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Experience key for local travel agency

Let your vacation be a vacation. That’s what local business owners Jim and Pam Overholt say after hearing the same horror stories of those who decided to handle travelling plans themselves.
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Let your vacation be a vacation.
That’s what local business owners Jim and Pam Overholt say after hearing the same horror stories of those who decided to handle travelling plans themselves.
“This is not like buying a couch or appliance,” Pam, owner of Cruise Holidays of Niagara, said. 
“You can’t get time or money back from a vacation. So why not deal with someone in the business to make the planning less stressful?”
Because of the increasing use of the world-wide web to book trips and to advertised deals, Pam says travel agents are overlooked and underused. 
Online reviews and advertised savings are not always what they seem, she says. It leaves many regretting what they expected to be relaxation out of the country.
“Let us arrange all the unpleasant aspects of travelling – airlines, transfers and hotel booking – and save your energy for the good stuff.” 
Pam says many get caught up on finding the quickest and cheapest option, setting them up for disappointment and regret.
“Travel can be stressful. New place, new food and new currency, so we’re here to take the anticipation and stress away, it’s very important to be fully planned when travelling abroad.”
Pam and Jim provide home phone numbers to every customer to make travellers feel connected. Often in times of emergency, that voice on the other side of the line can be a calming presence and can often save a vacation.
“We try to give people the reassurance that they are never alone when they travel.” 
With over 40 years in the business – 17 in Pelham – the pair has seen it all. Today with the way the world is, they do monitor their customers when they are away in the event something changes, Pam says. 
Changes in entry permits and passports as well as terrorism and natural disasters happen unexpectedly and can add headaches for the most veteran traveller.
Pam says close connection to the customer is what makes the job so enjoyable. They often find themselves amongst the emails to friends and family, getting a first-hand experience on new locations from across the globe.
“We travel through our customers,” Jim said. 
“It’s not possible to visit all places, so we love hearing the response and seeing the photos from those on vacation.”
Jim and Pam do travel, although neither will call it a vacation.
“When it isn’t the peak travelling season, we try to travel to these places so we can provide a first-hand experience,” Pam said. 
“Though it’s fun, we’re always on the lookout for new ideas and suggestions while travelling for our clients.”
Their clients often consist of repeat travellers or those seeking something new. While many plan months ahead with Cruise Holidays, they often see those seeking a quick getaway. 
Jim says with more people deciding on last minute vacations, they often forget that travel agents are still a viable option, even when travelling in North America.
“People always come in and tell me they got a deal. But how do they know they got a great deal if they have nothing to compare it to? That’s where dealing with someone in the industry has its benefit.”
The couple’s connection in that the industry allows for them to find the cheapest airline costs, as well as perks and upgrades not available with the average potential traveller. 
Despite the advantages, Jim still hears the stories of vacations ruined by poor planning and unexpected changes.
“I don’t know why people risk it. Why not deal with people who have skills, passion and enthusiasm to get you the perfect vacation the first time around.”
For more information visit www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com.