In 2010, I received my Travel and Tourism Certificate from Heartland Community College. That same year I started working for Damar Travel & Cruise. Damar’s main office is located in Maryland Heights, Missouri but they have a branch office located in Alton, IL. Damar Travel allows me to work from my home allowing me to take care of my granddaughter who has Cystic Fibrosis. 

Since I don’t work from a typical store front I am also able to set my hours based on my customers needs. Which means I have had evening appointments and appointments on Saturday and Sundays too. I have found that I get a lot of my customers from word of mouth, recommendations from past customers and from my face book page at Damar Travel & Cruise-Dona Rauzi.My travel business has steadily grown, and in the past two years I have more than doubled my sales.

I think the most memorable client that I have had the opportunity to work with was a young service man stationed in Kuwait who wanted to plan a vacation for him and his girlfriend on his return to the U.S. As a added bonus I was able to get this young man a discount on his trip due to his military status.

When working with a travel agent we bring more of a personal touch to your trip. We are able to look for special promotions, discounts for military  personnel or add a personal touch such as wine in your room.

In March of 2011, my husband and I have traveled to Mexico where I visited different Palace Resorts such as Aventura Palace, Aventura Cove Palace, Playacar Palace and  Cozumel Palace. Sept 2011, we were in Jamaica and stayed at the Sandals Montego Bay Resort and I toured the Sandals Royal Caribbean. In April 2012, again my husband and I went to Sandals but this time to Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia. I was able to tour the Sandals Resorts there  were I was able to see the very impressive Millionaire Suite whit’s breathtaking views.

I currently have certificates from Sandals as a Certified Sandals Specialist, from the Travel Institute as a Certified Honeymoon and Destination Specialist and a Certificate from Disney’s College of Knowledge.