“YOUDON’T KNOWWHAT YOUDON’T KNOW”

is a phrase many have heard, typically from concerned parents, but the quote truly applies to traveling Often said by Kristy Smith, co-owner and office manager of Travel Machine, the phrase is not meant to frighten but to share a desire to help. Tucked away off Johnson St. at 102 Westmark Blvd., Travel Machine provides Lafayette with many well-informed travel agents, each with their own specialty.

The agents often use their own travel experiences mixed with their clients’ reviews to suggest the best fit travels for anyone in need.

Whether it's staying in a cozy bed and ordering-in exquisite foods or staying out from sunrise until well after sunset to enjoy the unfamiliar surroundings, the agents of Travel Machine pride themselves in searching out and solidifying client’s wishes said Maegan, sharing stories of clients quickly trying to gather proper documentation. The agents often bring files home when they know a client is on a trip just in case documentation needs to be uploaded or if the itinerary needs changing.

Because everyone travels differently, the company provides a check-list before consultations to learn the best fit for a client’s needs Kristy said many are surprised at the detail of the questions, but as much information as possible is needed to ensure comfort and confidence for their clients.

Many travelers are unaware that most hotels and restaurants in Europe and South America do not have air conditioning, which may be a preference. Some hotels list air conditioning while only supplying it to the lobby. Some travelers are foodies and would like more local restaurant options while others prefer a familiar taste. Some travelers may not even want to leave their hotel, so agents will ensure amenities and restaurants are accessible within. Maegan Sonnier, co-owner and Director of Operations, passionately expressed that the goal of Travel Machine is to ensure value for a client. Having traveled many times herself, Maegan can attest to the pure bliss of experiencing a trip of value.

Travel Machine’s goal is to make not only the journey as effortless as possible, but the stay as well as the trip home. Travel Machine provides Lafayette with a variety of specialty travel agents including Disney, corporate, destination wedding and honeymoon, cruise, luxury and romance travel agents As some agents are more familiar with certain fields than others, the office relies on the communication of the team to best advise clients.

As traveling can sometimes be unreliable, Travel Machine’s services do not stop when they clock-out. Agents remain on-call and will answer at any time to assist travelers with any urgent needs. The company runs a phone app where agents can update any changes made to the itinerary, booking information and documents so that travelers have everything needed on hand. Even experienced travelers can benefit from an agent’s assistance, especially when in a new area. The agents keep tabs on deals on flights or destinations to inform clients, even if they don’t have plans to travel.

One shouldn’t have to worry about the details in the writing when appreciating masterfully crafted works of art or experiencing the open sea. Booking online is quick and easy but reviews are not always reliable, as they can be dated, and pricing can vary depending on the website.

When on a ship with a loved one, traveling from one tropical beach to the next, splurging on a cruise’s drink package doesn’t seem as necessary when the daylong excursion is allinclusive Yet some prefer cruises just for the all-inclusive packages and the view from the ship. For a newlywed couple or for one celebrating 30 years, Gene Dugas is the cruise specialist on hand and can advise clients based on their desires.

Whatstandsoutisthehonestfighttheygivetocreateexactly whateachindividualneedsanddesireswhentraveling

It is not a one size fits all agency, and to witness the connection they have to “custom” is rare in this popular arena.

Let’s talk Disney- With each resort and hotel at Disney feeling like living inside of their own story tales, it's important for the glass slipper to fit just right when deciding. The company’s Disney travel specialist, Tricia Romero, has visited the infamous Mickey Mouse both at the park and on the ocean’s waters. Tricia not only has a passion for the land of fantasy but ample knowledge of the inner workings of the park.

They have carefully crafted such a dream team that covers every angle of the world and is able to deliver consistent results. What is really special to witness is the relationship between the owners, Maegan and Kristy There is a trust and balance in how they work together.

In fact, when it comes to traveling, the company as a whole strives to know “99% of everything ” Having opened in 1978, Travel Machine has been helping Acadiana travelers for almost 50 years, all while maintaining its relevance and credibility. Travel Machine provides in-house industry training for the employees, and agents attend travel shows and conferences. The feedback questionnaire seems almost as extensive as the initial consultation to gain a true understanding of the best recommendations for their clients

What makes Travel Machine unique is their independence from commissions They explain that many travel agencies will partner with various hotels or resorts, paying agents a small percentage of profit, typically from 5% to 18%, for sending clients to these destinations.

Travel Machine instead primarily relies on fees, ranging from $50 to $300, depending on clients’ needs and the time it takes planning and booking. They fairly handle the fee as being on a scale. The higher end of the scale is typically for a month-long trip around Europe whereas the smaller end is typically for a week at the beach.

Agents are paid after a travel is complete, so COVID-19 was a difficult time for the group. Agents spent day after day fighting for clients’ refunds on flights and other bookings, all while being unsure of the next time they may get a paycheck While travel troubles brought in more clients, it was a while before the company saw income again. Due to the extended period of uncertainty, there is now a $50 consulting fee that goes towards the total costs of planning the trip. they expressed, almost with a sigh of relief. Apparently the growing trend in traveling is forming groups between friends or couples, sharing unique experiences with one another Travel Machine offers their support to groups by noting separate budgets within the group when planning a trip.

The agency also eases the nerves of the group leader by handling all bookings, keeping everyone on the same page using the phone app. Travel Machine truly acts as it's called, many working parts come together to create a service for its consumer. The agents pride themselves in providing quality experiences for their clients by knowing what the average person may not know. Maegan so confidently stresses that her service is to the client. She will move mountains to ensure they are getting what they pay for After all, the more someone can save on one trip, the more they can travel. To travel is a gift for the soul. The experiences made a person evolve and ground them to nature. What a magical gift Maegan, Kristy and their rockstar team of agents are giving to our very own 337

Written by: Celeste Denova and Elisse Nielson