Mark Krebs
Travel Agent
Education
- EMT-Basic, Avera McKennan School of EMS
Professional Achievements
- Trainer to over 22,000 agents within his host agency, a mentor and leader within his team
- Has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industry
Certifications & Organizations
- Certified Autism Travel Professional
- Certified Accessible Travel Advocate
- Archer Travel Sales Professional
- College of Disney Knowledge Graduate
- Universal Orlando Resort Specialist and Universal Studios Hollywood Specialist
- Member of the Cruise Lines International Association
- Member of Travel Leaders Network
- Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure
- Princess Cruise Line Commodore Expert and Cunard Cruise Line Commodore Expert
- Carnival Cruise Lines Diamond Level Expert
- Las Vegas and Hawaii Expert
Favorite Piece of Advice
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Forum Comments (3)
Additionally, many travel agents have access to resources which the public do not when it comes to finding tickets, and they will always work to find the best deals for their clients no matter where it is that they want to go. If you do decide to take off on this experience of booking your own flights, here is a list of tips which you should follow every time:
1: ALWAYS search in an Incognito (in Google Chrome) or Private (in Microsoft Edge, Firefox or Safari) browser. This will hide your computer's IP address from the airline and will also prevent the ticket prices from going up if you are searching for the same flights multiple times a day or days in a row.
2: Always purchase your tickets DIRECTLY from the airline! If you purchase them through a third-party, such as Expedia, Kayak, Booking.com, etc., there are different risks which you will be taking should the flight become oversold, weather, or mechanical delays or cancellations, or other issues which would cause your flights to have to be changed. In those cases, you would have to deal with the third-party you purchased your ticket through and NOT the airline directly, and that can be a real hassle.
3: While low-cost airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant sound great when you look at the ticket prices, one thing that you must remember is that these airlines are also going to tack on additional fees that you must pay before even getting onto the aircraft. Some of these fees include checked baggage, which everyone, including Southwest Airlines, is now charging for, carry-on luggage, a fee to check-in at the counter, a fee to print your boarding pass at the airport, you have to pay to pick your seat if you are traveling with a group and want to sit together, and more. Then, you need to also consider the fees which you will be paying onboard your flight. These low-cost airlines do NOT provide complimentary snacks and beverages; you pay for all of those, including water. Plus, if you want to have internet access on the plane for your trip, if it is available on that airline, this is going to be another charge which you will end up paying for as well.
By time you finish paying for all the extra fees on these so-called low-cost airlines, you more than likely would have been able to get a regular main cabin ticket on one of the major airlines, such as United, Delta, or American, just to name a few.
4: As others have said, if you are flying, try to make sure that you have a Saturday night stay involved in your travel plans because this will help bring the cost of your tickets down. Also, if you can package your flight and hotel or resort where you are going, this will also bring the cost of the tickets down, because there is usually some type of discount built into these types of packages.
So, in conclusion, the best advice that I can give to you is to use a travel agent when you are looking to plan a trip, no matter what type it is. They are always going to look out for your best interests and work with you when planning that trip, taking into consideration the dates, locations, and any special requests which you may have, but, most importantly, they are also going to work with you to find the best flights or package for you that is within the budget that you tell them you are working with for that well-earned trip or vacation!
Virgin Voyages is actually the only adults-only cruise line in the world. They offer 3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, 8-, or 11-day trips, mostly out of Miami. They have four ships currently, and I’ve heard rumors they’re about to start construction on a fifth. Virgin Voyages was started by Richard Branson—same founder as Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Virgin USA—so it’s a well-known global brand.
It really depends on what you're looking to do. Sandals is all-inclusive and among the most romantic resorts. You can book overwater bungalows with 24-hour butler service. You’ll get picked up in a private luxury car at the airport and driven back in that same vehicle. Beachfront dinners are included, too.
There are tons of solo travel options—train tours, national parks, cultural trips in the South, or historical tours on the East Coast. I’m partial to Virginia because I’m originally from Charlottesville. Cruises are also solo-friendly, including Alaska cruises, which are technically domestic aside from a short stop in Vancouver.
Travel agents can help customize solo trips to your needs and interests, making it safer, easier, and more rewarding.
Co-authored Articles (25)
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Six Flags Flash Pass: Everything You Need to Know
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Maybe you have often thought about visiting a nudist resort, but you haven't worked up the nerve. Going to a nude beach can be a very liberating and healthy experience. There are many steps you can take to make sure you ...
How to Contact Expedia Customer Service: By Phone, Email, or Online
Get in touch with Expedia’s call support line ASAPWhen you have an issue with your travel plans, it may feel like the end of the world, so contacting Expedia’s customer service number is crucial when you run into iss...
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Wrap Luggage in Plastic at Home
Wrapping luggage in plastic is a technique used by many travelers to protect their checked luggage. It can help deter theft, keep your bag clean and dry, and keep your items intact if your zipper happens to fail. Most pe...
“Safe Travels” Meaning: How & When to Correctly Use It (Plus Alternatives)
Is it “safe travels” or “safe travel”? Everything you need to know Are you wondering if “safe travels” is the best way to politely wish someone well on their trip? Or has someone recently said “safe travels...
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Contact Tripadvisor
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Pack for a Trip
How you pack plays a big role in the outcome of your trip -- if you've ever arrived at your destination only to find your suitcase splattered with the remains of a toothpaste explosion, you know this to be true! To pack ...
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Order Food to a Hotel
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Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, Toronto’s public transit system is fast and easy to use. There are plenty of handy trip planning tools at your disposal, and a variety of fare options fit the needs of both fre...
What's My Perfect Vacation Spot Quiz
The world is big, and there are so many amazing places to travel. So, where in the world is your perfect vacation spot? Answer our questions, and we’ll crunch the numbers to find the best place in the world for you t...
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Get a Tour of Pixar Studios
Pixar Animation Studios is a famous film studio known for its many successful animation films, including ''Toy Story'', ''Cars'', and ''Inside Out''. The studio is located in Emeryville, California, and while it’s full...
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Plan a Vacation
A vacation is supposed to be a fun and relaxing break from your everyday life. However, a poorly planned vacation can end up being a major headache. Be ready to enjoy your time off by planning your travel, accommodatio...
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Use the Metro in Montreal
The Montreal Metro is the fastest way to get around town, provided it goes where you want to go. These instructions might look a little involved, but it's really all common sense. This is just if you really have no clue....
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Become a Travel Agent Online
Being an online travel agent has become a popular stay-at-home job over the years. There are numerous Internet travel agencies that offer training, certifications and the opportunity to start your own travel agency. With...
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Contact Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is an airline service that flies to over 150 locations around the world, with new locations being added frequently. You can contact and connect with Qatar Airways by telephone or social media, or visit one ...
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Cancel Your Kayak Reservation
KAYAK is an online travel company that helps you find airlines, hotels and rental cars. If you want to cancel your KAYAK reservation, you should be able to do this online, as long as you can provide enough information fo...
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Take the Staten Island Ferry
With over 70,000 passengers transported daily, the Staten Island Ferry in New York City provides millions of New Yorkers with quick, efficient transportation between the Outer Boroughs and Lower Manhattan. Even if you're...
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Pay for Using a Sydney Toll Road
If you drive through Sydney, be prepared to pay tolls! There are many toll roads in the city, including the Harbour Bridge and the M7 Westlink. If you’re a frequent driver, invest in an automatic toll tag that you can ...
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Go to Asiatique
Asiatique is a recent and very popular addition to Bangkok's vibrant nightlife. It's a huge waterfront night bazaar and shopping center that combines uniquely Thai elements with international flair. You'll get caught in ...
