Secrets From a Local Travel Advisor

Planning your dream vacation shouldn't feel like work. In this information-packed episode of the Leander Scoop podcast, host TJ Larkin sits down with Meaghan Wiechmann, a seasoned travel advisor with Enjoy Mouse Travel, to uncover the true value of working with a professional when planning your next getaway.

From Overwhelm to Excitement: How Travel Advisors Transform the Planning Process

The sheer number of vacation options can be overwhelming. As Meaghan explains, even something seemingly straightforward like choosing an all-inclusive resort in Mexico means sorting through over 200 properties. A travel advisor's primary job is to eliminate this overwhelm.

"My job, number one, is to help you with the overwhelm of like, 'I want a vacation, but I have nowhere to go,'" Meaghan shares. "The time commitment there to figure out the details...figuring out which one is right for you and your family or your travel party, that's my job."

The process typically begins with a 30-minute consultation where travelers share their wish list. The advisor then crafts a personalized proposal that matches their specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Your Travel Advocate: Support When Things Go Wrong

Perhaps the most undervalued benefit of working with a travel advisor is having someone in your corner when travel plans go sideways.

"COVID really changed the game in travel," Meaghan points out. "If you had a vacation plan in 2020 after the pandemic hit, it got canceled and you had to spend hours on the phone waiting for somebody to pick up at Disney, at Universal, at the cruise line, at the airline... If you had a travel advisor, that person should have been the one sitting on the phone."

This ongoing support extends throughout your entire vacation. For international trips, Meaghan partners with local experts who can provide immediate assistance in the same time zone should any issues arise during your travels.

Destination Expertise That Google Can't Match

Unlike booking websites, travel advisors bring first-hand knowledge and experience to your vacation planning. Meaghan emphasizes the importance of working with someone who regularly visits the destinations they sell.

"You want your travel agent, your travel planner, your travel advisor to be going to the places that they're helping you go to," she explains. "We spend thousands of dollars on travel. You never want to feel like you paid thousands and you didn't get your money's worth."

For destinations where she has less personal experience, Meaghan partners with local experts to ensure clients receive accurate, up-to-date information and recommendations.

Emerging Travel Trends and Hidden Gems

When asked about up-and-coming destinations, Meaghan highlighted several noteworthy trends:

• Scotland and Ireland have become extremely popular over the past 18 months

• Iceland is gaining traction as a follow-up destination for Alaska lovers

• Underrated Caribbean destinations like Turks and Caicos and St. Lucia offer exceptional experiences

She also cautions against dismissing destinations based solely on cruise port experiences: "If you've gone on an ocean cruise to anywhere and you stopped at a port and you didn't really leave that port area, you did not see that destination. You did not experience that country, that island, that culture."

Understanding the Cost Structure

While many travelers assume travel advisors are always free, the industry has evolved, particularly since the pandemic. Currently, about 72% of travel advisors charge some type of fee for their services.

"When we start going to Europe and we start talking about 10, 14, 21-day trips and it's fully customized... We're talking about, I spend days putting those together," Meaghan explains.

Her fee structure varies by destination—Disney and Universal planning comes without fees, while cruise planning costs $50 per stateroom and customized trips to Europe or all-inclusive resorts start at $150 per family.

Given that family vacations often cost $5,000-$10,000 or more, these planning fees represent a small percentage of the overall investment while providing significant time savings and peace of mind.

Resources Mentioned:

• Enjoy Mouse Travel - Meaghan's travel agency

• Seven Oaks Coffee - Local Georgetown coffee shop recommended by Meaghan

• Larkinel Bookstore - Local Georgetown bookstore

• Gold Medal Gymnastics - Liberty Hill activity center for children

Start Your Next Travel Adventure with Expert Guidance

Whether you're planning a magical Disney vacation, an all-inclusive beach getaway, or a customized European adventure, working with a travel advisor like Meaghan can transform your planning experience from stressful to seamless.

Ready to explore the possibilities for your next vacation? Contact Meaghan at [email protected], call 636-542-0064, or join her Facebook group "Memories by Meaghan" for travel tips and inspiration.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about Meaghan's journey from college athletics and teaching to travel planning, plus her favorite local businesses in the Georgetown/Leander area.