Let's Play What's A Great Deal

Okay this cartoon is over the top, but how many times have you seen those ads or emails with pricing like this? Or perhaps a TV commercial for an incredible price on a river cruise?  Sometimes you look and find out that the price when you want to go is 4x more than the ad. But how do you know if it's a deal or not? Contact your favorite travel consultant. Why? Because this is what they do everyday, not just when an ad or email catches their eye.

That really "great" price is usually for an inside cabin(no windows) and it usually is the smallest cabin on the ship and in probably the least desirable location. On a certain cruise line this stateroom is so small it just has bunkbeds. This could be very far forward or back on the ship and on a low deck where you will feel a lot of movement. It could be also under the theater, night club or pool deck, so it could be noisy very late at night or first thing in the morning with the crew moving deck chairs around. And the ad is not giving you the "full" price, taxes and port fees need to be added on to the fare. Depending on where you are sailing & to they can add a significant price to your total price. So is this looking good to you?

Also there are the additional costs to cruising, do you know about these? A travel consultant will explain gratuities, drink prices, shore excursions and transfers to and from the airport. And they will also go over the payment process, as there are cruise lines out there that do require you to pay in full to get that great price(a few river cruise lines) and that could be more than a few months before your sailing. The majority require a deposit and final payment at 90 days before. With paying in full that far in advance a travel consultant will go over why you need to consider travel insurance if something happens before your trip.

 

Like the cartoon, their are many airlines that advertise a "great deal" fare but you need to look a little closer than just price if it's a deal for you. Is it Basic Economy, which most of the legacy carriers offer and has a lot of restrictions. Does the airfare have extra costs, like fees for carry on bags, reserving seats together if you are travelling with young children? Well you need to add those to the fare. Most airlines charge for checked bags and they better not be over the weight limit. Overweight charges are scary expensive. And if you are heading to Europe, if you think our budget airlines are bad with fees, their European counterparts are worse. Then did you look at your overall travel time on that "great deal"? Met a honeymoon couple from Washington DC in Jamaica who had a 6 & 8 hour layovers on their flights. So they basically wasted two precious days in airports, when there were two direct flights and numerous ones with better connections.

A travel consultant gets to know you and your traveling party. They take in consideration your budget, type of trip you want to take, what accommodations you like and how long you want to be gone. Then they go to work to find the best deal that is the right fit for you. They can handle all your travel needs, so you just have one person to call and they are your advocate if something goes wrong.

But you may think this will cost you extra? No most travel consultants don't charge a fee, they are paid commission by the vendors they use. They recommend the best trip for you and your budget, because they are not about the "one night stand" trip, they are in it for the long term.  They want you to call again and again for your travel needs.



Next Time Do It With a Group

Have you ever gone on vacation with your spouse/partner or immediate family and seen groups just having a great time and wondering wow wouldn't that be fun. Let me tell you yes it is, lets face it if you have someone who just likes to lounge by the pool and you want to check out all the amenities of your resort or cruise ship, you end up by yourself. Then lets talk kids, you can lead one to a kids/teen club but you can't make them participate, and then don't you always dread that they will sulk about friends back home and turn into trip killers. No you don't want to be that person yelling I spent X number of dollars, have fun! Or you would just like to get away with friends and let dad hold the fort down for awhile. Tired of spending the holidays with pots & pans instead of your family? Why not gather everyone and go somewhere, enjoy time with them and let someone take care of you.

What are great ways for groups to travel? All inclusive resorts, cruises of any type and tours. Don't like the idea of a big bus tour, go with a tour designed just for your group. And you don't have to have a huge amount of people to do this cost effectively. Big cruise ship not your cup of tea, how about renting a yacht complete with captain, crew and cook for a week?

Here are a few ideas for you;

Want to show those kids/grandkids the world? Yes there are companies that specialize in this, so everyone has a great time and they keep the kids engaged with activities like a scavenger hunt at the Louvre.

Looking for a girls getaway plus a little holiday shopping, A Christmas market river cruise either on the Danube or Rhine, where you'll be able to find unique items to give to your loved ones.

Have a bunch of friends that are Downton Abbey fans, why not play the part by sailing to England on the Queen Mary 2. Have afternoon tea, dress for dinner and pretend your Lady Mary. Then spend a few days in London and head out for a tour of Highclere Castle.

I know you are thinking this would be all a big headache to put together, and you don't have time to herd cats. That's where a group travel professional comes in, they know who to work with to give you the trip you want and answer all those questions that will arise. This leaves you to just be able to count the days till your departure. Give me a call, professional cat herder(aka group specialist) and let's get your group on!