In todays modern times, the majority of people need travel
arrangements at some point in their lives. Even with
the current slump in these hard economic times, people who
need to travel for business, who take road trips or go on personal
vacations need one or all of the following: airline tickets,
rental cars, hotel reservations, etc. Families want to
experience vacations that can cater to both adults and children
while they are away. People visit family and relatives during
hectic holiday seasons. Newly married couples go on honeymoons...so
exciting!!
Ok! Now, you have decided you want to book your trip. Many
questions and concerns arise. What documents and
identification will I need to travel? What type of hotel and room
category would be best for me to book for a family of five or more?
What carry-on restrictions do airlines have on their flights?
How do I know I am getting the best deal for my money? If you are
newlyweds, does the brides married or birth name show on the
airline e-ticket for the honeymoon trip? Are there any
countries I shouldn't visit due to heightened security travel
alerts? What's the difference between a meal plan and an
all-inclusive resort? How does a couple arrange a wedding at a
resort or on a cruise? O.M.G!!!
In an internet savvy world, where people go online for
everything from soup to nuts, including booking or at least
inquiring about their prespective vacations or business
trips, speaking to an industry accredited and/or
certified travel consultant can answer these questions and
make the travel industry a more familiar place. (I will
discuss the difference between a credentialed professional
travel consultant and the "card mill" agents in a
future blog.)
Along with whatever information you can get online, travel
consultants can give you a personal touch (note "person"
in the word "personal", wink! wink!) and assistance that
can't be found in a web search engine in order for
you to arrange and complete your travel knowing you have a
"flesh and blood" expert at your side. If you and
your family, or a business traveler need to make any
changes or have any situations prior to departing or are
already enroute, knowing that your travel consultant is an
email or phone call away to assist you can instantly become
very comforting. Ok, everyone...let's
sigh...Ahhh! Now, put that in your
"Google" and
smoke it!
Making your travel arrangements should be exhilarating, allowing
you to get the most out of your travel budget, as well as a smooth,
stress free experience before, during and after your trip has
commenced.
Many people save their hard earned money over a long period of
time to vacation. In this recession, a vacation has become a luxury
again. This is where the expertise of a travel consultant comes
in. Allowing a travel consultant to assist you can save
"search time", money and answer questions you
may have regarding:
Hotels
Rental cars
Tour packages
Cruises
Weddings (Resorts & Cruiselines)
Airlines & Airline tickets
International & Domestic travel
Group travel
Family Travel
Travel issues & concerns
Correct travel documentation
Travel insurance
Ground transportation
Attraction tickets
Train tickets, and so much more!
There are also many other interesting topics you can
discuss with your travel consultant, such as:
The history and evolution of the modern travel consultant.
The impact of the internet on the travel industry and what is has
meant to consultants.
Even the language of geography and the continents.
LearnIng about the interesting points, fascinating facts and what
to do in any destination you want to visit can add to your
vacation experience. Most seasoned consultants have traveled
to many destinations around the world and can give
you tips on where to go, what to see, what to avoid, recommend
hotels, offer tips on the best restaurants & shopping areas
that they themselves have experienced first hand.
This information is free folks, yet, so valuable to you!!
We can discuss the impact of September 11th, 2001 and the changes
that have taken place in the travel industry, along with what
the government's Homeland Security Departments mission has been
since that world altering event. Yes, we also keep
up on important world issues!
Let's discuss the Orbitz, Priceline, Expedia sites and how to
navigate them to get the best deals...and so much more!
Travel consultants also utilize these sites along with the
airline GDS/CRS booking systems to make sure we are working hard to
get YOU the best deals. It's true! And, yes, we also
appreciate a client that has done his or her "homework"
on the internet before you contact or visit us. After all,
as Sy Syms, CEO of Syms Corporation said it in television
ads in the 1980’s..."An educated consumer is our best
customer"!
Perhaps, you may want to be a future travel consultant yourself.
Your travel consultant would be able to advise you how to get
started in the industry and can also discuss the future
of travel consultants and the influx of the home based travel
consultant versus the "brick and mortar" agencies.
(Again, that's a whole other blog I will touch upon soon!)
Whether you are a novice or experienced traveler, whether you
book directly with a travel consultant or for yourself online,
whether you are booking a vacation or an around the world business
trip, one rule of thumb in the industry is that travel is
an ever-changing chameleon. Keeping up with any changes
and the latest industry information is key.
Travel consultants rely on maintaining satisifed clients to
ensure repeat and repetitive business relationships, and in return
these business relationships turn into lifetime friendships as
well! Travel consultants are true professionals and
understand the travel business to give you what we all
deserve...a vacation of a lifetime!
Support your local or favorite travel consultant! Go Travel!
Expertise:
"Mad in Philly's" long term and dedicated experience includes fifteen years in the Leisure and Corporate travel sectors as a Travel Coordinator. Her career has given her expert knowledge, skills and experience in all aspects of the travel industry. She has promoted the interest and sale of tourism since 1995 utilizing a high level of product knowledge and geography working for some of the most well known and successful travel companies in the industry. "Mad in Philly" is also an credentialed travel professional with the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) since 1996. However, first and foremost, "Mad in Philly" has always provided commended professionalism and excellent customer service, as well as be the primary communication point between travelers and vendors to ensure client satisfaction and long term client relationships. "Mad in Philly" hopes her expertise and travel knowledge will extend to you as well! "Mad in Philly" is in the professional travel advice and information business at her vitual office on www.LivePerson.com/the-travel-diva in the Home and Leisure category. Happy Travels!
