Benefits of a Travel Agent

Cruise Lines, hotels, all inclusive resorts, and vacation package companies all include travel agent commissions in their published prices. If you do all the work yourself online, they "pocket" the difference. Using the services of a travel agent means you get the customer service you deserve. You won't be spending hours on the internet, hanging on phone hold for eternity or wasting any precious time wondering and worrying. 

Travel agents make their living by the commissions we earn when you book with us.  I do not charge anything extra when you book, if you change, or cancel your reservations.  Some  online travel companies do charge service fees. They build them into the cost that you pay.   Others may ask for an upfront deposit, especially in situations dealing with very complex itineraries or group events.   Make sure you do ask in your initial consultation.

 Some people just enjoy planning their own vacations. If you are one find your best price and email me all the details. I will either be able to match it or tell you why you're setting yourself up for a scam. I even had clients who will make their own reservations directly with a cruise line or tour company then call and transfer their booking to my agency. It's a win-win. They get and do exactly what they want while having us do all the follow up and follow thru while making suggestions to enhance their enjoyment.

I am privy to special hotel and cruise cabin rates that consumers will never find online themselves. This feature alone will save you money. Beyond pricing, my association with Avoya Travel gives me the buying power to get extra amenities like ship board credits or insider tours that can also enhance your vacation. 

Many folks have commitment issues when it comes to pulling the trigger and confirming their reservations. They always think they will get a cheaper last minute rate. Often they wait too long, forfeit availability and end up paying much more for their vacation. Most people don't realize that with cruise lines if their trip goes on sale, they can often get a lower rate or extra amenities. I will make the call. 

Time is our most precious commodity and yet so many people are willing to waste it. HOURS can be spent properly researching a vacation. With the amount of conflicting information available online, it's easy to quickly get overwhelmed and confused. Many times, the questions perplexing travelers are ones that I can answer right off the top of my head thanks to my years of experience. If you have detailed questions or need to plan a complicated itinerary, I do all the work for you. I know how to reach out in order to get the job done, saving you hours of frustration. 

My association with Avoya Travel includes preferred relationships with the best travel companies.  Avoya Travel has been in the business for over 50 years and has extensive connections.  These relationships have proved priceless in emergency situations. 

Most DIY travel people don't realize there is a HUGE difference between great value and the cheapest price. For example, you may pay a really low price for an inside cabin on a cruise and not know the negative aspects.  This could result in an vacation that you do not enjoy.  This is just one of many examples that "trips" up online travel shoppers and may explain so many of the unnecessary rants on travel review websites. 

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected "stuff" happens while your on vacation. When you book with me, I am with you every step of the way. I am your personal advocate. If you run into any issues, I can make calls and usually fix the situation so you don't have to waste valuable vacation time problem solving. I usually know who to call and how to ask for the right solutions many times exceeding your expectations. 

Online booking can require payment in full at the time you confirm your reservations.  I work with UpLift to offer you an option to make monthly payments over one year that could save you hundreds on credit card interest.   This applies all the way up to just a few days before you plan to travel. 

I knows it's not about making the sale, it's about creating happy clients. Happy clients become fans that come back every year and recommend me to others. I rejoice when I can save you money with a great deal. I make my recommendations based on the specific needs and requests of my clients. I don't base my recommendations on industry sales incentives or bonus gifts. If I know of a better room or experience that will enhance your vacation, I will make that suggestion. I just want my clients to make the best informed decisions to get the most value for their vacation dollars. 

First hand experience and knowledge are what will change a typical vacation into a real memorable experience. Even though I professionally invest in my own travel to gain this experience, I can't humanly know every destination in the world. That said, I have a great network and know exactly who to call to get the answers you need.