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World Travel helps clients see the world

Julie McManus travels the world every day and never leaves her desk.

The travel agent is one of five on staff at World Travel International, a full service travel agency that operates out of the Williamsport Regional Airport.

“We do all-inclusive vacations, cruises, group trips, honeymoons, destination weddings, Disney packages, airline reservations, train tickets and car rentals anywhere in the world,” McManus said.

The company, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has helped intrepid travelers plan unique trips, including weddings at a jaguar preserve in Belize, a volcano in Costa Rica and a castle in Scotland. In some cases, she’s set up private helicopters, yachts and body guards for clients with unique needs.

“I love what I do. I’ve been doing this for 34 years and every day it’s something different,” McManus said.

The agents with World Travel stay updated on the industry by taking classes and training. Tara Smith, an agent with World Travel, is a certified Disney expert and McManus is a certified Sandals Resort specialist.

With so much information available on the internet, many people may try to plan trips on their own, but it’s a challenging task that not just anyone can do.

“There’s so much information on the internet it’s overwhelming,” McManus said. “And anyone can make anything look good on the internet. It’s good to talk to professionals who have feedback.”

Many clients looking to plan complicated trips will find difficulties that are all handled by professionals.

“When there’s an issue, you have someone to help you,” McManus said. She and her team have aided clients domestically and abroad when the unexpected has happened during their trips.

McManus recalled one family who traveled abroad and on the final day of their trip, the mother was in a serious four wheeler accident in the jungle and had to be flown by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital. The travel agency was able to provide insurance information and ensure that the family was able to return home.

In another instance, a large group traveling to Ireland was stuck in a traffic jam on their way to JFK International Airport caused by a power outage that made them miss their flight. With McManus’s help, they were able to find lodging for the night and book flights for the 30 people on the trip in the morning. McManus was also able to communicate with their tour guide in Ireland to explain the delay.

“We’re here when things don’t go as planned, and you never know,” McManus said. “That’s the assurance you get. It’s peace of mind.”

And for those worried about costliness, McManus said there’s nothing to feat.

“There’s no fee for our services unless you just purchase airline tickets,” she said. “People have nothing to lose by making a phone call or sending an email for a quote.”

World Travel International can be reached at 570-368-1214 or 1-800-677-7871 or found online at www.worldtravelinc.org

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