Page 14 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Summer 2022

TRAVE
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AGENT SPOTLIGHT
James Jimenez
Clifton Park Travel Agent
What interested you in becoming a Travel Agent and how long have you been in the travel industry?
My career in travel started back in 1988, so more than 30 years ago when I took a job with Pan Am Airlines in New York City in the then-famous Pan
Am Building. I was thrilled to be working in NYC
and started by assisting clients with their flight arrangements. All the domestic and international flight arrangements I made brought out my curiosity to want to know more about what the clients’ experiences would be when they arrived. Where would they stay, what would they see and do? When I was offered the opportunity to move into the position of travel agent, it allowed me to expand beyond just flights, and explore the world through my clients’ travels and I was hooked! I became passionate about ensuring my clients had the best experiences whether it be their dream vacations or business travel.
As my career and experience grew, I relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here I secured a position with Liberty Travel. I was now able to experience many of the same destinations my clients were interested in, exploring the various resorts and learning the different experiences they had to offer. This now offers me firsthand knowledge along with clients' feedback on many aspects of accommodations and experiences.
In 2000 to be closer to family, I relocated back to New York working for Liberty Travel and now AAA.
What is your favorite type of travel or destination?
All-inclusive resorts and cruises are my favorite types of vacations and experiences. The Caribbean and Mexico being my top destinations. Jamaica, Aruba, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Riviera Maya are
all unique and beautiful areas and I love receiving feedback from my clients on their experience and favorite parts of their vacations. I have traveled to Italy as well and can add it to the top of my all-time favorite destinations. The culture, lifestyle and overall experience were amazing, I cannot wait to go back and explore more of this amazing country.
What type of travel are people booking?
Domestic travel for sure, but we are seeing an increase in Caribbean destinations as well as cruises.
Clients are ready to travel but are still concerned with the pandemic and other world concerns. Many are choosing to stay close to home and the U.S. has so much to offer.
How do you keep up with the latest travel industry news and trends?
You have to be a researcher and think outside the box. I read many travel articles in travel magazines and webinars from our vendors. Staying up to date is the only way to educate myself with changes for my clients. In doing this I am always prepared to give the best travel experience. I use various sites like CDC. gov, Sherpa, travel publications, current news sites and study destinations based off specific trends.
Please stop in, call or meet one of our Travel Experts virtually to plan your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT
PASSPORT PHOTOS
AAA Members may purchase their passport photos at their local AAA office.
No appointment is necessary.
Classic Members $7.00 Plus & Plus RV Members $3.50* Premier Members FREE* Non Members $15.00
*Out of club members pay Classic price regardless of membership level. One free
Contact y
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1-877-222-8283 | AAA.com/Travel
1-877-222-8283 AAA.COM/TRAVEL
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Ready. Set.Travel.
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SUMMER 2022
Now!