My husband and I booked travel through a large online travel company for a two week vacation. It was only after a couple of days into our trip that we found out the resort was charging $15 a day for spa and exercise room use.
When we tried to address it with the hotel, there seemed to be, all of the sudden, a language barrier.
We were saved only by the fact that the large online travel company happened to have a representative in the area who called to check on our service. They managed to have the fees removed from our stay. Have you encountered hidden fees like this. They are not disclosed on your booking yet someone feels it is appropriate to append it to your bill.
At least ours was only $15 per day and it was resolved. Check out some of the other hidden fee stories. About the only way to fight these hidden fees currently is to have someone in your corner with the power to eliminate them. Make sure you book with a reputable travel agency who will stand behind your bookings!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Let a virtual vacation enhance a real vacation
Somewhere online I read we spend 4-6 weeks researching a vacation. That's probably about right since we currently book vacations an average of 3 months in advance.
Whether you take your virtual vacation before or after you book it, having some tips on where to go can be helpful. Here's some 'ports of call' you can visit on your next virtual vacation:
Step one: You have already completed step one, I'm sure. This is where you determine the reason for your travel. Is it just to get away, is it for a life-time celebration like an anniversary or wedding? Is it a family get-together or a business retreat?
Step two: Determining where you are going to stay. OK, you decided why you are going, now what amenities do you need. Is it for two or for a group? This is a good time to consult a travel agent. In large, travel agency services are free so it is a no-brainer to find someone who can not only make recommendations across competing travel sites but can also be there every step of the way to reduce stress in planning important occasions. Like company cruises or honeymoons.
Step three: Now you know where you are going to stay (whether on a cruise ship, all-inclusive, etc.), now what are you going to do and see? If you are on a cruise ship, there are ports of call. If you are staying at an all-inclusive, there are local excursions. Either use your travel agent or check out the online web links for place you are staying and there will be a list of activities. Also check the local chamber of commerces or go to Google and type in, "things to do in ________ (name of location)". Your travel agent may already have the web links and resources compiled for your travel destination so check there first.
IMPORTANT: If possible, you should book your tours and excursions before your vacation. They can fill up quickly and you will miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime thing you wanted to do. Most often if you decide at the last minute you don't want to do that tour or excursion, you my be able to get a refund, or transfer your payment to another excursion. Better to book early when possible.
TIP: Ask about best price guarantees or satisfaction guarantees. These can be important if you need to make changes pre- post or during your trip. Example Guarantee.
Let me know what tips you use to plan your virtual vacation before you take your real one!
Whether you take your virtual vacation before or after you book it, having some tips on where to go can be helpful. Here's some 'ports of call' you can visit on your next virtual vacation:
Step one: You have already completed step one, I'm sure. This is where you determine the reason for your travel. Is it just to get away, is it for a life-time celebration like an anniversary or wedding? Is it a family get-together or a business retreat?
Step two: Determining where you are going to stay. OK, you decided why you are going, now what amenities do you need. Is it for two or for a group? This is a good time to consult a travel agent. In large, travel agency services are free so it is a no-brainer to find someone who can not only make recommendations across competing travel sites but can also be there every step of the way to reduce stress in planning important occasions. Like company cruises or honeymoons.
Step three: Now you know where you are going to stay (whether on a cruise ship, all-inclusive, etc.), now what are you going to do and see? If you are on a cruise ship, there are ports of call. If you are staying at an all-inclusive, there are local excursions. Either use your travel agent or check out the online web links for place you are staying and there will be a list of activities. Also check the local chamber of commerces or go to Google and type in, "things to do in ________ (name of location)". Your travel agent may already have the web links and resources compiled for your travel destination so check there first.
IMPORTANT: If possible, you should book your tours and excursions before your vacation. They can fill up quickly and you will miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime thing you wanted to do. Most often if you decide at the last minute you don't want to do that tour or excursion, you my be able to get a refund, or transfer your payment to another excursion. Better to book early when possible.
TIP: Ask about best price guarantees or satisfaction guarantees. These can be important if you need to make changes pre- post or during your trip. Example Guarantee.
Let me know what tips you use to plan your virtual vacation before you take your real one!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Trigger a delayed vacation response with gadgets
Studies abound that show utilizing all five senses can improve your memory. What better thing would you like to remember than your vacation getaway! Here are some gadgets that will help you remember your vacation for a long time to come.
Engage your hearing by taking along an ipod loaded with music specific to your current vacation. Play it every day at a specific time when you are most relaxed. It may be when you get up in the morning or are relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon. Play the music at home and let it trigger your feelings for that time.
Locate a local scent that you really enjoy - smells of the ocean, the local fauna blooming by your window and then find candles, sachets, oils, etc., that you can take back home with you.
Enjoy a local drink or food and ask for the recipe, record it on your iphone so you can replicate it at home. Try easy recipes like a cocktail, an appetizer or a snack. (Don't want to work yourself up over a complicated recipe!)
Purchase a souvenier that is both beautiful to look at and interesting to touch. Place it somewhere in your office or home so you pass it frequently and can enjoy the sensations of the crafts from your vacation.
Engage your hearing by taking along an ipod loaded with music specific to your current vacation. Play it every day at a specific time when you are most relaxed. It may be when you get up in the morning or are relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon. Play the music at home and let it trigger your feelings for that time.
Locate a local scent that you really enjoy - smells of the ocean, the local fauna blooming by your window and then find candles, sachets, oils, etc., that you can take back home with you.
Enjoy a local drink or food and ask for the recipe, record it on your iphone so you can replicate it at home. Try easy recipes like a cocktail, an appetizer or a snack. (Don't want to work yourself up over a complicated recipe!)
Purchase a souvenier that is both beautiful to look at and interesting to touch. Place it somewhere in your office or home so you pass it frequently and can enjoy the sensations of the crafts from your vacation.
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