What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I will work hard to make sure you get the best deal possible. I do this because I truly love the work, and the commission just helps me do more of it.
With all that said, we do have a fee structure for certain services. A Travel Agency is a very unique business in that the better a job I do in finding the lowest fares, the least expensive hotel, and car rental rates, and the most vacation travel for your dollars, the harder we must work and the less commission we make. If a cancellation does occur, we must also pay back those commissions we made.
Common sense suggests that a business cannot operate losing money on every transaction. All too often these days, the commissions we earn do not cover the cost of the services we provide. So rather than compromise the quality of our service, we offset specific expenses with service fees. In this way, we can continue to pledge that when you book with us, you will receive the excellent service you look forward to and deserve.
With that being said, I do offer free consultations and have a research fee of $150. The work I do for you will go above and beyond just making your basic booking. I will take care of all aspects of your trip to the smallest detail that you may not have even considered. If you would also like personalized concierge services to book those extra excursions for you or get you those special show tickets, there is a $100 fee.
If you only need airfare, prices start at $40 per ticket in lieu of a research fee.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to start by having you fill out a form that provides me with the information I need to perform some quick, preliminary, research. From there, I love being able to speak with you so I can get to know you more. Knowing your personality helps me match you to your perfect accommodations, activities, etc. I will offer a few different options as part of my initial research fee and once you approve of one, I will get started booking your trip!
Once booked, our communication will be ongoing. Every question you may have, I will help you with. I will also keep tabs on promotions that may come up to be sure you have received the best value for your money. By hiring me, you get someone who will advocate for you to be sure you get the best rate, the best service, and the best experience you could have ever wanted.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am constantly learning new things. I am a a certified Cruise Counselor (CCC), certified by the Cruise Lines International Association and am working towards being a Certified Travel Associate. I have also received product training by Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian and Disney. I am certified for Disney theme parks as well as Adventures by Disney and Aulani, as well as Universal Studios. I have been trained by various different tour operators about their products as well as am certified by Allianz travel insurance.
Besides the training, I have been on several Royal Caribbean ships, I’ve sailed with Norwegian and Carnival and will soon be on Virgin Voyages new Scarlet Lady. All of these cruises have been trips to various ports in the Caribbean.
I’ve visited Disney World so many times I honestly can’t even give you a number. Since becoming a mom 6 years ago, we’ve easily visited a dozen times staying both on and off site, and that’s not to say all the times I visited growing up in South Florida. I have also visited SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Legoland all in Florida.
