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Frequently Asked Questions
A. Most people are very careful in choosing their medical doctor and their lawyer. They want professionals that are competent, that know them, and that charge reasonable prices for their services. It's therefore surprising that so many people give so little thought to choosing a travel consultant especially when you consider the thousands of dollars they spend on tours and cruises. In choosing a travel consultant the best recommendation is to ask friends and colleagues. Try to find a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) for these professionals have completed a rigorous college curriculum and have a minimum of 5 years experience in the travel industry. Q.
Does it cost more to book through a travel consultant? A. Occasionally, but more often than not you will save money, especially when you consider the cost of your time. Travel consultants derive their income in diverse ways, some of it from commissions paid them by tour operators and cruise lines and some of it from professional consulting fees for time spent in planning and research. Reputable consultants will offer a short complimentary initial consultation during which they determine the scope of the work after which they provide you with an initial estimate for the job. Airline tickets have a-la-carte fees but savvy consultants can often get you consolidator tickets for considerably less than the price quoted by the airlines. Q.
Why do you charge fees? A. For years travel agencies were able to provide valuable travel advice for free because airlines paid them commissions on the sale of airline tickets and provided the tools necessary to do this. This gradually changed as airlines cut commissions and finally did away with them altogether. Now consultants pay to use the professional booking engines that allow them to efficiently issue airline tickets and make cruise and tour reservations. Q.
How can we consult with you? A. You can consult with us by telephone, e-mail or by appointment in the office. Additionally we can come to your home or office at a time that is convenient for you, your family, or your business activities.
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