Like My Detail-oriented Travel Style? Let me Plan and Book Your Trips
With a lifetime of travel planning experience, and an in-depth knowledge of many destinations, I can offer you a completely curated trip from start to finish. Customer service is deeply ingrained in everything I do, and I will strive to be sure you have your dream vacation every time.
In August, I began the process of researching the right travel agency to join. It was important to find one that does the type of travel my friends, family and people reading this site prefer. Flexible, independent, experiential travel – be it to cities rich in culture and culinary; ancient ruins or historical sites; or beach areas with great food, nightlife and high quality snorkeling and diving.
I found that agency in Marshall’s World of Travel, run by the wonderful Carol Costa Marshall. As an agent with more than 16 years experience and a leader in the travel community, she is a knowledgable, warm individual who will work with me to create trips that exceed your expectations.
Three things made me decide to become a travel agent with Marshall’s World of Travel:
- Thanks to Carol I discovered that even with all my expertise researching and planning trips, there are drastic discounts in consolidator airfares; and hotels and packages made available only to travel agents.
- Being on hold with Jet Blue for almost 2 hours when my flight to NYC was cancelled due to a major storm. Had I booked through an agent she would have solved the problem while I was at the beach. Luckily, I was staying with family; imagine the price of this call from one of St. Barth’s 500 euro/night hotel rooms!
- I emailed 3 agent acquaintances to help with the above. One was involved with a family emergency; one wouldn’t help since she didn’t book the trip (despite a month of free telemarketing for her in August, oh well); and the 3rd – Carol – responded quickly to ask how she could help. It was too late, but I didn’t forget.
Why or when should you use a travel agent?
- Anytime, for any trip – especially if you’re a novice traveler.
- More complex trips, with multiple components or destinations.
- If you have no interest in planning trips, or are too busy to plan a specific trip.
- Cruises – with so many options, cabin classes, ship characters, special offers, and room for error it makes sense to use an expert.
- Winter flights departing or returning to snow-prone destinations – or if your plane could be originating in a snow-prone destination.
- If/when you feel overwhelmed by the research and planning and want assistance.
- To book just the components of the trip you need help with (hotels in rural locations, transfers, excursions best booked in advance)
- Group travel. An agent can negotiate amenities for your group, and special rates you might not know exist.
Some of the places we can book for you:
Mexico. I made my first trip to Mexico in 1989 and have been traveling there annually ever since. A Yucatan Peninsula Destination Expert on Tripadvisor, I know the colonial cities, small towns, Maya ruins and beach areas of the Yucatan well.
Whether you’re interested in a fantastic cooking school in central Mexico, the wonderful cities of Mexico City, Tlaxcala, and Puebla – or further exploration in the country – I have the expertise and contacts to arrange an excellent trip for you.
France. My first solo trip when I was 15, I’ve been visiting Southwest France and Paris regularly. Having lived with and maintained strong contacts with a French family, I know the customs and tips that can enhance any trip to France and eliminate most of the negative issues travelers encounter.
From Paris’ best neighborhoods for your style of travel; restaurants, museums, wine bars and off the beaten track locations; to the Cote Basque, I can plan an amazing trip in France for you and prepare you with as much or as little area information as you desire.
French Wine River Cruises. I am putting a group together now for a luxury wine-focused river cruise for 2015 in Bordeaux including tastings at St. Emilion, Cadillac, a Cognac producer and more. Please email eva at suitcaseready.com for more information. A certified River Cruise Specialist with Uniworld, Avalon Waterways and Viking, I plan to add more river cruise certifications shortly.
Belize. I’ve been going to Belize since 2003 and am a Belize Destination Specialist. Having spent time on Ambergris Caye, two private atoll dive lodges (one an eco-resort), an inland jungle lodge, Belize City, and Hopkins, I have explored much of the country and its variety of levels of service for travelers. Whether you never want to leave the beach – or partake in water sports; exploring local cultures like the Maya and Garifuna; and try excellent local food, beer and local rums, I have insider’s knowledge to design the perfect trip for you. I also know a great local (American) fixer in Belize who facilitates special arrangements for film/TV shoots, destination weddings, and unique excursions.
Peru. A certified Peru Agent Specialist, I can book your trips to Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Puno, and other major sights in Peru. Whether your budget is large or small, I can probably create a package that works for you.
Saint Barthelemy. Take advantage of my relationships with hotels, villas and a friendly/well stocked car rental agency on the island. As the travel partner of the Saint Barth Dental Association, I make all hotel, villa and car rental arrangements for dental attendees and their significant others. This spectacular island boasts many undeveloped beaches, excellent French restaurants, world class shopping for luxury and the chic-est clothing/accessories available. I can tell you where to shop, eat, beach, hang at night – and navigate the complex travel arrangements that make this exclusive island elusive.
St. Lucia. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, romantic honeymoon or just a relaxing trip with great food, outdoors activities or spa services, I can suggest the best resort, hotel and handle all arrangements for you. As a St. Lucia Destination Specialist, I am well versed on the properties, restaurants, activities and special locations for your dream wedding.
New York and nearby cities. Dreaming of visiting NYC but don’t know where to start? As a long-time resident, well connected NY travel blogger, and NYC fanatic, let me arrange your trip and show you the best New York has to offer. I can also arrange combo trips to NYC and any other US destinations you want to visit.
Major US cities/sights. As a top media salesperson for 20+ years, I’ve entertained clients at some of the best restaurants in US cities, often flying to Chicago just for lunch. With extensive travels and downtime in Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, San Diego, Boston, Providence, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, I know the best hotels for all budgets, the dining scene, major sights, great tours, and how to maximize business trips by extending a few days to explore.
If you’ve always wanted to visit Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque in New Mexico, I have a great route for you, with hotels for all budgets, noted restaurants, museums, Georgia O’Keeffe settings, and Indian communities.
London. I lived in London during college and have made frequent return trips in the years since. Each trip I stay in a different neighborhood to broaden my knowledge of this city. I can provide you with lists of restaurants, shopping areas, markets, sights – and the most important tip of all: always look left – as well as right – when crossing the street.
Guatemala. Interested in Maya ruins and culture, weaving, colonial cities, textile shopping or learning Spanish? Having made 4 trips to this exotic and varied country, I have spent quality time at Tikal, Antigua, and the towns around Lake Atitlan. If budget is holding you back from travel – I know a place where $8/night charming hotel rooms are the norm – as long as you don’t mind a “suicide” shower and no towel hook in the bathroom.
India. My relationship with an Indian travel company based in Delhi, affords you custom arrangements at the best rates, insider’s knowledge of where to stay, visit, and see exactly what interests you in India.
Having spent significant time in SE Asia; Caribbean islands known for snorkeling and diving (Bonaire, Cayman, BVIs); Jamaica; Panama; Ecuador; Spain; Canada; England; Ireland; Malta; Italy; Spain; and most of the US, I can also style fantastic trips to these locations.
Whether you want me to plan and book your entire trip, or to plan/book a single component an existing itinerary, please email me at Eva at SuicaseReady.com or by filling out the contact form here.
In order to entice you to utilize my service, all trip planning fees will be waived for 6 months from the date of this post – if you book travel with me.
Trip research and planning is also available, without booking, for a $250 fee.
I look forward to working with you to plan your best trips ever!