DON’T WAIT to take advantage of the amazing sales
available, in all areas of travel. The deals will come to an abrupt end as soon
as the economy gains sustained upward momentum.
It is just killing the travel
industry to offer their products at reduced rates.
So a gentle manipulation
happens. They are sort of offering sales.
And that is exactly what you need to be looking out for.
Are you really being offered a deal? Are
you paying to take advantage of the offer? Can you get a better deal
than the one you are being offered?
Consider airline sales. The ad says $39 from Atlanta to
New York City. After reading all the details
and restrictions, this is their deal- you can fly Tuesday or Wednesday on the
7am flight, return on any flight after 8pm, and add $40 each way (yes that
price is one way) for taxes and fees.
You have to stay 2 nights at the downtown Marriott (a lot of partnering
going on) and eat one meal at Quiznos.
Oh yeh, your seat will be a middle one in rows 30 and up.
It's like going to the grocery store. New York
strip steak is on sale-two for one. Steak isn't on your shopping list but how
can you not take advantage of such a good deal. You find two you like then
notice the expiration date is tomorrow. You are going out for dinner the next
two nights. Do you buy and freeze them for that not as good taste or act
sensibly and pass up the deal. It is only a good deal if you were planning to
buy it in the first place.
As a travel consultant I get a constant flow of new
clients who didn't need me before they booked their vacation online. Why on
earth do you need help when it is so easy to book your own trip ?? I won't even begin to talk about the possible
pitfalls and horror stories about hard earned money lost or poorly spent.
A realization that happens after you hit the buy button
and get the fine print.
And the funny thing is- it doesn't cost you to have me
confirm your good deal and then book it for you. I get paid by the hotel or cruise line or
rental car company. They know I will bring them more business if they treat my
clients well. They consider you a one
shot deal. So what if your room faces the dumpster.
You can often get reduced rates from travel merchants if
you ask the right questions. Like- what is your week day rate? And do you give
a discount for more than two nights booked?
But you have to talk to the person who makes the decisions.
It is a fraternity between hotel/cruise managers
and travel agents. The good agents will talk to the managers and ask for amenities and
upgrades. I am one of those good
ones. Particularly with cruises.
For ANY travel need or question –
Jo Giraudo
jo@insidertraveler.com
Jo
Giraudo ©
