I don’t know where you’re located, but here in Nashville it’s Spring break for the metro school district.

Alan Whitt

That means that traffic will be lighter both on roads and in malls. I was hanging out Monday at the eBar at Nordstrom’s at the Mall at Green Hills here and darn near fell asleep it was so quiet.

That’s because plenty of folks have left town for destinations unknown … hopefully to places with plenty of sunshine, beaches, entertainment and loads of fun.

And if that’s the case, I hope they used their trusty travel agent to book that amazing vacation. 

Part of my job as a travel specialist is to think ahead. I’ve already begun laying the groundwork for several group cruises for next year. That’s the backbone of my business, and I need to get a jump on that if I’m to be efficient.

And there are some trips already announced that can be booked right now, such as the first Soul Train Cruise, scheduled for Feb. 17-24, 2013 … or the Smooth Jazz Cruise the previous month (George Benson!).

I keep a calendar handy for both the remainder of 2012 and 2013 so that I can keep track of holidays. When school district calendars are announced I immediately bookmark them so that I can prep for potential family vacation bookings.

It’s never too early to start the at least planning vacations a year out. If you know you want to go to Cancun in April 2013 get your travel agent to keep monitoring for potential  deals. Your travel agent’s job is to stay on top of things so that when the price is right you’re ready to book it.

Of course, don’t waste his/her time if you’re not really planning on taking a trip. Our time is just as valuable as yours. Imagine going to work, completing a day’s work … and your boss saying he’s not paying you. Your reaction could get you fired.

That’s one reason many travel agents are beginning to charge fees for their services, with it usually going towards a trip that is actually booked.

We don’t get paid to track down the ideal vacation for you. We only get paid when we book it for you and the trip is actually completed. Using our services for research, and then going somewhere else to book your trip, is considered poor etiquette … and downright rude.

Don’t be downright rude.