Vacations are an investment, and you deserve a flawless experience. Whether its your honeymoon in Bora Bora, a special cruise to Alaska or a trek across Patagonia, a Travel Advisor can help make your trip go off without a hitch.
Scroll past the graphic for a full breakdown of what we do for you!
#1: We Save you time!
The average person spends 30+ hours planning an multi-country international trip and 5+ hours planning a domestic trip.
Spend that time with your loved ones and let an expert handle the planning for you!
Sure, you could try to fix your plumbing on your own, but most people wouldn't dare attempt it. You could cut your hair on your own, but "bowl cuts" went out of style decades ago.
Some things are best left to professionals, and travel is no exception.
#2: We use reputable suppliers who take great care of our clients
We know which tour operators offer great service consistently in real life. We know the best guides. We know which transfer companies have new vehicles and which ones might break down halfway to your hotel.
We know which companies are financially strong and which ones are struggling to make it. The reality is that there are fly-by-night companies that lure online shoppers in with beautiful websites only to provide sketchy service when it matters most.
We only use reputable suppliers who consistently take great care of our clients.
#3: We make sure you get the best price!
Let me rephrase that - we make sure you get the best VALUE.
About once a week, someone sends me a screenshot of a travel deal they saw on social media that seems too good to be true and they want to know "Is This Legit?" Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no. The fine print matters.
Many of these seemingly amazing deals are from companies with terrible service. I've even seen some trips advertised for "All-Inclusive resorts" that don't include food or beverages! Seriously...I can't make this stuff up.
When you book through a travel advisor, you know what you're getting. No surprises here!
#4: Visas, Entry Requirements and Travel Restrictions are Constantly Changing
We're nearing the end of 2020 (Hallelujah!) and many countries are starting to open up to US travelers again. Each country has different requirements for entering their nation.
If you show up in Egypt or St Lucia with proof of a negative Covid-19 test but it isn't the right test (there are dozens available), they'll turn you away at the airport and send you right back home. Seriously.
Save the stress and work with a professional. It is our job to make sure you know exactly what to do to avoid issues like this. We keep up with changing requirements regularly, and we check even more often as your trip approaches to stay ahead of any changes that might affect you.
#5: We handle all the little details
When you arrive halfway across the world, late at night, jet-lagged and unable to speak the language, there is nothing more comforting that a smiling face with a sign that says "Welcome Joe Smith!" to take you directly to your hotel.
After dinner on your anniversary, the staff brings a beautiful cake to help you celebrate and you think "How did they know?"
When you arrive in Seattle with 6 hours to see the city before boarding your cruise ship, your luggage is transferred directly to the ship so you can sightsee without hauling a giant suitcase around.
These little details go a long way toward making you feel safer, feel more special, and enjoy your trip more than you ever expected!
#6: We know the best restaurants, activities, and can't miss sights
We've been there. We've done that.
Want to taste the best Beef Wellington...in Wellington? We've gotcha covered.
Want to live like a local in Sicily? We'll set you up with a local family to hang out on their olive farm and cook dinner together (complete with wine from the neighbor's vineyard!).
We work with local partners to help make your experience truly authentic.
#7: We build custom itineraries just for you
Want to take your children and grandchildren to view your ancestors' coat of arms in a remote castle in western Scotland? No problem - we'll handle the logistics.
Are you a Lord of the Rings junkie with a lifelong dream of visiting New Zealand? We'll get you to as many film sets as possible while you're there!
Want to see a total solar eclipse in Antarctica? Yep, we can make that happen (but only on December 4th, 2021!)
Maybe you want to charter a small yacht and explore Croatia with a group of friends. We'll set you up with a captain who can take you off the beaten path for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
If you can dream it, we can make it happen!
#8: Call us directly if issues arise while you're traveling
We all hope that things go smoothly on every trip, but the reality is that sometimes things happen.
When you book through an online booking agency, customer service is severely lacking. If an issue arises, you'll likely have to call a 1-800 number and sit on hold for a while to eventually speak with someone who knows nothing about you or your situation.
When you book with a trusted travel advisor, we answer the phone personally and we know all of the details about your trip. We have the right contacts in your destination who can often swoop in and save the day.
Many of our clients have written testimonials that showcase this benefit.
#9: We often get extra perks for you at no cost
A professional travel advisor is affiliated with larger organizations. For example, Wander Beyond Travel is a member of the Travel Leaders' Network and affiliated with Cruises and Tours Unlimited.
With these associations comes buying power, discounts and exclusive perks for our clients! Many hotels offer free room upgrades or free breakfast when you book through a Travel Advisor that is associated with Travel Leaders Network.
If you are a group leader, we can often get your cruise, hotel room or tour cost comped when you bring X number of people with you.
If you book certain cruises through us, we could get you up to $1000/stateroom discount and perhaps even a welcome bottle of Champagne in your room on arrival!
These are just examples and specific perks change often, but we will always take advantage of the best offers available through our connections in the industry.
#10: We genuinely care and want you to have the best trip possible
I've said it so much that it seems cliché, but I care deeply about my clients.
As an Independent Contractor, I am not employed by any specific travel company. I work for YOU and I have the freedom to choose the suppliers/guides/ships/tour operators that are right for your specific situation.
I want you to be surprised and delighted by the little things. I want you to sing my praises to all of your friends and family after your trip. I want to earn your business for life.
Whew! If you've made it this far, thanks for hanging in there. If you're ready to get started planning the adventure of your dreams, give me a call at 737-346-6033 or fill out our Custom Trip Planning Form.
As always, thanks for reading!
Pam Cherek
Founder | Travel Advisor
Wander Beyond Travel
Here's a fun pic of me exploring the Fox Glacier on the South Island of New Zealand (one of my favorite destinations!)
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