Why Your Next Vacation Should Be Customized?

Vacationing the way you too!

  At Life is Better Traveling we always say “Connecting Friends and Family through Customized Vacations.”   But what is a customized vacation?  A customized vacation is a vacation that fits your needs, desires, and overall goal of the vacation.  When you first start to plan a vacation, you get on the internet and start browsing different sites for the destination you want to go to.  All too quickly you are confronted with multiple options and many suppliers who all sell vacation packages to that destination.  It seems like an endless task to continue trying to do more research so you start asking friends.  You hear about amazing stories of their travels and you want to go more than ever.  Reality sets in that you again have to get back on the internet to do the research.  The truth call-center-1026462_1920-smalleris you don’t.

There are many different reasons you want to travel to a particular destination: the food, the sites, the people, etc.  What if you could do and see all the things that you wanted to do and see without having to choose a preset tour?  Well, that is where our travel agency comes in.  We put together customized vacation packages for what you want to do and see.  You contact us with which destination or destinations you want to see and put together a tour package that is only for you.  Do you want to fly to London on business class stay 2 nights then fly to Italy for 5 nights and then onto Portugal for 4 nights?  Guess what, we can do that for you and even recommend sight-seeing tours, provide transfers, rail, accommodations, and travel insurance.  You pick the destinations and we put it together. 

Why not a preset tour?  I have personally done the preset tours.  I had to have my luggage set outside my hotel room by 4:30am to get on the bus by 6:00am.  I had one hour to tour a city that had so much history I had to pick which single spot I wanted to see because I didn’t have time to see them all.  Did I still enjoy myself?  Yes, I did but I learned from that experience that I wanted a more relaxed vacation and I wanted to see the sites the way I wanted to see them.  I would have loved to have had a private tour guide of the Roman Baths in Bath, England, absolutely.  You better believe that next time I go, I will have a private tour guide!

 

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A customized tour must be more expensive than a preset tour, right?   I am finding that when you customize a tour it is actually less expensive then when you do a preset tour.  I have to preface though, that a customized tour is not an apple to apples comparison to a preset tour.  You are not paying for a motorcoach, driver, and tour guide for an entire vacation.  You are picking accommodations that fit your needs, tours that you want to do, and restaurants that fit your palate.  When we breakdown the pricing, it typically does come in a few hundred dollars less which helps you make the easy decision of buying travel insurance. 

But what if I am a bit nervous about doing my own thing?  That is ok.  Even though we can plan your hotel, rail, flights, car rental, etc on your own terms, we have plenty of sightseeing tours that you can do with a group.  Most of them will be half-day or full day tours, but you will be either with a small group of people to see the sights or a larger group of people, typically no more than 30 people.  This way you can have the best of both worlds!

Do you have a form I need to fill out to put together a customized tour?  No.  You simply call me and we discuss where you want to go and what you want to see.  One of my favorite things to do on the phone with you is to really get a good understanding of why you want to take this trip or vacation.  Everyone has a reason for their trip whether it is a Whiskey tour of Scotland or island hopping on Hawaii.  Whatever your reason is to take the trip, then that is what we want you to be able to do.  The trip or vacation is really what you want to make out of it. 

Now that you have a better understanding of what our travel agency can do for you in putting together a customized vacation, give us a call today and let us help you start connecting friends and family through customized vacations. 

 

Request a Travel Planning session today for FREE!

Packing Efficiently for your Next Vacation

Efficient Packing,
How to maximize your suitcase space!

We are all guilty of over packing, even myself.  I remember my first big trip to Europe I took two huge pieces of luggage and a carry-on just for myself.  I had so many clothes that I didn’t even wear half of them. 

Since then I have cut it down to traveling with a carry-on ONLY!  Many of you know that we travel overseas but how do I do it with just a carry-on?  I am going to give you our secrets for packing even more into your suitcase or carry-on.

Secret #1:  Buy the biggest carry-on allowed by TSA.  If you aren’t sure of the size check out their website.  www.TSA.gov

Secret #2:  Picking out your clothes for vacation is a process.  Lay out the clothes you want to take on your bed so you can start to narrow down which ones you NEED to take.  An extra outfit is good, 5 extra outfits is too much.

Secret #3: Include shoes and jackets in the clothes going into your suitcase.  Shoes take up a lot of room in any suitcase.  I try to wear the bulky shoes on the airplane and pack the light or smaller ones in the suitcase.  I do the same thing for my jackets.  Depending on the size of the jacket, it is not consider a carry-on so I will also wear or carry my larger jacket.

Secret #4:  ROLL YOUR CLOTHES!  You save so much room in your suitcase if you roll the clothes.  Now jeans maybe hard to roll so place them flat on the bottom of the suitcase then place all the other rolled clothes on top.  It is amazing how much more you can pack, but beware that the weight of the suitcase will go up.  Check out the airline’s maximum weight allowance for a carry-on.

Secret #5:  This may be a bit personal, but buy underwear that you can throw away.  Go to Walmart or Target and buy the cheapest underwear that you can wear.  Throw them away after you are done with them.  This gives you more room for souvenirs on the way back and you don’t have to deal with dirty drawers.  

 

Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

Have a Great Week!

When and How to Buy Travel Insurance

 Travel Insurance,

When and How to Buy

You plan all year, sometimes even two years in advance to take that big trip.  You have been slowing putting money aside, saving up, and right before you are supposed to go on this amazing journey something happens.  You can’t go!  What are you going to do?  You read through all the cancellation policies and most of them say “100% non-refundable 6 days prior.”  Oh no, you are within that time frame.  No refund!  All those hard earned dollars down the drain. 

Most of us are lucky that this scenario does not happen to us.  However, life has a way of throwing curve balls at us so you want to make sure that when that curve ball comes your way you know exactly where to hit it, with travel insurance.

There are many travel insurance companies out there selling only travel insurance.  The question now becomes, Which one works best for you?  Your travel agent is the best guide as to which company will provide the most coverage for your needs.  You don’t need to purchase the “Platinum Plan” to get good coverage.  Most times their basic plans, or gold plans will cover up to 100% of your non-refundable costs and give you very good health coverage also. 

Some things you want to make sure you do when buying travel insurance:

Tip #1:  Buy travel insurance within 15 – 21 days of your initial deposit to ensure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. 

Tip #2:  Only buy “Cancel for Any Reason Coverage” if you really are on the fence about going on the trip.  Most medical issues for both travelers and immediate families is covered under their reasons for cancellation plus, this is an added cost that you may not need to pay.

Tip #3:  Check what your medical insurance covers for out of country visits.  Don’t buy additional medical coverage if you already have good medical coverage.

Tip #4:  Renting a car?  Check what your credit cards and car insurance coverage for any damage to vehicle overseas.  Consider buying additional coverage if you already have high premiums here in the states or you don’t have enough coverage. 

Tip #5:  Make sure to get a comprehensive copy of your purchased policy from your travel agent.  Each state has different policies so make sure you have received the correct one for the state you live in. 

Tip #6:  READ OVER YOUR POLICY!!!  The more you know before you go the better.  If you have any questions about the policy call the travel insurance company directly for a full explanation.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

 

Have a Great Week!

Questions Answered by a Travel Agent

The Travel Agent is Alive!

I am going to answer all those questions that we commonly get asked…

John, did you know that unlike the caveman, the travel agent is not extinct?  I hear this all the time, “I thought travel agents were extinct!”  We are here to stay and becoming larger in numbers.  Home based travel agents are popping up everywhere.  Some people think it will be an easy way to make money and get into this profession for all the wrong reasons.  I always tell anyone I meet, “If you have a travel agent you like, don’t let them go because good travel agents are hard to find.”  So the question becomes, if you aren’t booking with a travel agent/consultant, then WHY NOT?  Here are some common questions my team of consultants and myself here when people find out what we do and our honest answers:

Why should I book with you because I can do it online?

  • This is a question we often encounter.  When looking at deals online or pricing shopping for your next vacation be sure that it is an apples to apples comparison. 
  • When booking online beware of the various “Hidden Fees” from the major online companies. 
  • You can book online.  Sometimes travel agents will not be able to beat the PRICE available online but please make sure that you are aware that if something goes wrong while you are on the vacation, you do not have an advocate or voice to better or fix the problem.
  • When booking online make sure you understand the Terms and Conditions of cancellations and refunds.  It can become very confusing and you may have to pay heavy fees to change your itinerary in addition to any fees you must pay the resort, airlines, hotel, train, cruise line, etc. 

What should my travel agent being doing for me?

  • Travel agents should be doing all of the work for you.  They should be comparing different resorts, cruise lines, hotels, airfares, etc.  We will NOT always be the “best deal” but we should always be getting you the best VALUE!!! 
  • Your travel agent should be available to talk with anytime you need them.  Automated systems are fine as long as you get to talk with someone.
  • Your travel agent should have all your details on hand so when you book with them they know exactly what you want.
  • Your travel agent should keep you updated on any and all changes to the itinerary including air or train departure times, resort or hotel renovations, cruise line issues. 
  • Your travel agent should take care of any cancellations and refunds if for some reason you would have to cancel.
  • Your travel agent should send you all your documents either via mail or email.
  • Your travel agent should call you a few days before you leave for your vacation to make sure that you have everything you need and update you on any last minute changes.  

Are travel agent service fees common?

  • Yes!  Travel agents are providing a service to you.  They are experts in their field or niche and this type of expertise is what you are need to make the most out of your vacation.
  • Most chain travel agencies and online travel booking engines charge fees.  You are paying for the computer to book your vacation with little to no understanding of what you are looking for out of your vacation.  Instead, work with a travel agent who really knows your vacation needs.
  • Most travel agents charge a fee that is reasonable to the amount of work they will be doing for you.  Some travel agents have a flat service fee that can be upwards of $500 per person going on the trip.  These fees are usually associated with high end luxury travel that requires a lot of personalization. 
  • Group travel fees will also vary.  Again, a lot of work can be put into putting together an itinerary for groups so the fees may be more.

Don’t travel agents make commission, so why the service fee?

  • Yes, travel agents do make commission from suppliers and vendors as a thank you for referring clients to their establishment.  Service fees are for the many hours a travel agent is researching so they can put together an amazing itinerary, answering questions from you and the supplier, and the many phone calls to suppliers to get you the best price and amenities. .
  • If the vacation is cancelled by the client, the travel agent may not be paid commission.  The work was done but the travel agent did not get paid.  Most people don’t work for free so travel agents charge service fees to ensure they get paid for their work. 

What if I don’t like my travel agent, can I leave?

  • Absolutely!  If your travel agent is NOT listening to your needs or wants for your vacation drop them immediately and move onto someone else.
  • Even if you have booked a vacation, you can switch travel agents.  Most bookings are transferable as long as you consent to the booking being transferred to the new travel agent.
  • Bookings cannot be transferred if full payment has been made, which is usually 60 to 90 days prior to departure.  If you are unhappy early on then don’t wait to change!

I have to cancel, who do I call?

  • Your travel agent.  You don’t have time to be calling every supplier to cancel your trip or you can’t.  This is why you have a travel agent.  Peace of mind knowing that it will all be taken care of and your refund is on the way, of course if you bought travel insurance.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

 

Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

 

Have a Great Week!

Six Tips to Protecting your Credit Card Information on your Next Vacation

Protecting your credit card information on vacation can be a full-time job!

These Six Tips will help you protect your credit card information from being stolen…

On my recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina our hotel had a laminated sheet on the desk warning clients that there has been a scam occurring in their hotel.  Someone will call your room and ask for personal information and your credit card information saying they are verifying what is one file with the hotel.  What I found amusing was that no hotel has ever asked me for my social security number, but these scam artists are asking for that information too.  I have heard of this scam at hotels with different variations, but do know that you should never give your personal information over the phone to anyone posing as a travel supplier, especially your social security numbers.

Besides the scams by phone, there are times when you are on vacation where someone will steal your credit card information.  I personally do not carry more than two credit cards with me when I travel and I only use one credit card with the other card as my back up card.  This helps me keep track of all my purchases and in case someone would steal this card, I will have the other card with me.  The real question is how do you protect your credit card and personal information when you travel?  Here are some tips on how to do just that so you have don’t have to worry.

Tip 1:  Designate one card to use on your vacation.  Put all your charges from the planning stages to the time the vacation is over, on one card so you can keep track of all your vacation charges.

Tip 2:  Avoid any fee based items that will be charged to your card during your vacation.  Hotels love to charge you for room service, movies, WiFi, etc.  Try to avoid paying for these additional services that would be placed onto your credit card.

Tip 3:  Take your own computer.  Many hotels and airports have computer terminals in their business center that you can use to print airline tickets, check email, etc.  Avoid using these computers and bring your own to check your email and bank information.  Never check anything on a hotel computer that requires you to put in a password that will access your personal information.

Tip 4:  Temporarily change passwords to accounts that you think you will be checking during your vacation.  By changing the passwords you will help protect your accounts when you get back and change the passwords again.

Tip 5:  Get a pre-paid Visa card for your vacation.  Pre-paid credit cards are great because they are not linked to any of your personal information and some of them may have travel protection in case you lose it.  Try to pay for your hotel stay, souvenirs, etc with this card.

Tip 6: Keep your room key from your hotel after you check out.  In 2003 a study was done by the Southern California law enforcement professionals and what they found was the hotel key has your name, your partial address, your room number, your dates of stay, and your Credit Card information including expiration date!  If you lose this card and someone can read not only will they have your credit card information but they may also be able to get into your room. 

Next time you travel make sure to protect your credit card information with these few simple steps. 

 

Safe Travels!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

 

Global Entry vs TSA Pre-Check

Global Entry vs TSA Pre-Check,
What are the differences and which one should you get.

I finally decided I had enough of taking off my shoes, pulling off my belt, getting out the liquids and taking out my electronics for airport security, so I applied for TSA Pre-Check.  I was surprised how quick and simple the application process was, and I did everything right online.  Once my application was submitted, and I made an appointment at the nearest office to have my fingerprints taken and pay the $85 non-refundable fee.  Now the fee is non-refundable if you are denied, but if you are approved, the $85 fee means that your TSA Pre-check status is good for 5 years.  Not having to worry about taking my shoes off, belts, liquids, or computers out of my bag for 5 years seems like a good deal at $85.  Also, anyone under the age of 12 who is traveling with a person who has TSA Pre-Check on their boarding pass will also get to go through with them. 

 

So how does this all work?  After filling out the online application, and getting my fingerprints taken, I waited for my background check to clear.  About three weeks after my appointment I received a letter in the mail saying that I was approved and I was given a Known Traveler Number or KTN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The number is a bit hidden in the letter, but after searching for a while I found it. Then I simply put this number into all of my profiles with the various airlines.  If you have a profile with an airline to receive mileage, there is a section for KTN.  Not all airlines participate in the TSA Pre-Check but there are about 16 airlines that participate including the major airlines like United, Delta, SouthWest, and American.  Once you have made a reservation with an airline, as long as your KTN is in your profile or you have added it to your reservation, then your boarding pass will print out with TSA Pre-check on the top.  Now, I say it sounds simple but the first time I used mine, I did not have TSA Pre-Check on the top of my boarding pass and even bringing a copy of my letter with me, didn’t allow me access to the TSA Pre-check line.  I called the airline to find out why I didn’t have TSA Pre-Check status on the top of my boarding pass and I was told there were two possible reasons.  My name didn’t match exactly from what was in the TSA system to what was in their system or you need one cycle for your first use of your KTN and then it will automatically appear.  After checking my name was correct, I checked in online for my flight home and gladly found TSA Pre-Check at the top of my boarding pass.  So just in case you don’t have it on your first trip of using your KTN, it should appear on the next, especially if your name is correct on both ends. 

Now for those who travel internationally, there is also Global Entry.  Global Entry is a program through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. The benefit of applying for Global Entry would be that once you arrive back in the United States, hopefully from an amazing river cruise, you simply check-in at the Global Entry kiosk and then you are on your way to get your luggage.  At the kiosk you will have to scan your passport barcode, place your fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and complete a customs declaration form.  Once these are completed, the kiosk will issue you a transaction receipt and will tell you how to get to the nearest baggage claim and/or exit.  So simple and it will save you time.

You can apply online for Global Entry using their Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), and pay the $100 non-refundable fee upfront.  Once your payment and application have been approved by Customs and Border Patrol, they will tell you to schedule an interview at your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center through the GOES systems.  Bring your required forms of identification, and get ready to answer a few simple questions.  Once you are approved, you will receive a Trusted Traveler’s Membership number which you can easily access through the GOES system, and it will be mailed to you within a month. 

Global Entry also includes TSA Pre-check!  So for $15 more, I would suggest applying for Global Entry and once you are approved the that you can also put your Trusted Traveler’s Membership number into KTN field.  Even if you only travel internationally once a year or once every other year, this is a peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to wait in those long lines to get through customs.


Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 


 

Have a Great Week!

All photos, rights reserved by those who produced them, and Yohannan family.

Which Disney Resort is Right for Your Family?

Which Disney Resort is Right for Your Family?
Here is my secret for picking the right Disney Resort…

Choosing a Walt Disney World resort is like car shopping.  There are over 20 various resorts to choose from in three different budget-class categories. What this leaves you with is a stressful decision that leaves you covering your eyes and randomly picking a resort.  I am here to tell you the secret of choosing the right resort for you and your family. 

First I want to tell you why you should stay at a Walt Disney World resort.  Convenience, amenities, dining, and your sanity.  Let’s start off with convenience, which includes saving time too.  It starts as soon as you land since you have access to Magical Express, Disney’s shuttle bus to and from the Orlando International airport.  You don’t have to worry about renting a car, an added expense, and you don’t have to worry about your checked luggage.  Special luggage tags provided by Disney are simply placed onto your checked luggage by you before you leave for Orlando.  Once in Orlando, the luggage is taken by Disney employees and it is delivered to your room later that day.  Once you and your family have deplaned, you simply follow the signs for the Magical Express, swipe your Magicband at one of their kiosks and get the bus which goes to your resort. Another convenience is that resorts are in close proximity to the parks and some resorts are even within walking distance to the parks.  This saves you time and money on a rental car and parking.  Friendly staff!  This one sounds a bit strange, but personal experience has taught me that I always encounter the friendliest staff when I stay at a Disney resort, even at eleven o’clock at night when I just returned to the hotel and starving!  Early bird FastPasses.  Did you know that when you stay on property you can reserve your FastPasses 60 days prior to your check-in date?  This helps you get ahead of the game and reserve FastPasses for some of those hard to get FastPasses such as the Meet and Greet with Elsa and Anna or Toy Story Mania!  When you stay off property you have to wait until 30 days prior to arrival to make your FastPass selections. 

Resort amenities in Disney are like no other.  Did you know that three of Disney’s resorts have themed rooms?  Caribbean Beach has pirate themed rooms where the beds are shaped like pirate ships, and the Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside resort has Royal Guest rooms where the back boards display fireworks at the push of a button.  Art of Animation has four different themed rooms, three of which are suites sleeping up to six adults.  Each resort has at least one themed pool with some of the most elaborate water slides I have ever seen.  Complimentary Wi-Fi, extended theme park hours, and laundry service are just a few other benefits of staying at one of the Disney properties. 

No matter if you are staying on property or down the street, when you visit the parks you inevitably end up eating.  Only those who are staying on property have the option to include one of the Disney Dining plans to their reservation.  I have written a whole article on whether or not the dining plan is worth the money, and it is!  Also, your dining plan is automatically linked to your Magicbands.  No credit cards needed.

Now some of you may be thinking that I should include Disney’s Magicbands as a perk for staying on property.  Well, the truth is that you don’t need to stay on property to have a Magicband.  There are specialty Magicbands that can be purchased and linked to your My Disney Experience account.  When you stay on property, part of your reservation is getting NEW Magicbands from the array of colors available.

So now that you have all the AMAZING reasons why you should stay on property, here is the secret of knowing which resort is perfect for you and your family: BUDGET.  It really does come down to what you and family have budgeted for the trip.  There is a resort for every budge,t so make sure that you stay within that budget.  When a client comes to me and tells me their budget, my first follow-up question is does that budget include meals, souvenirs, and extras?  If you have set a budget and that is the maximum amount you can spend, then you need to consider these extra costs.  Estimate these costs then subtract them from your budget and this is the resort category where you and your family can stay.  Now you have now narrowed it down to a category.  Take a look at the resorts in your category and see what amenities each resort has and how it will benefit your family. 

For example, for me and my family the room is just a place for us to sleep and get cleaned, so I am not worried if it is close to the pool or has a river view.  I am concerned with how large the resort is because the larger resorts have more bus stops which means buses get crowded during peak times to get to the parks.  I also like to have table service available at the resort in case the first night or last night we don’t want to stay in the park, we can still enjoy a sit down meal together.  These are just some of my personal preferences, but if you have not stayed at a Walt Disney World resort before then these are some questions you may not know to ask.  If you talk with a Disney Travel Consultant, like myself or any of my independent contractors, these are some questions that we will be sure to ask you. 

So if you are thinking about taking a Walt Disney World vacation in 2016 or 2017, now you know how to choose the right resort for you but if you still need some help, don’t hesitate to call us.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

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Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

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Have a Great Week!

All photos, rights reserved by those who produced them, and Yohannan family.

Worried about being scammed by a travel agent?

Worried about being scammed by a travel agent?

Here are 5 tips on how to protect yourself

For the past couple of weeks I have been writing about reasons one would use a travel agent and to watch out for hidden fees with those large Online Travel Agencies (OTA) like Travelocity.  I recently learned that in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, a lady who was a travel agent had been scamming people out of their hard earned money.  She had a brick and mortar office, was a member of the local chamber of commerce, was “licensed” according to the news station (but there was no elaboration on what they meant by being licensed), and even generated invoices for booked vacations.  Unfortunately it appears that she had her own debts to pay before her client’s vacations bills.  I am sure after reading this you are reconsidering using a travel agent, right?  Don’t be!  I am going to give you some tips on how to make sure that your travel agent is legitimate and how to avoid being scammed out of your hard earned money.

Tip #1Check their credentials.  Ask them if they have taken any course work related to travel and tourism.  Do they have certifications in the travel industry, are they rated on Angie’s list, the Better Business Bureau, or another reputable business rating website?  Are they part of any networking works like chamber of commerce, Business Network International (BNI), or the Women’s Business Network (WBN)?  And you should always ask for references!   Asking for a past client’s phone number or email address to give them a referral should be easy.

Tip #2:  When booking with a new travel agent, only give the deposit amount required to secure your booking, payment for any trip insurance, and any service fees your travel agent charges. Service fee amounts should be clearly stated on anything you sign.  Unless you are booking within a 90 day window of departure, you should not have to put down the full amount.  If your travel agent is requiring you put the full amount down, ask to see the supplier’s brochure and look in the very back for their deposit requirements.  If you feel uncomfortable about booking at that time, politely say “it was more than you were looking to put down at this time so you will have to get back with you later.”  Then get up and walk out!

Tip #3:  In a world where credit cards are so easily used and they seem to be like potato chips where we all don’t just have one, please always use your credit card.  There is built in fraud protection on most, if not all credit cards nowadays.  Use this card to make your deposits and final payments.  I would recommend against using a debit card unless you have been working with this person for years.  Please be aware of any travel agent who ONLY takes checks as their form of payment as it is very easy to set up an account to take credit cards.  Always check your credit card statements to ensure that the charges discussed are the exact charges on your bill.  And don’t be afraid to ask questions if you find an error.  An honest agent will review everything to find any mistakes.

Tip #4:  Once you have made your reservation, your travel agent should give you an invoice with a reservation number of the supplier being used.  If they have not, please ask them for this information.  This gives you the opportunity to call the supplier directly or go on the supplier’s website to verify your booking.  Now this sounds easy enough, but if you are part of a tour group that the travel agent has put together you will not have supplier reservation numbers.  The best way to double check your tour is legitimate is to call one of the hotels you will be staying at and ask them if your group is booked.  

Tip #5:  Always listen to your instincts.  If you don’t click with your travel agent then please don’t feel like you have to stick with them.  Find someone who works well with you and your family.  If you feel like something is wrong, ask a lot of questions or just leave.  You have the right to ask questions.  My mother has always told me that “if it sounds too good to be true then it is too good to be true.”  There are deals out there that are really good, but do some research.  Before talking with your travel get an idea of the cost of the vacation you want to take but remember that your travel agent can sometimes get you the same price or lower with added amenities.


Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

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Life is Better Traveling is pairing with TracyLinn.com to put on event about Wellness for Women called “It’s About Time!”

For more information on this amazing event that will be at Duquesne University on October 1st, please visit the website...CLICK HERE

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Congratulations to Mary! 

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization.  She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year. 

———————————————————————

Have a Great Week!

 

 

 

All photos, rights reserved by those who produced them, and Yohannan family.