The old adage of it’s not what you know, but who you know is often like the Holy Grail in travel. Yes, It’s true that anyone can go online, search for this, that, or the other, and book a trip. However, I want you to know a couple of facts about how booking online travel actually works and clear a bit of misconception about using a qualified travel professional.
You can save time, money and a whole lot of headaches by using a qualified travel professional. I can provide everything you need to book a perfect vacation: packing necessities, various modes of transportation, early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and most importantly I will be your personal advocate. When a trip goes smoothly, it may be natural to think “well that was easy”. It’s when you encounter some challenges and hurdles that you will truly see the value of having your own personal travel advocate. Having some to help you at any time, someone to advocate for you when plans go awry, and someone to facilitate a resolution for you can make all of the difference when you are trying to turn lemons in to lemonade.
In October alone, clients had issue with tropical storms, missed flights, cancelled flights, a hurricane, lost baggage, and family emergencies. When you book your own travel online, who are you going to call or rely on in an actual emergency? I mean the kind of emergency where you need assistance in the moment and you actually need to speak to someone? Did you know that most of the online agencies do not 24 hour help desks that you can call? Some are online help only, or email help only. How helpful is that if you have no access to internet or email? When you book with me, you have 24 hour assistance throughout your travel. Whether that assistance comes from me, the supplier I worked with for your travel, or the travel insurance company, the important note here is that you have someone you can actually speak to at any time during your travel.
I’m always a bit surprised by people that will trust something as important as their travel planning to an unknown entity like the internet. I can’t tell you how many times “the internet” has been to a particular resort or destination, but I can tell you exactly how many times I have been there or a trusted colleague has been there. I can provide you with first-hand information about resorts and the views from the rooms. For example, did you know that the term “resort view” has about 20 different meanings? At some resorts, it is the view of the resort grounds, at others; it could be a view of the parking lot. I’ve also seen resort views of dumpsters, or the fence of the resort next door! Ocean View is another term with many meanings. Most people think ocean view means looking at the ocean; this is not always the case. What I like to tell people is that ocean view means that at some point from somewhere out your window or from the balcony you may have a glimpse of where the ocean is located. You may have to stand on the balcony, lean over, and look around the corner and through the trees.
We offer expert advice and personal service that you can’t get from a dot-com. We work hard at building long-lasting relationships with you. We want to learn your interests and lifestyles, as well as your dispositions. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family cruise or a European adventure, we will match your needs to the perfect travel experience just for you.
Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, we are your travel experts. We have been on nearly every cruise line, visited destinations around the world, visited more resorts than you have ever heard of, and trekked many off-the beaten path excursions. We are also certified specialists who have completed extensive training on select destinations, cruise lines, resorts, tour operators and more.
One of my favorite sayings… The internet is for looking, travel agents are for booking. Remember, it all comes down to who you know.
Stayed tuned this week to my social media for updates on my escapades to Florida and next week in Mexico!
Happy travels.