You are worth it – travel upgrades and valuable extras
Today I’m writing about the benefits of using a travel professional, as there are numerous little upgrades that can make a big difference…
You are worth it – travel upgrades and valuable extras
When planning travel, one of the things that I spend a lot of time working on is enhancements that can make a trip more enjoyable and run more smoothly.
Some folks want all those enhancements, and others will select a really great core trip, but not add on those extras.
When planning a trip, whether a cruise, tour, or independent arrangements, there are several not-so-expensive upgrades you can purchase that can really make a huge impact on the quality of your trip.
1. Private airport transfers
Somehow there is nothing more relieving than passing through customs after a long overnight flight to Europe and seeing a driver standing there with a sign bearing your last name…and a smile! Your driver can help you to a nice, clean sedan and be on the road to your accommodations with a cold bottle of water in the time it takes to wait in the taxi line and try to communicate where you need to go.
In Europe, that private transfer can be a relief after a long overnight flight and language issues. In the Caribbean & Mexico, private transfers can be the difference between a 30-minute direct ride to your resort and a 1 ½ hour trip that stops at 4 other hotels along the way. Why not splurge a little and start your vacation off on the right foot?
2. Private sightseeing tours
You know how you arrive at some sites and see a mile-long line of folks waiting to purchase tickets? Or folks wandering around not really knowing what they are looking at. If that looks like your worst nightmare, consider upgrading to a private tour guide. The cost can be quite reasonable and the value you receive can be huge! You can move quicker, learn more and focus on the sites and information you are really interested in.
3. Airport Lounges
Do you have a long layover along your travel route? Consider purchasing a day-pass for an airport lounge, either your airline’s club or an airport-specific lounge offering. It can be a very civilized way to spend a few hours and many include complimentary Wifi, snacks, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, and comfortable seats in a quieter location. Check to see if your Frequent flier program or Credit Card company offers you any discounts or perks for admission!
4. Travel Insurance
Very simply put….Travel Insurance can be a lifesaver! Even if you swear that you are going on your vacation NO MATTER WHAT, you can’t predict weather, illness, injury, cancellations or any of those other nasty surprises that can come up when life happens. It should be budgeted into the cost of every vacation.
5. Upgrade that view
Sure, I understand that you may not spend a lot of time in the room at a resort, or in your cabin on a cruise ship. But I do know that a common complaint for standard room types is the view. It’s worth checking out the difference to upgrade that view. You might find that it is a small price to pay for waking up to that full-frontal sea view instead of looking at the back-property wall.
6. Pre-cruise extensions
Cruises usually start boarding around noon-ish on embarkation day and require that you be on board at least 2 hours before the ship departs. That leaves a very short window of time to arrive, get checked in and safely in your cabin. I ALWAYS recommend that my clients arrive at the port city the night before departure…. just to eliminate stress from all of the “what ifs” of delayed or cancelled flights, major traffic jams in the interstate, etc. Most cruises leave from very interesting cities…why not arrive a day or two early and see what they have to offer?
7. Laundry Services
It’s amazing how many people want to know all about a cruise ship’s self-service laundry facilities, when they have an incredible destination to discover and luxurious ship to relax in. Yes, the cost of the laundry service is higher than at home. It’s okay. Do you really want to spend a couple of hours trying to find an open washer, and then have to keep checking back and forth when the washer is done and then have to wait on the dryer? It’s so much better to spend 5 minutes filling out the laundry form, and then arrive in your cabin the next day to all your clothes on hangers and folded neatly.
Being offered any or all of these small upgrades to your vacation is a HUGE part of why using a travel professional is the way-to-go in travel planning. We know how much each one of these suggestions can enhance your experience….and isn’t that what you really want when you take that much-deserved vacation? A more custom experience with added value? I can help you choose the upgrades that bring the most bang-for-your-buck to your next travel experience….YOU ARE TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!