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Vacation envy starts here

Featured in, next-level travel powered by tech and the human touch.

Our travel advisors have the tools, insights & connections to build your dream vacation. Get killer recommendations & perks, a seamless booking experience — and maybe a cool new friend along the way.

Destinations near and far, we do it all

Buzzing cities, tropical islands, remote escapes and everything in between. Our first-hand intel and insider expertise covers the globe.

Designed for every type of traveler

... whether you're planning a bucket list adventure, family reunion, solo trip or weekend away. If it's on your list, we book it.

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Unlock perks and upgrades at thousands of hotels around the world — including Four Seasons, Andaz, Kimpton and more — at no extra cost.

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Featured hotels

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

This serene casita resort features bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, a coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center.

$100 hotel credit.

Breakfast daily.

Extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Chablé Yucatán

This luxury Mexico resort was founded on the basis of Mayan well-being, and offers thoughtful immersion into the country’s vibrant culture.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Domaine de Fontenille

This restored 18th-century home sits amid an organic garden and 17th-century vineyard in Luberon, an idyllic hilltop region in Provence.

Complimentary experience.

Welcome note & amenities.

One-way airport transfer.

Why We're Different

Customized travel planning for your style, expert advice from people who've actually been there, free upgrades, spa credits and more — we got you, relax, you're in good hands.

Fora Advisor Christina P.

Christina was extremely thorough throughout the process. She handled everything every step of the way. Honestly, it felt like she was right by my side throughout the entire trip. I could not have experienced this trip without her.

Booked travel to Illinois with Christina P.

Fora Advisor Katrina F.

Katrina was incredible every step of the way. She helped us tighten up our itinerary and made great recommendations for hotels and restaurants that worked really well for our family. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about how to make their trip perfect go straight to Katrina.

Booked travel to California with Katrina F.

Fora Advisor Melissa F.

I was impressed by the high level of professionalism in planning and organizing my trip to NYC. Attention to detail and genuine care for my particular interests - great restaurants and seeing the best of the city - were evident in every step of the planning. I highly recommend Melissa!

Booked travel to New York City with Melissa F.

Fora Advisor Thomas S.

Thomas was amazing. He got us a free room upgrade, free breakfasts for 5 days (an ~$270 value), a $50 room credit, early checkin, late checkout and more. I am referring him to all of my friends who like to travel in style.

Booked travel to Washington DC with Thomas S.

Fora Advisor Sequoia A.

Managed expectations and helped deliver the experience I was looking for. Kind and professional. Facilitated everything so I could fully enjoy myself without worry or any kind of stress arranging my stay.

Booked travel to Mexico with Sequoia A.

Fora Advisor Jill M.

Jill is amazing - so professional and goes above and beyond to accommodate her clients and their particular requests and booking preferences. She always find exactly what we need and want! Highly recommend.

Booked travel to Portugal with Jill M.

Looking for travel inspiration?

Are you the go-to person for travel tips.

Turn it into a dream job. We'll show you the ropes and make you look great. Work from anywhere, flexible or full-time — the best gig you didn't know existed.

Still have questions? We got you.

What is a travel agency.

A travel agency supports a team of travel advisors who sell, curate and book travel. Travel advisors consult with clients on where to go, what to do and where to stay. In addition to planning and booking trips, advisors communicate with hotels and other partners (tour companies, cruises, etc.) to ensure each trip goes smoothly.

What is the difference between a travel advisor and a travel agent?

The terms travel agent and travel advisor are used interchangeably. The original term was ‘travel agent,’ but the industry has gone through a bit of a rebrand to showcase the breadth of work that a travel advisor does. We use both, but typically refer to our network of travel advisors simply as Fora Advisors.  

Fora Advisors (a.k.a. travel advisors / agents) work with clients to understand their travel needs and handle all the travel arrangements, from booking a hotel for a long weekend to planning a honeymoon to securing a room block for a corporate conference. 

What are the benefits of working with a travel agent?

Working with a travel agent helps you level up your travel experience. A travel agent handles all the logistics — on-the-ground transfers, hotel and tour bookings, itinerary planning — so you can get the most out of your trip, without any of the stress. 

Plus, our Fora travel agents have insider access to over 5,000 preferred partnerships, meaning you get complimentary perks, priority upgrades and so much more at thousands of locations around the globe. We put serious time and airline mileage into visiting these properties in person so we can give you the up-to-date intel on your destination. We also maintain close relationships with hotel management so you’re treated like the VIP you are from the moment you arrive.

In other words, working with a travel agent unlocks a secret travel world you need to be a part of. But don’t just take our word for it… we have tons of 5-star reviews from happy clients.

Will I get perks & benefits when I work with a Fora Advisor?

Yes — big time. Our travel advisors have access to upgrades & perks at over 5,000 partners around the world. Plus, our partnerships with brands like Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and beyond — as well as with smaller, independent boutique hotels — ensure you get treated like a VIP wherever you travel to next.

What types of travel can I book with Fora?

You name it, we book it: resort vacations, safaris , city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes…We do it all.

Do Fora Advisors count as Disney travel agents? What about cruise travel agents?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive training on just about everything in the travel industry, so our advisors are well equipped to curate any client’s dream trip. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent .)

I’m planning a group trip. Can Fora Advisors help?

Of course! The more the merrier. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, honeymoon , bachelorette party or company-wide retreat, we’re happy to help. Just get in touch with your Fora Advisor to begin the process.

How do I make the most of my experience when planning a trip with Fora?

Tell us everything. Let us know if you love golf, must have access to a kids’ club or have a soft spot for off-the-beaten-path travel . Serious allergies or dietary restrictions are also very helpful information to share. That way, we’ll only show you options that fit your wants and needs. We also love to hear about your favorite hotels and trips you’ve enjoyed in the past, because that clues us in to your travel style.

If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor before, get our guide on what to expect when booking with a travel agent .

Wait, I kind of want to be a Fora Advisor myself. How can I join?

We love to hear it! We have a guide on how to become a travel agent . Then, when you’re interested in transforming your passion for travel into a meaningful career, apply to become a Fora Advisor today . 

Your next getaway starts here.

Your trusted, friendly, and certified travel experts, as your travel agent, our job is to help you plan and book all kinds of travel, from family cruises to couples-only vacations, hotels, and more we work with you to prepare a customized travel package to meet your wants and needs..

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

"Adriann was helpful and communicative and ensured we had everything we needed."

"Everything was super easy and Adriann always answered our questions to the fullest. I don’t think it could have been any easier! We had the best honeymoon we could ask for!"

"Trip Was so easy to book and Adriann made our trip go seemless ! Would highly recommend"

"Will continue to use Adriann Songster to book any future vacations! Everything was so stress-free and perfect."

Travel with Confidence

• Local connections, amazing spots only
• 5-star stress-free travel agency
• 15+ years of experience saves time
• Dedicated and accountable Team
• Responsive on chat, email, and voice

Contact & Company Profile

Customizable Itineraries

• Unlimited revisions
• Your budget is honored
• Local experts guide your choices
• Travel companions can collaborate
• In-trip support & modifications
• Interactive itinerary you can share

Customer Reviewed   Amazing. The trip was incredible and the staff was so caring. I have nothing but positive things to say regarding Anywhere.com I would recommend them to anyone.

Expert Choice   This isn’t your ordinary family getaway — it’s *way* better! Explore Peru’s great outdoors, and pass your wanderlust and spirit of adventure onto your children.

Expert Choice   Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.

Expert Choice   Have it all! Rest, relaxation, adventure, and nature are yours when you book this Signature Trip to Ecuador. From Quito to the Galapagos, Ecuador will enchant you…

Expert Choice   Make the most of your vacation — get the sun, fun, and culture you seek on this amazing Cuban adventure through Havana, Varadero, and more.

Expert Choice   This family vacation, skip standing in the hot sun at a theme park and choose the breathtaking beauty of Bali, Indonesia. Soft sand, aquamarine oceans, and the beauty of nature.

Expert Choice   Reconnect with the person you love the most when you go on an amazing adventure –– from cosmopolitan cities, to cloud forests, and an island beach, see all of Panama.

Expert Choice   Savor the Peru in all its glory with a combination of culinary and outdoor adventures. This tasty trip for two is just the vacation you need.

Expert Choice   From Halong Bay by seaplane to Saigon at night by Vespa, you’re going on a grand tour of Northern Vietnam. Share great meals and great times with your favorite travel companion.

Expert Choice   Treat yourself to a solo adventure of Burma’s best when you book this Signature Trip. You’re going to hit all of the nation’s highlights. *Spoiler Alert*: There are a lot!

Expert Choice   Go on a dream vacation with your favorite person as you explore everything from the cloud forests of Monteverde, to the hot springs of Bagaces, and the beaches of Punta Islita.

Expert Choice   Rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches are waiting for you and your besties. Make your way through villas and rental homes to explore Costa Rica's outdoor and nightlife adventures.

" Seamless experience, everything flowed perfectly. "

3-time Anywhere traveler

" We made fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. "

2-time Anywhere traveler

" Truly, a group to trust to help you plan your trip "

" Anywhere.com delivered on every level. "

Top 5 Reasons Why Travelers Love Booking Trips with Anywhere

The anywhere guide to family vacations made easy, the best beaches for everyone in central & south america.

All Smiles Travel

Start your journey with a dedicated travel expert who is ready to make your dream vacation come true.  we thrive on the best customer service and pricing possible for your vacation packages..

Great American Destinations

There are so many awesome destinations right here on our own soil. mainland, alaskan, or hawaiin adventures await your family any time of the year. after getting a profile of your family, linda will be able to help you create a vacation that everyone will love., serving smiles, we provide all inclusive packages – for honeymoons, family vacations, friends getaways. we specialize in ocean & river cruises and guided tours to europe and around the united states., we plan honeymoons, multi-generational vacations, and cruises..

All Inclusive Vacations

What could be better than having your airfare and transfers to your resort, accommodations, food, alcohol, activities, entertainment, gratuities and taxes all included in one pre-paid cost? All-Inclusive Resorts are the best way to see and do it all without worrying about emptying your wallet. (Read More…)

Exotic Cruises

From Cancun to Alaska, cruise desitinations open up a whole new world. Linda will match you and your travel dreams with the ocean and port adventures that you will never forget. Active people and fans of leisure will find All Smiles Travel packages to please. (Learn More)

Romance Travel

Most travelers want to know how to get the best value for their vacation dollar and sometimes customized vacation packages are the best way to save money and meet everyone’s unique needs. (Learn More)

Destination Weddings

Where in the world would your perfect wedding take place? All Smiles specializes in helping you select a location where family and freinds will love to celebrate and you will love to begin your new life together. (Learn More)

With these amazing travel resources, you are assured to  have the time of your life.

Awesome Vacation – Linda helped us select an all inclusive, adult only resort. She provided us with several location, several resorts and the pros and cons of each . Kinda was also able to provide us with her experience, or her clients experience at each of the resorts. We selected Secrets Royal Beach and Linda was able to get us an upgrade. Our room was 5 steps from the lazy river pool. Linda also provided us with tips on what to bring with us. We will definitely use Linda again for travel arrangements.  (Punta Cana/Dominican Republic/Caribbean)

The best trip ever. – We enjoyed working with Linda, she was very friendly and listened to what we were looking for and then made recommendations. Once we decided where we wanted to go she took care of everything. On the day of check in she made sure our 2 rooms were in the same building.

Fun weekend getaway! – Second time using her, great experience! (Las Vegas/Nevada)

See My Profile – And More Awesome Reviews…

All Smiles Travel is dedicated to assist in making your dream vacation come true.  We thrive on the best customer service and pricing possible for vacation packages.  Our passion is to serve clients throughout Michigan and be the best of the best when booking travel, so don’t hesitate to contact us so we can start planning your next travel adventure!  All Smiles Travel specializes in All-Inclusive packages, Cruises (including River Cruises), Destination Weddings and Romance Travel, Adventure Travel, and tour packages. 

As your personal Travel Professional, when booked through a preferred supplier, our services are charged to the supplier and not to you, the client.  We’ll devote time and effort to making sure you’re happy with your travel options. If you need any assistance, we are just a phone call or e-mail away, so you’ll receive the immediate attention you not only need, but also deserve.

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We’ve been a staple in the city of Berkeley for over 30 years, and we've now expanded to multiple locations across California and Alaska. While others struggled or folded in recent times, we've thrived by consistently earning the trust of our clients and helping them navigate through the most challenging of times. ‍ We began this chapter by adding energetic new ownership that brings decades of travel industry experience and a passion for delivering people safely and smoothly all around the world. But we haven’t lost our spirit and warm professionalism in the process. ‍ We understand the desire to explore the world. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, planning a company getaway, or rewarding your team, we’ll help you forge an unforgettable path wherever you want to go.

GROUP TRAVEL

Leisure travel, meetings & events, here are some our happy clients..

And here's a few things they've said.

“The partnership has been outstanding. They are professionals with excellent skills and an aptitude to lead in areas our team was weak. The Going Places team has excellent negotiating talent, and they work hard to understand the culture of our programs and to meet (and exceed!) our expectations. We look forward to a long partnership and highly recommend Going Places Travel. You’ll be impressed.” – Don K, VETS Events

“What is the first thing you should do when your company tasks you with organizing an offsite for 800 people in Mexico? Call Going Places! Kevin, Ting-Yi, and their team made a complex event with many moving parts and 'things that could go wrong' seem smooth and easy." – Jordan N, Fivetran

“Since 2005 Going Places has successfully managed our travel program with an average redemption rate of 84%, which makes this program one of the most utilized rewards in Yokohama’s associate dealer incentive program. Our dealers work hard for these program rewards and Going Places goes above and beyond to make sure they have a fun, seamless trip!" – Cami D, Yokohama

“I’ve been working with the Going Places Travel Team for over five years. They are fantastic with international and domestic trips, and have consistently provided me with an excellent combination of itineraries and reasonable prices. I’ve used them for family trips and large trips with more than 50 people.  They're responsive, pleasant and very informed about travel in other countries." – Jon K, VETS Adventure Program

“Going Places has deep industry knowledge and expertise which proved irreplaceable when it came to managing 800 airfare itineraries, organizing rooming lists, and managing important relationships such as the hotel, resort, and site vendors. I particularly appreciated their professionalism and flexibility as my company was forced to pivot and adjust our timeline and expectations along the way. If your event requires a deep level of complexity and thoughtfulness, Going Places can get it done!" – Jordan N, Fivetran

“We have worked with the Going Places Travel Team since 2008 to assist with our VIP travel needs for over 125 meetings each year. They have freed up valuable time for our staff and make booking easy and efficient while following our corporate guidelines." – Heather S, Northwest Anesthesia Seminars

“Over the years at Disney and ESPN, Going Places flawlessly managed our annual groups that ranged from 10–12 clients traveling to high profile sporting events to 40-50 clients to exotic adventures to places like Argentina, Thailand, French Polynesia, Ireland, etc. In addition to competitive/fair pricing, their attention to detail and sourcing of phenomenal local resources and DM partners in destinations makes them a clear choice for our incentive needs. When clients ask, 'How are you going to top yourself next year?' I just call Going Places." – Matt M, Locked On

“I'm looking forward to working together again! Going Places has delivered the best value-for-money of any vendor we've worked with on events, and you and your team have always been a pleasure to work with." – George F, FiveTran

We have the knowledge and experience to cut through the clutter to find you the best value. And our relationships and know-how mean we can always build the right plan.

When reality gets in the way of dreams, we have the gift of improvisation. We find inventive solutions to make sure all is not lost and you keep the dream alive.

PARTNERSHIP

We are constantly vetting new and trustworthy partners to add to our established relationships so you can reap the benefits when we partner with you.

We're in a "post-Covid" world now, but we still take travel safety seriously. We carefully monitor news about weather events, infectious disease concerns, natural and political emergencies, and other potential disruptions to our clients' safe travel. Here's what you can do as well: – If you're traveling overseas, check with your local health authority on the latest vaccinations to your traveling destinations. – Consider travel insurance to make sure you're covered for the unexpected so our agents are fully equipped to assist you not only in your trip planning but protecting your vacation investment. If you have any questions about travel safety, feel free to reach out to us at any time!

State of California Seller of Travel #2144999-40

©Copyright 2022 Going Places Travel

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Woodland Travel

Your Experts in Worldwide Travel!

WOODLAND TRAVEL

“Your Experts in Global Travel”

For when you’re needing to setup a vacation of lifetime the experts at Woodland Travel are only a phone call away. Our travel experts will take care of every single element of planning and coordinating your vacation.

As a full service travel agency, we at Woodland Travel take pride in making it easier for you to get up and go. Whether its on romantic getaways, off-the-beaten-path destinations, once-in-a-lifetime journeys or wherever the wind takes you.

At Woodland Travel, we are focused on the health and safety of our team members, families and communities.  While our offices are closed to the public for the foreseeable future by order of the Governor of the state of California, we have made the necessary technical adjustments to our communications systems to enable our team to work from their homes and they remain accessible to our valued clients during regular business hours.

Our thoughts are with the people affected and everyone working around the clock to help those most in need. Everyone at Woodland Travel wishes you and your loved ones good health and strength in the days and weeks ahead.

When you contact Woodland Travel, you’re aligning yourself with an elite team of travel advisors. Our well traveled and trained experts understand planning is part art and part science. They specialize in crafting one of a kind travel experiences for discerning travelers.

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Woodland Travel offers assistance with all your travel needs. We will manage all of the details required to make your trip seamless and stress free.

• Cruise and Tour Packages
• International Airfare
• Rail, Hotel & Car Rental
• Honeymoon Packages
• Destination Wedding Planning
• Spa & Wellness Getaways
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• Family Vacations
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Travel & Tour Packages

Wherever in the world your travels may take you, we have an itinerary just for you! Whether you want to relax on a tropical beach, wine taste your way through Italy or adventure through the Andes Mountains of Peru — you’re in well-traveled hands with Woodland Travel. Take a look through these sample itineraries and contact us today to start planning!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.”

Explore. Dream. Discover.

– MARK TWAIN

woodlandtravelagency

“Your Experts In Global Travel”

601 Main Street, Suite 210 Woodland CA 95695

Tel: +1.530.662.5491 

Email: Contact US

H: Monday to Saturday by Appointment

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Away With Me Travel has an incredible team of travel experts who are dedicated to creating personalized and unique travel experiences to meet all of your needs. 

For over two decades we have been traveling the world visiting popular, as well as less traveled destinations, in order to give our clients the best experiences possible.  

Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, we will create customized itineraries that will far exceed your expectations!

The Complete Guide to Booking Travel Online

What is an online travel agency, and what are the best sites and apps to use to search for hotels and flights we break it all down for you..

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There’s a lot to navigate when researching and booking travel online.

Photo by Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

My first travel adventure was to Venezuela. I booked the ticket with a travel agent over a pay phone. The agent searched a dozen flight itineraries over a few days, all so I could save $15.

Times have changed. Today, flight searches start online , often on your mobile device. Passengers book either directly with the airline or hotel or with online travel agencies. Rarely do we get on the phone. In fact, American Airlines and United Airlines charge $25 to make a domestic flight booking by phone. And pay phones hardly exist anymore.

So, what is the best way to book online? Here is our complete guide to online travel agencies, search tools, and the variety of booking options available on both mobile devices and desktops.

What is an OTA?

An online travel agency, or OTA, is a website or mobile app that allows users to search for and book travel services such as flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and activities. The booking is made directly with the online travel agency but confirmed by the service provider, such as an airline or a hotel. As a customer, your relationship is with the OTA.

What are the main OTAs?

Many online travel agencies nowadays are owned by two main companies: Expedia and Priceline. The Expedia Group is the largest online travel agency in the United States with 70 percent market share, according to travel data firm Phocuswright. Expedia Group operates Expedia.com , Orbitz, Hotels.com , Trivago, CheapTickets , Hotwire , Vrbo , and Travelocity .

Priceline is a major competitor to Expedia, with global revenues larger than the Expedia Group. The company owns Priceline.com, Booking.com, Cheapflights, Momondo, and Kayak—the latter two being metasearch engines (more on that below).

There are also independent newcomers such as Hopper (a mobile-only booking tool) and Kiwi.com (which allows you to book flights on air carriers that don’t normally have a commercial relationship).

Are OTA fares lower than booking directly?

Generally, no. The fares that are displayed by an OTA will be similar if not slightly more expensive when compared to an airline’s website. They’re usually only a few dollars higher or lower. The OTAs charge a booking fee to the airlines, and often that fee is passed directly to consumers. For example, Lufthansa tacks on an additional $18 to any booking made through an OTA for Lufthansa flights. The same flights are exactly $18 cheaper on the airline’s website.

Where you can score a good travel deal through an OTA is when booking a last-minute hotel and flight package. Many OTAs have cut agreements with airlines allowing last-minute travelers to access lower rates than are typically available when passengers book a flight alone.

Are all airlines available to be booked through OTAs?

No. Many OTAs do not display flights from some of the low-fare leaders. For example, Southwest and Allegiant flights are not available through OTAs; the same goes for Ryanair in Europe. And, earlier this year United Airlines threatened to pull out of Expedia altogether, only recently signing a multi-year agreement to stay in. The airlines would rather not lose any margin to online travel agencies in an already low-margin industry and would rather maintain a direct relationship with the customer.

Are smaller OTAs safe to use?

Expedia and Priceline are the two largest players in the online booking space, but there are dozens of independent OTAs, such as CheapOAir, OneTravel, JustFly, and SmartFares. Confusingly, you might actually stumble on ads for these OTAs while using Expedia or Priceline sites. That’s because the larger OTAs earn revenue through advertising, sending passengers to smaller OTAs and charging those OTAs for the favor.

Buyer beware: some of these lesser-known OTAs are masters at hidden fees. For example, a flight search on JetBlue allows for free seat selection in many instances. If you perform the same search on FlightNetwork, an independent OTA, and select a seat, you will be charged an additional $25—despite the fact that JetBlue doesn’t charge a seat selection fee if you book directly.

What if you need to change your itinerary?

Itinerary changes are often a pain. If your plans change, it won’t matter whether you’ve booked directly with an airline or with an OTA—you’re going to pay fees for the privilege, if you can even change your ticket at all.

For example, CheapTickets.com, which is part of the Expedia Group, charges $25 to change or cancel a ticket if that change is requested after 24 hours of making the booking—it is free if you do so within 24 hours of booking. However, the fees go up from there. JustFly, an independent OTA, charges a $75 fee for changes to domestic flights in addition to airline change fees, plus the difference in fare, for tickets that can be changed. For an international trip, the fee rises to $200. That means to change an international flight with Delta (which charges a $100 change fee) booked through JustFly, you’ll be assessed $300 in fees, plus the difference in fare. At that rate, you may as well book a new flight. FlightNetwork indicates in its terms of service that changes may incur a change fee but doesn’t specify what those fees are. That hardly makes the few dollars you saved by booking with the OTA in the first place worth it.

What is an OTA price match policy?

To assure travelers that they are getting the lowest fare possible, many OTAs have a price match policy. The rules vary and so do the benefits.

For example, if you book with Orbitz and find a less expensive flight, car rental, or activity on any U.S.-based website within 24 hours of your booking, Orbitz will refund you the difference you paid. And it works: I have personally found a flight in the same class, on the same airline, for the same origin and destination cities, and requested Orbitz to refund the difference of around $35. Within a few weeks, I received a check in the mail. A similar program applies for CheapOAir, but there’s a catch—the price difference must be found on a major OTA such as Expedia or Travelocity.

Expedia has a particularly good price match policy, but you have to pay extra for it at the time of booking. Expedia offers the price match option as an add-on that costs between $5 and $30 when you book. With the price match applied, if the airfare on Expedia drops between 120 days of the flight and up to six hours before the flight, Expedia will automatically refund you the difference in fare. Unfortunately, fares generally do not drop substantially as the travel date approaches, so while this might give you peace of mind, it’s probably not worth the expense.

How do Google Flights and other travel metasearch engines work?

Frequent fliers are likely familiar with websites such as Google Flights, Kayak, Momondo, or Skyscanner. On these websites, passengers search on the site but are redirected to the service provider to complete the booking, such as an airline, rental car company, or hotel.

Metasearch started with a product called ITA Matrix, which is a tool for searching airfares online but not for actually booking online. ITA Matrix allows for multi-city searching, such as setting two different departure or arrival airports, and for offering a calendar view of fares for easier comparison. That company was acquired by Google in 2011, and savvy travelers swear by it to help find the least expensive fares online. Most consumers are more familiar with Google Flights, which has gained traction more recently not least because it has the benefit of being displayed first in search results on Google.

Metasearch engines receive distribution fees from the airlines for sending traffic to the supplier websites. There are no additional hidden fees for using a metasearch engine because you’re booking directly with the airline or hotel.

A major benefit of the metasearch engines is their price tracking tool, which lets users know whether the displayed fares are low, average, or high for the flight, allowing travelers to make a more informed decision on whether to book a flight or not . Google Flights and Kayak, for instance, both have price tracking tools.

Why not just book directly?

The airlines would definitely much rather you book directly with them. Over the past five years, they have gotten much better at marketing and selling their product directly to consumers online and through mobile sites and apps. But in the past, they weren’t so good at it. In fact, Delta, Northwest, United, American, and Continental got together to invest $145 million to launch Orbitz in 1999 to counter the threat from Expedia. Now Orbitz is owned by Expedia.

The airlines also try to encourage customers to book directly so that they can maintain a closer relationship with them. It allows carriers to connect bookings with loyalty programs and create special offers and discounts catered to individual passengers.

There is another benefit to booking directly. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires carriers to hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment or allow a reservation to be cancelled within 24 hours without penalty, so long as the booking is made at least seven days before travel. The law applies, however, only to U.S. and foreign air carriers that have websites marketed to U.S. consumers. This means that, in theory, an online travel agency does not have to offer such a policy, although most OTAs do.

What are the options for booking on your mobile device?

Airlines and the major OTAs all have apps to help you book and manage your trip on your mobile device, but their functionality is lacking compared to these websites’ desktop editions. For example, Expedia’s app doesn’t allow you to view flights on a month-view calendar. Kayak has an app with more bells and whistles and a better user interface, including a month-view calendar with color-coded pricing. It also has a handy “augmented reality” function to help you see if your carry-on bag will fit in the overhead bin (a feature originally developed by KLM). Point your phone’s camera at the luggage, and it’ll give you the dimensions.

While apps are improving and gaining in popularity, you still might find it easier to locate the best deals on flights and hotels by using your desktop, where you can have multiple tabs open and have all the available search tools at your disposal. Apps are fine for booking directly with an airline once you know which flights you want to book.

If you’re determined to use your mobile device, you may want to look into Hopper. Hopper is a mobile-first flight booking tool that has a solid price prediction tool. You can research travel options and book directly on the app. Another benefit of Hopper: Of its team of 300 employees, nearly half are dedicated to customer support and are based in Canada versus some OTAs and airlines that outsource much of their customer service further afield.

The bottom line?

Like many travelers, I enjoy a flight deal as much as the next person, but I also don’t like any added hassle. I typically start my travel searches using the ITA Matrix or Google Flights to get a general sense of the fares. It helps to know what is a good deal and what is expensive for a particular route. I do my research, typically on a desktop computer. When I’m ready to book, I’ll book directly with the airline. I’ve found that customer service is better when booking directly with the service provider. But I’ve also saved money by using OTAs and have booked with them, too. Whichever way you choose to book, you can be safe in the knowledge that finding and purchasing travel online is a lot easier today than searching for a deal with a travel agent on a pay phone.

>> Next: How to Get the Best Last-Minute Travel Deals

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• Riviera Maya, Mexico

Margaritaville Adults Only & All Inclusive Trip

• Starts at $1199

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Testimonials

Top reviews for nobo.

I will have to tell you if you would love to enjoy a vacation with out the stress making sure your not screwed. I would get in contact with Sean Lowery and talk to him about your bucket list of travels.

Just finished my second trip with No Boundaries Travel and it was amazing. What a seamless experience having all the details taken care of by true professionals, and wow do they pay attention to the details!

Kevin and Sean have planned more than 10 trips for me and they are always amazing. I especially love the group trips.

Sean and Kevin are real travel pros, and great hosts. It was a pleasure to spend time with them. The resort has some awesome amenities, with great food and services, and the service from NoBo could not be more thorough.

I just finished the Halloween and divas in destination trip and it was INCREDIBLE! Kevin and Sean did an amazing job on the trip and the show.

Kevin is amazing. Great trips and great service. Can’t wait for Croatia.

I have booked multiple trips with Kevin at No Boundaries and he is amazing! I never have to do any work and I always get the best deal and most importantly a flawless experience!

Wow, Sean is a phenomenal travel agent. If you have ever wanted to travel to Mexico do it through this agency, because he knows what he is doing when it comes to booking a trip to Mexico including all the fun excursions and the BEST resorts.

I have been on many trips with Sean and let me tell you, his group trips are AMAZING! Everything is top notch at the resorts and he thinks of every detail! He just booked a solo trip for me in one day!

Excellent personalized service that provides the absolute best vacation experience from beginning to end. There is no other way to travel! Stop reading and just contact them for your next vacation, you will not regret it!

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Celebrating over 12 years of service!

We don't sell travel, we create experiences.

Notiq agency curates luxury group travel experiences for consumers and business owners looking to build meaningful connections with their family, friends, clients, and community., 5 group travel pitfalls we help you avoid.

8 out of 10 people give up on planning a group travel experience on their own due to the amount of time and level of coordination required. With our services, you can avoid all of these pitfalls:

• Health & Safety: Traveling during the age of coronavirus requires a knowledgeable travel professional by your side. We ensure your investments are PROTECTED.
• Time: Most people start the planning process too late and get OVERWHELMED! 
• Coordination: Answering a number of questions, not gaining commitment, and trying to gather feedback across a group can be very DIFFICULT! 
• Booking Arrangements: Once you have dates and a destination, then you have to start booking travel arrangements and aligning everyone’s schedule is a HEADACHE! 
• The actual “experience”: Trying to find things to do and customizing an itinerary to fit the needs of everyone in your group is a PAIN!

1. Health & Safety: Traveling during the age of coronavirus will require a knowledgeable travel professional by your side.

2. Time: Most people start the   planning process too late and get OVERWHELMED! 

3. Coordination: Answering a number of questions, not gaining commitment, and trying to gather feedback across a group can be very DIFFICULT! 

4. Booking Arrangements: Once you have dates and a destination, then you have to start booking travel arrangements and aligning everyone’s schedule is a HEADACHE! 

5. The actual “experience”: Trying to find things to do and customizing an itinerary to fit the needs of everyone in your group is a PAIN!

Select the Service You Are Interested in Below:

Host a Group Trip

Elevate your group travel by allowing us to curate and design a custom experience, tailoring every detail to meet your unique needs. Our services include three distinct areas: Special Occasions, Destination Weddings, and Enterprise.

Join a Group Trip

Our Wanderlust by Notiq™ small group travel experiences are a perfect fit for those looking for a luxury curated experience, one-of-a-kind adventure, and chance to see the world with like-minded travelers.

Start Your Own Group Travel Business

The Wanderlust Pros Travel Academy™  is a curriculum-based group coaching program for aspiring and existing travel professionals looking to achieve increased profitability and long-term success through specializing in group travel.

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You Mean the World to Us - so let us show you the world

At Travel With Awestruck, we bring the world’s most dazzling wonders to you, on custom itineraries crafted with care. Prepare for more awestruck moments of indulgence & intrigue on your next effortless escape.

Your Concierge Travel Agency

Welcome to travel with awestruck, our acclaimed personalized service is the key that unlocks travel’s best kept secrets, just for you..

You can book your vacation 100 different ways—but there’s only one way that’s perfect for you. Our job is to uncover the singular travel experience that will thrill you to your core. We leverage our industry relationships to design a one-of-a-kind itinerary that reveals your destination’s most intriguing—and best kept—secrets. Our service-first approach means you’ll never have to lift a finger to discover it all. No more second-guessing your vacation decisions—simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having true travel experts design it all for you.

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Jenene is one of a kind undoubtedly, the best travel partner our family and company have experienced. personally, i’ve been working with jenene for over a decade. her commitment to providing exceptional customer service is unrivaled. what’s so unique is that it’s just part of her, she’s as authentic as they come. i’m not surprised her business has grown the way it has, she’s passionate, smart, savvy and knows her industry and loves her customers. when jenene is involved in planning our corporate reward trips and/or our family vacations i have great peace of mind...and that is rare these days. i cannot thank her enough for the countless times she’s confirmed every fine detail, come to our rescue, fulfilled our crazy requests, and gone way above and beyond the added value you will receive by working with jenene is truly priceless, we will never plan another vacation on our own. jenene planned a flawless and seamless once in a lifetime trip to italy for our honeymoon. the best hotels in the best locations, private drivers, first class trains, the best tour guides and we didn’t waste a minute standing in a line. finally, she basically rented out an entire lemon farm for us and the family taught us how to cook some of their family recipes. it was worth every penny. rome, florence, positano in that order we can’t wait for jenene to plan our next trip. thank you for your attention to every detail and your thoughtful design. you’re a rockstar jenene, as vice president of a successful organization and a lover of travel, i and my company have been on several trips over many years for both business and personal reasons. jenene and travel with awestruck have proven to be the reason our trips are so enjoyable from start to finish. every detail is taken into consideration. jenene and her staff really care about those they are working with, whether taking care of a larger group of 200+ people or smaller intimate groups of 4-6 people. the personal touch is why we keep coming back to travel with awestruck year after year. jenene’s knowledge and insight of the places we are traveling to have been invaluable to us. i have and will continue to recommend travel with awestruck to any individual or organization who is looking to make travel arrangements. thank you, jenene and staff, for always taking care of me and my colleagues at ohio state waterproofing., jenene was incredible to work with and made planning our honeymoon stress-free. her knowledge and experience were impressive as she helped us build an itinerary of world-class accommodations and over the top activities at the best prices possible. even when we had to cancel our trip at the last minute due to a family situation, she made that process simple for us and began right away to rebuild our trip with new dates. every one of her recommendations was a home-run, and we had the trip of a lifetime. using jenene is a no-brainer., brian c. - island hopping in hawaii, five stars is not enough credit for how easy and amazing my experience was working with travel with awestruck and jenene. i was referred to jenene by multiple people for planning my trip to europe. i spoke with jenene on the phone and told her my plans for my trip. she made everything so easy and saved me thousands of dollars. she booked everything we wanted and then some extras also. we had private pickups to and from airports and hotels. even while overseas she kept in contact with us to make sure we had the best trip. i will never use anyone else and would recommend her to anyone planning a trip. she is the best hands down. book with her.

about the founder

Jenene mealey.

As the founder of Travel With Awestruck, I make sure that first-class service is at the heart of everything we do. I understand just how important your travel experience is. When life gets hectic, you realize just how much you count on your vacation to bring you moments of joy and wonder—and to bring you closer to the loved ones you share it all with. That’s why my team and I aim for nothing less than perfection for you. After 12+ years as an award-winning travel advisor, I’ve cultivated exclusive industry relationships and a peerless approach to client care that gives you a seamless journey designed to awe. 

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We Make Travel Simple

​Now, more than ever, we are here for you.  As a Virtuoso affiliated luxury travel agency, we have the resources, experience and dedication to ensure a seamless, professional travel planning experience each and every time.  

We handle every last detail , work with only the highest rated travel companies and provide dedicated, personalized customer service.  Our clients are everything to us, with your safe and memorable travel our #1 priority.  

Our Specialties

CUSTOMIZED, IMMERSIVE WORLDWIDE TRAVEL

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DISNEY VACATIONS

(we are certified.).

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Benefits of Partnering With a Daniela + Co. Travel Advisor

Truly Virtuoso

Personalized planning – the trips and experiences you want (and those unforgettable moments you didn’t even know were possible), tailored to your interests .

Travel perks -  from hotel room upgrades to complimentary breakfasts and spa treatments, exclusive cruise excursions, and more.

VIP access around the globe -  See the Sistine Chapel after hours, skip the lines at Angkor Wat, explore the Galápagos Islands with a third-generation naturalist guide.

Insider knowledge -  Thanks to our own travels and personal relationships with Virtuoso partners around the world, we take trip recommendations well beyond the expected.

Peace of mind – leave the logistics to us, and rely on our  insight and support every step of the way. Last-minute cancellations, border closures, unexpected changes – we have you covered, now more than ever.

It's All About You

We work with you one-on-one

to create the perfect trip. 

We take the time to ge t to know you, building real client relationships that lead to unforgettable travel experiences.  

Each of your trips are custom planned, utilizing our global network of connections. We personally contact, collaborate and confirm each and every step of your travels.  

We'll have a final conversation to review all details of your travel and answer any questions you may have.

You will always have your advisor's direct contact information should you ever need us.  We are here for you; every step of the way, every hour of the day. 

Testimonials

"Denise handled every aspect of my reservation and offered many suggestions that made the trip with my daughter super easy. She was knowledgeable on many fronts and even helped dig up answers to the passport questions I had. The trip packet that she created was amazing and she took her time explaining every detail of my itinerary. I went into this trip with the comfort of knowing what to expect and what to do."

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We can fulfill all of your travel dreams

Exotic tropical island vacations, luxury and adventure cruises, romantic getaways, honeymoon packages, safaris, and tours. You need a vacation and we're here to help you find the perfect trip.

Browse or search through our site (which is filled with the most comprehensive and up-to-date specials available) to see the wide variety of trips we offer and then contact us so we can help you narrow in on the perfect trip. We're looking forward to making your next trip a memorable and enjoyable one, so contact us today and get packing!

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Welcome to Sophia’s Travel

Inspirational journeys worldwide.

Custom Designed Creative Itineraries for Independent Travelers and Small Groups

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Almost There Travel

Almost there travel agency.

Welcome to Almost There Travel

Almost There Travel enjoys a reputation for top-notch customer service. We can handle all your global travel needs. We go beyond to make your vacation a memorable experience. Everyone deserves exceptional service, from a simple hello to a welcome home note. All our agents have extensive experience traveling in many areas of the world and have been serving clients for many years. Our agents are experienced in group cruising, destination weddings, adventure travel, escorted vacations, family reunions and more. We are always traveling somewhere to bring back our hands on experiences and knowledge, so our clients are confident that we know what we are selling. Beyond traveling, we frequently have in office destination training, travel webinars, online destination courses, attend cruise line inspections and travel seminars. We are curious about the world and want to share it with our clients.

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254.776.2560 | 1700 Lake Success, Waco TX 76710

Why Use Allen Samuels House of Travel?

Allen Samuels House of Travel is a full service travel agency with highly experienced travel consultants. We’re ready to take care of any travel situation for you, your family and your business. We’ve got the knowledge to complete a seamless vacation or business trip, from start to finish. We’re ready to search for the best deal so you don’t have to and we’re ready to plan for everything that goes along with your travel, from flights to rental cars, ship to shore, hotel and even meeting space. Name a destination and we’ve been there; we know the places personally. Honeymoons, international and missionary travel is one of our unique specialties! Give us a call and start your next adventure.

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Specially Designed Travel

Creating memories, one couple at a time.

Specially Designed Travel is a small, luxury travel agency. We are affiliated with one of the largest travel networks in the country.  This relationship gives us the clout with suppliers while leaving us small enough to have personal relationships with our clients.  You never have to wait long to talk to your agent.  And during travel, we will always be there for you.

Our core belief is that love should be celebrated and nurtured through amazing travel experiences.  We have our primary office in Houston (Clear Lake), Texas. We also have Independent Agents in Bowman, North Dakota and Austin, Texas.

Listen to you:   Getting to know you is the best way we can advise you.

Take time:   We research each trip to make sure it is the right one for you.

Speak truth:  We tell what you are or are not getting with each purchase.

Respect your budget:   We will not attempt to upsell you needlessly.

Give you options:  After doing the research, we present you with options.

Book for You:  Once you decide on the options, we book it for you. 

Are there for you:  Always just a text or phone call away.

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Testimonials

What our clients say about us.

I was given Tina’s contact by a family member that used Tina for a Hawaiian vacation. Tina spoke to my fiancé and me on the phone and asked us a few questions (including budget, activities we want to do or don’t want to do, etc). Within a week she sent over her best offer for our budget. We liked her suggestions, but didn’t really know what we were signing up for. Now that we are back from our trip, we can say we are very pleased with Tina’s work and travel suggestions (including the hotel!). This trip was a honeymoon, so it was so nice to not worry about planning a honeymoon on top of planning a wedding. Tina knew I was overwhelmed with wedding planning, and she offered to help me by making a phone call for me, to make for confirm our travel activities. This may sound small, but this meant so much to me. Tina was great.

Nederland, TX

Tina Shands is amazing and saved our destination wedding: My husband and I wanted to do a destination wedding in Mexico and a friend suggested we get a travel agent to help with transportation, etc. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it until then, and we were having a long engagement so I thought that having a travel agent wasn’t NEEDED. BOY WAS I WRONG. Between having to change hotels because of a 4-day Phish concert that was overlapping our wedding day, to figuring out transportation, to negotiating room prices, Tina was absolutely essential to our wedding. She was always upfront about any issues or pricing that arose, kept us in the loop the entire time, and kept us calm through it all. We will totally be using her again if we have the chance. If you either don’t have the time to do all the planning for a trip (I mean, who does?), or have a big party all coming together (we had people fly in from TX, WA, NM, and NC), use Tina!

Specially Designed Travel | ✉:  [email protected]  | ✆:  713-357-2228

Host, Nexion, LLC, Seller of Travel Numbers:  FL – ST38545; CA – 2071045-50; WA – 603-046 768

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Travel Insurance

Get a travel insurance quote and protect your next trip

For flight insurance protection:

Aircare Flight Quote

For all-in-one trip insurance protection:

ExactCare Travel Quote

Manage Your Travel And Flight Insurance

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Take the worry out of your travels with affordable flight or trip insurance.

Looking to plan the vacation of a lifetime or flying home for the holidays? Trip insurance and flight insurance can provide the peace of mind you need for your next journey. The GEICO Insurance Agency, with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage, with prompt service and global assistance. Get an online travel insurance quote today and confidently protect your next adventure.

AirCare Flight Insurance

If you only need to protect your travel costs for a flight, AirCare may be what you need. With affordable coverage for both domestic and international flights, AirCare flight insurance helps you plan with peace of mind.

ExactCare Travel Insurance

If you want to cover your flight and other trip arrangement's ExtraCare can help. An ExactCare Travel Insurance policy can help with the unexpected like:

• Trip Cancellations/Interruptions/Delays
• Lost/Stolen travel documents
• Unexpected medical expenses

What's the difference between flight insurance and travel insurance?

The main difference is that a flight insurance policy only covers your airfare. On the other hand, a travel insurance policy helps protect your flight as well as other parts of your trip. While you're planning your next trip, think about where you're going and what you'll be doing. Once you have that, it'll be easier to choose which policy works best for your trip.

What does a flight insurance policy cover?

AirCare Flight Insurance has a variety of benefits including emergency travel assistance, 24/7/365. Some common flight coverages are:

• Airfare incase flights are cancelled or you miss a connection
• Personal items like lost or delayed luggage
• Flight delays in your departure (at the gate or on the tarmac)

AirCare Quote

What does a travel insurance policy cover?

ExactCare Travel Insurance provides all-in-one travel protection, with family friendly pricing and worldwide emergency travel assistance 24/7/365. Common things covered by travel insurance are:

• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Personal items like passports and luggage
• Medical costs like hospital and doctor expenses, medical evacuations, and more

ExactCare quote

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Your coverage is based on the plan you choose. However, in general some things that aren't normally covered by travel insurance are:

• Action and team sports, for example auto racing, pro sports travel, or other extreme sport activities
• Travel to get medical care
• Trip Cancellation because you changed your mind

For more information, please check your policy.

Is travel or trip insurance worth the cost?

Travel insurance can help protect your vacation or trips from unexpected things happening. You can travel without trip insurance but doing so brings greater risk if something goes wrong or you encounter unexpected delays. Flight insurance or trip insurance coverage can include things like flight cancellation, lost luggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical transportation, and more. Learn more about travel insurance and why you should get a travel insurance quote today!

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance typically costs 5 to 10 percent of your total trip cost, though that can be influenced by several things.

• The cost of the trip
• The length of your trip and destination
• The amount of coverage selected
• The number of travelers covered under the policy

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It's easy to manage your travel insurance..

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has made it easy to manage your travel insurance. You can:

• Visit Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's website
• Email [email protected]

Is travel insurance worth it?

Yes. Things happen that are out of your control. Whether it's your flight being cancelled or delayed to a family emergency. Life happens and that's how travel insurance can help. Plan for the unexpected with a travel insurance policy so you can rest easy knowing you're covered.

Travel Insurance: Get the answers you're looking for.

• What travel insurance plans are available? BHTB offers AirCare (flight only) and 3 main plans: ExactCare Value, ExactCare, and ExactCare Extra. ExactCare Value provides great traveling insurance coverage for budget minded travelers. You can rest easy knowing you're covered for things like trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical expenses. The main difference is the maximum amount that will be covered. ExactCare and ExactCare Extra's insurance cover the same things as ExactCare Value and add coverage for missed connections and accidental death & dismemberment. The overall amount covered is also increased for each plan respectively.
• Can I get trip insurance for an extended overseas stay? Yes. We can help you with getting insurance for overseas. Please visit our overseas insurance page for information about all the options we have for you!
• Is there travel insurance that can cover my vehicle while traveling to Mexico? Your US auto insurance policy won't cover your vehicle when you drive into Mexico. We're here to help you find the Mexico car insurance you need to insure your car.
• Tips for saving money on your next vacation. No one wants to overpay things. We're here to help. Check out our 5 ways to save your money on your next family vacation.
• Where you're going
• Number of days you're traveling
• Cost of your overall trip
• Coverage you pick
• Number of people covered under your policy

If you choose to get a rate quote or service your policy online, you will be taken to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection website which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, not GEICO. Any information that you provide directly to Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company on its website is subject to the privacy policy posted on their website, which you should read before proceeding. GEICO assumes no responsibility for their privacy practices or your use of their website.

ExactCare is provided through Berkshire Hathaway Global Insurance Services, LLC. ExactCare and AirCare are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company. Both coverages are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC.

Benefits may vary by jurisdiction. Please contact a representative to confirm availability.

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

Colorado Language Preference

Are you a resident of or looking for insurance in the State of Colorado?

We are temporarily unable to provide services in Spanish for Colorado residents. You will now be directed to an English experience.

Estamos encantados de ofrecer nuestra nueva version del sitio web en Español. Apreciamos su paciencia mientras seguimos mejorando su experiencia.

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How do I find a BOC-3 Process Agent and what do they do?

A process agent is a legal representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. Every motor carrier (of property or passengers) shall make a designation for each state in which it is authorized to operate and for each state traversed during such operations (using  Form  BOC - 3 ). Brokers are required to list process agents in each state in which they have an office and in which they write contracts. Many commercial firms will arrange process agents in any state for a fee.

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• pride parade

Thousands line streets for 6th Annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. (WLS) -- Everyone loves a parade, and everyone was invited to the Sixth Annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on Sunday morning.

Onlookers gathered to watch the colorful parade entries. Many sported the rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

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The Pinta family started the parade six years ago.

"We thought it would be us and our family and tree groups walking down the street, looking at trees," Bob Pinta said.

Instead, it has grown to more than 100 units with plenty of music and a family-friendly atmosphere for the several thousand people lining the streets.

"Who doesn't love a parade that celebrates love, inclusivity and free candy?" said parade-goer Barry Stark.

SEE ALSO | State Department issues travel alert for LGBTQ people, events abroad

Molly Pinta and her mother first started the Gay-Straight Alliance in their school, and it led to this Pride festival and parade.

"There are plenty of people in the community, at my school who don't get that support, and that's who this parade is for," Molly said.

In this election year, there are also lots of politicians, including President Joe Biden, or at least, his likeness.

"We did see that. I asked where Jill was. She was not in the car!" said parade-goer Lori Blum.

Many in the LGBTQ+ community are concerned the political gains they have made in recent years could be in jeopardy, and they are focused on getting out the vote.

READ MORE | City of Chicago allows more entries for Chicago Pride Parade 2024 in June

"It's important to show that everyone's voice matters," said parade-goer Yusuf Tewolde.

"It is dire that we get out the vote," said parade organizer Carolyn Pinta.

Many of these folks will be celebrating Pride for all of June, including at the Chicago Pride Parade at the end of the month.

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LGBTQ+ Pride Month is starting to show its colors around the world. What to know

A performer advocates for LGBTQ+ youth on the steps of Scranton City Hall Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Scranton, Pa. Pride Month is kicking off around the world with parades and festivals in cities large and small. The annual celebrations of LGBTQ+ people and culture began Saturday against a complicated backdrop of backlashes. (AP Photo/Jeff McMillan)

FILE - Revelers participate in the NYC Pride March, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in New York. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

A performer advocates for drag on the steps of Scranton City Hall Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Scranton, Pa. Pride Month is kicking off around the world with parades and festivals in cities large and small. The annual celebrations of LGBTQ+ people and culture began Saturday against a complicated backdrop of backlashes. (AP Photo/Jeff McMillan)

FILE - A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/Kristen Norman, File)

FILE - Revelers fill Market St. while marching in San Francisco’s Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

FILE- In this Aug. 31,1970 file photo, an NYPD officer grabs a youth by the hair as another officer clubs a young man during a confrontation in Greenwich Village after a demonstration march in New York. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - Demonstrators carry signs down Hollywood Boulevard calling to end the discrimination on June 29, 1970, in Hollywood, Calif. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - A guest wears a Pride-themed Mickey Ears hat at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, June 3, 2023. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP, File)

FILE - Mac Weatherill, left, and Yexara Colón Martinez, second from left, hold transgender pride fans as they help carry a large rainbow flag on their fourth anniversary during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Parade participants wave to spectators during the Nashville Pride Parade Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

FILE - Signs and slogans broadcast the cause at a gay rights demonstration, June 5, 1979 in New York. Pride Month starts Saturday, June 1, 2024, across the U.S. and the globe, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. The main events are parades and festivals held in cities large and small. (AP Photo/Jerry Mosey, File)

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Pride Month, the worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicks off Saturday with events around the globe.

But this year’s festivities in the U.S. will unfold against a backdrop of dozens of new state laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender young people.

FILE - Revelers participate in the NYC Pride March, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

Here are things to know about the celebrations and the politics around them.

WHY IS JUNE PRIDE MONTH?

FILE - Demonstrators carry signs down Hollywood Boulevard calling to end the discrimination on June 29, 1970, in Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/File)

The monthlong global celebration began with Gay Pride Week in late June 1970, a public celebration that marked the first anniversary of the violent police raid at New York’s Stonewall Inn , a gay bar.

At a time when LGBTQ+ people largely kept their identity or orientation quiet, the June 28, 1969, raid sparked a series of protests and catalyzed the movement for rights .

FILE - A Grand Haven Pride Fest attendee is seen cheering during a drag show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich., on Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Kristen Norman, File)

The first pride week featured marches in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, and it has grown ever since. Some events fall outside of June: Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride was in April and Rio de Janeiro has a major event in November.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.

WHAT’S BEING CELEBRATED?

Pride’s hallmark rainbow-laden parades and festivals celebrate the progress the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement has made.

In the U.S. in April, a federal appeals court ruled North Carolina and West Virginia’s refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory.

In one compromise in March, a settlement of legal challenges to a Florida law critics called “Don’t Say Gay” clarifies that teachers can have pictures on their desks of their same-sex partners and books with LGBTQ+ themes. It also says books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes can remain in campus libraries and gay-straight alliance chapters at schools need not be forced underground.

Greece this year legalized same-sex marriage , one of three dozen nations around the world to do so, and a similar law approved in Estonia in June 2023 took effect this year.

WHAT’S BEING PROTESTED?

Rights have been lost around the world, including heavy prison sentences for gay and transgender people in Iraq and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” in Uganda . More than 60 countries have anti-LGBTQ+ laws, advocates say.

FILE- In this Aug. 31,1970 file photo, an NYPD officer grabs a youth by the hair as another officer clubs a young man during a confrontation in Greenwich Village after a demonstration march in New York. (AP Photo/File)

Tightening of those laws has contributed to the flow of people from Africa and the Middle East seeking asylum in Europe.

In recent years, Republican-controlled U.S. states have been adopting policies that target LGBTQ+ people, and particularly transgender people, in various ways.

Twenty-five states now have laws banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Some states have taken other actions, with laws or policies primarily keeping transgender girls and women out of bathrooms and sports competitions that align with their gender.

GOP state attorneys general have challenged a federal regulation , set to take effect in August, that would ban the bathroom bans at schools. There also have been efforts to ban or regulate drag performances .

Most of the policies are facing legal challenges.

FILE - Mac Weatherill, left, and Yexara Colón Martinez, second from left, hold transgender pride fans as they help carry a large rainbow flag on their fourth anniversary during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 , leading to restrictive abortion laws in most GOP-controlled states, LGBTQ+ advocates are worried about losing ground too, said Kevin Jennings, CEO of nonprofit civil rights organization Lambda Legal. On the eve of Pride, the organization announced a $180 million fundraising goal for more lawyers to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Progress such as the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide could be lost without political and legal vigilance, Jennings said.

“Our community looks at what happened to reproductive rights thanks to the Dobbs decision two years ago and has enormous anxiety over whether we’re about to have a massive rollback of what we’ve gained in the 55 years since Stonewall,” Jennings said.

WHAT ABOUT BUSINESSES?

While big businesses from Apple to Wells Fargo sponsor events across the U.S., a pushback made ripples last year at one major discount retailer.

Target was selling Pride-themed items last June but removed some from stores and moved displays to the back of some locations after customers tipped them over and confronted workers. The company then faced additional backlash from customers who were upset the retailer gave in to people prejudiced against LGBTQ+ people.

This year, the store has said it would not carry the items at all its stores. But the company remains a major sponsor of NYC Pride.

ARE EVENTS SAFE?

Keeping the events safe is the top priority, organizers said, but there could be challenges.

The FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory in May that foreign terrorist organizations could target events associated with Pride. The same month, the State Department renewed a security warning for Americans overseas , especially LGBTQ+ people and events globally.

Law enforcement officials noted ISIS sympathizers were arrested last year for attempting to attack a June 2023 Pride parade in Vienna and that ISIS messaging last year called for followers to attack “soft targets.”

The agencies say people should always watch out for threats made online, in person or by mail. People should take note if someone tries to enter a restricted area, bypass security or impersonate law enforcement and call 911 for emergencies and report threats to the FBI.

NYC Pride has a heavy security presence and works with city agencies outside the perimeter, said Sandra Perez, the event’s executive director. The group expects 50,000 people marching in its June 30 parade and more than 1.5 million people watching.

“The fight for liberation isn’t over,” Perez said. “The need to be visible and the need to be mindful of what we need to do to ensure that the future generations don’t have these struggles is really top of mind.”

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

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