Marcie Ohlinger has been a travel agent for 31 years, 23 of them with nationwide chain, STA Travel (www.statravel.com). She currently manages STA’s University District office in Seattle, Washington adjacent to the University of Washington.
STA specializes in student travel, helping students get discounts, affordable fares and making travel accessible to young people. The company’s mission states, “STA Travel creates opportunities for students and young adults to make the most of their time and experience the world face-to-face in any way they choose.”
As a way to show its commitment to its mission, STA gives out student travel scholarships and provides student summer travel internships.
Marcie explains how a good travel agent can help students looking for affordable travel.
Q: How does STA help students? We have contracted fares especially for students. They offer longer stays, cheaper cancellation and change fees.
A: We have travel insurance that is specifically designed for students (ie: you can cancel your trip if final exams are rescheduled). We sell the International Student ID card, which is a discount card in the US and abroad and offers free emergency evacuation insurance, limited hospitalization coverage and passport replacement reimbursement.
Q: What are some ways people can make sure they get the best travel and vacation prices?
A: Shop all outlets, check with travel agents as well as shopping the internet.
Q: What are your most popular vacation packages and why?
A: Small group tours such as GAP Adventures, these are tours that have a maximum of 12-16 people. You travel on small tour buses or vans and you mingle with the locals. They believe in giving back to the local area and sponsor many local projects i.e. – street kids in Peru.
Q: What do travel agents offer than other methods of travel booking and sales don’t?
A: Travel agents shop all channels, they are not biased to one airline, tour or cruise company. Travel agents give advice, they can offer personal experiences, they facilitate the entire booking from start to finish.
Q: How should someone go about choosing a travel agent?
A: Ask friends and family, check consumer sites such as Yelp or Angie’s list.
Q: What are some things young and first-time international travelers should consider when making their plans and heading off?
A: Do research on your destination, consider your budget and your time and any language barriers. Get the most out of the time you have and don’t over-do, enjoy the destination and the people.
