Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Vacation with Mom Approved Travel
Planning a Vacation Should Feel Exciting – Not Overwhelming
Whether you are planning your first Disney vacation, a family cruise, a Universal Orlando trip, or a relaxing all-inclusive getaway, these are some of the most common questions families ask before working with a travel advisor. If you can’t find the answer to one of your travel questions below, please reach out to one of our Travel Advisors today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about HIRING Mom Approved Travel, the BENEFITS of using a Travel Agent, and general travel questions
HOW WE HELP simplify VACATION PLANNING
Learn about your family
We get to know your travel style, priorities, and what matters most.
Match you with the right vacation
Resorts, cruises, room categories, and destinations tailored to your trip.
Help narrow down options
We simplify the choices so you are not stuck researching for hours.
Guide you through the booking and planning process
Deposits, tickets, dining, planning tips, and important deadlines.
Support you before and during travel
Questions, changes, or last-minute concerns? We are here to help.
About Mom Approved Travel
Who is Mom Approved Travel?
Mom Approved Travel is a family-focused travel agency that specializes in helping busy families plan vacations with less stress and more confidence.
We work with families across the United States to help plan Disney vacations, Universal Orlando trips, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, Alaska vacations, and other memory-making family travel experiences.
Our agency was built on the belief that vacations should feel exciting – not overwhelming. With so many options online, many families find themselves stuck comparing resorts, cruise lines, ticket types, dining plans, and endless reviews. Our role is to help simplify that process by helping match each family with the destinations, resorts, and experiences that fit them best.
Mom Approved Travel is proud to be:
- An EarMarked by Disney Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
- A U-Preferred Universal Travel Agency
- A Sandals Preferred Travel Agency
- An active member of ASTA
Our team includes experienced travel advisors with specialized training in family travel, cruises, theme parks, multigenerational vacations, and special travel situations.
Whether you are planning your very first Disney vacation, a cruise with grandparents and kids, or a relaxing all-inclusive getaway, we help guide you through the planning process so you can spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time looking forward to your trip.
Learn more: About Mom Approved Travel
What kind of vacations and destinations does Mom Approved Travel book?
Our Travel Advisors have a wide variety of experience and expertise, so we are able to meet the vacation planning needs of our MAT client families no matter where they want to go.
- Learn more about how Mom Approved Travel plans Disney Vacations for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris
- Learn more about how Mom Approved Travel plans Universal Vacations for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, and Universal Kids Park in Texas
- Learn more about Cruising with Mom Approved Travel
- Learn more about All-Inclusive Vacations with Mom Approved Travel (with OR without the kids)
- Learn more about how Mom Approved Travel plans other Vacations such as Adventure Travel, Ski and Guided Travel
How long has Mom Approved travel been in business?
Mom Approved Travel has been operating for over a decade, since 2015 and thousands of families have trusted Mom Approved Travel Advisors with their precious vacation memories for Disney trips, Universal vacations, Cruises, exploring the Caribbean, Europe and many other locations all over the world.
Learn more: What is the story behind Mom Approved Travel?
How do I start working with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor?
Working with one of our Mom Approved Advisors is easy!
Step 1: Fill out our MAT trip request form. If you already have a MAT Travel Advisor, or you know who you would like to use, make choose their name from the dropdown menu. If you are not sure which MAT Travel Advisor you would like to work with, you can select “surprise me” on the form and we will match you up with the Advisor we think fits you best!
Step 2: Your Mom Approved Travel Advisor, they will reach out to you for a quick complimentary phone consultation, most of our Advisors initial exploratory calls are 10-20 minutes long. We know you are really busy; but this is proven to be a very crucial step so we can go deeper into to what your needs are, learn about your family and discuss what options may work best for you.
Is Mom Approved Travel a Certified Disney Travel Agent?
Funny thing, that “certified Disney Travel Agent” term gets tossed around quite a bit, but no such term legally exists. It may seem silly, but there are strict regulations set forth by Disney what Travel Advisors and Travel Agencies can call themselves. Believe us, you WANT a Professional Travel Advisor who understands terms & conditions well! Certified Disney Travel Agent is not one of them.
However, Mom Approved Travel is an EarMarked by Disney Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We EARNED this designation given to us by Disney. All of our Travel Advisors are Graduates of the Disney College of Knowledge. Our Advisors hold various certifications through travel industry associations with the highest professional standards. When you book with Mom Approved Travel, you are hiring a trustworthy Travel Professional who specializes in Disney destinations.
Learn more: What does it mean to be an EarMarked by Disney Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?
We are also a U-Preferred Universal Agency, which and Preferred Sandals (and Beaches) Agency which are similar earned designations.
Planning & working with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor
What Does a Mom Approved Travel Agent Actually Do?
A travel advisor does much more than simply book a hotel or click “purchase” on a vacation package.
At Mom Approved Travel, our role is to help families navigate the overwhelming parts of vacation planning while helping you make confident decisions for your trip, budget, and travel style, simplify choices and ensure the best value for that family.
Depending on your vacation, that may include:
- Matching you with the right destination, resort, cruise line, or itinerary
- Helping you narrow down options so you are not stuck comparing hundreds of choices online
- Explaining the differences between resorts, cruise lines, room categories, dining plans, and ticket options
- Monitoring for promotions or discounts that may apply to your reservation
- Helping with dining reservations, onboard planning, strategies to avoid lines, and activity recommendations
- Assisting with special situations like multigenerational travel, sensory concerns, mobility needs, or traveling with toddlers
- Helping you understand passports, travel insurance, cancellation policies, and important deadlines
- Acting as your advocate if something goes wrong before or during your trip
Many families also appreciate having a real person they can ask questions to throughout the planning process instead of trying to piece together conflicting information online.
Our goal is not just to help you book a vacation, it is to help you feel more prepared, less overwhelmed, and confident that your vacation fits your family well.
Why should I use a Travel Agent instead of doing it myself?
Our clients are smart Moms, Dads, Grandparents and Young Adults.
Let us tell you why some of them hire Mom Approved Travel to plan their vacations instead of doing it themselves.
The Destination Veteran:
Many of these MAT families have been going to the destinations we plan such as, Walt Disney World for decades, so why do they use a Travel Agent like Mom Approved Travel to book their vacations? These families like having a trusted wingman to lean on when life gets busy, when they don’t want to mess with the details, have us keep them up to date on updates they may have missed and to allow us to monitor their reservations and apply any promotions that come out. Some of these families like doing some of the planning themselves, which is perfectly fine- your MAT Advisor can assist with as much, or as little as you like, and it is the same price (or less) in as booking on your own. Do it is a win-win situation for our destination veterans.
The Overwhelmed First-timer:
The internet allows a lot of information to be right our fingertips, so much so it can feel like “drinking from a firehose” and it is easy to become overwhelmed. This family wants to spend their money wisely and get the best vacation for their budget possible, the best value. This family will usually come to us after starting to research, gets fully overwhelmed after researching websites, listening to vloggers/influencers/bloggers etc, almost to the point of not wanting to go. Honestly, this is one of our favorite kind of families to plan trips for- we can HEAR the relief in our initial phone call as they begin working with us and it is one of our biggest passions and sources of pride to serve these families. Taking away the overwhelm of busy, smart Moms and Dads (and Grandparents) so they can actually enjoy their vacation, is one of our core MAT missions.
The Short-on-Timer:
This MAT client generally knows their stuff, and has their hands full with life things: kids, school, work, all the things. They’ve maybe even planned their own vacations in the past. This client knows how to find the right information, but is just too busy or doesn’t want to mess with the details. This kind of MAT client knows the value of having a trusted travel professional by their side who will listen to their wants, needs, preferences and budget and will give them a practically perfectly planned vacation. Some of these clients know exactly what they want, but just need someone to do the details, and some of these families want to hand over a card and want a turnkey trip. Relieving busy parents, Grandparents and Young Adults from all the details and allowing them to get back to focusing on the fun and business of life is another core mission for our MAT Advisors.
Use Mom Approved Travel to get the best value for your vacation.
We have a saying among travel experts… the internet is for looking, but travel agents are for booking.
Doing some homework online is a great place to start, but working with a travel professional is truly the best of both worlds. It will save you hours and hours
spent sorting through information online and will make sure that you are getting the best fit for your needs and the best value for your vacation dollars.
Use Mom Approved Travel to get accurate and professional expertise, not a mish mash of crowdsourced information.
When you tell someone you want to go on vacation, sometimes, you will get a LOT of unsolicited opinions and recommendations. Sometimes these recommendations vary from good, bad, okay, outdated, inaccurate or not the best fit for your situation. (Your Uncle’s sisters trip is not the same as your trip) There is nothing worse than to discover too late the information you relied on when researching and planning a trip on your own was outdated or simply wrong. Travel professionals keep up with all the changes, updates and filter through all the noise with accurate information.
Can a Travel Agent save me money?
Sometimes, but more importantly, a travel advisor helps you find the best overall value for your vacation. At Mom Approved Travel, we focus on helping families spend their vacation budget wisely based on what matters most to them.
That may mean:
- Helping you avoid paying for upgrades your family would not actually use
- Recommending where spending a little more may dramatically improve your experience
- Watching for promotions or discounts that may apply to your reservation
- Helping you compare options side-by-side so you can make an informed decision
- Preventing expensive mistakes that can happen when booking complex vacations online
For example, the “cheapest” resort or cruise cabin is not always the best fit for a family’s needs. In some cases, choosing the wrong location, room category, or ticket type can create more stress, longer travel days, or unexpected expenses later.
A travel advisor’s job is not simply to find the lowest price, it is to help you find the right fit and the best value for your family.
Does it cost more to have a Mom Approved Travel Advisor plan my Vacation?
Booking your vacation package with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor is complimentary for most vacation packages. You will not be paying more for your vacation because you are using a Travel Advisor. We do not markup the price of vacation packages from our suppliers. You will be paying the same or less for your vacation if you booked direct, but you get the assurance of working with a MAT Travel professional who will make sure your hard earned vacation dollars are spent where they will matter most to your family.
Will I get a discount on my vacation by not using a Travel Agent to plan my vacation?
No, you will not get a discount on your vacation if you book direct without a Travel Agent. We have access to the exact same pricing. If you have never used a Travel Agent before, you may not understand how this is possible, and that is okay!
Every hotel, cruise, and vacation you have ever taken has a customer service budget built into it. When you utilize a Travel Advisor, that budget goes to the Travel Agency in the form of a small commission. When you book direct, that budget goes to the company’s customer service department.
When you hire a Travel Advisor, they essentially become your dedicated customer service department. You do not have to explain yourself over and over each time you call into an 800 call center, because your Travel Advisor knows YOU and your family. Your Mom Approved Travel Advisor looks out for YOUR best interests and will advocate for you, instead of trying to do what is best for that supplier.
Can a Mom Approved Travel Agent help me if I have already booked my vacation?
If you have already booked some or all of your trip components, depending on the circumstances we MAY be able to transfer it to the agency to allow your Advisor to assist without a fee. If we are unable to transfer a vacation package or components, in many cases we are able to offer a concierge planning option based on your needs and the destination.
Your Mom Approved Travel planner can discuss and answer questions about your transfer options for your circumstances with you further.
My family has special needs, can a Mom Approved Travel Advisor assist us?
Absolutely! Mom Approved Travel Agents are experienced understanding and setting up families with a wide range of special needs for success. Some of our Travel Advisors have backgrounds in special education, special needs in their own families, or hold certifications from IBCCES.
We regularly assist families with:
- Dietary restrictions
- Neurodivergence
- Mobility & accessibility needs
- Hearing or visual accommodations
- Service animal travel
Your MAT Advisor has the knowledge and expertise to make your trip as comfortable as possible, so everyone can enjoy the magic!
General Travel Questions
Do I need a passport?
A passport is a requirement for international travel. We do strongly recommend passport BOOKS, not cards when traveling outside of the United States. The U.S. Department of State website is a great resource for information about passport requirements, how to apply or renew, and find the cost related to procuring a passport.
While some cruise lines will accept birth certificates for closed-loop cruises (refer to your cruise line for their specific requirements), we still strongly advocate and highly recommend getting passports for your entire family. Your experience will be easier, and they will be good for many years.
Please check your passport expiration date! Many destinations require 3-6 months of passport validity from the LAST day of your vacation for entry.
Please note, for domestic travel within the United States, a state-issued driver’s license or identification. Beginning May 7, 2025, any state-issued ID or license used as identification within the U.S. must be compliant with REAL ID. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles or click here to view TSA’s REAL ID guidelines.
Visas for international travel are required for U.S. citizens by some countries for entry and will be advised at the time of booking, and you can check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit. If you are not a U.S. citizen, we advise you to speak with the consulate where you are a passport holder.
Can I bring ______ on the plane?
The TSA website is incredibly helpful when it comes to answering questions about bringing items on your flight.
We really love the TSA’s comprehensive A-Z guide on items, as it clearly states what can be brought and if it can be carried on, or if it needs to be checked.
One popular question MAT Advisors get is about Light Sabers on a plane.
Many of our Star Wars loving families want to know how they are going to get their lightsabers home and can lightsabers be taken on a plane?
Spoiler alert: The answer is YES, you may bring your lightsaber home either as a carry-on or in your checked bag.
We absolutely love the TSA explanation: “Sadly, the technology doesn’t currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you.”
Do I need Travel Insurance?
No one likes to spend more money than they need to, but the truth is anything can happen when traveling. Sometimes it can feel like you don’t want it, until you NEED it. We have been doing this a long time, and we have seen so many situations where families were grateful they included Travel Protection.
Trip delays, interruptions, or even cancellations can cause unexpected headaches and expenses, but travel insurance can help make sure you are protected for adjustments you need to overcome these situations. Some plans contain cancellation benefits and if you have a covered reason you can be reimbursed for pre-paid non-refundable expenses, like a medical emergency or loss of employment before your trip even begins.
Supplier coverage varies, and there are third-party Travel Protection options available as well. We are an advocate for Travel Protection, so you can relax knowing your vacation investment is one less thing you have to worry about.
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