The Travel Insider

Your most-trusted advocate
Eda DiPasquale

When I was asked to contribute to this column, I was told it was because I was a “seasoned” agent. I’m not sure if that was a euphemism for “old,” or if it was a compliment for being a well-traveled member. But I am both.

My professional journey in the travel industry began more than 30 years ago. I have worked in a sales capacity at several hotel chains, from New Jersey to California. All those years in the hospitality world taught me that travel truly does enrich the soul.

Members frequently tell me how much they value the personal experiences and professional training of our AAA Travel Agents. So why not take advantage of our knowledge, and allow a human, not a website, ensure that you have the travel experience you want? If you find yourself in your jammies at 2 a.m. trying to remember which tab was for which resort, it’s time to call us at AAA Travel.

We realize that online booking tools are available and tempting, but they don’t always provide a complete picture of the amenities or costs. Each week, we receive calls from members who opted to do it themselves, only to find that they need help rectifying an error in their self-made reservations. Of course, we welcome informed consumers, and appreciate when you do your research. However, AAA Travel Agents can save you hours of frustration from those online oversights, such as basic versus traditional economy air fares, resort and parking fees that aren’t clearly disclosed, or nonrefundable reservations.

We advocate trust and transparency in travel and have a genuine interest in you and your trip. Allow us to book your vacation through our network of AAA-preferred travel partners, who will not only exceed your expectations, they frequently offer exclusive member savings and/or special added values you won’t get anywhere else.

The most rewarding parts of being a Domestic Travel Counselor with AAA Colorado are getting to share in your travel experiences, helping you plan your next vacation, and, of course, the thank you gifts you may send—like flowers, and bottles of tequila from your birthday bash in Mexico. But seriously, we love getting to know you, your personalities, and your travel preferences. We will help you deepen your friendships on one of our AAA Colorado Wine Tours. We will live vicariously through you, as you feast your way through New Orleans on a guided culinary vacation. And we will cheer you on as you celebrate your anniversary with a Canadian rail trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.

The kids will never be 8 and 10 again. You will never be celebrating your 50th birthday again. So, eat the cake. Buy the shoes. Take the trip.

Eda DiPaquale is a domestic travel counselor, in the AAA Colorado East Metro retail store. Contact her at 19761 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora; 720-593-5021; or edipasquale@colorado.aaa.com.