A recent industry article came across my desk today and I think it is important to reaffirm what I have been telling everyone for some time now. Using a travel agent or travel designer or good tour operator - through a travel agency is the only way to book.
A special recognition to Travel Mole for the article that I have taken exerts from to share with you.
Statement by the US Tour Operators Association; "Travelers can save between 20 - 30% during high season by buying a vacation package or tour package, over making the same arrangements on their own."
A recent survey found that travelers can save an average 30% on land/sea vacations, and 20% on air-inclusive packages versus planning the same trip on their own.
"Depending on the destination, travel in low seasons nets an additional 20% savings, with savings sometimes up to 40% for areas like Mexico and the Caribbean.
Depending on destination and complexity of the trip, overall savings on land packages and tours can range anywhere from 5% to 50% and from 10% to 35% for all inclusive trips. Savings are based on a typical one week package during high season at rack rates.
"Savings have remained constant over the last three years", say the tour association.
"In 2005 we reported an average savings of 30% across the board. Given the increase in fuel prices and air fares, savings on air inclusive tours and packages today are slightly less, averaging 20%", said Bob Whitley of USTOA.
This also revealed another interesting component; "booking a one week all inclusive, escorted tour saves an average of 9 hours of planning time and an average of 16 transactions to the consumer trying to do it on their own".
Now I say, isn't this proof enough to call me today and let me do the work for you and save you an overall average of 20% plus and 9 hours of your own time. How much is your time worth anyway?
http://www.cetctravel.com/ or http://www.nwculinarytours.com/ ! TODAY and start saving big time!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
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