Page 17 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2020

We sat down with Stephanie to learn more about her and her time as a Travel Agent.
AAA Every Day: How long have you been in the travel industry?
Stephanie Bujak: I started working at AAA in 2010, and have been booking travel for the past six years.
AED: What is your favorite destination that you have ever visited?
SB: In general, I am a fan of all-inclusive vacations, to have all your food, drink and entertainment included
– that is the key to relaxation in my book. However, if
I were to pick my favorite place, I would have to say Mexico. It holds a really special place in my heart as it was the first trip out of the country my family had ever taken and my parents went all out to make it perfect. I cherish all of those memories since my dad is no longer with us. I have been back many times since, stayed at different resorts and have never had an unpleasant experience.
AED: Which types of vacations are your favorite to plan for your clients and why?
SB: I thoroughly enjoy planning tours for my clients. Escorted tours are a great way to experience new places and allow people to check off all of those bucket list items. Most tour companies include the majority of meals and frequent stops for sightseeing and picture opportunities.
As much as I like the structure of guided tours, I absolutely love the challenge of a customized tour for my clients. It lets me work closely with them and put their ideas together in a package, helping to get to know my clients on a different level and offer my suggestions and ideas to make each trip more seamless.
AED: What advice do you have for travelers taking these types of trips?
SB: If you are planning to customize a tour, have a good idea of where you want to go beforehand and how long you would like to be in each destination.
It’s so important to be open to the ideas your agent gives you. As agents, we will expand on your ideas as needed but also cut them down if it’s going to be too much to accomplish in your timeframe. Let your agent guide you through the best ways to get from city to city, or even country to country.
AED: We know you have little ones at home. Any tips for those traveling with young families?
SB: I think that the most important thing to remember when traveling with children is they are just that – children. For me personally, I have both a one-year-old and a two-year-old at home and I demonstrate lots of patience. Remember, if you are traveling to a theme park, know it is OK to go back to the resort and take breaks, relax by the pool and even take a nap. Running a child around nonstop for 15 hours a day to make sure to “see” everything is no fun for anyone.
If you are traveling to the Caribbean or on a cruise, try to pick a resort/destination or ship with plenty of activities and entertainment geared towards the age of your child.
Something else you may find useful is to try to pick a resort closer to the airport. Once you get off the plane and go through customs, the last thing you want to do is travel another 2+ hours on a transfer to your resort with youngsters.
To book your next vacation with Stephanie, call 518-426-1000, ext. 2114, or email sbujak@aaahv.com.
Location: Mayan Ruins, Riviera Maya, Mexico
MAR/APR 2020 I 17 MAY/JUNE 2019 I 17
TRAVELER’S GUIDE
Travel Agent Spotlight:
Stephanie Bujak
Photo: Shutterstock: DC_Aperture