Rebecca smiley is proof that travel agents are Making a comebackand young people Are driving demand.
Smiley, 28, Changed Carers to become a Travel Advisor and is on Track to Book $ 1 Million in Trips for Her Clients this year, up from rooughly $ 800,000 in 2024.
Her Trip Bookings Vary from $ 1,000 Vegas Getaways to $ 21,000 Weekend Cruise Packages. But regardless of budget, she says some travel expenses are wort splurging on, whereas for otherrs you should save.
Where to splurge and save on travel
If you’re going to spend more in one travel category, make it your accommodations, smiley says.
Hostel or Camping Trips Have their place, but booking a “nicer” hotel closer to your points of interest, where you can sleep soundly and rest in between your activities, can “make Oor also say the statement.
“When you look back, although you might remumber the excursions or adventures you had, you will remove a bad stere more than that,” Smiley Says.
You do not have to do a five-star hotel for nicer accommodations, She Adds- a boutique hotel can provides a luxurious stay on a smaller budget.
One place to save: your flights. There are a number of ways to find cheaper airfare, like booking at The right time And flying at Off-peak hoursLook Into Using Your Credit Card Points or Airline Loyalty Programs to Lower The Price of Your Flight, Smiley Adds.
Travel trends for 2025
Overall, the biggest trend she’s seen, based on her 2025 bookings, is travelers who want “something unique that will blow me away” and set them apart, especially on Social Mei.
“You hate that it comes down to this, but you’re scrolling and you’re like, ‘oh, there’s another person that’s that’s gone to cancun. Do I want to go to cancun? of Before? ‘”
For example, many of her clients are planning european honeymoons but want something somewithing “off the beten path” and tailored to their specific interests,Like an “lgbtq honeymoon in green, or a tuscan winery honeymoon,” She says.
Younger Travelers in Their 20s and 30s, Who Feel Shut Out of the Housing Market or from Reaching Other Traditional Financial Milestones, Are Prioritizing BuckT-List Travel, Smiley Says.
“They’re much more willing to spend their money, their hard-earned money on an experience like a vacation than the nicest new car, or maybe (beCAuse) They can’t get a house,” She Says. “They’re going to put in the money to go on this really cool African safari that maybe other people doople do uttil they have recrement money.”
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