Avoid the Travel Service Trap

Posted by Marsha Calig on December 4, 2006 · Leave a Comment

Imagine walking into the 4-star hotel room you booked online to find dirty sheets from a previous guest. When the management bashfully upgrades you to another room, you then find hair in the sink that the housekeeper missed.

Of course, you call your online travel service to complain, and they inform you that your fee is nonrefundable and they apologize — but ask you to take your complaint to the front desk. There, it falls by the wayside. As far-fetched as this sounds, it’s a true story. Had this guest booked with a reliable travel agent, she would have had an advocate to go to bat on her behalf.

Most people shy away from using a travel agent because they think the “better deals” are found on the Web. That just isn’t true. The travel agent wants to find you the best price for the best vacation.
Travel agents are also service oriented, offering that personal touch. Because when you get stuck in a bad situation … who can you call? And if you can actually locate a phone number, will you find a live human on the other end?

Another reason a vacation can be wonderful for you is that most travel agents are constantly educating themselves in order to provide clients with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Oftentimes, it’s information that is not available on the Internet.

Yes, I am a travel agent, so I’m biased. But I’ve personally traveled the world, cruised on the top cruise lines and toured with the best companies. Many reputable travel agents have. So not only can we steer you in the right direction from our personal experience, our connections with the airlines, hotels and cruise lines will enhance your vacation.

With a good travel agent, you’d never get a room overlooking trash receptacles. We call ahead to our travel industry representative, and thus, you are greeted with welcome amenities, a note from the manager — and a great room. Possibly even an upgrade. Your room could also come with breakfast and late checkout. And when it’s time to leave, if you’re stranded at the airport, you can call the travel agent to help you find your way home.

Online travel services buy hotel rooms and flights in bulk to pass the savings on to the consumer. But the travel agent can often get the same deals, if not better — and you get the personal service as a bonus. Since many of the Web-based travel sites are so restrictive, shoppers are unable to specify their preferences. With a travel agent, you can outline all your wishes and expectations, and he or she will get to work, offering you a trip that meets your goals and standards. So don’t be afraid to call a travel agent. Finding you the best package for the best price is their ultimate mission.

Marsha Calig is president of Altour/Calig Travel & Cruises and can be reached at 818.703.0100 or ; www.caligtravel.com.

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Luxury Travel Can Be Affordable

Posted by Marsha Calig on November 20, 2006 · Leave a Comment

Fluffy pillows, ocean views, lush beautiful surroundings … ah, the fine art of traveling well. Because let’s be honest, sometimes the bargain route is not always what it’s cracked up to be. We usually get what we pay for, unfortunately. For some, however, luxury travel seems like a ‘luxury’ that can’t be indulged – simply because it’s usually out of our realm of affordability.

But haven’t we all wanted to try a hotel, cruise ship or luxe tour? It’s actually more attainable than you might think! There are a few distinct guidelines that make lavish vacations more affordable, and with a little compromise, such as traveling at the “off peak” time of the year, it can be done.

There is a glut of cruise ships in the Caribbean right now and if you jump at the opportunity, those extravagant cruises can actually be reasonably priced! The cruise lines must send off about 30 or more vessels out of Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Miami, which means a bargain for you the consumer.
If you want to try one of the fabulous hotels in New York, winter is the ideal time to go – although, of course, you’ll have to bring a heavy coat! But you can still enjoy the great food, hot nightlife, ultimate shopping and extravagant city life that are offered.

Europe is a good deal in the winter months as well. If you’re flexible enough to adjust your time chart, there is always a manageable way to experience luxury. A good travel agent is the best informant for travel tips and updates about affordability in luxury travel, since the agent is apprised on up-to-the-minute deals and can access resources to find a customized plan to fit your specific needs.

There is no reason to deny yourself a luxurious vacation. With a little guidance, you can have the vacation of your dreams and actually have money left over to play with when you arrive to your destination!
Here are a few bargains to consider for now and future planning:

Ritz Carlton 5 star luxury hotel on the Grand Caymans
In November: $825.00 per night
Go in June: $296.00 per night
See Big Ben and travel to London on British Airways from Los Angeles
Best time to go: Winter; tickets are priced from $493.70 roundtrip
Summer rates start from $1167.00
Cruising: Celebrity Cruises to Alaska_May 2007: priced from $899.00
Early August 2007: from $1149.00
All cruise only pricing)

Marsha Calig is president of Altour/Calig Travel & Cruises and can be reached at 818.703.0100 or ; www.caligtravel.com.

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Great Quick Getaways

Posted by Marsha Calig on October 26, 2006 · Leave a Comment

Few of us are able to escape our hectic world long enough to enjoy a long and refreshing vacation. But if you can spare a couple of days, a quick getaway can often do wonders to help you feel restored and energized. A short spa weekend, a brief exposure to a new cultural experience, or just a rapid escape from routine or mundane surroundings can provide a nice break that helps you feel surprisingly restored.

There are a multitude of destinations conducive to a quick getaway. Below are my personal favorites:

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Ojai, California

This is my most favorite getaway. Great spa, golf, tennis, horseback riding and gourmet eating plus the grounds are spectacular … a great girls’ escape or couple’s retreat. The guestrooms are well appointed and there are 1 and 2 bedroom suites, most with fireplaces. In the fall the views are spectacular.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Paws Up is an exhilarating contradiction of Rocky Mountain wilderness and American downtown luxury. Rustic on the outside but sophisticated on the inside with spa, horseback, kayaking or just invigorating walks aplenty.

Eaglewood Resort and Spa, Itasca, Illinois

(35 minutes from downtown Chicago)_This resort, set upon 106 peaceful acres, features upscale accommodations and luxurious amenities, such as a heated pool, private bowling alley, championship golf and an incredible 10,000-square-foot European spa. “Living, Learning, Leisure” is their philosophy. _It is child friendly — and dog friendly!