Personalized Service
Your personal travel agent will always go the extra mile to give you the best experience possible.
Let us introduce ourselves
A few words about us
Be The Tourist is a full-service travel agency. We are committed to our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, for one day or 60 days. We combine our energy and enthusiasm for travel, with our own experiences in travel. Our greatest satisfaction comes in serving our clients who have experienced the joys and inspiration of travel and become our repeat clients.
Our skilled agents have years of experience and the inside-scoop on destinations, resorts, cruise lines and more. We can help plan the vacation that is perfect YOU!
Professionally trained and licensed agents
Exceptional customer service
Our agency is a member of Nexion Host Agency which enables us to provide our customers with group discounts on an individual level. We have experience with a wide array of clients, all with very different vacation goals.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice traveler we can assist you in finding the best itineraries and prices.
Contact us today to start planning that next get-away!
A great agency
What we can offer you
Worldwide travel
Whether your destination is in the USA or overseas, we can help you arrange the perfect trip.
Best Travel Rates
Our agents know all the tricks of the trade to get the lowest cost flights, hotel upgrades, and much more.
Time Saving
Life is hectic! We can save you countless hours of researching flights, hotels, car rentals and activities.
Firsthand Experience
We’ve been there! Our agents have firsthand knowledge of the destinations and tours they recommend.
Your Personal Advocate
Stuff can happen. It is reassuring to you know you have someone you can count on.
Cruise Perks
From private cocktail parties onboard to special shore events, we can make your cruise experience extra special.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Weddings and honeymoons should be stress-free! Our agents can handle the details so you can relax.
Kelley Hardesty, MCC - Owner & CEO
kelley@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 2
Mobile (813) 220-0790
Kelley takes great pride that Be The Tourist is a part of Nexion and the Travel Leaders Network. The ability to offer amazing pricing and opportunities to her clients creates exciting opportunities for her clients. Kelley has an unstoppable enthusiasm for travel. She holds a degree from the University of Maryland and has continued her training and certifications within the travel industry. She is known to work around the clock to make it happen. No travel dream is out of reach! Her clients think the world of her and her dedication shows off the most amazing vacations! Some of her favorite trips have included Italy, France, Germany, cruising all around the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, wandering around the USA, Europe, Central America and Mexico.
Kelley is a member of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors, STIA, the Suncoast Travel Industry Association, CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association and IATAN the International Airlines Travel Agent Network.
Vicki Iglesias - Senior Travel Advisor
vicki@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 1
Mobile (813) 758-6269
Vicki joined Be The Tourist with over two decades of experience! Vicki started her travel career in Ohio and then moved to Nashville where she booked tour hotels and vacations for the county music community. She then headed to Tampa where she became the top seller of cruises at a travel agency. It was there that Vicki and Kelley met and decided to combine their knowledge and enthusiasm to bring Be The Tourist clients the quality and expertise they deserve. Vicki can’t sleep at night if she doesn’t know her clients are getting the best deal and the best service she can offer. She is an expert with cruises and the cruise lines, groups at sea like weddings at sea; incentive groups at sea; family reunions at sea; and girls getaways. She is also a frequent visitor to Atlantis in the Bahamas and Las Vegas!
Give Vicki a call or email and let her years of knowledge work for you!
Liz Scalchunes - Travel Advisor
liz@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 4
Mobile (516) 448-2577
Liz began her career in travel over 20 years ago while still attending college, then continued in the industry after graduation. She eventually left the travel business and spent a decade working in advertising and marketing. Liz brings a passion for travel, and for making her clients’ travel dreams come true. Liz has vast knowledge about Disney and the Orlando area attractions. Liz also specializes in cruises and all-inclusive vacations. Contact Liz today for personal attention to your next trip!
Laura Murphy - Travel Advisor
laura@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 3
Mobile (813) 404-2603
Laura is a cruise lover! She has been on over a dozen cruises on multiple cruise lines. Recently Laura has been contemplating retiring from the corporate workforce to focus on leisure travel full-time. Her experience as an events planner and her cruising background is making the transition to full-time travel agent seamless!
Laura is originally from the Tampa area but now resides in the Greater Atlanta area. She enjoys cruising with her husband and two teenage sons. More often than not, she has large multi-generational cruise groups and considers that her specialty. Laura will leave no stone unturned in getting her clients the exact vacation they want!
Erin Lykins Burcaw - Travel Advisor
erin@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 6
Mobile (813) 523-7377
Erin loves to travel! Erin is a Tampa native with deep roots in the community. She has her Bachelor’s Degree and Master‘s Degree in Accounting from Saint Leo University. Erin was a small business owner for many years and understands the importance of quality service. Erin’s love of travel and her attention to the bottom line is the perfect combination for the frugal traveler. She has tips for getting the best vacation for the dollar. Call Erin today to make your dreams a reality.
Cristy Ayala - Travel Advisor
cristy@bethetourist.com
Toll-Free at (888) 391-5201 Ext. 7
Mobile (813) 546-2923
Cristy previously worked in the medical field, and for years used every penny she earned on cruising. Cristy has tallied over 20 cruises and over 25 travel destinations with Atlantis in the Bahamas topping the list of her favorites. She loves traveling with her family and especially when those offer outdoor activities. She is always on the go and when not cruising enjoys camping and bike riding. Cristy was born in Puerto Rico and is bilingual in Spanish. She excels at planning cruises and vacations for multi-generational families and enjoys helping them make lasting memories.
Louise Fussell - Travel Advisor
Louise has recently retired from her career as a hospice nurse to pursue her first love of travel. Louise is an active traveler and always on the go herself. Her favorite way to travel is on a cruise ship because of the pampering and service. She has a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and also an RV that she and her husband Mark have traveled all around the USA with. Louise has been married 27 years, has four children, 11 grandchildren, and great grandchildren!
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