about us
By sharing my firsthand knowledge of the most popular resorts and cruises, I’ll make sure your vacation is truly memorable. Unlike booking websites, I’ll go above and beyond to make sure all your needs are met and all your questions are answered. That’s personal attention you won’t find anywhere else.
Your vacation is an investment, not only financially, but also of your time and emotions. Somerset Travels is committed to making sure your investment is everything you have dreamt of and more. |
about our founder - Lisa Balek, CTA
Lisa Balek, CTA owner My mission is to bring your dreams to life through an exceptional travel experience, from the day we start planning until you return home and on future travel plans. I stay current and up to date on all international protocols. I make sure you are up to date on all changes and updates to your destination. |
My career in travel started out as a genuine passion for vacations…and all that comes with it! I enjoy every stage of the planning process and love helping others make their travel dreams a reality. With my agency, no detail of your trip is overlooked and you’ll always receive the best value. In addition to traveling to many of the most popular destinations myself, I am a Certified Travel Associate (CTA), having earned my designation from The Travel Institute, the oldest and most respected non-profit certification organization in the travel industry. Much like an accountant or doctor with their respective credentials, my CTA designation means that I am committed to upholding the highest standards of my profession while providing expert advice to my customers. Here are a few things that you can be 100% confident in when working with me:
|
why use a travel advisor?
1. Experience. Travel advisors know the market and will be able to match you with a better product than you can find on the Internet.
2. Advocate. If something goes wrong on your trip, a good travel agent will go to bat for you - no matter who is at fault - and try to get your vacation back on track.
3. Resources. Travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn't know about. They can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.
4. Convenience. Your time is valuable and you shouldn't have to spend it searching for the right vacation. A travel agent can do that for you. They can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw on television. There is a difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires. Destinations may look good on TV but not actually be ideal for you personally. Travel agents can help you define what it is you want to get out of a vacation.
5. Relationships. As you develop a relationship with your travel agent, they are able to target the right trips for you without even having a conversation. Ideally, a simple phone call or email could result in your next vacation -- already planned.
2. Advocate. If something goes wrong on your trip, a good travel agent will go to bat for you - no matter who is at fault - and try to get your vacation back on track.
3. Resources. Travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn't know about. They can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.
4. Convenience. Your time is valuable and you shouldn't have to spend it searching for the right vacation. A travel agent can do that for you. They can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw on television. There is a difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires. Destinations may look good on TV but not actually be ideal for you personally. Travel agents can help you define what it is you want to get out of a vacation.
5. Relationships. As you develop a relationship with your travel agent, they are able to target the right trips for you without even having a conversation. Ideally, a simple phone call or email could result in your next vacation -- already planned.
6. Save money. Often, travel agents can save you money based on their supplier relationships -- or at least match the price you find -- while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into trips. A travel agent will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book yourself won't include those, making the experience appear cheaper.
7. Added Value. There are a lot of value-adds that consumers don't even know about that can be added by a travel agent. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn't? They probably used a travel agent.
8. Better destinations. Travel agents have inside information on the best times to go to crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new "it" destinations are going to be before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a travel agent.
9. Exclusive access. Some tours and experiences are only available through
a travel agent. Many companies offer a lot of components and simply want to make sure a customer is right for their experience -- exotic tours, treks, private jet products are often only available through an agent.
10. Because they are all walks of life. Travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you'll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count -- they have been professors, hotel owners, tour guides, bus drivers. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing the world with you. Take advantage of their services.
7. Added Value. There are a lot of value-adds that consumers don't even know about that can be added by a travel agent. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn't? They probably used a travel agent.
8. Better destinations. Travel agents have inside information on the best times to go to crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new "it" destinations are going to be before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a travel agent.
9. Exclusive access. Some tours and experiences are only available through
a travel agent. Many companies offer a lot of components and simply want to make sure a customer is right for their experience -- exotic tours, treks, private jet products are often only available through an agent.
10. Because they are all walks of life. Travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you'll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count -- they have been professors, hotel owners, tour guides, bus drivers. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing the world with you. Take advantage of their services.
find us on facebook... |
follow us on instagram... |