Sandi Waryck, owner of SW Travel, Inc. in Cary, and her co-worker, Valerie Kearns, have more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry. The team can help clients with all their travel needs, from booking their flight to securing sold-out concert tickets. McHenry County Living sat down with Waryck and Kearns to get the inside scoop on what’s hot in travel.
MCL: What trends do you see in travel today?
Waryck: People are doing a lot more booking online. I don’t know why someone would book a $10,000 trip online. It seems risky to just give your credit card number out without knowing what you’re getting.
There have also been a lot of last-minute shoppers. There is a misconception that you will get better rates if you wait to buy near your departure date, but in many cases this is not true. People are also looking into budget travel. They want to get the most value for their money. This is not a new trend; it’s been going on for some time.
We’re also seeing a lot more grandparents planning family gatherings. More people are looking into condo and home rentals for their trips. And, we’ve still got a group interested in exotic vacations—private jets, wilderness getaways and eco-travel.
All-inclusive packages are also very popular.
MCL: Where are most people traveling these days?
Waryck: Our most popular trips are still to Mexico. You get a good value for your money there, especially with all-inclusive packages because there are fewer unexpected costs. Mexico has more value than the Caribbean and is closer.
MCL: What advice do you offer people looking to plan a trip?
Waryck: Research what you’re looking for and get a budget together before you come in. Also, it is helpful to be flexible on dates. There are times, like Spring Break and Christmas, when things are going to book up fast and be more expensive. Flexibility will get you better deals.
MCL: What is the most elaborate trip you’ve planned for a client?
Waryck: A client of mine is doing a trip around the world by private jet. We’ve planned 13 stops in three weeks!
MCL: What’s been your favorite personal trip?
Waryck: A few years back a girlfriend and I went to Hong Kong. That was spectacular. I also went to Dakar in Senegal, which was unforgettable.
MCL: What services can someone get from a travel agent?
Waryck: We can do air, hotel, package tours, train tickets, family gatherings, weddingmoons [destination weddings], honeymoons, meeting planning, corporate travel, passport and visa renewal, school groups, reunions and cruises. We’ve even done cruise weddings. Kearns: We can basically do anything. I’ve helped a client get sold out concert tickets.
Waryck: That’s the fun part of the business. There’s always a challenge. Here, you get personal service, too. There are no 800 numbers. And, there’s no extra service charge for our services.
MCL: What do you do in your spare time?
Waryck: I am very involved with the Cary-Grove Rotary. I work closely on fund raising to give back to the community. This year, I am on the decorating committee for our annual auction. The theme is “Around the World with Rotary International.” I’m also involved in various professional groups, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association and Caribbean Tourism Organization.
For more information on SW Travel, visit www.swtravelinc.com, call 847-462-0056 or stop in at 3909 Three Oaks Rd. in Cary.
