What Travel Agents Wont Tell You?????

There was an article in Women's Day referencing the aforementioned title and it struck a cord with me and many other travel industry professionals.  We talked about it in great length on The Traveling Eye last week and I wanted to again share my thoughts.

While I'm not a traditional Travel Agent, I still provide travel services.  I also have friends who are travel agents and when I shared this with them, they too were appalled as were so many others.

Now, Women's Day says that the article was to give their readers insight on how to save on travel but every point was supported with why a travel agent wouldn't share this information with you and the constant reason was for commission.  I think this takes a stab at the integrity of the travel agent rather than provide the consumer useful information unless the goal is to have the consumer not trust or use a travel agent.

Travel agents like many other professionals are about trust and building a relationship.  I don't think any travel professional who wants to stay in business and retain clients would base their professional advice solely on commission.  The mere fact that you use a travel agent means commission is earned or shall I say a living is earned from their their professional services. We highly respect our services, what we do and our clients, so if that all rested on commission earned on one sale, we wouldn't be in business very long.  Consumers are too smart for that!

Here are some of the points that I'd like to address:
3. They may not have been to the hotel or on the cruise ship they’re recommending.
Some pros may fib about their travels to close a sale. “Agents untruthfully telling clients that they’ve sailed on a particular cruise ship because it’s more expensive or stayed at a certain pricier resort is common,” says Cambridge. Stone explains that reputable agencies encourage their employees to take “familiarization (FAM) trips” which allow the agent to learn about a destination at a deeply discounted rate. She suggests asking about recent FAM trips your agent’s taken to learn which destinations and accommodations she truly knows well.
I can't speak for every single travel agent but this goes back to integrity and majority of us have it. I don't think anyone in their right mind would think that it is humanly possible to have stayed in every hotel or experienced every cruise ship.  I know it states some pros, but come on, we know it is OK to say I haven't stayed there or been on that cruise.  However, we can still make recommendations based on education and research.

5. Travel insurance may not be necessary.
Some travel agents push insurance because it increases the price of the vacation package—and thus, it could increase their commission. Yet, if you have health insurance, you may be covered for health emergencies while you're traveling overseas. And many credit card companies cover the costs of lost baggage, canceled trips, emergency assistance and accidental death or dismemberment. It pays (literally) to check with your health-insurance and credit card companies before you buy travel insurance.
Why does almost every point talk about increasing commission?  Anyway, I highly recommend insurance so that the traveler and I have peace of mind.  There are so many unknowns about ones own health insurance, what's covered internationally and how much of it.  Also, your health insurance wont cover for itinerary changes, cancellation, change fees, evacuation or transportation!  There are so many credit card companies and even more varying policies.  Credit Card companies usually don't automatically cover the costs of lost baggage & canceled trips. With many credit card companies you have to have a special program for lost baggage and canceled trips or you have to purchase, ....wait for it.....Insurance. The other caviat is that if you purchase a package through a tour operator and therefore your credit card does not pay for the airline ticket directly with the airline many of these points you made are invalid.  You see there are many reasons based on our education, experience and research why we highly recommend travelers insurance!

I'm not going to go into every point because I think ASTA put it in the best words. "The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) read with concern Woman’s Day article entitled “10 Things Travel Agents Won’t Tell You.” While the article starts out right, as we certainly agree that “a travel agent can be a great resource,” that’s where it ended."

Regards,
Ja'Vonne

JAVONNE'S TRAVEL MINUTE

There are many women married and single who travel alone.  This number is increasing and what I also find increasing is the image of the single female traveler especially those from America and Europe.

Ultimately, safety is the number one priority for any traveler and more so with a woman.

I’ve broached this subject before but wanted to address it again with some more safety tips.

Common sense never goes out of style and is sometimes your best source.  While having the same common sense you would have at home comes into play, you also have to adapt to the local culture and know gender roles.  Now is not the time to get on a soap box or exercise your ideals.

It’s also imperative to have a cell phone with you.  Either have your own cell phone and service upgraded to include international service prior to departing or obtain a local cell phone immediately upon arrival.  Know the local emergency number, how to dial it and store it in your phone.

Finally, know how to communicate “help” in the local language. With these tips you’ll feel safe, prepared and able to enjoy your trip.

Ja'Vonne

JA'VONNE'S TRAVEL MINUTE

Because you are a savvy traveler you always carry on your luggage.  Well, in today's travel environment not only are the flights full but so too are the overhead bins.

Whether it's for short trips, to avoid checked bag fees or just to make sure your bags arrive when you do, more people are carrying on.

You may start out with the intention of carrying your bag onto the plane but when you get boarding zone 6, chances are you'll have to relinquish your bag to the airline to be checked.

Now, what do you do when you have valuables or fragile items that you know will not survive the belly of the beast?  Being the savvy traveler that you are, you have packed a collapsible day bag in your carry on.  One that is lightweight, folds flat and won't take up space.  And, voila, you have a bag that will fit underneath the seat in front of you and your valuables are protected.  A savvy traveler is ALWAYS prepared.

Ja'Vonne

JA'VONNE TRAVEL MINUTE

The evolution of the Ferris Wheel has been slow and steady but has proven to be a major attraction throughout time in cities around the world.

In 1893 George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. debuted the first Ferris Wheel at the Worlds' Fair in Chicago.  It stood at 264 feet, had 36 cars, each fitted with 40 revolving chairs and able to accommodate up to 60 people.

Today while we still call them Ferris Wheels, they have actually evolved into Observation Wheels with the Singapore Flyer in Singapore currently the tallest at 541 feet with 28 air conditioned capsules each carrying 28 passengers.  Singapore has held this title since 2008 but will soon loose it to the 550 feet High Roller in Las Vegas scheduled to open early 2014, which will loose its title to the 689 feet Dubai Eye scheduled to be unveiled in 2015 and coming in a close second the 625 feet New York Wheel scheduled to debut in 2016.

With the long list of future wheels the Ferris Wheel has and will continue to stand the test of time and be a major attraction in cities around the world.

Ja'Vonne

BONNIE'S EYE ON!

There is a popular attraction in Chicago that attracts millions of tourists each year.  However, if you ask them and even the people who live in Chicago, what the name of it is, most of them will proudly and confidently answer, “The Bean.”  That, my friends, is the wrong answer.  The kidney bean shaped attraction located in the center of the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park is actually named Cloud Gate.

The sculpture created by British artist Anish Kappor took two years to construct. Her inspiration was liquid mercury and true to her vision, the outside shows no visible seams.  After much anticipation and a little mystery, Cloud Gate was dedicated on May 15, 2006.  It’s curved shaped does look like a kidney bean so from day one, it has nicknamed "The Bean."

I love it because of the way it reflects the beautiful Chicago Skyline from every angle.  Children love to play around it, while others are fascinated with their reflections underneath this popular attraction.

Whether you call it by its rightful name of Cloud Gate or its popular nickname "The Bean," it is a wonderful spot to visit and take a photo, whether you live in Chicago or not.

Keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie DeShong

Co-host of The Traveling Eye

LIVE FROM THE PARADISUS PUNTA CANA PART 1

WOW! Is all can say about our trip to The Paradisus Punta Cana.  OK, I just told a lie. I have a whole lot to say about our FAB-U-LOUS trip.  What I mean is that it deserves a WOW!

Wednesday, August 14th we headed off to Punta Cana, DR for our All Inclusive, All Suite experience at the Paradisus Punta Cana to celebrate my 50th Birthday and The Traveling Eye's 6th Anniversary.  Fifty of our friends, family and listeners joined us from all around the U.S.

Our entire team was in tow, yours truly (Ja'Vonne, Birthday Girl & Show Host), my partner in crime (Bonnie, Show Host), our eyes, pun intended (Howard, Executive Video Producer) and our Tenzing Norgay (Gene, Executive Producer).

The Theme......Do what ever you want as long as you have FUN!

On our very first night we had our welcome reception on Gabbi Beach at Paradisus Punta Cana.  It was the first time everyone came together and met each other and I was amazed how quickly everyone bonded. I think it was love at first sight or maybe it was the cocktails.  Some folks had already started enjoying the All Inclusive benefits!  From this point on we were one big happy family!

And....The 50th Birthday Dinner & Party.  We started with a very delicious seafood dinner at the Gabbi Beach Restaurant at Paradisus Punta Cana.  Lobster Tails, Shrimp, Sushi, Fish, Mussels, Ceviche, you name it they had it.  We were all dressed up and civilized and anticipating our "Wiggin Out Party".

From dinner we headed to the Red Lounge (the nightclub at Paradisus Punta Cana. I have to say I was impressed).  Several people made an appearance. Rick James was there, a relative of Bob Marley, Pretty Ricky, A motown back up singer, some I didn't get names from and the guest of honor.....Ruby!  And, Yes, we did the Wobble! No party is complete without a line dance.  We actually did a bit of everything from salsa to hip hop.  I'll let the photos speak. I had on 4 inch heels with a 1 inch platform and I danced all night!  And, several of us closed the nightclub down.  You know when they turn the lights on in a smoke filled room and by this time no one's looking pretty.

 A phenomenal spa treatment at Yhi Spa.

Swimming with nurse sharks and sting rays
 

To everyone who came and celebrated with us.....We can't thank you enough!  You are our family and it would not have been the same without any of you.  There's a saying in Zulu....Ubuntu, which is a shortened version of a Zulu proverb, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngamantu,” which means: “I am a person through other people, I am because of you. So, muchas gracias and Ubuntu!

Howard, Ja'Vonne, Bonnie, Gene
The Traveling Eye Team

The Traveling Eye...Live from Paradisus Punta Cana!  In case you missed it here it is.

Broadcast Part 1

Eduardo Perera, General Manager at Paradisus Punta Cana

Charles Kiusters, Food and Beverage Assistant Director at Paradisus Punta Cana

JA'VONNE'S TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE SUMMER DEALS

It's important to know how and where to find the deals.  With these tools you can find the ones you want to fit your own needs rather than just going to where the deal is and taking something that isn't really for you.
 
Look for ways to save in the city you are visiting.

 

City Pass, Gives you access to top attractions in that city at up to half off the cost of admission plus head of the line or express line access.

City Pass is currently in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern, Toronto

Groupon, In their own words, Groupon features daily deals for stuff to do, see, eat and buy in 48countries and soon to be more. A lot of people use Groupon in their home town and never think to use it in a city they are visiting.  it's like a traveling coupon.  Before you visit a city, visit Groupon and see what deals are offered for big savings for your vacation.

Packages, bundling or packaging is a way to save.  Especially if you're using a travel agent or online travel companies like Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity or the airlines website. Often, when you book your vacation components together from the same source it's less expensive than if you were to book them separately. This means booking your air, hotel, transfers or car rental all in one. 

Apps, Apps give you up to the minute deals or information.  Here are a few I like. I like the Kayak app for the same reason I like Kayak.com, because you can compare travel sites for the best airfares, hotel rates, itineraries, etc. You save time and money!

With gas prices constantly changing and varying so much based on your location, Gas Buddy is a great tool to check whose offering the best prices when you're on the go.

An empty hotel room is very costly for a hotel and they would rather sell the room at a discount than have it empty.  The goal is "Heads in Beds".  So, when a hotel has an empty room it's the best time for you to get a deal.  Hotel Tonight is an app that offers such a service.  Hotels are listed with last minute deals for those empty rooms. And, they have just launched a lowest price guarantee.

Cruises, Cruise vacations have always been a great value and just like hotel rooms when cabins are unsold last minute deals offered. The cruise line would rather have you on the ship at a heavily discounted rate than have an empty cabin.  You can find last minute cruise deals as low as $55 per person per night.

 

Sign up for alerts with various sites.  The sites you register with will alert you when prices go down or sales are offered.  You can put in destinations, dates and other filters to get what you're looking for. 

Eliminate airfare and drive.

Book the right Day, If you're traveling over the Labor Day weekend, Friday and Monday will be the highest in terms of airfare and traffic. Try departing on Wednesday or Thursday and returning Tuesday for lower airfares.  This principle actually applies anytime you're traveling.  You'll want to fly on non-peak days and hours. 

Book the Hub, What I mean by this is that airlines have a hub, this is their base.  You'll find less expensive fares using an airlines hub because they have more service from there, more flights more frequency.

If you can, go the weekend after Labor Day, you'll get great deals.

Ja'Vonne Harley