Local Travel Agent in Durham, NC
One person who plans your trip, books it and picks up the phone when a flight gets canceled. It starts with a free 20-minute call about where you want to go.
(919) 555-0137
One Advisor, Start To Finish
I'm Dana Quarles. I spent nine years at a big agency before going independent in 2015, and I now plan trips from my home office in Durham for families, couples and friends across the Triangle and beyond. You talk to me on the first call, I build your options, I make the bookings, and I'm the one you text from the airport. I'm affiliated with a national host agency, which gives my clients the supplier relationships and backup of a large agency with the attention of a small one.
- ✓Planned by me, never handed to a call center
- ✓Backed by a host agency's supplier relationships
- ✓Reachable while you're away, not just before
Trips I Plan Most
Tell me who's going and what kind of trip you want. I'll suggest where, when and how.
What You Get That A Booking Site Can't Give You
One Person To Call
The same advisor from the first idea to the drive home from the airport.
Perks Where They're Offered
Many hotels and resorts give advisors' clients upgrades, breakfast or resort credit when available.
Price Watching
I keep an eye on refundable bookings before final payment and rebook when a lower rate is worth it.
Everything In One Itinerary
Flights, transfers, tours and confirmation numbers in one document on your phone.
Help When Plans Change
Canceled flight or missed connection? Text me and I start fixing it.
Travel Insurance Offered
Travel insurance options quoted with every trip, so you can decide before you go.
Trips I've Been Planning Lately
A taste of what's on the calendar this year, from first trips abroad to long-awaited beach weeks.
From First Call To Wheels Up
Free Call
Twenty minutes on where, when, who's going and the budget you have in mind.
Your Options
Two or three trip ideas within a week, with real prices and why I picked each one.
Booking
Pick one and pay your deposit to the hotel or cruise line. I handle every detail.
Travel
Your itinerary on your phone, check-in reminders, and me a text away.
How I Get Paid
Most hotels, resorts, cruise lines and tour companies pay me a commission when you book through me, so for most trips you pay the same price you'd see booking it yourself. For custom trips with several stops, there's a $150 planning fee, credited toward your trip when you book. You'll always know the fee before we start.
- ✓Commission paid by the supplier, not by you
- ✓Planning fee credited when you book
- ✓Fees agreed before any work starts
From Clients Around The Triangle
Dana planned our first trip to Italy with two teenagers. Every train, transfer and tour was in one document, and when our Rome flight was canceled she had us rebooked before we'd found the help desk.
I'd always booked everything myself. For our anniversary she found a resort I'd never heard of, got us a room upgrade and a dinner credit, and it cost about what I'd budgeted.
We did Yellowstone and the Tetons in a rented RV. She knew which campgrounds book out a year ahead and got us in. Worth every minute of that first call.
Three Things That Help Me Help You
Rough Dates
A month or a season is plenty. Flexible dates often mean better prices.
Who's Going
Ages, mobility and who shares a room shape almost every choice I make.
A Budget Range
Not a promise, just a range, so the options I bring back are ones you'd book.
Travel Advisor FAQ
Does it cost more to book through a travel advisor?
Usually not. Hotels, resorts, cruise lines and tour companies pay advisors a commission, so the price is generally the same as booking direct. Custom trips with several stops have a $150 planning fee that's credited toward your trip when you book.
What's a host agency?
A host agency is a larger travel agency that independent advisors work under. It gives me its supplier relationships, booking systems and support, while you work with me directly.
Do we have to meet in person?
No. Most clients meet me on a video call or the phone. If you're near Durham and want to talk over coffee, that's fine too.
How far ahead should we start planning?
Six to nine months for Europe, cruises and peak-season beach trips, and up to a year for popular national park lodges. Shorter trips can come together in a few weeks.
Do you book flights?
Yes. Flights that are part of a trip I'm planning are booked with everything else, so if one changes I can fix the hotel and transfers too. Most airlines don't pay advisors a commission, so if you only need a flight there's a small ticketing fee, and I'll tell you what it is first.
What happens if something goes wrong while we're away?
You text or call me. I'll work with the airline, hotel or tour company to sort it out while you get on with your trip.
Your Next Trip Starts With A Call
Tell me where you're dreaming of going. The first 20 minutes are free and there's no obligation to book.
Tell Me About Your Trip
Rough ideas are fine. I'll reply within one business day to set up your free call.
- Visit usDurham, NC · meetings by appointment
- Call us(919) 555-0137
- Email ushello@quarlestravel.com
- Opening hoursMon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat – Sun: Closed