10 questions, 12 very different answers
Each month we will feature a new THOR member travel agent who’s been asked to respond to the same 10 questions. See how different the answers can be!
TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE:
NAME: Tammy Tyer
TITLE: Senior Corporate Travel Consultant
TRAVEL AGENCY NAME: International Travel Associates
TRAVEL AGENCY LOCATION: WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
YEARS IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY: 17
SPECIALTY: Corporate / New York
Q: What is your favorite airport and what does it offer that makes it your favorite?
I really enjoy the Detroit International Airport, it has so many shopping and eating options. It has day spas that travelers can enjoy. It is very clean and easy to maneuver.
Q: What was the last trip you took where you were treated like a VIP and what was the VIP treatment?
I went to New York and the hotels that we stayed at treated us like royalty. Especially the San Carlos Hotel – we had the presidential suite with a large gift basket.
Q: What is your most favorite all-inclusive resort?
The Palace Resorts® are my favorite all-inclusive resorts. Besides getting to stay at one and “play” at them all, they are absolutely gorgeous. I stayed at the one in Playa Del Carmen and standing on my balcony looking out was the most peaceful place I have ever been in my life. They treat you like you are their only client and the rooms were awesome. Each had a Jacuzzi® by the balcony.
Q: What hotel restaurant is your favorite?
I love The Patio in the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel in New York. It has a wonderful restaurant in their courtyard, it has old time lamps, and the food is wonderful. I could eat there every day and love it!
Q: What book or movie have you watched that makes you want to visit the location in which it takes place?
I would love to visit where the Twilight movies were done, the ocean and forests make it so intriguing. I would love to see that.
Q: If you hosted a dinner party for a couple who was visiting from out-of-town, what meal would you make for them that encompasses the local flavor of where you live?
Since I live in Iowa, I would make a picnicstyle meal with our awesome Iowa sweet corn.
Q: Where did you go on your last road trip?
My last road trip was to Memphis, Tennessee and then on to Pensacola, Florida and back through Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was wonderful! We visited Graceland and enjoyed Beale Street in Memphis. The beach in Pensacola is gorgeous, so clean and inviting, it is my new favorite beach! But when we went through Vicksburg, and the Civil War Memorial Park, that was a truly awesome experience. I definitely want to do that again within a couple of years. I enjoyed it all so much!
Q: Craft breweries have become a huge tourist attraction. What craft brewery would you recommend and why?
I would recommend The Keg Stand in West Des Moines, Iowa. They have so many choices of craft beer and every time I am there I sample a new one, which becomes my new favorite until the next time. They also have great pub food.
Q: What’s the most bizarre travel trend that you have encountered?
I do find the trend of using your phone as a room key as unique. At first I thought it was bizarre, but I believe it’s going to be one of the best ideas a hotel could come up with in a long time. How handy that you can bypass checking in and do it all from your phone.
Q: Why should more people use travel agents to book their corporate or leisure travel?
As a corporate travel consultant, I believe we are an asset to our clients. We have negotiated hotels that know our company and give great customer service. I believe a leisure travel consultant is a huge asset as they have seen a lot of places, and have great resources to get you the best deal at a wonderful place for making memories.