those that may want to attend church services while on vacation. While we were there they had a special Ash Wednesday mass.


In case you can’t tell we absolutely loved this resort and would highly recommend it to anyone considering a trip to Mexico. It is a true Mexican beauty that welcomes everyone and makes sure you leave with amazing memories. 

Why do we always ask you if you want travel insurance?  Some people think it’s a waste of money - I am healthy, nothing is going to happen to me.  Chances are you are right, you will never need the insurance you purchase but if you do need it you will be glad you have it.

We buy auto insurance, home owners or renters insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and health insurance but a lot of people never even consider travel insurance. There are lots of different reasons for not getting travel insurance but some of these  are based on misconceptions or lack of understanding coverage. I can tell you that I for sure never travel without insurance any more. Though I didn’t always purchase it in the past, I will now never travel without it, EVER!!!!!!!!! I have seen way too many clients have crazy, “that would never happen to me” issues occur on trips and also had my fair share of clients have delayed and cancelled flights, lost luggage, or missing hotel reservations. Though you hope to never use it, that $200 purchase of travel insurance might be the best purchase you make for your trip.

Illnesses

Unfortunately, we all know that illnesses can easily get in the way of an amazing trip whether the illness happens before the trip, during the trip, or is caused by the trip. Yes, you have health insurance but if you are leaving the country your health insurance will likely not help you. Also, your travel insurance can help to cover any costs that may not be covered by your health insurance. It is in no way a replacement for your health insurance but it is definitely a supplement and may be your only option when you are abroad. I had a client unknowingly infected with MRSA before departing on an international trip. During the trip she had to seek medical care. Because she had trip insurance, she was able to submit a claim to cover the cost of care she received while abroad. If she did not have trip insurance she would not have been reimbursed for this expense. It will even help you set off the cost of the $200 fee you had to pay to visit your resort medical center to have your son get a wound cleaned out and a band aid since you forgot to bring one (you think I am kidding about this cost but sadly I am not). Plus, in some cases it will allow you to cancel your remaining trip and get a refund on unused portions if you or someone with coverage ends up getting ill during the trip. A family that planned that a fun first time trip to Disney for their young children ended up having to leave their trip early when their child ended up with a miserable stomach bug. They were able to get a new flight home that was covered by their trip insurance and also get refunds for the portion of the trip they had not used yet. In addition, it will also provide coverage if an emergency occurs at home while you are traveling. If you are traveling without your children and there is a medical emergency while you are away, travel insurance will cover the costs to get you home and also reimburse you for the cost of the trip you will miss. Yes, insurance will cover you if you have to cancel or cut short a trip because family at home becomes ill. I had clients that were taking a once in a lifetime trip to Africa. Upon arrival they learned that your youngest son had been rushed to the emergency room and they had to turn around and come home. The trip insurance not only covered the cost of their very expensive emergency airfare from Africa, it also reimbursed them for all trip costs with the exception of the airfare they used to travel to Africa. In addition, if you, your child, or your traveling partners get diagnosed with an illness before a trip and can not go, it will cover your lost costs. In addition, if you have a close family member die and their passing effects your travel, you can cancel your trip.

Weather 

Just as illnesses can occur, weather can definitely negatively impact your trip. As most of you realize, if there is some type of weather emergency where you are traveling, travel insurance can help but it can also help if there is a weather issue from your departure point. For example, when your area gets over 36 inches of snow and the airports are closed for an extended period of time, travel insurance will not only help to refund you money for portions you did not use, it will also help to cover any additional costs you may incur to then get to your destination a couple days late or it will help you to recoup the costs for the trip if you cancel it entirely.

Terrorist Attacks

None of us want to think about having to deal with a terrorist attack while traveling but we all know that no matter where you are in the world, this is something you might have to deal with. Travel insurance will not only help to cover the cost to get you out of the area but they also have people that develop emergency plans to keep you safe. Each company is different but all reputable travel insurance companies are prepared for this issue these days.

Travel issues that are the airlines, cruise line, hotel chain, tour operators’ fault

I can not stress enough the importance of buying third party travel insurance and this is exactly why. Most travel companies do advertise and offer a travel insurance policy through their company. Unfortunately, a lot of these policies are not all inclusive meaning they will only cover those items that they offer so you will have to end up purchasing a different policy for every element of your trip. In addition, they often will not refund your money but instead offer trip credits, etc… to use on a future trip. Third party travel insurance will not only offer you a refund, it will cover any additional costs you many incur. For example, if your flight is delayed or cancelled travel insurance will cover the cost of the food you eat while waiting for your new flight, the hotel you may have to stay in, the cost to get you caught up with your group if you are doing a tour or cruise and it may even cover the purchase of clothing if you have already checked your bags, etc…. In addition, we all are well aware that you may lose your luggage. Travel insurance will cover the cost that you may incur as a result of losing your luggage. Travel insurance can also cover the non refundable money you may have spent on a port excursion that the cruise line has to skip because of weather, the items that were stolen out of your hotel room, and the pet care center you now owe additional money to since you flight was cancelled and you got home a day later than you intended. In addition, if your cruise line, airline, or tour operator goes out of business, a third party travel insurance can help you recover any fees you may have already paid to this company and would likely not get back otherwise.

The unexpected needs for travel insurance

In addition to all of the above mentioned issues, travel insurance can help you deal with all kind of additional trip emergencies that might not fall into one of those categories. Many times, your travel insurance will also cover your already paid travel costs if you lose your job before you travel. It will sometimes also cover freak emergencies that happen like your house flooding before you travel and as a result, you need to cancel your trip. If you lose important travel documents while traveling like your passport, trip insurance can help to cover the cost of getting an emergency passport and the companies can also help direct you on how to go about getting the new passport. In addition, besides just covering costs your trip insurance company can provide emergency assistance services. If you are traveling in a foreign country and your train is suddenly cancelled the company will not only help with the cost portion but can also be your communicator for you if you do not speak the native language or are dealing with cultural barriers. 


On average, travel insurance costs you about 5% of the cost of your trip. Lots of people see this as a way to cut costs and save money but as a travel agent I can not stress the importance of travel insurance. I am here to help you but I am limited with my options available in dealing with the different elements of your trip and though I will help in every way possible there are somethings that are completely out of my control. So that travel insurance we ask you to purchase not only gives you piece of mind but also me. I always leave the option to purchase trip insurance up to my clients but every time I ask a client about it, I am crossing my fingers and hoping they purchase it.

So you have spent the past few months thinking about summer vacation and you are stumped. Do you go to the beach like always? How do you convince yours kids that a summer vacation will be better than playing with their friends?. The idea of a summer vacation can send people over the edge. Are you looking for a vacation that is completely different and will leave your kids talking for years? If you are in a rut and looking for a new trip idea, think out of the box. Kids love new adventures and summer vacations are a great time to expose them to something new. You don’t have to worry about missing school or sports activities and you can completely enjoy your time together as a family. There are tons of new travel opportunities for families these days because companies realize that families want something different.


Maybe you want a vacation that will provide your active kids with tons of entertainment and activities but also provide you with that much needed relaxation. There are some great all inclusive resort options here in the US. One option that appeals to the whole family is Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, New York. This resort has literally something for everyone and is one of the few all-inclusive resorts in the US. Each day you get 3 all you can eat meals and every night there is family entertainment including magicians, comedians, jugglers, a Wild West Show, and circus acts. The daytime activities are amazing. They offer kids clubs, indoor waterpark, Red Ryder BB Shooting Gun Gallery, Archery Range, video arcade, a lake with water skiing and water skiing instruction, water rides, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing, heated outdoor pool with cabanas and a poolside bar and a heated children’s pool. They also have unlimited horseback riding, beautiful gardens, organized family activities, and a beautiful spa. In the summer all inclusive packages start at $299/adult/night and kids stay free (up to 2 kids per room).


Maybe you are looking for an option that is a little more sport oriented for your family. Another all inclusive option here in the US is the ClubMed Sandpiper Bay located in Florida. This resort is located on the St. Lucie River and offers world class instruction with professional coaches in tennis, golf, and volleyball. It has an onsite golf course at the ClubMed Golf Academy and also hosts the ClubMed Fitness Academy and the ClubMed Triathlon Academy. In addition, it offers a waterpark for families and a flying trapeze training facility. Plus there is a L’Occitane Spa. The resort is able to accommodate special dietary requests and because it is all-inclusive, all dining is included with the price. For an adult in the summer, the cost is approximately $911 for a week stay. Most times, kids 4 and under are free while kids up to 15 travel at reduced rates.


Maybe your family loves the outdoors and loves camping. A great option for your family is a camping trip in the Grand Canyon. This trip is great for families with kids over 12 years old. Through Western River Expedition, you can book a 7 day camping and rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Your trip will start in Las Vegas and end in Marble Canyon, Arizona. You will raft and hike your way through the Grand Canyon wth a guide leading you the whole time. This trip includes rafting  over 200 miles, hiking, all supplies needed for camping, all meals, a helicopter exit from the canyon, and a scenic flight to Las Vegas or Marble Canyon. The price for this trip starts at $2699/person in the summer.


Maybe your out of box vacation includes teaching your kids the importance of giving back to the world while still allowing you a vacation as a family. Fathom tours is offering the best of both worlds. Fathom is a new cruise that combines the love of travel with the desire to make a difference. In its inaugural year it will offer cruises to both the Dominican Republic and Cuba. On the Dominican Republic cruise you will work with local residents on projects like reforestation, providing clean drinking water, helping to teach English, helping local entrepreneurs make chocolate, and providing concrete floors for homeowners. You get to do all of this while enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic. You are free to participate in as many community activities as you want and also as many relaxation activities as you want. Your days on the boat can include yoga, a workshop on creating and telling amazing stories, visiting the spa, training for your upcoming community event, followed by a Dominican inspired dinner. Your day on shore might consist of doing community work in the morning and then spending the afternoon at the pool or beach with your family followed by a night on the town. Some other on shore activities include snorkeling, ziplining, and learning about Dominican culture. As Fathom describes the trip, “because the basic planning has already been done for you, you can put your energy into what matters: spending this time with your children. As you watch them function in new environments, as you talk with them about their adventures, you’ll realize your kids aren’t just growing in stature: They’s growing in empathy.”  These trips are ideal for families with children 8 years and older and start at $974/person. The Cuba trip is based on cultural immersion and introducing the US to the vibrant culture of Cuba. You will visit the 3 historic ports of Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. This trip starts at $1800/person.


Maybe you want to give your kids a once in a lifetime summer camp experience while you relax on the beach and by the pool. Resorts have started to offer kid camp opportunities at their all inclusive resorts. Think of it as a sleep away camp for the whole family. Club Med Punta Cana is now offering Creactive by Cirque de Soleil. This is a playscape for children and adults alike that includes the flying trapeze, tightrope walking, dancing, juggling, acrobatic bungee jumping, trampoline and lots of other fun circus training by circus professionals. This all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic starts at $1079/adult for a 7 night stay. Also opening this year is the renowned Woodward Camp at the Hard Rock Hotel in Rivera Maya. Camp Woodward will offer children numerous camps at this property including snowboard, skiing, skate, BMX, parkour, cheer, and hip hop dance. It will also offer a Digital Media Camp. Though pricing is not yet available for this option, it is sure to be an amazing experience.


These ideas are only scratching the surface of family vacation adventures. Planning that amazing summer does not have to be a stressful experience. Harrigan Holidays can help you find that perfect out of the box option for your family. We will work with you to find the trip that meets the needs of everyone.

When most people think of a family vacation they think Disney World or the beach. Most people bulk at the idea of taking a young child on an international trip. In reality though, most kids love international trips and it can be more affordable then a trip to Disney World. For me, the magic age for children traveling is 6 or 7. This is the age when kids begin to realize there is a world beyond their hometown. They have started to study different cultures in school and are slowly realizing just how big the world is. Plus, it is the age when they are still in awe of everything. They are not too cool to travel with their parents and they are completely appreciative of this new world you are presenting them with. 

This is not to say that an international trip with children is all rainbows and sunshine. I can guarantee there will be your far share of kid related issues: a child projectile vomiting on an international flight, throwing a temper tantrum while visiting a wonder of the world, losing a lovey while hustling between flights, having a child strip down to their underwear on a crowded public train because they are so hot. It will happen. That is life with a child. In the same instant though they are mesmerized by everything. On my children’s first European vacation, they were completely fascinated by the toilets. From the minute we got off the plane until the minute we got on the plane to return home, it was a never-ending amusement. They even wrote in their trip journals about it. The key to an amazing international trip with kids is keeping them in mind. This is where Harrigan Holidays can help you. We realize how essential it is to allow the kids time to be kids whether it is adding in some time to swim in a hotel pool, enjoying a yummy treat between sights, giving the kids some down time to randomly play in a hotel garden, making sure they get to visit the famed dolphin in Dingle. Parents are often so intimidated at the task at hand they just push it aside. Let Harrigan Holidays help you.

The travel industry realizes families want to have those once in a lifetime experiences together. Whereas, you use to see couples traveling to take a break from their kids you now see more and more families and extended families taking trips to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. As a result, family international travel is an ever-growing niche that makes seeing the world possible for everyone in the family.

Guided Tours
An option that is constantly growing in popularity with families are the guided tours that many companies offer. Think of these as all-inclusive European vacations. They include your accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, and often time meals. The trips also provide guides that can accommodate the needs of a family and often include other families that have children the same ages. For example, Adventures by Disney offers a Brave tour through Scotland that includes canoeing and boating across Loch Ness; visiting Bogbain Farm to celebrate life in the Highlands; a privately guided tour of The Palace of Holyroodhouse which is the Queen of England’s official palace in Edinburgh; riding Highland ponies and testing your archery skills at Rothiemurchus Estate; participating in a traditional working day of a Highland Shepherd; and touring Scottish Castles. This trip includes your room, most of your dining, transportation during the trip, admission costs, and the amazing Disney Guides. Tauck tours offers the South Africa Epic Family Adventure which is a 10 day trip that includes a visit to Cape Town; visiting an ostrich ranch and penguin beach; leaning about Nelson Mandela and wine; going on an elephant walk; zip lining; safari encounters; and a visit to a tribal village.   Collete tours offers the Italy Family Discovery Tour that includes a visit to the Colosseum and attending Gladiator School, learning the art of pizza and gelato making, a Tuscan feast, and visiting St. Marks Square. 

Personal Trips
Another option for families traveling internationally are FIT trips. These are independent trips that allow you to choose your own itinerary or follow a preset itinerary developed by a tour operator. These often have set accommodations and activities but allow you to experience it alone as a family. In addition, Harrigan Holidays can do completely customized trips for you and your family that can include your accommodations, transportation, and sightseeing. 

Cruises
When most people think of cruises they picture the Caribbean cruise or the river cruise for the retired set. This is no longer the case. More and more companies are offering family cruise options to destinations like Alaska and Europe. On Disney cruises, you can take the Norwegian Fjords cruise (think Frozen) which has on ship options and excursions that appeal to everyone in the family. They start at $5,851.84 for a family of 4. Viking River Cruises have teamed up with Adventures by Disney to offer river cruises that feature on ship activities and port adventures for the entire family. Other river cruise lines are quickly following suit including Tauck River Cruises which offer family specific cruises like the Castle on the Rhine Family Riverboat Adventure that travels on the Rhine River between Basel and Amsterdam exploring Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Tauck river cruises are truly all-inclusive and includes all meals, drinks, excursions, and family activities.

International Ski Trips
Families love to travel out west in the US for ski trips but lots of time it is cheaper to fly to the Alps to ski. It would be such an amazing experience to get to ski the Alps at some of the most beautiful resorts available. ClubMed (yes, that ClubMed) has realized how popular the family market is and is now offering all-inclusive ski vacations for families. These trips not only include your airfare, rooms, dining, and alcohol but they also include private ski lessons for the entire family, and participation in the kids clubs. These amazing ski trips start at $7,000.00 for a family of four and include absolutely every cost. 

Why not show your kids the world. With costs comparable to a trip to Disney World or a Caribbean All-Inclusive you can give your children a once in a lifetime experience that they will never forget. My most memorable moments on trips with my children are not the big moments but the simple moments where I get to see my kids eyes open wide at another world. My son’s utter amazement at the size of a soccer department in a European sports store; my daughter’s delight in wandering through the woods in Ireland with a hawk; listening to my kids giggle in the hotel about how to flush the toilet. Though they sound like little moments these are things my kids would never have experienced without seeing the world. Let Kathy and Meghan at Harrigan Holidays help you plan a summer vacation that will not only allow you to connect as a family but to experience the world together.

As a travel agent, you hear all of the excuses. I understand where most people come from but I think there is a lot of confusion about what a travel agent does, how much a travel agent costs, and how having an agent can truly benefit any type of traveler.

I appreciate what a travel agent does but...

I prefer to maintain control over my vacations.

Believe it or not, agents prefer that too. Our job is that much easier when a client wants to have some control over their activities. It makes our job that much easier when a client knows what they want, knows where they want to stay, and want they want from their vacation. You are probably thinking to yourself that if is this is the case why should I even use a travel agent. Just like using a real estate agent gives you someone to pull for you in the real estate market, a travel agent gives you pull in the huge travel market. For example, you might know you want to go to Jamaica and where in Jamaica you want to go but an agent can help you determine which type of resort is best for you depending on your group, your wants, and your budget. A travel agent is there to help guide you in the right direction. In addition, even if you want to maintain control of your trip there might be issues that come up that are out of your control. An agent can help you through all of this. Rather than having a 1-800 number to call of some booking company that knows nothing about you, you can call your agent who knows everything about you and your booking. An agent can then work to resolve the situation so that you don’t have to. Travel agents have points of contacts at resorts, airlines, travel insurance companies, and tour companies, In addition, if your agent does not know the answer they know someone that does. There is a huge support network for travel agents to get questions answered and needs addressed.

My budget does not accommodate using a travel agent.

I think this is the biggest misconception about using a travel agent. In most instances, it does not cost you anything extra. With the exception of very personalized trips, you never pay the agent directly. The agent is instead paid by the vendor whether it be the resort, tour company, etc... In other words, if an agent books you a Disney vacation you don’t pay the agent Disney does. Even better, it is the same cost to you if you use an agent or not. If that is the case why not use an agent. It is more or less getting their service for free. Even instances where clients are able to find better pricing on Expedia, Cheap Caribbean, and Southwest Vacations a travel agent can in most instances match that pricing. In addition, an agent will be one of the first people to know about special vacation pricing and can in most instances get that for their clients before it is open to the general public.  Believe it or not, most of the time a travel agent can find you pricing better than the online companies when comparing apples to apples. Some travel agents do charge service fees but Harrigan Holidays does not.

My trip needs aren’t big enough for what a travel agent does.

Agents book all kinds of trips whether is a 1 night hotel stay during that soccer tournament, a weeklong trip to the shore, a trip to Disney, a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or customized trips through Europe. The options really are endless. Most people associate travel agents with the all-inclusive resort vacation and big trips but agents can also be an great tool when booking just a standard hotel stay or renting a car. Agents have networks that sometimes have amazing hotel pricing at most major hotels and the majority of small hotels. Even if the pricing itself is the same, it will many times include additional perks that you would not get with the rack rate. Even on the small trips, agents love helping their clients. The more an agent works with you the better they are able to meet your needs. In addition, even if you don’t need a hotel but have some sites you want to see while visiting a city an agent can help with that. Often, agents can find discounted rates on show tickets, sightseeing sites, tour buses, and even walking tours.

My trip needs are too customized.

These are the trips agents dream of. It is when all of their training finally comes to use. Agents love planning those once in a lifetime trips and will do everything in their power to make it amazing. When you work with a travel agent you have someone their to think of your every need. You might have a general idea of what you want but have no idea where to start. Give a travel agent a call and they will get the ball rolling. They can take that trip you envision in your head and make it happen. Just as no trip is to small, no trip is too big. In addition, using a travel agent for those once in a lifetime trips will help to address every issue that you might not have thought of whether it be making sure you have transportation to that late night sightseeing tour you have planned, making sure a bathroom or rest break is planned as needed, even making sure that you have the correct electrical converters and money needed.

People have a set stereotype of what a travel agent is but in most instances it is far from  reality. A travel agent can help you with any type of trip and will willingly help you. We are your go to person for any problems that occur during the trip. We will listen to your trip needs and be sure to address all concerns you have. Where you may think that using a travel agent is giving up an element of control, if anything it is gaining even more control. It gives you someone that can handle anything that goes on with your trip.

What a whirlwind trip! We traveled a lot of territory, saw lots of sights and had brilliant craic. Best of all PSU won one heck of a game.

Today we had to go back to Dublin so we can get our flight home tomorrow. Ugh     The upside is we visited Glasnevin Cemetery.  Glasnevin is my new favorite place to go when in Dublin.  Of course no visit to Glasnevin would be complete without a stop at Gravediggers Pub.  Great food and atmosphere.  Our last visit stop was at the Guinness Storehouse.