Wow, it’s been a long time since I last blogged (as is very apparent by the Holiday greeting card last posted!)
This has been the busiest past 4 months that I have had in my 7 years of being a travel professional.
I know, people are surprised when they hear this. They somberly ask me, “How’s your business with this economy?” When I reply that it’s great, busier than ever, they are either amazed or in disbelief. I would love to believe that it’s due to my super amazing abilities and service as a travel agent, but I know that’s not the only reason.
In the past year or so, I see a change in the way my clients are booking travel, but they are still booking.
People do not want to give up their well-deserved and earned vacations if they don’t have to. They may tighten the belt a little when it comes to the amount they are spending on a vacation, but they still see the importance in taking time off from the every day and traveling. While some may still be doing the “stay-cation” to cut corners, I think the majority is looking for that escape that you get when you are lounging on a beach, cruising the seas, touring exotic places…you get the picture.
The other change that I have noticed is that consumers are planning and booking their trips closer in to the travel date. While some may think this is the best way to get a great deal, that’s really not all that true.
There may be times when that works out well, when the price and the perfect package align. That’s not the reality most of the time, especially when you must have a flight to get to your destination, whether it be a cruise or all-inclusive or other land package. Sure, if you live in Florida or near other cruise port areas, you can book a last minute cruise and get a great deal. But, is it the cruise ship, or the itinerary that you really wanted? Or, is it the ship or itinerary that isn’t selling very well? Some people may be fine with just doing something and getting the best price. I have had clients tell me this when we are planning their trip, only to find out that they weren’t as thrilled with their vacation upon returning. What I have learned over the years is that when a client says that they want a great deal, what they really mean is that they want a great value.
And, if you think you are going to find a great value booking close in when your travel plans require air fare, you may be mistaken. I have received many calls in the past few months from clients stating that they saw such a great last minute deal on a cruise or resort. What they don’t realize is that unless that deal includes air, they may be paying a lot more for the air portion than they would have if they planned earlier. In fact, they could be paying more for the air than they would be on that “great deal” they saw advertised for the cruise or resort. Well, okay, maybe there is a flight that costs less, but then again it has 2 layovers and takes your entire first vacation day just to fly to your destination. Not a great value in my mind.
So, what’s a travel professional’s recommendation for a great travel value? First, think about what type of vacation you are interested in, or the destination that you would like to travel to. Consider planning your vacation approximately 6 months prior to departure (some types of vacations may require earlier booking and some may be okay to book a little closer in.) Contact your travel professional to discuss your options. Be clear about what your expectations and preferences are (contrary to popular belief, we are not mind readers.) If you truly are flexible as to the destination or type of vacation, then realize that you do have to give some type of parameter for your travel professional to work with. Yes, the dreaded “budget” word is going to be mentioned. I know that people do not like giving that piece of information. They feel like they will not get the best deal that way. However, please consider that by simply telling me you want a “great deal” I have no idea what that means. Mrs. Smith’s idea of a great deal may be an all-inclusive resort vacation with airfare for 7 nights for under $1K a person; while Mr. Jone’s idea of a great deal for the same type of vacation may be a couple K’s more. (See, this is where the mind reader part comes in…I’m not one.) Everyone has different tastes, expectations, preferences and budgets. As a travel professional, I can only do my best work for you, when you give me the information I need when I ask you questions during our consultation. C’mon, say it with me, “Help me, help you!”
If you are still apprehensive, thinking, “what if a better price comes up later?” There are ways to combat that fear. For example, there are some travel protection plans that allow a “best price guarantee” and generally speaking a cruise price can be readjusted after deposit. I have adjusted prices on trips for clients many times and they are always so happy that they booked early. By planning ahead, you not only will get a great price, but also the vacation that you want. In other words, a great vacation value!
For your travel planning…
Contact Amy at A Room With A View – Cruise & Travel
800-571-3159
Amy@ARoomWithAViewTravel.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: all-inclusive resorts, booking travel early, Cruise, Great travel deal, Great travel value, Last minute travel deals, travel planning | Leave a Comment »
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