Questions About Using a Travel Agent
Everything you need to know about working with a travel advisor and creating your perfect journey
We design stress-free, custom vacations for clients across Chattanooga and the Tri-State area - and beyond. Whether you're dreaming of Europe, a luxury cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, we handle the planning so you can enjoy your trip without the hassle. We also offer vacation rental concierge services in the Chattanooga area, including grocery stocking, celebration setups, and welcome baskets.
A travel advisor does the research for you, adds perks at many hotels that you can't get booking on your own, and is the person you call when something goes wrong.
While booking online might seem convenient, a travel advisor provides invaluable expertise and personalized service you simply can't get from a website. We save you countless hours of research, have access to exclusive deals and upgrades not available to the public, and provide 24/7 support during your travels.
More importantly, we know the destinations intimately - from the best local restaurants to hidden gems tourists rarely discover. When something goes wrong (flight cancellations, hotel issues), you have a dedicated advocate working on your behalf, not a call center halfway around the world.
For most bigger trips, yes. A cruise, a trip overseas, a honeymoon, a group trip or a week at an all-inclusive has a lot of choices, and the wrong one is hard to undo. A travel agent helps you pick, books every piece and is there if something changes. For a quick weekend away or a simple flight, you may not need one, and we will tell you that honestly.
Use one when the trip is big, far from home or hard to change: trips abroad, cruises, honeymoons, destination weddings, group trips and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Those are the trips where the wrong cabin, the wrong part of town or a tight flight connection costs you the most. Reach out early. The sooner we start, the more choices you have.
A few, and it is a fair question. You hand part of the planning to someone else, so changes go through us instead of a website. Some trips have a planning fee. It depends on the trip and how much planning it takes, and we tell you up front. If you love doing all the research yourself, you may enjoy booking on your own, and we can still look over your plans.
Yes. Booking sites make it easy to buy a trip, but not to know if it is the right one or to get help when a flight is cancelled. That is why people still use travel agents: the planning, the know-how and a real person to call. Many travel agents now go by travel advisor. It is the same job.
They are the same job. Many travel agents now call themselves travel advisors because most of the work is planning and advice, not just booking. The industry's own trade group is the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). At Awaken Travels you will hear us use both names.
Usually not. Your first conversation with us is free, and our hotel perks come at no extra cost to you. Some trips have a planning fee, depending on how much planning they take, and we tell you up front.
We handle every aspect of your trip from start to finish. This includes researching and recommending destinations based on your preferences, booking flights with optimal connections, securing accommodations that match your style and budget, arranging transfers and transportation, and planning activities and dining reservations.
We also provide detailed itineraries, travel documents, packing lists, and destination guides. During your trip, we're available 24/7 for support. If flights get cancelled or plans change, we handle the rebooking and adjustments so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
It starts with a free conversation about where you want to go, who is going and what matters most to you. We put together options for you to look at. Once you choose, we book everything and double-check every flight, transfer, tour and reservation. After that, you have one person to go to for questions and changes, before and during your trip.
Sometimes, and the bigger difference is usually what comes with the booking. At about 1,800 hotels and resorts, we can add VIP perks you can't get booking on your own, like daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit and a room upgrade when available. Perks vary by hotel.
Look for someone who plans the kind of trip you want, offers a free first conversation, and puts their fees and booking terms in writing. Read their reviews, and check that they belong to industry groups like ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). A good travel agent asks you a lot of questions before suggesting anything. Awaken Travels is a member of ASTA and CLIA.
Here are good ones to start with:
- What kinds of trips do you plan most?
- Have you been there, or sent travelers there?
- Do you charge a planning fee, and when would I pay it?
- What happens if my flight is cancelled or I need to change plans?
- Who do I call during my trip?
We are happy to answer every one of these on your first call.
Yes, with an established agency you can check out. Look for a real address and phone number, written booking terms, reviews from real travelers and membership in industry groups. Awaken Travels is based in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, is a member of ASTA and CLIA, and our booking terms are on our website to read before you book.
For international travel, we recommend reaching out 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular destinations or peak season travel. For domestic trips, 3-6 months is usually sufficient.
However, we can also help with last-minute trips! The earlier you contact us, the more options you'll have for flights, accommodations, and experiences. Some exclusive properties and tours book up a year in advance.
Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a travel advisor. We provide 24/7 support throughout your journey. If flights are cancelled, hotels have issues, or plans need to change, you can reach us immediately.
We have direct relationships with hotels, cruise lines and tour companies worldwide and can often resolve issues much faster than you could on your own. We've helped clients with everything from medical emergencies to natural disasters, ensuring they get home safely and with minimal stress.
Not at all! We work with all budgets and travel styles. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly family vacations, mid-range romantic getaways, or luxury adventures, we customize every trip to match your preferences and budget.
Our expertise helps you get the best value at any price point. We know where to splurge and where to save, ensuring you get the most memorable experience possible within your budget.
Our team has extensive expertise in destinations worldwide, with particular strength in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and luxury cruise experiences. We also excel at domestic travel within the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the National Parks.
Each of our advisors has specific destination specialties and we match you with the expert best suited for your dream trip. We also have partnerships with local guides and tour operators globally, giving you authentic, insider experiences.
We're flexible! While we love creating complete, seamless travel experiences, we can certainly help with individual components. Need just flights? We'll find the best routes and rates. Looking for the perfect hotel? We'll match you with properties that suit your style and often secure upgrades and amenities.
Many clients start by booking one element with us and quickly realize the value we provide, returning for full-service planning on future trips.
We start with a detailed consultation to understand your travel style, interests, budget, and any special requirements. Do you prefer boutique hotels or major chains? Are you adventurous with food or prefer familiar cuisine? Do you like structured tours or free time to explore?
We use this information to craft a completely customized itinerary. We also consider factors you might not think of - like ensuring hotels have elevators if you have mobility concerns, or booking restaurants that accommodate dietary restrictions.
We're not just travel agents - we're travel experts who have personally visited the destinations we recommend. Our team's combined experience spans decades and dozens of countries. We maintain relationships with hotels, tour operators, and local guides worldwide.
We focus on creating transformative travel experiences, not just vacations. Our attention to detail, 24/7 support, and commitment to exceeding expectations has earned us hundreds of five-star reviews and a loyal client base who wouldn't dream of traveling without us.
We excel at both! From romantic couples' getaways to multi-generational family reunions, destination weddings, corporate retreats, and special interest group tours. Group travel actually benefits even more from our expertise as we coordinate multiple room types, dietary needs, and activity levels.
We often secure group discounts, exclusive experiences, and can arrange private tours and transportation that make group travel seamless and memorable.
We help you navigate cancellations and changes with minimal stress and cost. We know the airline, cruise line and hotel policies well and can often secure exceptions or waivers that individual travelers cannot. Travel insurance is optional; questions about what a plan covers go to the insurer's licensed team.
If plans change, we handle all the rebooking, ensuring you get the best available alternatives.
We serve clients worldwide! Our headquarters is in the Chattanooga area, serving Soddy-Daisy, Hixson, Ooltewah, Red Bank, Signal Mountain, North Georgia, and the full Tri-State area. However, we work with clients from coast to coast and internationally.
Yes! For local clients in the Chattanooga area, we're happy to meet in person for coffee. We also offer Google Meet video calls and phone appointments for clients anywhere in the world.
Simply visit our Start Planning page to tell us about your dream trip, or contact us directly to schedule a consultation.
First you check your details, sign the terms and pay your deposit. The deposit is what books your trip. Next, get trip-ready. On your trip page you add your passport or ID. You can also add an emergency contact and your mailing address. The name on your booking has to match your passport or ID letter for letter.
Your final payment date is on your invoice, and your trip page shows your next payment. Before you leave we go over the trip with you, and your confirmations are all in one place. Then have a wonderful trip. We are here if you need us.
The deposit is the first payment, and it holds your booking. Some deposits are not refundable, and your invoice says so. The final payment is the rest of your trip cost, due before you travel. That date is on your invoice too.
On many trips you can pay a little at a time in between, and your trip page shows your next payment. Your invoice also lists the cancellation terms. Read them before you pay, and ask us anything.
Before you book. Many trips need your passport to be good for 6 months after you get home, and the rule depends on where you go. Getting a new passport takes time, so look at the expiry date early.
Your booking must match your passport letter for letter, so tell us if your name has changed. We look at every traveler's passport date too. Rules can change, so we check them for your trip.
Yes! We help with airfare as part of your full trip planning. We can also assist with upgrades, special requests, and complicated itineraries to ensure seamless travel from start to finish.
Absolutely! Europe is one of our specialties. We plan custom itineraries with hotels, tours, trains, private drivers, and everything in between to create your perfect European adventure.
Yes! We match you with the resort that fits your style, whether you want something adults-only, peaceful, lively, or perfect for a family getaway. We know which properties deliver the best value and experience.
Yes! We specialize in luxury, river, and expedition cruises. We help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and cabin, and we can often add exclusive amenities and perks you won't find booking directly.
For most people, yes, and especially for a first cruise. We help you pick the right ship, itinerary and cabin, book your flights and a hotel the night before, and keep track of your payment dates. If something changes, you have one person to go to instead of a call center.
Travel insurance is optional and is not required to travel with us. If you'd like to look at coverage, you can see Faye's plans and purchase directly with them. Faye's licensed team is the right place for any questions about what a plan covers.
We're a travel agency, not a licensed insurance agent, so we don't recommend a plan or advise on coverage. If you already have coverage in place, there's nothing you need to do.
It depends on the type of trip and the level of planning involved. Some itineraries require more research and coordination than others. Visit our Start Planning page to learn more about our services and next steps.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Reach out to our travel experts for personalized assistance with your travel planning needs.