Accessibility Summit 2016

Two weekends ago, Trippin' with Jamie was at the annual Accessibility Summit held at Mclean Bible Church. It is a great event held to connect families with special needs to vendors, service providers, and other families as well as offering seminars and workshops taught by professionals in the field on various topics all focusing on dealing with special needs.

This is one of our favorite events to attend because it brings together a wide variety of parents, service providers, educators, and specialists all focused on helping families with special needs navigate through life. It is also an incredible reminder of why we do what we do.

I (Jamie) began Trippin' with Jamie in April 2014 after many years of planning our own family vacations and the increasing special needs that came as my daughter dealt with various medical issues and eventually was diagnosed with a rare disease. What used to be planning a simple ski vacation or all-inclusive resort now had a bit more complexity. How do we bring her feeding tube formula? Will the cruise ship have enough outlets to charge her various medical devices? Are we close enough to the slopes to go back mid-day to rest for a while? Are the layovers long enough to allow her to take her service dog out to go to the bathroom and make it back through security before the next flight?

Traveling has become much more complicated. But that doesn't mean it had to become less enjoyable. Things take more time to plan now, but we have continued to travel and continue to build family memories on all sorts of different trips. We've gone white water rafting in West Virginia, gone on a cruise to Alaska, she has stayed at bed and breakfasts, and is looking forward to both Disney and San Francisco later this year.

Yes, traveling with special needs is more challenging and it's not easy. But life with special needs is challenging and not easy. Trippin' with Jamie can't make your trip easy or take away those special needs, but we can make it easier. We offer our expertise in the travel industry and understanding from our personal experiences to offer suggestions and tips to help you make your trip as easy as possible. Some of my family's best memories have come from trips we have taken. We are in this business because we want families to know that having special needs doesn't mean that these memories are not an option for you. Traveling may still be a challenge, but we are here to help you navigate through the craziness of travel planning to make it easier for you. Special needs don't mean you can't have vacation memories, it just means that your memories will be that much more special.

Avoiding Common Disney "Mistakes"

Disney is a popular destination for all sorts of travelers. There is a little bit of everything and even the most differing opinions can usually agree that Disney seems to be able to provide something for everyone. Booking a trip to Disney is an exciting time for the whole family. But as soon as the rooms are booked, the questions start coming...Which parks to go to? Do we need a meal plan? Should we plan out each day or just be spontaneous? Is park hopping a good idea? It can feel overwhelming. While a lot of questions can only be answered by your family, here are some mistakes that hopefully you can avoid on your way to having that magical vacation experience.

1) Not Arriving When the Park Opens

I know, who wants to get up early on vacation? Well, if you're anything like the Trippin' with Jamie family, sleeping just doesn't happen after about 7:30 am even on vacation! But, for everyone who has slightly more "normal" sleep patterns while on vacation, here is some motivation to maybe consider getting up early.

Disney has what is called the Rope Drop each morning right when the part opens. There is a small ceremony and after the park is open for everyone who is waiting. This is a great time to see some attractions with fewer people around, meet some characters without having to wait in super long lines, and be able to enjoy the parks in a quieter atmosphere.

2) Not Going to ______________ First

Take a look at your must-see attractions. Not everyone has the same priorities for seeing the parks, and that is okay, but make sure you know what is important to the people in your group. If you have the chance to spend multiple days in the parks, try to schedule one must-see each day. When you arrive at the park (when it opens, of course =P), go straight to that attraction. If you do arrive early enough, there may be little to no wait. Even if there is a wait, by prioritizing this must-see activity, you guarantee that you will get to enjoy it. If you wait around hoping for shorter lines, that may not happen and you have to decide whether to wait in a long line at the end of the day when everyone is already tired and cranky or skipping this must-see attraction and missing out on something important.

3) Not Arriving Early for Parades

If you are interested in any of the parades offered twice a day at Magic Kingdom, be prepared to plan ahead! Parades are very popular, and if you don't know what to expect, you may find yourself stuck behind rows of people and your kids unable to see any of the characters. Plan to arrive at least an hour before the start of the parade to find a prime spot to watch from. If you have a FastPass or have a member with special needs in your party, you will not need to arrive quite as early.

4) Not Utilizing the FastPass

Whether you choose to purchase FastPasses or are traveling with a disability and have the option of using them, make sure to plan ahead so you can best utilize the benefits of these passes. While you won't be able to walk right onto the rides, you will get a return time so you can enjoy other parts of the park instead of waiting on line. Decide ahead of time which rides you want to use the FastPasses on first, and also make a plan for how to spend the waiting time. If you like to stay busy, plan to ride some of the smaller, less popular attractions while waiting for your FastPass time as those are likely to have little to no wait. If you need some down-time throughout your day, you can use some of these wait times to find some air conditioning or do some light shopping in a quieter location.

5) Skipping Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

Even if you're not a night person and like to get to bed early (like those of us at Trippin' with Jamie), plan at least one night to stay to see the incredible firework display and character show of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. No visit to Disney is complete without viewing this iconic evening production. As mentioned above, make sure to arrive early to get a prime viewing spot.

6) Not Staying in a Disney Resort

When you go to Disney, there are certain things you can do to maximize the value of your stay. While it may seem more expensive to stay in a Disney resort, it ends up giving you more value for your money. Plus, with the wide variety of resorts, there is something for every budget and personality. By staying in a Disney resort, you have much easier access to the parks and will save considerable time getting to and from the parks each day. For anyone traveling with special needs, Trippin' with Jamie HIGHLY recommends staying in a Disney resort. Few places rival Disney in providing accommodations for special needs, plus it will make each day easier as you are close to the parks and right on the bus line. Each property has its own personality and provides additional perks only available for guests staying on the property. Plus you know that the service will be held to the highest Disney standards.

7) Park Hopping

We understand that when you go to Disney, you want to be sure to get the most for the cost of the tickets. However, you actually lose a lot of park time by trying to see multiple parks in one day. When you try to park hop, you spend a lot of time exiting the first park, waiting for the buses, traveling between parks, then entering the next park and getting to the attractions. Instead, choose one park for each day you are at Disney. If you only have a few days, determine what the must-see attractions are and plan to go to those parks. Yes, you  might not get to all the parks, but you will be able to maximize the time you have in each park you do go to. Plus then you have an excuse to plan another trip to Disney!

We hope that these tips will help you as you plan your trip to Disney. Give Trippin' with Jamie a call and let us help you plan your trip and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your trip. Whether you're a Disney fanatic or this is your first trip, we would like to help you design a trip that will create memories to last a lifetime.

New Year's Travel Resolutions

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2016!!

Here are some of the top trends in travel that we are seeing for 2016:

• Travel for Impact: There are more options than ever where you can do more than just relax on your vacation, you can make a difference. Families with children 8 and older can combine cruising to the Dominican Republic or Cuba and work alongside like-minded travels to make a difference while becoming immersed in other cultures.  
• Travel the Road Less Traveled: We are seeing more interest in Iceland, Patagonia, Thailand and Cambodia. Whether it is a land trip to see the Northern Lights or a river cruise with 30 other people on the Irawaddy, unique experiences are surprisingly affordable.
• Travel to mark milestones: More and more people are taking multi-family and multi-generational trips to mark significant milestones. Recognizing that family memories trump things, people are choosing cruises, all-inclusives, and even safaris not only to mark the event, but to draw the family closer together.
• Value over cost: The difference between a good and a fabulous vacation can be a few hundred dollars, or might not even cost anything extra. More and more people are using travel agents to get the most bang for their buck and to get the best fit for them. 

As you budget for your 2016 vacation, give Trippin' with Jamie a call to help you best plan your travel. While there are deals available online, the fine print might just be enough to take away from your dream trip. You might get a great price on that balcony room, but did you know it was obstructed? You arrive at a highly anticipated port only to discover that your wheelchair cannot be accommodated on the tender. You get exhausted walking on the huge cruise ships and didn't realize you could get a motorized scooter to help. While not every situation can be anticipated, the more you travel, the more you can properly prepare. Team up with an experienced agent who has been there and done it all before, to help make the best memories.

TrippinwithJamie@gmail.com

TrippinwithJamie.com

River, Ocean, or Both??

One of the questions we get a lot is whether it is better to do an ocean cruise or a river cruise. Our answer is "yes"!  Or, as I learned in school, "it depends."

Vacationing is an investment in memories and every person values those experiences differently. As travel agents our job is to assist the client in maximizing the value of their vacation dollar. Depending on the specific likes and needs, either cruise could be ideal.

Here are some considerations we discuss with our clients.  For the sake of simplicity, we are comparing a typical European river cruise with an ocean cruise on one of the major cruise lines.

-  Are you willing to fly?  Approximately 50% of Americans live within a 6 hour drive of an ocean cruise port meaning you can start your vacation without having to add flights to your schedule or budget. Taking a river cruise will most likely require you to fly to Europe.

-  Do you have a passport?  While you will NEED a passport for a European river cruise, it is only highly recommended to have one for an ocean cruise. Even if your cruise starts and ends from a US port, it is still recommended to have a passport for international destinations, such as the Bahamas. However, it IS possible to take an ocean cruise without a passport.

-  Do you have any mobility issues?  River cruises typically cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Ocean cruise ships are very large and can tire a person out just walking the length of the ship. They typically have accessible staterooms and are mostly wheelchair accessible.

-  Do you enjoy drinking?   River cruises often include drinks with meals, so your stateroom rate includes meals with drinks. On an ocean cruise, you may be able to purchase a drink package ahead of time so you don't have to pay each time, but you will need to make sure to budget for your beverages above the cost of your cruise.

- Are you traveling with children?  River cruises typically (with the exception of a few Disney river cruises) do not have organized activities for children, but older children are allowed. Ocean cruises are usually well known for having very robust youth programs starting at a very young age through teenagers.

- Are you a foodie?  River cruises often specialize in the local cuisine with fewer choices in a more refined dining environment. Ocean cruises have a much wider variety of dining options, and also offer specialty dining, but you will pay extra for the specialty options.

- Do you want to interact with your fellow passengers?  River cruises are more intimate and the demographics leans towards an older crowd than ocean cruises. There are ocean cruises that foster a similar demographic as river cruises, but most are regarded as much more upbeat, family focused, and activity based.

Either type of cruising provides opportunities for a great experience. River cruises tend to be more focused on the destinations (the ports you will visit) while ocean cruise ships are destinations in and of themselves while still stopping at a few ports along the way.

December is a great time to plan a vacation for the family or surprise your loved ones with a special trip. Cruising packages and itineraries have been released through 2017, so there are plenty of options to choose from and time to prepare.  In addition, deposits are typically refundable until 90 days prior to sailing, so you can book your trip now and spread out your payments.

Contact Trippin' with Jamie before year's end to discuss your next cruise vacation and find the best pricing and availability!

Cruise Planning 101

First-time cruisers typically start a conversation with us in one of two ways:

Client #1 - They want to cruise to a specific destination and just want the cheapest option

OR

Client #2 - They want to try cruising but with so many options, they don't know where to begin.

I was Client #1 on my second cruise.  I was leaving out of Baltimore for spring break with my teenagers.  We were looking for two cabins and I just wanted to do this cheaply.  It turns out we could upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony for $50 for the week.  The weather cooperated and the balcony was greatly appreciated.

I was Client #2 when I decided to take the family to Alaska.  There are more than 120 Alaska cruises departing during the one week period where everyone's schedules aligned!  The specific itinerary, departure port, stateroom selections, activity and food options, along with duration and cost all factor into determining the best cruise for the experience.  This was when I was glad to be in the travel industry!

In both situations, Trippin' with Jamie can help.  But also in both situations, we need to take a step back and start with a conversation on what is the real desire behind the vacation.

The reality of cruise pricing is that the base fare will be the same no matter who does the booking. While travel agents may have amenities and other perks that make the deal better than what a client can get booking directly with the cruise line, the real value of a travel agent is to match the desire of the client's heart to what is available.    

Key Goal:  ** Make the experience as close to what the client is dreaming, given their budget **

Our services do not stop once the cruise is decided.  Excursions are key to experiencing the destination -- especially in Alaska.  Again there are many choices and Trippin' with Jamie can help to sift through the tours to select the best value for every experience.

October is Cruise Month.  This is the BEST time to book -- most cruises can be reserved with a small, refundable deposit.  In some cases 2016 cruises have limited availability and 2017 cruises are available now.  Contact Trippin' with Jamie (TrippinwithJamie@gmail.com or 703-973-1334) for more information!

Running in Paradise

Those of you that know me, Jamie, know that I am a runner. I run because I love the feeling of accomplishment and how I feel when I'm done. Last week I participated in a 5k "race" during a week-long training session held in Mexico.

The race was called "Running in Paradise." The setting was absolutely beautiful as we ran along a level path in the Riviera Maya, overlooking the ocean. It was late morning (well, for me it was late, 8 am). The birds were singing and the sun was bright. It was also RIDICULOUSLY humid and hot. I registered for this run because it was inexpensive, benefited homeless animals, and I had eaten way too much amazing food. Plus, I got a bright orange shirt.

The run organizers handed out the cotton shirts and said everyone should wear it for the run. I'm guessing it was so the could keep track of us and get good pictures. After a "call-to-post," a yoga-enthusiast got up and led us in some static stretches...I guess the don't-static-stretch-before-you-run philosophy hasn't reached Mexico yet. Then we were off!

Since I had run approximately 15 miles over the previous 2 days, I knew the heat and humidity was not going to be fun. Wearing the cotton shirt certainly didn't help! But I did have a pretty good idea of how hard I could push it. Some folks took off at the start, and as I suspected, they crashed and burned in the humidity. I must admit, one of my character flaws is the pleasure I get fro plodding past the folks that are walking because they went out too fast. Now I am a big fan of PLANNED walking, but I'm talking about the folks who totally blow their pacing, especially when they are young and male.

The course was mostly flat with a very slight uphill, including two "topes" (speed bumps) and a very large ramp (from the ground level to the first floor of the resort, 18 steps) that we had to run over twice. The course passed under the start line and went out about a half a mile further before the final turnaround so I got to see the soon-to-be winner running at a very nice clip. He was from Ireland and clearly handled the humidity just fine. All of a sudden I had a lady on a bicycle leading me. Since there were only a few of us, we would get bicycle escorts at certain points to make sure we didn't go off course. I got to pretend this was a real race and I was following the lead escort! She kept wanting to make conversation. I was actually able to talk a bit so I must not have been running as hard as I thought. Having the bicycle definitely made me run faster to try to catch her. Then she left to escort someone else and I "sprinted" to the finish.

I was the first female and second overall (Full disclosure: I think there were 5 girls and 2 guys total) with a time of 26:55, well off my PR, especially since my Garmin was dead-on at 3.1 miles, and I'm usually over in a race. Considering the conditions, I was pretty pleased. I grabbed a bottle of water, went to my room, changed into a bathing suit, and swam laps in the very long (about 175 yds) salt water pool. Overall a good training day!

Who else wants to do a Run in Paradise??

Don't Say Good-bye to Summer Yet!

Back to school shopping has begun! Tax free weekends, sales, whole sections of stores dedicated to classroom supplies, backpacks, and lunch boxes. But you don't have to say good-bye to summer just yet! For anyone looking to stretch summer out as long as possible, check out some great last minute deals to help you and your family enjoy the last few weeks of vacation.

RIU Hotels and Resorts has a special at their RIU Caribe Cancun resort in Mexico. It is an all-inclusive resort that can be serviced directly from BWI airport in Maryland. Right on the beach with multiple restaurants to enjoy, this resort provides ocean view rooms for all guests and is a great spot to finish off summer vacation. On select dates and conditions, kids under 12 can stay and eat free, too!

If you've got a bit more time and want more flexibility with your trip dates, Princess Cruises is offering deals on their 10 day cruises. These deals start on August 13 and run through the 23, but the cruises can be taken outside of these dates. There are multiple destinations in the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and along the West Coast for a variety of vacation options. Major discounts are available right now including onboard credit and discounted rates. Call today to schedule your 10-day cruise!

AmResorts is another all-inclusive destination that is offering discounts through September 30. Up to 40% off certain resorts and trips if you call before the end of September and schedule your trip. These locations are great for honeymoons and retirement trips with romantic dining options and golf outings. Many AmResorts have free wi-fi so you can instagram all your fantastic photos to make family and friends wish they had joined you!

For families looking for a last hurrah over Labor Day weekend, Grand Lucayan Resort in the Bahamas is offering fantastic deals September 4-7. Great for families, this resort offers snorkeling, beaches, and many other activities to keep everyone having fun. Some deals also allow kids to stay and eat free!

It's hard to see summer come to an end, but Trippin' with Jamie wants to help you get the most out of your vacation time. Call us today and ask about these incredible end of summer deals and others! Whatever you're looking for in a vacation, we will do our best to help you find that!

Special Needs, Special Times, Trippin' with Jamie

10 Things to Avoid Saying to your Travel Agent

I'm sure we've all read at least one of those "Ten things your plumber want you to know" or "Top ten cat breeds for non-cat owners." This is a list that we adapted from a post we read and customized it for Trippin' with Jamie!

1) "I saw this trip for cheap on Groupon!"

Yes, you probably did. But did you look at the fine print? These deals often have blackout dates and other limitations on when you can travel, some are within a certain date of booking. Says it includes airfare? It might, but it's for a 2-layover flight from Houston to Mexico City and you live in DC. Tips, excursions, drinks, not included. Many times even trips that are advertised as all-inclusive still have limitations that would not otherwise apply if you booked through a travel agent. There is a reason the trips advertised on Groupon are so cheap.

2) "Why should I use Trippin' with Jamie when I can just book it online myself?"

If you're talking about ONLY domestic airfare, you're right. Those prices are fixed and a travel agent cannot provide much added benefit. However, if you're flying to a destination and then need a hotel or resort, rental car, excursions, or any other add-ons, using a travel agent CAN provide extra assistance. Trippin' with Jamie are your travel experts. Just like you are perfectly capable of filing your own taxes, many people still choose to use a tax accountant to make sure everything is done properly and nothing slips through the cracks. A travel agent is an expert in the field of travel. We make sure you get the most value for your money and that nothing slips through the cracks. Are you capable of booking your trips online on your own? Yes. But give us the chance to use our expertise to help you maximize the value of your trip and take care of the little details.

3) "I get a discount because we're friends, right?"

Remember, Trippin' with Jamie does not change anything extra to help you plan your trip. While there may be a booking fee for complicated itineraries, that fee will go toward the total cost of the trip. When we book you a trip, the commission that normally would go back to the companies providing your services comes to us as your agent. We do not charge you extra for our services, and because of that, if we were to give a discount, we would have to cover the difference ourselves. We are often able to find you better value than you might on your own because we have access to agent-only deals, so consider that our gift to you!

4) "I am willing to spend $XXX on airfare and no more."

Okay, we will do what we can to find you a flight for that price, but sometimes what we want is not available. Flights with layovers are typically cheaper than non-stop which can save money. Being flexible with departure or destination cities can also provide options to help you save money. However, if you want a non-stop flight from a specific city to your dream destination, there is only so much we can do.

5) "Do you travel all the time?"

We do enjoy traveling! If we didn't like to travel we wouldn't be in the business! That being said, no, we are not taking your calls from a beach resort in the Caribbean. We spend our time in front of a computer focused on our search engines to find you the best deals. Many times we get ideas for our own travel based on the trips that we book for you!

6) "My dream trip is a cruise around Australia and New Zealand with a stop in Hawaii on the way home. I want everything included, and I can spend $3000 total for a family of 5."

Good luck. We are travel agents, and we will do our best to find you the best deal, but we cannot create discounts that are not realistic. If your dream trip and your budget don't line up, then you either need to adjust your expectations or save for a bit longer. We want to help you, but we have not yet found the destination where money grows on trees. Until then, we can only do so much.

7) "I just want the cheapest price."

We are not looking to up-sell you or try to get you to spend more money for no reason. If we suggest something that may not necessarily be the cheapest options, ask us why. Remember, Trippin' with Jamie is about the best VALUE for your money. The cheapest hotel may have really bad reviews, a bed bug problem, and be in a bad part of town. If you're looking for the lowest price, we can certainly book it for you, but there might be another hotel 5 minutes away for not much more that is a much nicer option. We want you to enjoy your trip, so we are looking for value that fits in your budget.

8) "All these custom fees, tips, and luggage charges are ridiculous. There's no way I'm paying that!"

If you don't want to pay luggage fees, don't check a bag. If you don't want to pay daily resort tips, don't choose an all-inclusive resort. If you don't want to pay customs fees, don't travel internationally. There are certain fees in the travel industry that are non-negotiable. We do not set them and cannot change them. The airlines, resorts, and countries set these fees. If you don't want to have to pay these extras, you will need to choose a trip that avoids them.

9) "Can I have your personal cell number so I can contact you whenever anything goes wrong?"

We want you to have the best vacation possible, and we will do everything we can during the planning to ensure your trip goes smoothly. However, we realize that things can go wrong. Trippin' with Jamie will give you an emergency number that can be used to contact us if there are major problems. However, please do not call us for every little issue. Remember, when you are on vacation, you are onsite. We are still in our home office. We want to help as much as we can, but often it is easier for you to talk with the hotel manager yourself.

10) "Thanks for your help in planning! I'm going to book it online tonight."

While we are glad to help and want you to have the vacation you dreamed of, please recognize that at Trippin' with Jamie, our only income comes from booking trips. If you are not going to book through us, we lose money helping you plan since we are taking time away from other clients. The travel industry is a difficult business since there are so many options available to the general public online. If that is the way you would like to book your trip, you are free to do so. But please do not waste our time asking us to spend time to research options for you, then go book elsewhere.

Of course, there is one thing we always want to hear: "Book'em Dano (Jamie)!"

Things Trippin' with Jamie Wants You To Know About Special Needs Travel

Here at Trippin' with Jamie, our main focus is on helping families with special needs take trips that they may have thought impossible. We do our best to make each trip special, and here are some things we want you to know!

1) We can't make it easy, but we can make it easier.

Anyone who tells you that traveling with special needs is easy has obviously never traveled with special needs. Our goal as your travel agent is to get to know you and your needs. We want to help you plan your trip and anticipate any potential problems so they can be avoided.

2) Know your limits and be realistic.

This goes for anyone traveling, but especially families with special needs. If your child can only manage 4 hours of school before having sensory overload, do not plan to cover Magic Kingdom in a day. You can always add more activities, but a physical or mental breakdown can derail an entire trip. Make sure to schedule rest breaks, plan for the weather (hot, cold, rainy, etc.), and be flexible.

3) Look for value not cost.

This is one of the key vacation planning tips for special needs families. There will always be something cheaper. Instead of focusing on strictly cost, look at what you are getting. Yes, hotels further from Disney are cheaper, but if you have a wheelchair, coolers, medications, and emergency information to carry, is it worth it to use valuable energy just packing and getting to the park? Plus, if you are planning to take rest breaks during the day, staying offsite adds more energy zapping travel to and from. Consider the needs of your family and ask us what options are available. We want you to get the most value for your spending, so ask us how you can save while still getting top value.

4) Be prepared to travel with your special need.

We don't mean packing supplies, we mean be mentally prepared. Whether this is your first vacation as a family or the first since a diagnosis, traveling with a special need can require mental preparation as well as physical. While vacations are often used to escape everyday life, there is no escaping your disability or illness. Recognize that your special need will be coming too and be prepared. It may not be the dream trip you always imagined or the same as vacations used to be before getting sick, but it can still be a great time away as long as you adjust your expectations.

5) Relax and have fun!

Easier said than done, we know, but try! You want this to be a great trip and it can be, just relax. By doing your research up front and allowing Trippin' with Jamie to handle the details, you are free to focus on making memories with your family. Know that things may not be perfect for the whole trip but decide to enjoy whatever comes. Traveling with special needs can be unpredictable, but embracing each moment and celebrating small victories can make any trip special.

Why use Trippin' with Jamie?

Some people think the internet has made it possible for anyone to plan a trip.  If all you want to do is go from point A to point B, that is probably true.  But, if you want to maximize your family experience and get the most value for your vacation investment, you would be wise to use an expert. Someone who lives and breathes travel.  Who knows which deals are really good and which deals will really not save you money after all.

And the best part is, you can have this better experience for no additional expense!  Travel agents are paid by the travel companies.  If you book a trip yourself, the travel company simply makes more money, but enlist in the services of a travel professional and you will get their expertise and have someone watching out for your best interest.

Most people don't have the time to learn all the ins and outs of a constantly changing travel industry. Even if you enjoy planning the trip yourself, having a travel professional review and do the final booking will ensure you haven't made any non-refundable mistakes.  After hours of surfing the internet, IAD and IND may look a lot alike, but these airports are more than a 6 hours drive apart!

For those that need more convincing, here are more reasons to use an agent.

FOR FAMILIES THAT HAVE A FAVORITE SPOT TO VISIT EVERY YEAR:

We have resources for you! While you may already have a time share, or figured out where you will stay, what about excursions nearby? Even traditional family trips can be spiced up with some new adventures. Maybe you've always wanted to try parasailing, or have been dying to visit the local amusement park, whatever it may be, Trippin' with Jamie can help you add some excitement to your relaxing family trip.

FOR FAMILIES THAT KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO:

When you have a specific destination in mind, a travel agent can be a valuable resource in helping you finalize the details of your trip. We have access to deals that are not available in normal searches, and often can find or create packages for your and your family for your chosen vacation. Whether you want the full Disney experience, a cruise to Alaska, or a relaxing all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya, give Trippin' with Jamie a call to see what specials are running and packages we can bundle for you.

FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

Whether you have a family member on the autism spectrum, need wheelchair accessibility, have significant food allergies, or any other special needs, Trippin' with Jamie wants you to know that travel IS POSSIBLE. It may not be easy, but with the help of our experienced consultants, we CAN help make it easier. Give us a call to talk about what options are available and what type of trip may best suit your needs. If you have specific concerns about a bucket list trip you have always wanted to take but thought it was not an option, we can help make it happen!

FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE ELSE:

Don't worry, we didn't forget about you! We can also help with planning just about any type of trip you can imagine, from cruises to skiing to safaris. We help plan honeymoons, destination weddings and vow renewals as well as multi-generational family reunions.  We book rooms for business travel, and coordinate hotel accommodations for out of state medical care. Whatever your travel needs, Trippin' with Jamie is here to help! Give us a call so that we can discuss your particular needs.

For those of you that read the first paragraph and now skipped to the bottom, I'll summarize what I said above. Regardless of your needs, Trippin' with Jamie can make your trip planning easier. Give us a call to find out how we can help with your specific plans!

www.TrippinwithJamie.com

TrippinwithJamie@gmail.com

703-973-1334

Introducing Trippin' with Jamie!

Thank you for visiting! We hope to hear from you soon to book your next vacation. In the mean time, let me introduce you to the face behind Trippin' with Jamie.

Jamie began Trippin' with Jamie after leaving a long corporate career in in risk analysis and management in the mortgage industry.  She wanted to take her love to travel and use it to make a difference in the lives of others.  Her goal as a travel agent is to help families build stronger bonds and lasting memories that include all family members regardless of their special needs.

A mom of two adult children, she has been planning vacations since her children were small. She continues to plan family get-a-ways, that now include her son-in-law. With trips to more than 20 ski resorts, all-inclusives, cruises on multiple cruise lines, dude ranches, beach and lake house rentals and of course Disney, she has a breadth of understanding in the industry.

Her passion for special needs grew after her daughter struggled with a mystery ailment for many years that included, among other things, severe allergic reactions.  Vacations became complicated with a great deal of pre-work required.  Still determined to enjoy family trips, Jamie found ways for her family to travel even with their special needs. As she became more integrated into the special needs community, she wanted to leverage her knowledge and experience to help those families experience what many others take for granted. While she knows that travel with special needs may not be easy, she aims to make it easier by reducing the stress of planning and coordinating details to find the best value for her clients.

When she is not booking trips (call today!) or traveling herself, she enjoys distance running and triathlons, spending time with her husband and 2 dogs, fostering dogs for a local rescue organization, and chocolate!