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An Online Travel Agency

A travel agency is a business that offers services to travelers. In the United States, many travel agencies help passengers get from point A to B by offering their own transportation and hotel accommodations. Travel agencies can be found in almost every state in America, but some states have laws in place regulating how they operate. Before you plan travel with your family or friends — whether camping, hiking, or other activities — consider what each state requires when setting up your tour group or travel agency. For example, some states require all participants (i.e., customers) to provide proof of vaccination, provide identification, and carry health insurance. Others may regulate just whom individuals are allowed to serve as agents to customers, but all should follow local guidelines on maintaining social distance while also promoting positive health practices, such as masking and staying active. Most people do not need to see a medical professional before traveling; however, it's always helpful to know how common illnesses affect you and others before going anywhere new. To avoid being exposed to infection while traveling, make sure you're fully vaccinated for both variola virus (chickenpox), hepatitis, measles and mumps, which are less dangerous than COVID-19, and whooping cough, rubella, influenza and streptococcal. Also read our guide to getting the most out of your vaccines. We suggest you take one of these free online tools for comparing vaccine benefits, as well as information about safety practices, side effects and recommendations for children under 18.

Travel Agents, Inc.

Travel agents are intermediaries between a customer and private travel companies, who will arrange tours and lodging for them. They typically have extensive experience with various types of clients, as well as ample knowledge about where their client resides. While there are numerous options among the national travel agents, we recommend visiting two independent websites, One World Tours & Travels and On the Road USA. These websites allow travelers to compare prices, see reviews from current visitors, and check their agent's credentials. You may be able to hire several agents at once for multiple trips. Read more here! These resources can help you find an Agent in your area. Some smaller travel agencies will often work directly with airlines and hotels through existing partnerships with those entities, rather than having to navigate independently. Here's a quick look at some of the leading travel agents near me:

Boat Tour Operator - Boat Tour Company USA Travel Association Member – Alaska

Boat Tour Company has been providing quality cruises since 1985 and has made excellent use of its website over 25 years to connect cruise passengers with available deals and special offers. The company offers expeditions, water sports, land adventures, and cross-country flights to select destinations throughout Central and South America, including Antarctica. Each trip is custom tailored to individual needs. Boats are usually maintained by experts and itineraries are planned months into advance. Many boats feature unique features like BBQ grills, luxury cabins, pools, spas, dining outlets, etc. Boat Tours Company USA offers discounts of up to 50% off airfare for groups and parties, including weekend getaways and overnight stays. This includes limited entry to port cities. Reservations must be made online or by calling 1-800-959-7877. Boat Tours Company USA provides service and support wherever possible for this wonderful organization. Contact us at 775-906-0900 ext. 3039.

Kiwi Adventure Lodge

The Kiwi Hotel, located on Lake Huron’s beautiful shores in Ontario, Canada is owned and operated by Kaanapali Hotels & Resorts Ltd. It was originally developed as a summer vacation destination for Canadian families that wanted fun, adventure, learning, food, and relaxation during the warmer days of summer, but now this property serves international guests looking for a short staycation. The hotel has grown into an award-winning resort destination, featuring high-end facilities including upscale guest rooms, large swimming pools, onsite restaurant and bars, luxurious fitness center, tennis court, golf simulator, outdoor games and much more. Visit kaiwihotel.com for further details.

Packing List

To ensure you've got everything you'll need for your first few weeks away, consider packing accordingly to save significant time and money:

• First Aid Kit / PPE (1 week minimum): This basic kit should include a first aid kit, masks (optional), eye protection, hand sanitizer, alcohol and acetaminophen if applicable, along with snacks and liquids. If you're planning on taking medicine and/or eating, make certain you bring enough for the entire day.

• Second Emergency Bag (1 month minimum): This small backpack is designed for items you’ll likely need in case of separation from your vehicle, injury, illness, lost keys, etc. Additionally, this small bag contains supplies you can keep in the car with you, so no worries about losing anything important. Keep it stowed in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Be prepared to change it out as soon as necessary.

• Additional Clothing (1 week minimum): For a quick outfit change during the week, it’s best to pack extra pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, gloves, shoes and accessories to last for up to 3-4 days.

• Electronics: Make sure you’re equipped with any electronics you’ll need at home or on the road. Bring along chargers, batteries, charger cable and earphones. Bring along portable games such as Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox 360 controller, PS3 controllers, Playstation Portable Storage Expansion Card Set or Sony PlayStation Portable Gaming System, depending on if you plan to play console or handheld game.

• Food Items: If you plan on spending a lot of time away from home, a good portion of your meals need to be stored in a cooler or freezer until you return and eat them. Plan meals ahead and prepare your meals the night of your arrival, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy access each morning. Remember to bring enough cold drinks to last you for 3-4 days.

• Extras: Extra clothing, toiletries, hair products, makeup, deodorant and sunscreen. Depending on what destinations you visit each year, you might need to add toiletries, hair care products, personal grooming items.

• Baby Products: If you intend on bringing along your baby when booking your flight, this is a great opportunity to purchase baby essentials including wipes and diapers. Always check the expiration date if you don’t know exactly what you’ll need.

• Medical Supplies: When considering a trip abroad, it’s very important to have complete coverage for injuries and diseases that could occur abroad. Make sure you bring your doctor's prescription, an ID card, copies of immunization records, emergency contact information and birth certificate while overseas. This way, if you break something, you can leave without worrying about how you’ll pay medical bills back home.

• Transportation Requirements/Documents: Even though most modern forms of travel have gone digital, you’ll still need photos of documents such as passports, visas, driver's licenses, etc. The same goes for documents like house insurance policies, bank statements, credit cards, rent agreements, phone books, etc. All travel documentation should be scanned, signed and sent electronically via email to your designated mailing address. International travel insurance is mandatory. Your airline will cover medical expenses incurred due to unforeseen sickness or injury on board or in transit. However, this does not protect against physical harm and/or damage from accidents and emergencies.

• Other: Get used to having plenty of non-perishable items to take home to keep you comfortable and warm during the long journey. Pack clothes for extended periods of travel. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables; freeze meat, fish, eggs, cheeses, yogurts and frozen desserts. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself starving while traveling. Avoid packaged foods, ready-to-eat foods, fast foods, and vending machines. Prepare meals, takeout, delivery or drive across country, city or around town. Don't forget to stock up on necessities like toothpaste, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, detergent and toothbrush, razor blades, paper towels, tissues, toothbrushes, face wash, bar soap, tissue sticks, gum, lip balm, toothbrush holder, matches, lighter fluid, nail clippers, toothpaste, perfume sprays, anti-bacterial wipes, antiseptic, and disinfection wipes. Check luggage for any additional items that are not permitted on certain flights. Take lots of pictures. Pack extra clothes and make sure you know at least three outfits and shoes. Pack jewelry. Buy more than one pair of shoes. Carry umbrellas and raincoats. Find a spot for storing your passport and insurance documents. Leave copies of prescriptions, IDs, bank account numbers, social security numbers and credit card information on display.