Agent reveals tips after 53 years of service

Fifty-seven percent of Americans are expected to go on a summer vacation this year, venturing 100-plus miles from home for at least a week, according to www.travelweekly.com.

            For those considering travel this summer, expert travel agents have a few ways for you to stretch your dollar further.

“Come see me [at the Recreation, Information, Tickets and Tours office aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico],” said Georgette Stuparitz, travel agent for more than 40 years. “Travel agents can save you money.”

Stuparitz noted that travel agents often receive information on travel deals and reaffirmed the integrity of travel agents by noting that travel agents don’t scam or overcharge travelers because they want the repeat business.

There are many promotions and discounts available for military vacationers who are willing to look for them.

“Armed Forces Vacation Club caters to the military,” said Stuparitz.

Companies such as Pleasant Holidays, Sandals, Disney and Globus Tours, all give military discounts, she added.  

AAA is a great company that can save people money on trip packs/road trips, or vacationers can save money by looking into military travel voucher rates, which are contracted discounted rates, for the military, said Stuparitz. Places like Myrtle Beach, S.C., Orlando, Fla., and the 11 Great Wolf Lodge locations nation-wide and many hotels in have these rates, she said.

Stuparitz also gave warning to common mistakes many vacationers make including: not including passport costs into one’s budget, assuming amenities such as food or other items are included in costs when they aren’t and remembering that countries south of the equator, such as South America and Australia, have opposite seasons to the U.S.

“If you see deals that are too good to be true, they are too good to be true,” said Stuparitz. “There are a lot of hidden costs that don’t come out until later. Make sure you have your ducks in a row.”

Experts also add that checking airfares on Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be less expensive than other days.

For those wanting the best deals, Stupartiz recommends cruises as a good choice.

“[People can get] excellent deals on cruises, more bang for your buck, because almost everything is included and rates are very reasonable.”

Stupartiz recommends cruises, Disney vacations in Orlando, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Mexico for families current looking for the best vacation spots.

Skeptics not convinced that vacationing is for them, may find a change of mind from Stuparitz’s advice.

“Do it for the mental health, experience of seeing new places and things, memories and good times,” said Stuparitz. “Vacations bring families together. They’re a reason for families to be together enjoying the same things.”