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Why
should I use a travel consultant? |
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Using
a travel consultant allows you to take advantage of industry-trained
professionals to find low fares, arrange custom itineraries, and offer
expertise in traveling worldwide. Many agencies charge nominal fees
for certain services however, the savings you may receive far outweigh
those costs. Travel consultants stay abreast of the most current and
timely promotions and analyze those promotions, keeping in mind that
"cheapest is not always best". They can make recommendations
based on their experience and knowledge of destinations, as well as
the trends in the travel industry. Your travel consultant provides
one-stop shopping for all of your travel needs. Whether it's airline
tickets, cruises, hotel and car reservations, or that dream trip to
Europe, travel consultants provide information and advice that is
in the best interests of their clients. Should problems arise, your
travel consultant is your best ally in helping to get them resolved.
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Is
the Internet the best source for cheap airfares? |
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Sometimes. However,
many sites offer fares that may not be available when you want to
travel, and are biased toward certain air carriers. In fact, we
found that often clients check only to find that we can beat the
price the Internet offered. We encourage our clients to mainly use
the Internet for informational purposes. Once booked on the Internet,
you lose control over your reservation. You may also run into problems
if you need to cancel or change your ticket. Some Internet travelers
are not advised of airline schedule changes. If you purchase a ticket
from a travel agency and the fare goes down, you may be rebated
back the difference in travel vouchers. This is not done through
the Internet. Internet buyers names are often sold to "mailing
lists" and these sites rarely make any guarantees regarding
the accuracy of the data they provide. Finally, many people still
do not feel comfortable sending their credit card information to
an unknown company in "cyberspace".
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How
much baggage can I take? |
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You are allowed to check 2 pieces, and carry on 1. Each checked bag
cannot exceed 70lbs, and your carry on cannot exceed 40lbs.
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Why
can't I ever get the seat assignment I want? |
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Airlines only pre-assign about 65% of the seats on a given flight.
They also block seats for their premier frequent flyers and full fare
passengers. When checking in, check with the carrier as they make
additional seats available on departure day.
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How
do I find out what shots I need before traveling? |
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Most
travel consultants have this information in their computer systems. You
can also call the Center for Disease Control at 877-394-8747. The
Travel Wellness Clinic, located at 416 Frandor, East Lansing, Michigan,
can not only provide information on required shots and inoculations,
but can provide the treatments required as well. Their telephone number
is: (517)324-0860.
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I
need a passport-quick! How do I get one? |
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Most
travel agencies work with Visa Services that can obtain a passport
within 48 hours based on need and documentation. The visa service
charges approximately $75.00 in addition to normal passport fees,
and mailing costs. This is just another valuable service offered through
travel agencies.
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When
is the cheapest time to fly? |
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It
varies, however it is often less expensive to travel on Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Saturday. Most low fares require an advance booking and a Saturday
night stay. Fares to international destinations such as Europe, Caribbean,
etc. are seasonal. Your travel consultant can advise you of the least
expensive time to travel.
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I
want to go on a cruise, will I get seasick? |
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Most
cruise ships have modern stabilizers that make for a smooth ride.
Other than over the counter medicine, your doctor may suggest the
anti-nausea patches or wristbands. All ships have doctors on board
for severe cases.
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When
is Hurricane Season? |
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Hurricane
season runs from June through October in the Caribbean and some parts
of Mexico.
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Can
children fly by themselves? |
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Children
age 5 to 14 can travel alone provided they pay an unaccompanied minor
fee, which is approximately $50.00 to $75.00 each way. Forms must
be filled out prior to the flight-verifying people dropping off and
picking up.
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My
plans are not definite, can I hold 2 reservations? |
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No.
Airline regulations prohibit holding overlapping reservations.
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I
have a nonrefundable ticket and my trip was canceled. Do I have any
options? |
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Yes
you do. The ticket may be nonrefundable, but it is reusable. The airlines
will charge you a fee, normally $100.00, and you can use the remainder
towards a future flight on that carrier.
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I
am going to Mexico, can I drink the water? |
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Yes
and no. Almost all resorts and major restaurants provide purified
or bottled water. You must be careful at small local restaurants and
always wash purchased fruits and vegetables with purified water. We
suggest that you pack a bottle of Pepto-Bismol just in case.
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Do
I need an "international" driver's license? |
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No
you do not. Your own drivers license is all that is required, the
international drivers license is only used as a courtesy.
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When do hotels offer the best rates? |
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In
most major cities, rates are cheaper on the weekends. Rates during
the week tend to be higher due to business traveler demand. However,
in most resort hotels rates are less during the week and are higher
on the weekend. Travel consultants can help you with specials and
discount offers.
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What
is an electronic ticket? |
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Electronic
ticket information is stored in the airlines database, and is accessed
when you check in for your flight. Your travel consultant will provide
you with an itinerary and passenger receipt. Picture identification
and a copy of your itinerary or passenger receipt is required at check
in.
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Is
cruising really one of the best bargains in travel? |
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Cruising
can be one of the best values around. Where else can you find accommodations,
gourmet meals, entertainment, exotic destinations, and superior personal
service at one low price? Also, with the advance of new ships, cruise
rates continue to drop.
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Our
resort in Jamaica offers an "all-inclusive" plan. How do
we decide if it is best for us? |
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The
term "all-inclusive" means that your initial vacation cost
includes practically everything. That means drinks, all meals, watersports,
entertainment, etc. Whether it's a good deal for you hinges on a few
factors: are you going with children? Do you normally eat and drink
a lot on vacations? Is the price for food and drink high or low at
your destination? In the Caribbean, an all-inclusive resort is usually
the best way to go. However, in Mexico with our strong dollar, it
may not best suit your budget. Your travel consultant can advise you.
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The
airlines lost my luggage. Now what do I do? |
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If
your bag does not show up on the baggage carousel, go immediately
to the carrier lost baggage office, usually located in the baggage
claim area. File the appropriate paper work, and stay calm. Many times
the bag will be on the next flight and the airline will deliver it
to you. If your bags are damaged, file a claim as soon as possible.
Do not wait to file a claim later. All airlines have guidelines for
paying for damaged baggage.
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How
do I survive air travel with kids? |
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Pack
a carry bag with crayons, paper, toys, books, and puzzles. Pack bags
of snacks, fruit and water. Most kids don't like airplane food, but
many carriers offer "kids meals" which make them feel special
and they are more likely to eat. Make sure you have gum for them to
help with "popping ears".
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My
mother is gravely ill in Florida. Do I qualify for any discounts? |
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Yes
you do. Almost all airlines offer discounted fares for immediate family
members of ill patients, or family members who have passed away. There
are a few requirements: hospital/funeral home name and phone number,
relationship, name of doctor or funeral director. These types of fares
are not always the least expensive. Check with your travel consultant,
as a lower discounted fare may be available to your destination.
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When
do I qualify for senior discounts? |
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With almost all airlines, you qualify for senior discounts and promotions
when you reach the age of 62. Seniors get a 10% discount off of most
promotional fares, and many times can take a non-senior companion
for the same rate. Also, some airlines offer "senior coupon booklets".
These 4 coupon booklets allow 4 one way trips, or 2 round trips in
the domestic United States. Depending on the destinations, these booklets
can offer substantial savings. With most cruise lines, hotels and
tour operators, senior discounts begin at age 55.
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