Has it hit you yet how impersonal everything in business is these days? How many times have you said to yourself that you aren't going to shop at a specific store anymore because there is never anyone to help you except at the cashier's counter? Of course there's help there! After standing in a que line for 20 minutes, they are there to "ring up" your sale. I will gladly pay extra to have some service!
The Internet is great but there are so many drawbacks--namely there is NO service! There is no one to give advice, answer questions or make recommendations based on what is important to you. Granted, some of these companies have a number to call but let's face it people, they are ORDER TAKERS! Just ask one of them if they have been on this cruise or that ship or to this resort or that destination. Overwhelmingly the response will be "No." So it never ceases to amaze me why anyone would want to book their hard earned, often costly vacations with some unknown entity on the world wide web!
Most of the time when people think their Internet travel package or cruise price is better it is not. Often times extra taxes, fees, island departure taxes and service charges are not included in that "low price" shown on the Internet. Plus when these companies-- which include the cruise lines themselves if you book directly with them-- have a "good price" on the Internet, they are selling what THEY want to get rid of. Are they going to tell you this may not be a comfortable stateroom on a ship or this resort doesn't have many of the amenities that are important to you? Of course not.
At Eagle's Nest Vacation & Travel, you have the FREE advice, experience, attentiveness and support that a good agent can provide.When you book with my company you will know exactly what your trip is going to cost you; what is included and what is not. Plus you have the benefit of my travel experiences, which are vast. I travel often to many places to inspect and experience the service at resorts and cruise ships. I share my personal photos with my potential clients and my repeat clients and I share my advice and reviews on resorts, cruise ships and destinations.
Most importantly, I am your advocate! I take care of you from the time you book your vacation until you return home from your trip. I even check prices AFTER you have booked to see if the rates have decreased and if they did I work hand over fist to secure the better rate for you. How many Internet booking companies do you know who will do that? NONE! Once they have your money the deal is done. They are in business for the one time deal. They really could care less about repeat business or building a relationship with people.
I have many suppliers who offer the same or similar packages so I always check with all of them. I don't just have one favorite supplier that I use. I use whatever reputable supplier gives me the best rate for my clients. Yes, there are times when Internet pricing may be less. If you want a cookie cutter vacation go ahead and book online. But you will never beat the service and experiences from a professional travel agent, so even if you don't call Eagle's Nest, (what a silly idea! :o) please call an agent!
Have a great summer!
Diane Blaisdell, Owner
Eagle's Nest Vacation & Travel
What a great article on the advantages of working with a travel agent! I'm sure there are lots of people who realize too late that savvy travelers
don't book travel on the internet.
Posted by: Pat | July 18, 2007 at 07:28 AM
Diane
We had the greatest time in Hawaii and we were upgraded at the hotel because of a special request you had sent to the manager. You don't have to worry about us booking online. Thanks for everything.
Gina and Randy
Posted by: Gina | July 14, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comments. I can surely post more photos. I loved that area and wish there had been more time to go to Valencia especially. I did make it to Barcelona and will post photos soon!
Thanks again.
Posted by: Diane | July 14, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Your suggestion that people visit the east coast of Spain is right on target. A vacation to anywhere from Barcelona down to Valencia and futher south is a vacation well spent. I'd like to see more pictures!
Posted by: Chris | July 13, 2007 at 09:25 PM