It’s no secret that I love to travel but the truth is I am a mom to active twin boys, a full time corporate lawyer and just a generally busy person in a particularly busy time of life. I take advantage of every vacation day and long weekend/holiday break but there’s only one way I am able to merge my schedule with my desire to travel and make it all work and that’s my friend and travel agent extraordinaire, Clayton Trotter of Globetrotter Travel.
Clayton and I have known each other for years, going all the way back to summer camp, but we started working together when I moved to Birmingham five years ago. Since that time, we’ve planned some of my most memorable trips together – with my husband and family, my parents, my in-laws, friends (including one 16-person cruise!) and we’re just getting started. In fact I am just returning from an incredible trip to Lake Como, Portofino and Milan that Clayton and I have been planning for almost a year.
She is organized, thorough, creative, knowledgeable and most of all LOVES to travel and explore. I can say from experience that it brings her joy to watch her clients’ dreams come true. If you have a bucket list trip in mind or are just looking for a quick trip to New York, Charleston, the Caribbean or anywhere in between, she’s got you covered.
You can find out more about her here or follow her on Instagram here.
Below are some tips of the trade and travel advice from Clayton!
Mary Pat: What is the biggest MISCONCEPTION about working with a travel agent?
Clayton: That there are fees associated with advisors – there might be but that is completely dependent on the advisor.
Mary Pat: What are some of the PERKS of working with a travel agent?
Clayton: We can offer lots of great amenities such as breakfast daily, room upgrades, hotel credits to be used for drinks at the bar, spa etc. that you cannot get by booking on your own.
“The best perk, however is not monetary. Having an advisor name behind your booking means you have a contact at the hotel that can help. When I book trips for clients I have a contact in every country and hotel I book for you so I can always be in touch if things go bump!”
My twins and me at one of our favorite family vacations planned by Clayton, The Mezzatorre Hotel, on the island of Ischia in Italy. When I started to plan this trip I was dead set on going to The Pellicano Hotel (sister property of the Mezzatorre) when Clayton (knowing my two boys) correctly steered me to the Mezzatorre instead which is more family friendly than The Pellicano (a favorite destination for honeymooners and couples, not two crazy boys – lol).
Beaver Creek: Clayton helped me plan what I find to the most stressful of all trips – the ski trip. So many things to arrange – ski rentals, ski school, where to stay, where to eat, etc., etc. Clayton handled everything so all we had to do was just show up!
Use Kayak.com to research air (don’t book on this site). You can sometimes find great deals you wouldn’t know about. But always go back to the airlines website to book!
Roll your socks and underwear into your shoes when packing
Roll all your clothes or use packing cubes (Travel Studio has you covered!)
Even if I check a bag (which is not often) – I always take my carry-on rolling suitcase with extra clothes, toiletries, meds, books etc. This way if my checked bag gets lost – I have my most important items with me
I would add one to that list which is to use the concierge. I have avoided using the concierge service in the past for some reason (didn’t want to be a bother) but recently I have had the best luck with tours, restaurants, and other tips that have greatly enhanced my trip. Not all concierges are alike but some are an incredible and helpful resource, especially in an unfamiliar city or for hard to get tickets and tours.
-MP
Mary Pat: What is your biggest TRAVEL INDULGENCE – the thing you won’t skimp on?
Clayton:
Comfortable shoes (I think On Cloud are the most comfortable for walking).
