Group Cruising - Sailing with like minded people - Way too cool!

Hello everyone,


Okay here I go, again about the cruising thing - I can't help but talk it up, today I read an e-mail from one of my great clients (I have a lot of wonderful clients) - anyway; she mentioned how much the enjoyed their last cruise in February with friends, all celebrating the big 60 - seems 4 people in the group turned 60 during the same year, so they had me create a group package on Oceania Cruise Line - my oh my, what a wonderful line!



Well, I had to plug my favorite cruise line once in this blog, after all I haven't mentioned them for about a week now -



Here is a picture of the group I sailed with on-board the Celebrity Millinium, and yes we have a great time alot of different personalities and likes and dislikes; but we sailed together as a group of like minded associates (we did not know each other), today we are e-mailing each other, staying in contact and exploring the business side of travel. You know, I can't think of the last time a few hundred dollars spent on advertising or marketing that has netted me 40 new contacts networking all together?


Seems to me, someone might should look at this as a marketing tool itself, a Group Cruise for Marketing and Developement of ones products - opps, maybe I should do it and stop messing around giving out all my ideas?

Here we are, and this was taken on the next to the last day and we are all still having fun!






Credit for photo to: Jim Taft of Taft Travel (thanks Jim)!

I want you to let me plan your next cruise or party for 40 of your best friends, and If you let me plan this and get your group sold, you will travel for free -yes I said free - there are some minor restrictions, but I promise if you have 40 friends that want a group cruise, you and your companion will be traveling free of charge! Ask me for the details today! Let's cruise, heck I might invite myself too!

Keep cruising!

Recent visit to the airport! Be prepared for the worst!

Saturday morning I had to meet an inbound FIT client coming in from Asia - the update from the airline was wrong and I arrived one hour early. That's okay this will give me time to check out the airline counters, security and other elements of airport.

SURPRISE, the airport is out of control; mayhem everywhere and it's Saturday morning. I saw lines for Southwest Airlines wrap around the terminal beyond the miles of ropes in front of the customer service counter. Why? I can only guess this many people don't know how to check in on line - a lesson on this latter, maybe the amount of luggage, as Southwest advertises No Fees Fly With US, that isn't true of course, they say no fees, but read carefully, both the travel agents and passengers should be aware, Southwest has eliminated their commissions to agents on packages for the air portion (very quietly) and the do charge for the third bag that is checked - visit their site and you will see this!

ANOTHER SURPRISE, Alaska implementing the "self service" ultra modern check in terminal with their staff behind glass screens several feet away from you so you can't ask for assistance. Another future of cutting costs and services. Does this work? All I can say is that there must of been 1400 plus people standing around hitting LCD screens, fanning themselves with their e-tickets and yelling at their significant other. My how glamorous air travel has become!

The days of real dishes, fillet Mignon and a nice glass of wine are long gone, now we are just herded on and off like a cash machine dispenser, we only get attention when we have cash in our hands or a credit card at hand.

Now you might say, Michael why now are the lines so long and complicated - it hasn't changed that much from last summer, as a matter of fact a few thousand fliers a day less due to the higher air fares? Well in the airlines wisdom, they have made it a requirement that if you are checking bags you must check them at the airport and pay cash at the time of checking in your bags, you can't prepay your baggage charges and have them loaded at curb side! Hm, which fat ass in the office decided on this policy?

Okay, it is bad enough the service desks (if that's what you want to call them) are over worked and bombarded (I feel for these agents working here), but next after two hours waiting for someone to take your money for your luggage and tell you to go on to security, then you have another hour to two hour processes - I have a great IDEA, let's build sleeping kiosks or a mini hotel for all fliers and that way they can be at the airport the night before and plan the days events around just getting to the retail section to buy food and supplies to survive a possible 8 hour delay or longer on the tarmac!

We are really moving forward in the airline world!

Tips to help you avoid this entire scenario!

1). Fly charter or private! (okay, still a little expensive, but how cool is that)
2). Learn to pack and live with less - RULE: "Less is more"
3). Don't take cruises that require formal dress - who wants to pay an extra 300 for bags
4). Ship you luggage with a luggage service to your destination or cruise ship - hell it's a deal
5). Fedex or UPS you own luggage if you wish to save money - average bag is $70, not bad
6). Check in on line always, if you have a question call your travel agent - you did use an agent?
7). With issues, leave them to your agent, not the poor clerks at the airline service counter.
8). Follow the 3 - 1- 1 rule and know they will stop you if you don't, buy it at your destination
9). Have your ID and your pre-printed boarding pass in hand and ready to go
10). Don't pack you computer, have it out and ready to open
11). Don't carry half your electronic gadgets in your pockets, put them on the ex ray tray and go
12). Don't try to carry on large luggage, it won't work and you will be delayed at the boarding
13). No one cares about your designer stuff - travel light, smart, minimal extras is requested
14). Don't fly on your cruise day, damn you are adding crazy amounts of stress to yourself
15). Arrange private transfers to and from the airport, it is so much easier then the buses/vans
16). Have your travel agent arrange for activities if you have down time, don't sit at the airport
17). Have local currency at hand upon arrival, the rates and fees at airport kiosks is very high
18). Never travel without leaving your itinerary and ID copies, Passport copies w/ your agent
19). Don't expect more then you are offered on vacation, go with the flow, go early and relax
20). Rule number one "Fly charter or private"! what can I say!

Happy travels, always use a travel agent and let us help you get your vacation off to a great start and not a shouting match between you and your partner or children.

Travel can and will be a fun adventure if planned right! Says I:

Michael

Visiting Seattle as a solo traveler! Fun can be had!

As I have traveled solo many times, it occurred to me that many people may not know the options that are available for solo travelers in our area. So I thought that maybe if I create a mock up of an itinerary for someone that might want to visit our area on their own.

Here goes:

Day 1):

Arrival in Seattle - airport pick up and transfer to downtown hotel

Relax and settle into your room, review our tour maps and guides

Evening join a cooking class and dinner event

Day 2):

Day of exploration, visiting all the major sites, taking the water taxi,

having lunch on Alki Point, monorail to the space needle, visit the

Sculpture Garden, on to Pioneer Square for the underground tour

return to your hotel late afternoon and prepare for dinner on your own.

Day 3):

Pike Place Market tour and cooking class w/ lunch

Wine tasting in the afternoon at two downtown venues

Afternoon to relax

Dinner tonight, join a Vintner Dinner w/ four course meal

Day 4):

Morning walking tour of Bainbridge Island

return late afternoon to relax and shop

Dinner on your own

Day 5):

Day trip to Victoria, B.C. or Friday Harbor - this is an

entire day for either location and special in it's own right

Day 6):

Either return home or extend you day and enjoy our

wonderful Art Galleries and Public Art Venues.

That is a wonderful interactive tour, you will be joining others doing the same

type of tour, and maybe in the process meet and make new friends. Traveling

this way with others of like interests, such as food, wine and the arts makes for

a very comfortable feeling when traveling alone.

Book a visit and you will be convinced to do it over and over, the hardest part

is just making the call to book the visit, the rest will come naturally.

See you in Seattle!

More ideas in today's travel market

We might need to re-plan our holidays this year, today gas hit another all time high, nearly 140.00 per barrel. What are we going to do, well as in previous blogs, we must in fact get smarter then our leaders and get in touch with a local travel agent!

Let's do some brain storming to combat the airlines and high cost of driving our vehicles. I think it would be nice to find an alternative way to get to one place or the other.

Today I received a brochure from Amtrak Vacations, your travel agent can book these. Amtrak packages might seem pricey compared to the amount of time it would be just to fly, but isn't that the reason we are looking at alternatives, to avoid flying?

Here are some itineraries that I have been on and are spectacular:

1). Northern Border and Pacific Northwest
2). West Coast Spectacular
3). Jazz, Blues and Rock 'n Roll
4). French Connection
5). Peaks to Pacific
6). Grand Canyon, Midwest

Others are available, and one thing to consider when looking at the pricing of these rail journeys is not to forget you are getting a "tour" type of travel, not a point to point. Sleepers include all your meals in the dining car, that is a big savings - if you travel coach and decide not to pack your meals for the journey it isn't out of the norm for a group of 4 people to spend over 85.00 for dinner, like wise 49.00 for lunch. Adding this up on a four day, three night trip you might find that the sleepers are more cost effective then coach.

How about Canada, the Canadian Rockies are an marvel of nature that you should not miss, you will see wild life, beautiful streams, rivers loads of bears and other animals that you might not want to reach out and pet. I have personally seen a black bear come up against our parked rail car and check us out from the outside, thank goodness. Via rail, the Canadian Rail Service is a little like our trains. There are also private lines, and tour operators that use these trains.

Have you heard of Trek Tours? I have, contact us if you are interested in a walking tour or trekking tour across America or in a specific region.

I even have another idea, Duvine - biking and hiking? Sounds healthy, green and what a great way to share a trip with new found friends.

I was once told by a tour operator, it isn't the product or idea - everyone does everything and you can't think of something that has not been done, so when you do a tour yourself or design one, it is an experience not just a tour or something to do.

I just came up with a new one! How about a mentoring vacation with the Y or your church youth group, combining your family vacation with a youth group there reducing travel costs and combining allot of the expenses. There is also the feel good aspect of taking a group camping, fishing or even kayaking along the coast to get up close and personal with the sea life.

Thanks for reading!

What to do in today's surcharges and airline fees

What to do?

I will tell you what to do, smarten up and look outside the box.

How?

Hire a travel designer that's how!

Why?

You already don't know what to do, so do you really want to take on the complexities of booking your travel and risk ruining your entire vacation. The vacation that you have been saving for and working your butt off for.

Alright enough with the lectures, here is what you do.

Call a travel agent, planner, concierge or designer today!

Determine you desires and needs, analyze your dreams and let your planner put together a package you will never forget. By the way will this cost you a fee, it depends; we charge a planning fee, and apply the fee to your final purchase if you not using mileage or coupons. If you are using coupons or mileage, we convert the retail value, assigned a part of your deposit to cover our expenses and expertise then apply any amounts remaining to your trip.

Did you notice I mentioned in the above statement "expertise" - don't forget we are experts in the area we specialize in and we train, learn, explore and discover our specialties. The value of our expertise can't be measured in dollars and cents, when we create your life long memories!

Here are some things to do to get around the high stress of flying and costs associated with it:

1). Europe - maybe a wonderful vacation to our friends to the north instead?
2). South America - still a good value, but with air problems - how about a cruise from Florida?
3). Driving vacation or the "road trip" - why not explore Amtrak or upscale Grandluxe Rail?
4). River cruises in Europe are wildly popular - why not try our river cruises in the U.S.?
5). Disney World Vacations Europe - think again, and combine it with a 3 or 4 day cruise?
6). European history or art tours - why not Washington D.C., Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans or Santa Fe, N.M. - we have some wonderful treasures just for the exploration.
7). Why do a trip to Europe on the mass web sites - book an individual journey on us currency
8). Why head to Paris via Air - combine a visit to London, rail to Paris, then Brussels, rail back
9). Nature gets you excited, and your going to Sea World - think again, try the Pacific Northwest
10). Why book a hotel and land in Europe - go on a cruise, save hundreds of dollars and stress

Complete vacations that will bring you back for more:

a). Pacific Northwest Exploration Package, includes:
1). Rail travel
2). Journeys on the waterways
3). Whale watching
4). Kayaking, electric boating
5). Rain forests, glaciers, bald eagle nests
6). World class art galleries, co-op galleries, out door galleries & parks
7). World class cuisine, culinary classes, markets, wineries, arts and crafts
8). 2 Nations in 5 days, with tours of some of the most amazing offerings in North America
9). Urban touring thru Portland, Seattle, the Islands, Victoria, Vancouver, Richmond
10). We have what no other region in the world has, undiscovered eclectic adventures

I want to see you in the Pacific Northwest, either booking your journeys from our specialists, or call your personal designers or agents and have them call me to design your journey, the rewards you will receive will only be complemented by the rewards we offer our travel partners.

So don't let the airlines and stress of the gas prices for your vehicle ruin your summer plans, think outside the box and let's put together a great holiday and show the airlines they should of been taking care of business in the first place and they wouldn't be in the mess they are in today.

Thoughts?

The truth about cruising - "Cruising 101" by Michael

History on my experiences:

None on mass markets of today, that is until May of 2008! My past experience on ships included the gambling cruises off the west and east coast in the early 1980's. Then onto operations of a private rail companies product "American Orient Express" (land cruise for lack of a better definition). Small ship cruising and working was an ideal feel and suited me well, like the train - small ships offer amenities and personalized services like no other products.

Large premium ships I love: Holland America, Princess (small ships too), Celebrity and others I am sure? I will try all of them over the next year.

Luxury mid market ships, ie: Oceania, Regent, Silverseas, Seabourn and Sea Dream Yachts make my heart skip a beat or two just booking a client, let alone participating on-board with a cruise. It is heaven on earth in my opinion, and the opinion of others. I will give you some testimonies later from passengers on a mass market ship recently.

Small Ship Cruising or Yachting: some of the ships listed above should be here, but there are others even smaller then the ones listed on my mid market list, and they are Clipper Cruise Line, Cruise West and American Safari among others. These are my favorites.

Now, this isn't 100% to the cruise markets definition, again this is my blog and I like this classification better then the ones from the industry. You want honest, your going to get it; some will like my feelings and beliefs other will not, for them it's only an opinion folks!

Recent cruise and review:

In may of 2008 I experienced a new type of travel for me, mass market cruising on a "Premium Class Ship".

Myth: Premium Class Ship is Luxury : Fact: Not in my opinion
Myth: Mass Market ships (large) are more active : Fact: No, as a matter of fact relaxing
Myth: Mass Market cruisers are either "over fed" or "nearly dead" Fact: far from the truth
Myth: Mass Market ships are all inclusive : Fact: far from the truth, more on this topic later
Myth: Mass Market ships are less expensive then luxury : Fact: far from the truth
Myth: Mass Market traditional dining is fun and interactive : Fact: far from the truth
Myth: Attending all activities is essential : Fact: save your sanity, do only what your into
Myth: You must eat 4 meals a day and visit the buffet : Fact: would you do this at home?
Myth: You eat unhealthy and way too much : Fact: not with the lite meal option availability
Myth: The crews are all perfect : Fact: they are human, snap into reality and treat with respect
Myth: The crew works very hard : Fact: the crews works incredibly hard - incredibly hard!
Myth: There is no private space on-board these ships : Fact: so many for your enjoyment
Myth: All passengers on your cruise are nice and like minded : Fact: grow up, we are all human
Myth: You won't have fun with all these people : Fact: it is what you make it, and you will love it

Comparison in my world:

Cruise ships (mass or premium class), are like Vegas on Ambian. The casinos are nice, small, clean, workable and yes they will take your money just like Vegas, and you will be surprised to learn the casino will allow you (on some ships) to charge up to 2,000 dollars to your stateroom over 24 hour period. Can you imagine this, sounds much like Vegas to me!

Comparison in my world:

Luxury lines, mid ship market; is like a fine boutique hotel on Steroids, glamorous, elegant, well balanced service above and beyond your expectations. Crew members filling your expectation before you know you are expecting it! It appears they think for you and for some reason you never see the cabin steward that is hiding under your bed, when you depart your cabin and a piece of paper makes it to the trash bin and you return a short time later only to fine the paper magically disappeared, your towels are replaced and you never saw your steward. How do they do this? Hope there isn't a camera in that room, because I will be the next U-Tube Star.

Okay Facts you need to know:

If your 30 - 59 you should only pick a cruise line that offers anytime or dine at will programs
If your over 60 and like old style cruising with forced dining times, pick traditional options only
If you truly enjoy good eats, go to the specialty restaurants, luxury lines often included, mass not
If you are a real drinker you may want to pick a luxury premium line, it's included
If you are taking your children on mass market, get the drink cards, pop is very expensive
Large ships, mass market is not close to being all inclusive, watch the charges for everything
Charges start from the time your on the gang plank, with the photo's that hand out all cruise
Soft drinks, fancy coffee drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, alcohol or soft drinks in the bar - cost
Plan on spending 50% more then your cruise fare for incidentals and tips on mass markets
Plan on spending nothing extra on premium luxury lines, with even gratuities included on most
Remember the price on the Internet is not your price, read the fine print, taxes, ports, surcharge
Book your cruise only with a qualified travel planner or agent, never on your own
Don't use the cruise line insurance, unless you only want replacement value and not medical
Book very early, six months to twelve months or within the last 90 days for best pricing
Don't misplace or leave your pool towels at the pool from your stateroom, $45 bucks each
The mini bar is not free on premium or mass market ships, only premium luxury liners
Specialty restaurants on most premium luxury lines are included in your fare
Specialty events on luxury lines will have additional charges, but only very special events
Land excursions can run into hundreds of dollars, and seems fun in a cashless environment
Land excursions are included with some luxury and small ship or yacht cruising lines


Suggestions:

Relax and accept a cruise for what it is, meals on wheels or floating hotel and nothing else
Make your own space on-board, enjoy the wonders out the window or on deck in a lounger
Don't drink too much, it isn't fun and your are in a limited environment so others are watching
Get involved in the events if you enjoy this, otherwise; play card games, board games
Don't use food as an activity, eat healthy in the spa or light meal options, don't do the buffet
Enjoy a treat in the afternoon, maybe a fresh pastry or house made ice cream no the buffet
If you are doing "traditional dining" please keep the medical conversations off the table
If you are doing "traditional dining" don't tell all or compare your life to others, no one cares
Find the piano bar, or quiet lounge, often no one is there and it is all yours
Cruising for singles is a lot of fun if your personality is strong and your comfortable alone
Read your daily activities closely, there is always single meets, support groups, life style groups
Take naps, you will find this is the best way to enjoy the cruise without exhausting yourself
Enjoy the gym, or splurge on a little pampering and spa treatments - you will feel brand new
Formal wear should be worn if you want to get the feel of the elegance (on formal night)
Semi Formal or "Informal" as the mass lines call it, should be a suit for men, dressy for women
Casual nights does not mean jeans, t-shirts and shorts, maybe a sport coat and open collar shirt
Afternoon Tea should always be Informal or dress up tea, it is all about the ambiance it creates
Dance and dance by yourself or with the activities staff, they love it and no one cares

**I was opposed to mass market cruising until a recent journey**I am still not a huge fan, but it has it's place and I did enjoy it, will recommend it to others and sell the product with conviction and knowledge about what to expect and not to expect**

One things is true, when dealing with this many other travelers, you see the normal things that you might wonder why? But that is life and you see this everyday in hotels, casinos, city streets, movies, theaters and any public venue, after all not everyone is considerate or compassionate.

My little rant:
You know the ship may run out of food some day, or even liquor - you never know so waiting in line 20 minutes before the restaurant opens or the bar opens will ensure you get your meal, don't worry - relax there is plenty, your on vacation and supose to be enjoying your friends and partners - don't wait in line! I see why most people think the food on mass market and premium large ships is good, they are the ones with less interest in pallete entertainment. I say this as culinary travel is my personal niche specialty. I don't like the food, although not without exception of some items, the food is good quality but over cooked or held way too long. They are trying to feed too many people at a sitting, 1200 to 2500 per seating! Even the best of chefs would find it hard to maintain a great quality with these quantities. But even my breakfast each day in my cabin was less then edible, mass production just doesn't cut it for me. Would I go again and continue to consume the food in the dining room, yes! Would I enjoy the alternative restaurants more, most definitely - it is worth the money and creates more of a luxury feeling on these mass market premium liners.

One note I should mention - Does it mean they are not a good product, not really, but once you have been wined and dined on a mid ship, full luxury line, and once on a mass market premium line - it doesn't take a degree in cruising to know what is the best option and best value for the ones looking for an exceptional journey.

Next week we are going to show you a comparison on costs of cruising Mass vs Luxury. Also we are going to compare the true costs of a cruise to Europe vs Land tours - with the dollar continuing to weaken, cruising is a value in Europe no matter what type of line.

Happy Cruising and get our there! It is fun, make it what you want it to be and it will be exactly that, don't over think or over work your vacations, let the experts do it for you and you just enjoy and rejuvenate as you should on vacation and cruising is the best way to do this, napping and relaxing is imperative. One last thing, call your travel agent or designer - you will be very happy you did, and your journey will be wonderful.

Michael

10 Myths about travel agents! Read this - it will surprise you!

1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same

Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. So, depending on what type of trip you are looking to take one travel agent will suit you better than another. That’s why it is important when planning a trip to find a travel agent that specializes in where you want to go.

2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore

Fact: Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.*

3. Myth: Travel Agents are Trying to Cheat Me if They Don’t Quote Me the Cheapest Price

Fact: Travel agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that cheaper itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches. For example, longer waits at the airport and odd travel times. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for you money spent which should include the most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. – Unless you have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan.

4. Myth: It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent

Fact: The fee a travel agent charges really depends upon the agent. While some of the more luxury agencies have higher fees, the average fee is quite marginal. Some travel agents will even drop the fee or offer a discount once you have finalized your trip with them. Plus, you can always ask an agent upfront what their fees are and decide for yourself if it’s worth it. Also, it is important to remember that a lot of online booking sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well.

5. Myth: I Can Easily Book the Same Trip on My Own Without Using A Travel Agent.

Fact: Although travel agents have access to all of the same outlets you would use when looking to book travel, they also have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are most times not available to the public. Your travel agent also has more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are on hold for travel agents reservations. So when everyone else is telling you “No” your travel agent can help turn that to a “Yes.”

6. Myth: Travel Agents Don’t Have Information as Updated as the Internet

Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sources as online booking sites such as Orbitz and Travelocity. They also receive daily emails and faxes with new specials from resorts and hotels that may not be published on the internet. Travel agents can also call a place directly to see if they can work out other kinds of special deals for you, something an online site can’t do.

7. Myth: Travel Agents Are a Waste of Time

Fact: Although you can find much of the same information that the travel agent provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of valuable time doing so. A travel agent can actually save you from hours of painful research and price comparison shopping. They have up to date prices, hotel conditions, and interesting new activities. Their prior knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning.

8. Myth: Travel Agents Have Lost Their Clout

Fact: Travel agents book hotels, cruises, and activities every day. The companies that provide these services know that and want their business and will work to keep that business coming back. So while a place might be telling you “Sorry we are booked,” for your one time trip, they are more likely to make an acceptation for the travel agent to insure that the agent sends them more business in the future.

9. Myth: Good Travel Agents are Hard to Find

Fact: While there are some below par travel agents out there, sources such as Tripology are great outlets to go to find reliable specialized travel agents that will match your needs.

10. Myth: Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel

Fact: Travel agents can arrange car service, personalized tours and activities, in addition to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also excellent sources of information concerning good restaurants, good sites to see, and tips on what to pack.

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

Be smart, use a travel designer - we have power!

I was hoping this would get your attention; I have a story to share with everyone on a recent situation that happened to one of my clients. I want to share this with anyone who doubts the validity of a Travel Proffessional, ie; Agent at Home, Travel Agent or any variation of a Travel Proffessional, and why the Travel Proffessional has the experience to save a vacation and correct a wrong doing.

My client ended a 27 day cruise in Cape Town, South Africa. I booked her hotel, as all my pre and post stays; on my own and not with the cruise package. Her arrival was pre announced as all my clients arrivals are, directly with the property.

Upon her return home, I receive a call that my client had a problem in Cape Town at a large International Hotel. On her second night at the property’s restaurant she was relieved of her personal belongings. Much to her surprise right from the very dining table she was sitting at. Yes, she left her purse on the chair and was enjoying her dinner, and yes she had just returned from an outing with the hotel’s chauffer, but she was not expecting what would happen next. She looked over at the chair next to her and no purse! An undisclosed amount of cash and of course her ID, Travel Documents and other personal things all gone, here is a 77 year old widow with no phone numbers, contact info or sympathy of any kind from the hotel. She was lectured by the Manager on Duty as to being a responsible tourist? The police where summoned, reports filed and the next day the purse was found outside the hotel restaurant in tact, no money, no credit cards – but Passport and ID! The manager told her she was on her own. They sent her two days later to the airport and allowed her to charge the fee to get to the airport on her room. This property is considered a premier property at rates above $400.00 per night U.S.? Most of you know where I am going with this!

I contacted the Reservations Manager; she was mortified; she forwarded an inquiry to all the managers at the property and regional. I did get a response “We are not at liberty to discuss any client issues with the travel agent”. They returned an e-mail stating “The issue is closed and there is no responsibility on the properties part to make any adjustments or consideration in the above client matter”.

Next, I go to the guest relations department of this chain in the U.S., two calls, with two - 10 day follow ups only for them to say, “Sorry it is a franchise property and we have little control over them”. Well, this is not good, they are flying their flag and charging a fee to the franchisee, there is something that can be done. My next step, straight to the parent company in Belgium, results – compassion, apology and most important – a personal call from the C.O.O. of the chain offering my client a settlement and a full apology. Travel professionals are people helping people, what a great career!

We all need to know our value is immeasurable compared to a “Web Booking Engine or Mega Engine”; you have the power to correct an injustice!