THE TRAVEL DETECTIVE
– By Mary Beth Horvath
Travel deals may not be far from reach… You just have to look harder.
Donning a deerstalker hat, armed with magnifying glass in hand (for the fine print), a credit card, a cup of fresh brewed coffee with a hint of Baileys, the pursuit of locating the best travel deals commences.
Inundated with countless travel websites offering amazing deals, the best discounts, cheap travel, bargains galore, one has to wonder if those spectacular deals are indeed money savers. But it doesn’t stop at websites. There are flyers that mysteriously find their way into our mailboxes, print ads, radio and television ads, emails and my favourite, the automated telephone messages. Those phone calls habitually arrive around the dinner hour and it’s usually from a Captain informing me of the tremendous, but limited time offer, travel deals that await me. However, I have yet to determine if it’s Captain Stubbing, Captain Hook, Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Kangaroo calling.
So many choices, so many offers, so many of everything… So, where to begin? What sites are reputable? Will those same offers be available after taking time to view other travel sites? Are there hidden costs? How to decide which deal is really the ‘best deal’? Is it best to book online? Is it best to book through a travel agent? Are the deals too good to be true? Is there protection?
But does the process really have to be that overwhelming? It is a v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n after all.
Travel detectives you need not despair, as there are practical approaches in charting your course.
We must keep in mind, that though we do live in the computer age, not all of the 55 plus generation are computer savvy and rely on PC’s to aggregate information. And nor are we all travel aficionados. We all have questions, yet the one thing we all do not do and should is never hesitate to ASK.
The Journey Starts Here
Here is a quick check-list to get you started.
1. Is the discount offered applicable with your age? Note that some discounts only apply to certain age brackets (check the fine print).
2. Will certain memberships offer additional discounts? (Such as CAA, or other professional organizations)
3. Does the discount include more than the fare?
4. What necessary documents do you require?
5. What is the best credit card to use? (Some include travel insurance automatically)
6. If available, request online travel site newsletters.
7. Visit TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) online for information. Any travel agent must be registered through TICO in Canada.
8. Visit TravelAtlas.com or OpenJaw.com for industry updates
9. Not all sites are in real time, so prices may change when you visit again in a couple of hours or the next day.
10. Not all senior discounts are necessarily the ‘best’ deal.
11. What protection is offered, should you book online?
12. Know the difference between a ‘cheap deal’ and ‘value for your money’.
Surfing the Net
Some popular travel sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Kayak, are good places to start but it is still wise to compare prices. Do not book in haste as you do not want to be misled. A good warning sign is that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
I asked Coco Toth, Owner/Manager of Bravo Travel (Hamilton), to lend her expertise with an easy to follow guideline, sound advice and insight on how to approach the process either online, or with an agent, or both.
“The one drawback when consumers book on their own (online) is that THEY ARE ON THEIR OWN!” says Coco.
One example Coco shared was that a client of hers booked online only to discover that the flight she booked was not direct but rather overnight. “Her savings with the online booking ended up not being savings due to the extra costs she incurred, so buyers beware.”
Coco also urges consumers to read all the small print before buying anything, online or otherwise. Is the fare you are purchasing restricted, meaning no changes without penalty? What is the cost of taxes? What is the baggage allowance? Is there a cancellation/refund policy?
“While it is tempting to go online to book a discount vacation, travel agents are more privy to promotions, have professional relationships with suppliers, be it tour operators, airlines, ships, trains, and hotels. Many agencies are part of the Ensemble Travel Consortium, which leads to several discounts the consumer may not find online.”
“Agents are finding many consumers, of course, go online to gather their information but call us to verify and assist them in piecing together the best package for their money. In doing that, we establish a one on one relationship, understand and know their preferences and can easily match their needs and wants with appropriate travel products that fit in their budget. And of course booking in advance is a great way to go in obtaining the best discounts.”
Protecting Your Travel Arrangements
Consumers require a good understanding of travel insurance, trip cancellations, trip interruption insurance, medical insurance to cover them when out of province or out of country.
“Traveling without adequate insurance can be a very costly mistake”, Coco emphasized. “Many think their credit card covers them, but that is not always the case, especially when they have several cards and they do not use the correct one. A good example is when a client I had was adamant that her card covered her but in the end it did not. So I advise the consumer to call their credit card company to confirm the type of coverage offered for the type of travel they are planning.”
Documentation
Travelers must know what documentation is required for their trip, such as passport/visas and failing to have correct documentation can mean being denied entry to a country, or other costly mistakes. It is also wise to carry membership cards, cards that verify your age, as they can assist in possible discounts or promotions during their time of travel.
Senior Discounts
Discounts are offered by many travel sites, tour operators, cruise ships and hotels, but they are not necessarily the best price. Most tour operators offer ‘Early Booking Bonuses’ and there are cruise companies that offer ‘free flights’ or ‘2 for 1’ specials. Group travel is another way to access good value travel.
Coco explains, “For example, after identifying the need to provide interesting travel experiences in a safe and comfortable way, we offer escorted group tours; amazing journeys with a small group of like-minded travelers, which can be a true joy and a great, affordable way to see the world.”
Coco further encourages consumers to ASK questions. “If you don’t ask, you may find yourself with unexpected and unpleasant surprises. Call an agency; we can help answer those questions especially when the consumer is trying to determine which travel bargains are really bargains.”
Every good travel detective searches for evidence of authentic savings and discounts. You should be able to trust your source!
Silver and Gold has done the investigating for you! Our new “Passport Guide to Savings and Discounts” is exclusive to all Silver and Gold subscribers. This “Passport” provides a comprehensive listing of countless savings and discounts from an array of businesses, organizations and other contributors. From travel, hotel, flight, dining, theatre and golf, to date and age specific specials, the “Passport of Savings and Discounts” guide is specifically geared to the 55 plus group and a must have for any good detective!
Coco also cautions consumers who visit travel blogs or trip advisor for reviews. “Everyone’s perception of a great hotel, or great deal is different from the next person’s. Everyone’s expectations are vastly different. One has to wonder who wrote the review, whether a seasoned traveler, a student backpacking, first time visitor, etc. So if you are not certain call an agency, the hotel, tour operator and ASK.”
Case Closed
The biggest threat travelers have if they book on their own is that they have no support or back up once they’re on their journey. An agent at home, working on their behalf is very comforting should things go awry.
Though many travelers do book online without incident, Coco has found that it is usually the corporate sector with business travel, and under 40 crowd who are looking for a quick get-away. Specialized holidays are often too complicated to do online.
“Yes, the discounts and special promotions are ever constant. Keep your dream vacation from turning into a possible nightmare. So take your time, do your homework, gather your information, ask questions, call an agency if you like. Get the experience you want out of the trip. It shouldn’t be a guessing game; it should be an enjoyable venture from start to finish.”
If you come home as happy as you leave, you have had a good vacation!
~ Author unknown