Not So Average Vacations Dream Vacations
BackOperating under the well-recognized Dream Vacations franchise, Not So Average Vacations is a travel planning service owned and operated by Vacation Specialist Trina Trejo. Based in Grantsville, Utah, this agency presents a distinct operational model. It eschews a traditional brick-and-mortar office in favor of a home-based structure, a modern approach that offers a unique set of advantages and considerations for prospective clients. This structure immediately signals a focus on personalized, one-on-one service, a significant departure from the impersonal nature of large online booking engines or call centers.
Understanding this business model is crucial for any potential customer. The agency is part of the Dream Vacations network, a large and reputable home-based travel agency franchise. This affiliation is a major asset, providing the business with the buying power and extensive industry connections of a major corporation. Clients, therefore, receive the dual benefit of a dedicated, personal travel consultant and access to exclusive travel deals, promotions, and a vast portfolio of travel products that a small, independent operator might struggle to secure. The franchise backing ensures robust support systems, ongoing training for its agents, and advanced technology, which translates into a more reliable and efficient planning process for the traveler.
Service Specialization and Offerings
Not So Average Vacations primarily focuses on curated travel experiences, with a strong emphasis on cruises and resort stays. The connection to Dream Vacations means they are well-equipped to handle a wide array of travel requests, making them a versatile choice for many types of travelers.
Primary Areas of Expertise:
- Cruise Bookings: The agency demonstrates significant expertise in the cruise sector, offering everything from large family-friendly ships to luxury river cruises. They can assist with booking major lines like Royal Caribbean and Viking, helping clients navigate the complexities of cabin selection, shore excursions, and onboard packages. This is a critical service for both first-time and seasoned cruisers looking for the best value and itinerary.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: For travelers seeking a stress-free getaway, the agency specializes in planning stays at all-inclusive resorts. This includes destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond. As a planner, they can match clients with resorts that fit their specific desires, whether it's an adults-only luxury retreat or a vibrant, activity-filled resort perfect for a family vacation planner.
- Vacation Packages: Beyond cruises and resorts, the agency arranges comprehensive vacation packages. This can include flights, accommodations, transfers, and tours, bundling all elements of a trip for convenience and often at a better price point. This service is ideal for those planning complex trips like European tours or multi-destination holidays.
While the marketing appears to lean heavily towards cruises and resorts, the nature of a franchise like Dream Vacations allows agents to book nearly any type of travel. Potential clients seeking custom travel itineraries for more unique destinations should not hesitate to inquire, as the underlying framework supports bespoke travel planning. This could involve arranging complex group travel or crafting detailed honeymoon packages for newlyweds.
The Positives: Strengths of the Agency
Clients considering Not So Average Vacations will find several compelling reasons to use their services, primarily centered around personalization and accessibility.
Unmatched Agent Availability
Perhaps the most significant advantage is the agency's operating hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. This level of availability is exceptionally rare in the travel industry. It caters directly to clients who have busy work schedules and cannot handle personal planning during standard business hours. This flexibility ensures that clients can connect with their agent at their own convenience, a major point of positive differentiation.
Highly Personalized Service
As a home-based, owner-operated business, the client experience is inherently personal. Customers work directly with Trina Trejo, the owner, from the initial consultation to the final booking and follow-up. This single point of contact prevents the frustration of being passed between departments and ensures the agent has a deep, comprehensive understanding of the client's preferences, travel history, and budget. This model is particularly beneficial for those who feel overwhelmed by online options and prefer the tailored recommendations of a dedicated professional acting as their personal luxury travel advisor.
The Power of a Franchise Network
The Dream Vacations affiliation cannot be overstated. It provides a safety net and a resource pool that instills confidence. This network ensures access to competitive pricing, special amenities on cruises (like onboard credits or complimentary upgrades), and established relationships with travel suppliers worldwide. For the consumer, this means you are not just relying on one individual's connections but on the collective power of a national brand.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the business model has clear strengths, potential clients should also be aware of certain aspects that might be viewed as drawbacks, depending on their preferences.
Absence of a Physical Office
The most obvious consideration is the lack of a traditional storefront. The business address is residential, and all consultations are handled remotely via phone or email. For travelers who prefer in-person meetings to build rapport and discuss plans face-to-face, this model may not be the ideal fit. The decision to use this service hinges on a customer's comfort level with digital and phone-based communication for planning what can be a significant financial investment.
Geographic Ambiguity
The business is registered in Grantsville, Utah, yet utilizes an Arizona (480) area code for its contact number. While this is common for remote businesses where an owner may have relocated, it could create initial confusion for local clients. However, it also underscores that the agency's services are not geographically limited; they are equipped to serve clients from anywhere in the country, making the physical location largely irrelevant to the service provided.
Limited Independent Review Volume
As a small, individual franchise, the volume of public, independent reviews may be less extensive than that of a large, multi-location agency. While the reviews that do exist on platforms like Google are generally positive, prospective clients who rely heavily on a high quantity of reviews to make decisions may find the available feedback limited. In this case, a direct consultation call is the most effective way to gauge the agent's expertise and communication style to ensure it aligns with their needs.
Final Assessment
Not So Average Vacations Dream Vacations, led by Trina Trejo, offers a compelling modern alternative to the traditional travel agency. It is best suited for the traveler who values deep personalization, direct and consistent contact with a single agent, and extreme flexibility in communication hours. The backing of the Dream Vacations franchise provides the necessary industry clout, ensuring clients have access to competitive pricing and a wide range of travel options, from straightforward cruise bookings to more elaborate custom travel itineraries.
The primary hurdle for some will be the remote-only, home-based nature of the business. Those who are comfortable and adept with phone and email communication will find the model to be highly efficient and convenient. For those seeking specialized services, such as a destination wedding travel agent or a planner for a large family reunion, the personalized attention offered could prove invaluable. Ultimately, Not So Average Vacations stands as a strong option for travelers who want the expertise and deals of a large company delivered with the dedicated, personal touch of a small business owner.
