I have been a professional travel agent for seven years. I currently operate Travel by Heather in association with A World of Travel, ltd. of Gilbert, Arizona. Before starting my own business I worked as a vacation specialist in A World of Travel’s offices for six years.

Why do I love being a travel agent? Two reasons: first, helping people plan an exciting vacation is a lot of fun, almost as much fun as going yourself. It is very gratifying to explore options, make recommendations and take care of the details, and then have the client return from a trip and tell me what a wonderful time they had.

The second reason is the traveling that I get to do. One of the great benefits of being an agent is the opportunity to visit exciting vacation destinations so that I may give my clients the benefit of “having been there.”

• I’ve snorkeled along the coral reefs of the beautiful, laid-back islands of French Polynesia in the South Pacific like Tahiti and Bora-Bora.
• I’ve “hung loose” on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii.
• I’ve danced the Salsa in Mexican hotspots like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
• Ya Mon! I’ve sailed to beautiful Caribbean islands like Barbados, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia and my all-time favorite, Jamaica (so many times that my Jamaican friends call me “Jamerican.”)
• I’ve explored the museums and restaurants of Paris and walked through Monet’s gardens. I’ve watched Lance Armstrong win the Tour de France and the Running of the Bulls in Spain.
• I’ve walked the streets of Manhattan and the decks of many cruise ships.
• Plus much more!

Hey, that was a lot of hard work! Along the way I’ve enhanced my education as an agent. I’ve acquired specialist status from my friends at Sandals Resorts, Outrigger Hotels and from the Mexican Board of Tourism.

There’s another benefit to striking off on my own with Travel by Heather: time. I can spend as much time as I need to help my clients and provide an added measure of customer service: I can come to you. I can visit you at your home or place of business to provide you with brochures and literature or to drop off your travel documents so that you won’t have to visit an office.

When you’re ready to start planning your next getaway, give me a call. I promise I’ll work hard to make your vacation planning convenient, affordable and fun!