Are You Really Safe Booking Online Discount Travel?

Today it was announced that another online discount travel company has filed Chapter 11, bankruptcy protection. Was the extra $50.00 to the traveler in savings worth the risk of now losing their vacation? Probably not.

Many of these large online agencies have accrued debt they cannot possibly recover from since the drop in the ecomony in 2009. This company, for example owes about $250,000.00 to creditors it cannot cover. The travelers, if the company does not pay the suppliers, will not be protected and may find themselves out in the cold when arriving to their destination or the airport.

When looking to travel, why risk your investment on a faceless travel booking engine? The value of planning your vacation personally with a travel consultant is worth more than a small discount you may receive as one of 100's booking your reservation. Many times the price of the vacation ultimately paid online is the same or more than the same vacation planned through a travel consultant.

Also, consider the fact you are going only by what you have read online. Did the online description accurately describe the accommodations? Is this the right fit for your needs? Also, did the online booking engine mention you are on three flights to a destination where maybe a nonstop is available for a few dollars more?

Most importantly, will there be someone there to help if you have any issues pretravel or during your travel? The marginal is answer is yes, there will be someone, maybe to answer the phone. Will they do everything possible to assist you? Probably not as you are just one of many and customer satisfaction is not a priority, numbers are.

So next time you have the urge to book it online with a faceless booking engine, think again. If it is 2:00 AM , wait until the morning and call a certified professional travel consultant. Ask questions, get professional advise and make sure this is the right vacation, accommodation and travel decision for you. In the end, even it is does cost a few dollars more, it is worth the investment in your vacation.

When you are ready to plan you vacation, call me. Find out the difference in personal travel planning. You will be happy you did!

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS

Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion

261 Old York Road - Suite 205

Jenkintown, PA 19046

Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65

Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65

Direct: 267-879-8250

http://www.atravelspecialist.com/

adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com

Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Adrienne at Rubinsohn Travel

Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA

Travel Impressions Great Vacation Offers

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Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
Facebook: Adrienne at Rubinsohn Travel
Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA

Is The Travel Agent A Qualified Travel Consultant?

Yes, I know I have touched on this topic briefly before. Since this is an important topic for consumers I feel I must discuss it again. I am sure either you or someone you know was told you can become a travel agent for a small fee. Just pay $499.00 plus $50.00 a month and get all the perks you want. You can also make a referral fee too...supposidly $25.00.

So tell me, would you buy insurance from your neighbor or coworker if they weren't licensed? Would you want their advise because they said they joined an insurance club? Same with legal advise...would you trust the barrista at the corner coffee shop? So why would you throw your hard earned dollars away for your vacation to someone who is not qualified to give you educated information and find you the best travel solutions?

The authenitic, professional travel business doesn't really work like that. The problem is, the unsuspecting consumer might not know they are talking about travel planning with someone who is just not qualified to sell travel. A true travel professional has many qualifications. Amongst those qualifications:

• Education about travel including, destinations, resorts and cruiselinesAssociations with nationally recognized organizations such as ASTA, CLIA, and IATAN (all bona fide agencies are registered with ASTA and IATAN)


• Ask which consortium the ageny is associated. Check the BBB for the agency name


• References and demonstrated proficiency in answering your questions


• Before you discuss travel, find out about the travel planner. As how long they have been planning travel? Ask about their agency and how long it has been in existance?

If you hear the words referral agent, run...don't walk. The most well known "referral agencies" are known by the names of "YTB" Your Travel Biz), "World Ventures", "PTS" (Prestige) Travel, "WorldQuest, Inc", "Global Travel" and "Traverus." There are others popping up as we speak. Before you travel, don't trust your hard earned dollars to just anyone. Don't be embarrased to ask questions about the travel planner's credentials. A true professional will welcome your questions. I always invite new clients to check my references as well as those of my agency. I am proud of our standing as a professionals, not someone looking to make a quick buck and move on.

Protect your travel and your money. Professional travel consultants want to you to enjoy your travel and know you are in good hands.Please be sure to read the link below. It is written by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and explains all about bogus travel agencies. We want to you be informed. An educated traveler is a happy traveler! Look for the IATAN logo like the one above to be sure your travel consultant is a professional travel consulant!

• http://travelresearchonline.com/cardmills/

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
http://www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com

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Apple Vacations

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS

Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso

The Pavilion

261 Old York Road - Suite 205

Jenkintown, PA 19046

Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65

Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65

www.atravelspecialist.com

Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com

adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com