Ok so the markets haven’t really gotten any better since my last post but at least the bailout seems to be almost worked out. So what does that mean for travel ? Not much – there is still so much uncertainty that we are seeing a mixed mess of destinations being booked. Biggest seller right now is not a tour but the Tournament of Roses packages. Why you say? Well because football means something to American’s and the Rose Bowl is as American as it gets. Here’s another bonus about a Rose Bowl package – it gives you something different to do for New Year’s Eve – and boy can that be a challenge.
Archive for September, 2008
And so it continues…
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Wow – what a bad day for Finance !
Monday, September 15th, 2008
All the headlines read “Dow Falls 500 points in worst day since 2001″. So what does this mean for travel ? You’re on a budget right ? Well who isn’t ? That does not mean I don’t take a vacation – it just means my money means a Whole Lot More – so it better be worth it and if I can get it on Sale even better !
Let me just let you know this upfront – the tour operators set their prices on tours for the year way in advance. So the chances of them redoing their whole pricing structure because the market took a dump is totally out of the question. Look for tour operators to offer specials like savings off airfare, or early booking discounts.
Cruise Lines – well they are a different story. Look for the cruiselines to offer a savings off the regular price because at the end of the day they just want to fill the ship. You can especially find great deals now until the holidays because this is normally considered their slow time – and with the markets help it just got even slower. In 2008 and 2009 it may just be cheaper to cruise Europe than to cruise it.
On to Vacations – here is where the hurt in travel has really hit hard. I saw a commerical for Travelocity showing 40% off vacations. Don’t believe me – they are showing last minute weekend getaways for $250 !
Don’t forget to tell your agent…..
Saturday, September 6th, 2008
A client called today to find out when her documents would arrive. They had just arrived from the supplier, approximately 3 weeks prior to tour start date, which is the normal delivery time.They were mailed out the same day.
I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.
This is 8 days prior to her departure.
She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.
She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.
I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”
Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??
I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.
This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.
If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.
Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.
Be Flexible – it will save you money!
Friday, September 5th, 2008I would advise clients to try to be a little flexible in their planning a trip. Sometimes by simply shifting a departure date we can find special promotions that offer additional benefits. We can also look at comparable suppliers for a similar itinerary to see if there is additional value added.
When will I receive my tour documents ?
Friday, September 5th, 2008Clients often ask when they will get “more” information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim. In certain cases, especially the luxury travel tours, preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.
What day does my tour start ?
Friday, September 5th, 2008Just thought of another confusing question among clients. Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is “always” the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 – this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.
Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.
Passports ruin vacations – It can happen to you
Friday, September 5th, 2008
If you think your passport can’t ruin a vacation let me
share with you a little story as to how easy it could
happen to anyone of us.
Last Wednesday……August 27th a Client calls-
“Cheryl, I’ve never been to Italy. I want to go and I want the best.
AGENT: Okay – Do you want an escorted tour or do you want us to create something just for you.
CLIENT: I want to plan my own tour.
AGENT: When do you want to go.
CLIENT:I already have tickets for September 3rd, first class, with frequent flyer mileage
AGENT: Cheryl, thinking……”Can I pull this off in less than a week with a 3 day Holiday Weekend? Called my supplier and planned the tour….five star hotels, private transfers, first class train, private tours. Emailed client……..too expensive. How can we cut corners??
It is now Thursday.
AGENT: Kept the 5 star hotels, transfers only from airport to hotel & return. He’ll take taxis to the train station. Group sightseeing instead of private. Still a bit high, says client. Offered centrally located 4 star hotels for a considerable difference
It is now Friday
AGENT: Told client we had to come to a decision today and pay for the package before the weekend. Suggested trip cancellation insurance. He declines insurance.
Applied credit card and gave him my cell phone number for any weekend changes. Emailed my invoice with note-Passports Must Be Valid 6 Months After Return Date. Called supplier to discuss how to get documents to client. They suggested email vouchers and pick up train tickets in Rome upon arrival at hotel. Agreed and discussed supplier penalties without insurance. Advised client he is in full penalty at this time
Client said he has no intention to cancel trip.
Vouchers never emailed – supplier offers to deliver documents to client at airport before flight Tuesday morning. Agreed. Tuesday morning, supplier meets client at airport and hands him documents
CLIENT: He checks in with airline and is advised his Passport Expired 4 months ago
Client calls on what to do
AGENT: I tell him to call the local passport office and BEG for an appointment
Done for Tuesday afternoon
- First Class frequent flyer ticket can not be used
- Client buys new ticket online – gets passport pictures, forms filled out and passports issued.
- Calls from the airport to ask if he has a hotel upon arrival. Hotel reinstated. Airport transfer questionable with change, but still possible.
So here’s the moral of the story – if you are planning an international trip check your passport before you even start researching your trip.
PLEASE……..Please……check your passport expiration date before making a reservation. Don’t let this happen to you ! For more information about updating your passport visit Atlas’s passport tips.
