Price is only an issue when value is absent. Want to get more value for your exclusive escape?
Who doesn’t want a fantasy, a fairy-tale, an exclusive escape?
I know I do!
Technology has replaced or is replacing personal relationships. A couple days ago I ordered 3 dresses online because I was busy, and the online options were convenient and attractive. However, when the dresses arrived, they didn’t fit. The convenience of online shopping cost me a trip to the post office plus shipping charges!
Can you imagine shopping online for the most important trip of hour life – your honeymoon?
Are you compromising value?
Do you find yourself opting for the convenience of online booking engines to plan a highly personal experience such as your honeymoon or destination wedding?
Just as my online order proved to be a misfit, your online honeymoon plans could be too. The convenience of online services just cannot trump personal relationships! You often lose value.
Many of us have dreamed about our wedding day since we were little girls and I daresay it is one of the most important days of our lives. Who doesn’t want to be a princess for a day? Sometimes we can get so involved with all the wedding planning details that we pay very little attention to planning the honeymoon.
BUT…a honeymoon is an important time…the time when you leave the celebration with friends and family and focus on each other…just the two of you.
This is no ordinary trip. In fact, it’s not a trip at all, it’s an experience.
Booking a trip typically involves investing a lot of time in research to find the perfect fit.
BUT…
What if the gorgeous images are outdated?
Can you trust the subjective reviews that you read?
Are there hidden costs that you are not aware of?
With the impersonal nature of the internet, how do you get the guidance or confidence to make the right decision?
Convenience is one thing but a relationship where someone who cares is guiding you is quite another.
An experience is all about you… an itinerary is coordinating components of travel.
The job of a professional is to get you the best value and not necessarily the best deal. A deal can result in a discounted experience.
How surprised would be if I shared a real-life comparison with you?
I just coordinated a package (flight, hotel and transfers) on an online booking site that is priced at $2,991.51. Using all my travel agent skills, I designed the same package for a price of $2937.60. The savings is not major but when you think of the time you have saved, the experience, the knowledge and personal relationship that is developed, the benefits far outweighs that of booking the package on your own. Oh, did I mention that the same package that I designed now comes with added amenities that was not available on the internet?
We all know, that even the best laid plans can have hiccups. Booking on your own means if something goes awry, you will invest more time doing all the troubleshooting. However, along with personalized recommendations, professionals are available before, during, and after your trip to answer any questions or address any problems that may arise. Need a last-minute itinerary change? Your travel professional is an email or phone call away.
According to IBM Institute for Business Value, nearly 20 percent of more than 2,000 travelers worldwide said it took them more than five hours to search and book travel online.
5 hours is a very generous estimate, it may take you 3 to 4 times that investment of time.
How do you see your honeymoon?
How much is it worth to you? How much time do you have to plan the perfect experience, or will you be satisfied with online options.
What are your thoughts about your heart-stirring romantic escape? Let us know.