I still remember the knot in my stomach as I boarded my first international flight, bound for Morocco.
It was my first time leaving the country—first time navigating foreign airports, unfamiliar languages, and customs I barely understood. I was excited, sure, but mostly I was anxious. That’s why I decided to book through a travel agent. I thought having someone experienced handle the details would calm my nerves. Instead, it turned into one of the most stressful experiences of my life—and ultimately, the reason I became a travel agent myself.
The plan was simple—or so I thought. I’d fly from Minneapolis to Paris, meet up with the rest of the students in my study abroad program, and then take a connecting flight to Rabat. From there, a car would drive us two hours to Fes. Everything was lined up perfectly, at least on paper.
The first leg of my journey went smoothly. I landed in Paris, found my group, and even started to relax a little. But then, disaster struck. At the gate for our flight to Rabat, the agent stopped me.
“The flight is full,” he said.
My heart dropped. I watched helplessly as my group boarded without me. It was my worst nightmare come true—alone, stranded, and panicked in a foreign airport. The gate agent told me I’d have to wait 10 hours for the next flight and offered me either a 400-euro cash voucher or a 500-euro travel credit. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t even make a decision. I begged and pleaded to be let on the flight, tears streaming down my face. Eventually, he left the 400 euros next to me and walked away.
I felt utterly defeated. After calming down a bit, I reached out to my travel agent for help, hoping she’d come to my rescue. Her response?
“Just book a train from Rabat to Fes when you land.”
I couldn’t believe it. She completely missed the point. I wasn’t just looking for directions—I needed someone to help me feel safe and supported in a completely unfamiliar place. I shut down. I ignored her emails and even considered abandoning the trip entirely. I couldn’t imagine wandering around a foreign country at 2 AM, trying to figure out how to get to a city two hours away.
Thankfully, the directors of my study abroad program stepped in. Hours later—after a painful wait due to the time difference—they emailed me a new plan. They arranged for a private driver to meet me at the airport and take me directly to my destination. He’d even be holding a sign with my name on it. For the first time in hours, I felt like I could breathe.
When I finally landed in Rabat, my driver was there as promised. Not only did he drive me safely to Fes, but he also helped me check into my hotel. I could finally relax.
Looking back, I realize that the travel agent wasn’t responsible for the airline overbooking my flight. But her response to my crisis showed me exactly what was missing—personalized care and genuine support during unexpected challenges. That experience became the foundation for Safar Salam Travels.
At Safar Salam Travels, I’m not just here to book flights and hotels—I’m here to be your advocate when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s arranging last-minute transportation, calming your nerves, or solving problems on the fly, I’ll make sure you never feel stranded or unsupported.
Travel can be unpredictable, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Safar Salam Travels, we’re committed to helping you explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. Ready to plan your next adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable—and stress-free.
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