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Travel Agents

Why It’s Crucial to Book Trips With Travel Advisors

by JuJuB

SOURCE: TravelPulse

CLAUDETTE COVEY  MAY 02, 2022

The ubiquity of technology combined with the lasting impact of the pandemic has formed a perfect storm of confusion for consumers – which is why it’s absolutely crucial that they book their trips with travel advisors.

“Living in a world where endless information is at our fingertips, planning a vacation has gone from being independent and booking it online yourself, to ‘I am so overwhelmed with all of the options out there,’” said JoAnne Weeks, vacation division director at Acendas Travel.

“We are finding even the savviest travelers are now seeking out a travel advisor. What consumers are coming to realize is what they see online is not as unsettling as what they don’t see. That’s where a travel advisor comes in.”

Added Churchill & Turen Managing Director Richard Turen: “You cannot use the Internet to find the world’s top-rated cruise line. You cannot use the Internet to obtain a professionally written hotel inspection report. You cannot find a caring personal travel health advocate on Twitter. For that and so much more you need a travel truthteller who represents you and you alone.”

Turen said he likes to think of a great travel advisor as a trusted physician who knows their clients well.

“The trip ‘diagnosis and recommendation’ should never be placed in the hands of a commissioned call center robot working out of Miami, Mumbai or Manila.”

Then there are the issues of time.

“Clients call us frustrated that they have long hold times,” Elite Travel Management Group CEO Tammy Levent said while being on hold for two hours with a cruise line.

“I have so many people calling me saying, ‘I booked online and need to change my ticket,’” she said.

“If it’s an airline issue, the client has to wait on hold for hours at a time, and then there’s the change fee for third-party bookings. So, at the end of the day, it costs clients both money and time.”

“There have been so many last-minute changes due to COVID and our clients were spared the endless hours on the phones with the airlines or hoteliers,” said VIP Vacations President Jennifer Doncsecz. “Having a travel advisor on speed dial is the best travel hack out there!”

There are also the myriad issues relating to protocols, travel advisories and red tape stemming from the pandemic.

“I can’t tell you how many times in the past year VIP Vacations has helped our clients with getting their passports or having to walk them off the ledge when they were confused with online forms that needed to be completed before arrival in a destination,” Doncsecz said.

“We thoroughly detail travel insurance options to meet their very specific needs so they protect their investment.”

For his part, Turen believes it would be helpful for every advisor to keep a carefully designed list of the multiple functions they perform – virtually all of them complimentary.

“We help interpret dreams, we operationalize them and then we become advocates of strength for the clients who entrust the best moments of their lives to our care,” he said.

“In defining what we do we must explain to clients that if they book directly with a supplier call center they are likely entitled to a refund of the entire travel advisor’s commission.

“If we don’t do this, suppliers will continue this massive consumer rip-off in which naive consumers who do not use a professional travel advisor are charged the advisor commission anyway.

“Travelers deserve to be covered by consumer protection laws.”

In the final analysis, the value of using travel advisors boils down to their formidable knowledge and experience.

“The value of providing first-hand destination experience, having personal relationships with preferred vendors – which goes a very long way in today’s world of travel challenges – and being up to date with any and all COVID requirements is priceless,” said Weeks.

“We’ve been a trusted resource long before Google and we know the correct answers,” said Sarah Kline, president of Time for Travel.

“I don’t do my own taxes, cut my own hair or change my oil. I use someone who specializes in these services who I trust.

“Without a travel agent, you are on your own!”

Thinking About Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak? Using a Common Sense Approach

by JuJuB

While its completely understandable that so many people are concerned about traveling due to the coronavirus outbreak, I feel it’s really important to put everything in perspective. Even though there’s no one-size-fits all answer to this current predicament that’s literally affecting the entire world now, using a common sense approach is essential, as it’s too easy for some to let fear and/or their emotions get in the way of their ability to think clearly during this particular time in traveling history.

I want everyone to know that there are still many places they can travel to, as many places are still considered to be safe. So for those who want or need to travel at this time, it’s really just a matter of figuring out what places are still safe to travel to. This requires travelers to keep on top of all travel news related to the virus, making it essential that they educate themselves well. This is simple to do, as those who still want to go on with their travel plans at this time just need to keep on top of all travel advisories, as they can change at any given moment.

How to Protect Oneself

There are a few things travelers can do to protect themselves, as it’s necessary to avoid being exposed to the virus in order to prevent one from getting ill. The best ways travelers can protect themselves from getting the virus is to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, not touch their face, wear a mask if it makes them feel safer, and maintain at least 3 feet in between them and anyone who is exhibiting any signs of the virus, like coughing and sneezing.

The CDC has posted the following questions for travelers, which will help them make a final decision on whether or not they should travel during this outbreak.

  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going?
  • Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
  • Are you or your travel companion(s) at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19?
  • Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you get exposed to, or are sick with, COVID-19?
  • Do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition?
  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you live?

Important Coronavirus Facts

Because I feel it’s so important for travelers to understand everything they need to know at this time, I thought it would be beneficial to make a list of facts to help travelers determine what they should do regarding traveling at this particular time. While all travel-related facilities are indeed taking great measures to reduce the risk of anyone getting diagnosed with the virus, it’s still necessary for all travelers to take matters into their own hands by doing everything possible to protect themselves from the virus, as there is no vaccine as of yet.

The list of facts below are beneficial for any traveler, as there’s so much information on the Internet and on the news nowadays, it can be difficult for travelers to understand what is fact and what is fiction.

 

  • FACT: The State Department has issued a Global Level 3 health advisory, which means that those who live within the United States are encouraged to reconsider any travels to other countries that have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. A Global Level 4 advisory, which has not happened yet, is the level that prevents travelers from taking part in any type of travel. So traveling is still an option.

 

  • FACT: Transportation facilities are taking extreme measures to clean high-touch areas often throughout the day, minimizing the risk of someone getting the virus when traveling by bus, train and airplane. Special attention is also being placed on cleaning areas where staff work, like check-in counters. They have also provided travelers with more hand sanitizing locations, encouraging travelers to use them often.

 

  • FACT: It’s an option for travelers to check in for their transportation travels using their cell phone. This is a good idea, as it means they don’t have to touch any self-service kiosks in order to check in for their reservation. And instead of handing over their phone to one of the agents or baggage handlers for identification purposes, they can simply hold on to their phone and show them the information.

 

  • FACT: Hotels are also responding to the outbreak, as they’re increasing the frequency of how often the clean any public areas. They’re also training employees on new ways to clean, helping to minimize the chances of any hotel guests being diagnosed. This includes cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting all areas of a hotel, including any food areas.

 Bottom Line

It’s up to travelers whether or not they want to travel during this current outbreak. The above facts should help travelers make the right decision, as these factual pieces of information are in place in order to help travelers make the right decision. All travelers are definitely encouraged to use a common sense approach when making their decisions, vs. letting their fear or emotions take over. If the decision to travel has been made, then it’s essential for all travelers to buy a travel insurance policy.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

The Responsible Traveler

by JuJuB

What responsibilities does a traveler have when booking a trip? While many people associate responsible travelers as those who are mindful of their carbon footprint, respect the culture and customs of the places they’re visiting, and will take the time to learn about a place before choosing to travel to that location, there are other ways that travelers need to be responsible. Ready to learn more?

The Responsible Traveler

Anytime a traveler uses a travel agent to book their next trip, both the traveler and the travel agent must be sure to pay very close attention to their individual responsibilities. The responsibility of the travel agent is to plan the trip in a way that meets all of the travelers wants and needs. This includes doing things like making travel reservations, hotel accommodations, tour reservations, entertainment reservations, and selling them necessary travel insurance.

 

The list below includes the many different ways that travelers need to be responsible when booking their next trip, whether they use a travel agent or not.

  • Make sure all documents are printed and taken with you on your trip. Making 2 copies and keeping them in separate places is recommended, as well as leaving copies with trusted friends and/or family members.
  • Make sure any travel company you want to do business with is legit. Simply performing some detailed research will give you the information you need.
  • Be sure to get every person’s name you’re dealing with. This supports your ability to have a trail when it’s necessary to contact these people for any reason.
  • Make sure your passport will not expire in the next 6 months. Most countries won’t let travelers enter unless their passport expires at least 6 months after their last day of travel.
  • Know where you are and who to contact in case of an emergency. This is one of the first things you should do when staying in a new location.
  • Take out travel insurance, for you and all who are traveling with you. You never know when something will happen, like an injury, or someone back home gets sick. The current Coronavirus crises is a perfect example of why you need travel insurance, as it’s not the responsibility of the hotel, airline, or travel agent if something happens to you during your travels. When buying travel insurance, be sure to read all the fine print, and find out what the cancellation policy requires you to do.

 

Have a Great Time, Responsible Traveler!

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Traveling Solo? How to be Safe When Traveling Alone

by JuJuB

Thinking about traveling Solo? More and more people are deciding to travel solo nowadays. There are many different reasons why someone would book a solo trip, with a few of the more popular reasons being they can follow their own schedule, they don’t have to wait for anyone else, they can travel at their own pace and they can spend as much time as they want to in any particular location.

How to be Safe When Traveling Alone

Solo travelers need to understand how to be safe when traveling alone. While it’s unfortunate that there is a need for solo travelers to take special precautions, it’s necessary in today’s world. Travelers who choose to go it alone must recognize how they can prevent problems from happening in the first place, which requires them to always be very aware of their surroundings. If problems do happen to arise during their travels, then they need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle the problem.

A Few Traveling Solo Safety Tips

The following is a list of some beneficial safety tips for those who choose to travel alone.

 

  • Thoroughly research the area before taking the trip. Safe solo traveling starts before leaving one’s house. This makes it necessary for solo travelers to perform a lot of research on the area their traveling to, as well as nearby areas. Checking the latest news articles is a good idea, as this can get a lot of details on what’s happening in the area.
  • Always keep your valuables on your person when traveling from one place to another. The best place to keep valuables when traveling solo includes using a money belt, backpack, fanny pack and/or in one’s bra.
  • Don’t be too quick to give someone your trust. Just because someone is ‘nice’ doesn’t mean that they are trustworthy.
  • Try not to make yourself stand out too much, as this increases your chances of becoming a target. Criminals know how to spot an easy target, so don’t make yourself one. Wear modest clothing, simple jewelry and don’t count your money in public.
  • Buy travel insurance before you go. Travel insurance is a necessary expense as it gives you peace of mind.
  • Register with your government when traveling for two weeks or more. Registering as a citizen who is traveling solo and abroad for at least two weeks with the government is always a good idea, just in case.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Argentario: Italy’s Hidden Gem

by JuJuB

Considering taking your next vacation in Italy? Italy has a lot to offer travelers! The friendly people, the gorgeous countryside, the fantastic array of delicious food options, the cobbled walkways, the history, the architecture, the plazas, the museum’s and the church’s are just some of the allure that makes Italy a top vacation spot.

Argentario Italy’s Hidden Gem

Monte Argentario is located in Tuscany and is one of Italy’s most exciting hidden gems! While it used to be an island, it’s now connected to the mainland via sand bars. Visitors will not only enjoy exploring the seaside as well as mountainside opportunities, they will also enjoy the inclusiveness and privacy this hidden getaway in Italy offers. Nearby islands include Giannutri and Giglio, allowing for a fun and exciting day of island hopping.

Additional things to do and explore here include visiting the lagoons, golfing by the sea, taking a walk through the village, shopping in high-end boutiques, enjoying cheese and wine tasting opportunities at local farms, signing up for relaxing massages, going on a boat tour, visiting the 17th century Spanish Fortress, renting a canoe to explore the coastline, going swimming or diving in the crystal clear blue waters, going mountain bike riding, visiting the nature reserve, and participating in one of the many local events that take place here, i.e. parades, firework shows, treasure hunts.

Popular destinations include Porto Ercole, Porto Santo Stefano and Cala Piccola. Popular attractions include Cala Mar Morto, Riva del Marchese and Cala del Gesso. Popular restaurants include the Sandwich Club, La Vivienda and Gourmet Con Gusto. July and August are busy months, as there are lots of festivities and events taking place during this time. Fall and spring are the best times for vacationers who are looking for a little more privacy to visit this hidden gem.

Is Monte Argentario the Next Positano?

Monte Argentario can be compared to the vertical town of Positano. This well-known and popular city in Italy was formed in the 19th century and became even more famous in the 18th century when it developed into a major port and trading hub. The beach in Positano is absolutely spectacular and one of the largest located on the Amalfi Coast. Once road construction made it easier to access the Amalfi Coast, these beaches have become a popular vacation spot amongst all types of vacationers, including famous artists, actors and celebrities.

The many similarities between Positano and Monte Argentario has many people wondering if Monte Argentario is the next Positano. What do you think?

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

 

Casa Madrona in San Francisco: A Hidden Gem

by JuJuB

Enjoying panoramic harbor views is just one of the many highlights of the San Francisco area, and that’s exactly what every traveler can expect when staying at the Casa Madrona. This luxury hotel is a true hidden gem as it overlooks the San Francisco Bay, which is listed as a landmark hotel on the National Register of Historic Places.

Casa Madrona in San Francisco

The Casa Madrona is a simple yet extravagant hotel that offers guests luxury rooms. The wide variety of rooms available all offer their own special and unique accommodations.

  • Hillside Guest House – guests can take pleasure in viewing the San Francisco skyline from this apartment-style room
  • Hillside Cottage Suite – gorgeous views can be enjoyed from this large cottage-style suite
  • Hillside Cottage w/Balcony – guests can enjoy the views while sitting on the balcony
  • Hillside Cottage – guests can appreciate spectacular views from this sophisticated cottage-style room
  • Hillside Cottage w/Partial View – a spacious, contemporary, quiet room that offers still spectacular partial views of the bay
  • Mansion Suite – a luxury room with fireplace that includes a balcony overlooking Richardson Bay and the San Francisco skyline
  • Mansion Deluxe – a small, classic Victorian-style that offers great views of the Sausalito Bay and Richardson Bay
  • Mansion Junior Suite – beautiful views of the bay can be seen from this Victorian-style suite
  • Alexandrite Suite – extraordinary panoramic views of the bay, with private outdoor decks, a chef’s kitchen and a media wall
  • Harbor Side Courtyard – this apartment-style room offers magnificent panoramic views of the day
  • Deluxe Harbor Side View – some of the absolute best views of the bay can be seen from this contemporary, luxury room
  • Wellness Rooms – offers guests a wellness experience that will nurture the mind and body
  • ADA Accessible Room – ADA rooms are available

Dining at the Poggio Trattoria is a must for guests who enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Making reservations is recommended. The restaurant specializes in Italian comfort food, all with roots from the Northern Italy area. Fresh ingredients are a focus, and the garden growing right behind the restaurant makes for the freshest meals. Private dining rooms can accommodate up to 150 people, and the option to create a personalized menu is available. Some of their specialties are listed below.

  • Breakfast – Liege Waffles, Frittatas, Fresh Berries, Cappuccinos
  • Lunch – Wood Fired Pizza, Grilled Whole Mediterranean Seabass, House-made Sausage
  • Dinner – Local Dungeness Crab, Short Rib Filled Pasta, Braised Pork Ragu

Nearby Attractions

Popular nearby attractions include:

  • Napa Valley
  • Sonoma Valley
  • Muir Woods
  • Local Boutique Shops
  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Haight Ashbury

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Why it’s Important to Take an Annual Vacation

by JuJuB

When’s the last time you took a vacation? While many people tend to think that taking an annual vacation is a luxury, taking a break from one’s normal routine is actually recommended for a well-balanced life. Just like choosing the right foods to eat and exercising on a regular basis, taking a vacation every single year should be on everyone’s list of things to do as it can help them live a truly happy and healthy life.

January 30th is National Plan a Vacation Day, a great reminder for those who work hard all year long that it’s time to plan a vacation!

Reasons why it’s important for everyone to take regular vacations

Remember how exciting it was to have some time off when going to grade school, high school, college? Not only did you get the entire summer off, there were also many breaks when you didn’t have to attend school, i.e. spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. But once you get started on your new career path, this tends to change. It’s now easy for you to get caught up in your workload, which is one of the reasons why many workers will put off taking a vacation, because they don’t want to fall behind or lose their competitive edge.

Even so, the many benefits that come with taking an annual vacation are not to be missed and for that reason should be a part of everyone’s yearly calendar of things to do. The following is a list of the top reasons why it’s important for everyone to add taking regular vacations to their calendar.

 

  • Vacations are good for your health and well-being. Everyone needs a break from the pressures of everyday life. A vacation allows for the resting and relaxation, giving your body the ability improve and mend itself for better overall health.

 

  • Vacations improve relationships. Vacations are the perfect time for bonding! Whether it’s a couple or a family, doing fun and exciting things together while on vacation supports togetherness and therefore is invaluable.

 

  • Vacations allow for a refocus. Studies show that when someone is so involved with their work that they don’t make time for much of anything else, they will often experience memory problems and focusing problems. Taking an annual vacation allows them to refocus so they can return to work more energized.

 

  • Vacations make you happier. Vacations are a time for fun and relaxation, which means no stress and no worries. When there’s nothing to stress or worry about it’s hard to be anything else than happy.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Summertime Skiing

by JuJuB

How does summertime skiing sound? If you’re someone who enjoys the cooler months more than the warmer months, then taking a ski trip during the summertime is definitely worth your time looking further into. There are quite a few summer skiing destinations for you to choose from, which means you’re sure to find a destination that is just right for you.

Summertime Skiing Destinations

The following is a list of some of the best summertime skiing destinations, which are becoming more popular nowadays as more and more people are looking for cooler vacation options to take during the summertime.

 

  • Treble Cone in Wanaka, New Zealand – This summertime ski area is a great choice for intermediate skiers and expert skiers. It opens the end of June and allows skiers some of the best skiing slopes as well as access to some of the most gorgeous wintertime scenery.
  • New South Wales, Australia – This Australian ski resort is located in the Kosciuszko National Park and includes four different areas for skiing, making it one of the biggest ski resorts located in the southern hemisphere. Other options besides skiing include snowboarding, snow tubing, and tobogganing.
  • The Chilean Andes, South America – Ski Portillo offers over 1000 acres of skiing trails in a very remote location, and is a great choice for families or newbie skiers. While the skiing trails are indeed the main reason while people choose this summertime ski resort, a close second is to enjoy the absolutely spectacular scenery.
  • Kaprun, Austria – This year round ski resort is a great choice for intermediate and expert skiers. Lots of run choices and a total of eight jumps easily allure summertime skiers, making this a skiing resort that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
  • Zermatt in Switzerland – The Matterhorn is one of the most well-known peaks and is located very near Zermatt. This is not only the largest summer ski area in Europe, it accommodates all types of skiers, from beginners to experts.
  • Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia, Canada – Even though this popular ski resort is only open from mid-June to mid-July, millions of people choose this summertime skiing destination due to the fantastic snow runs and excellent temperatures.
  • The Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon – This United States based summertime skiing option is popular as it’s the only ski resort in the United States that offers year round skiing. Both intermediate skiers and expert skiers will enjoy skiing down Mount Hood, which is a volcano located within the Cascade Range.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

by JuJuB


Getting ready to travel abroad? Wondering where the best place is for you to exchange currency? Because currency exchange rates are going to vary, understanding where you can exchange your currencies so you can get the best rate is a smart idea. Carefully choosing a place where you can exchange your currency for another can save you lots of money, as you’ll be avoiding both poor exchange rates and potential high fees.

Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

In order to make sure travelers are not taken advantage of when traveling to another country, it’s best for them to exchange their currencies before they take their trip at a well-known bank or hotel.

 

  • Before Leaving Home: there are many banks in the United States that will allow their customers to purchase foreign currencies before taking a trip outside the country. All someone needs to do is contact their bank and ask if they offer this service. If they do, they need to also ask what their exchange rate is and whether or not they charge any fees for this service. Comparing the bank’s exchange rate to the global exchange rate will let people know if they’re indeed getting a good deal by using their bank to exchange their currency for travel.

 

  • Using a Known Hotel for Currency Exchange: many hotels in other countries will allow their guests to exchange their currencies at the front desk. Be sure to understand their buy and sell exchange rates. And know if they charge you 10% or less to do the transaction, that this is a fair fee.

 

  • Using a Credit Card to Exchange Currency: while using a credit card to exchange currency is often an option, understand that the exchange rates when using most credit cards are going to be high. Using a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees is therefore recommended.

 

Travelers who happen to have any foreign currency left over after their trip should exchange it before leaving the country, as this will allow them the best rates.

 

A few currency exchange tips:

  • Don’t let a foreign merchant charge your credit card in dollars
  • Don’t use your credit card to get cash advances in foreign countries
  • While using a currency converter website may seem convenient, the exchange rates will not only be higher, you also have to pay for the delivery charges

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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