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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: charlie000]
#26117
03/24/2014 03:29 PM
03/24/2014 03:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884 St. Thomas, USVI
Nutmeg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
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Charlie: When we decided to take a cruise, we called TTOL sponsor Bonnie Buchanan. What we got was inside information on cabin selection, personal assistance in planning, and a great price. Personally, I believe in loyalty to those who provide good service. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
[color:"red"]NUTMEG[/color] Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday.
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: charlie000]
#26120
03/25/2014 12:42 PM
03/25/2014 12:42 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194 Virginia
Snorkeller
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194
Virginia
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Just me, but I do not understand people who do not use a travel agent for cruises and some other things. I like being able to catch Bonnie B with questions when she is busy or out of town. More seriously, if you have an established relationship with a TA, they can help you when a problem arises - it is a kind of insurance in my mind. Until I found Bruno and then Cecile in SXM, for a number of years, I used Sandy Molloy for SXM hotels and some other things - she jumped in to help my daughter and her friend when they had problems getting to St Thomas years ago, and I was very glad we had her there to help. I have not booked with him, but Jim Ruos has provided good information over the years. Particularly , when there is zero increased cost, I do not understand why people would not book SXM hotels through a TA - although I do know that some people just like the direct connection and if that is what you like, then go that way. With cruises, I think that I might be able to save a few bucks here and there by shopping around and not going through Bonnie, but I am not going to spend the time doing it and I appreciate the service that Bonnie provides.
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: Snorkeller]
#26121
03/26/2014 01:29 PM
03/26/2014 01:29 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 520 Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Temery
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 520
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
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when we used AAA to book our cruise we didn't get a discount but we did get a free upgrade (1 floor higher and closer to the center of ship, there was a bar steps from our room door which was great/convienent). They also left a gift basket in our room with some fruits/candies which was a nice surprise (not sure if all TA's do that tho).
(sorry, didn't mean to respond to you snorkler but to the OP)
Last edited by Temery; 03/26/2014 01:29 PM.
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: charlie000]
#26124
04/05/2014 05:13 PM
04/05/2014 05:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884 St. Thomas, USVI
Nutmeg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
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Charlie: I don't remember what the percentage discount was, but it was a very fair price. We also got some extras from her that helped make the cruise even better!
[color:"red"]NUTMEG[/color] Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday.
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: Temery]
#26125
04/07/2014 06:15 AM
04/07/2014 06:15 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,388 Rhode Island
RonDon
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,388
Rhode Island
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Temery said: when we used AAA to book our cruise we didn't get a discount but we did get a free upgrade (1 floor higher and closer to the center of ship, there was a bar steps from our room door which was great/convienent). They also left a gift basket in our room with some fruits/candies which was a nice surprise (not sure if all TA's do that tho).
(sorry, didn't mean to respond to you snorkler but to the OP) It depends on the agent one uses. A friend of ours used AAA and wanted us to join but I said no. Armed with their info on time, ship etc we went to our agent and got the same cruise for 1/3 what AAA charged them plus we knew their rm # and got put at their dinner table aboard ship. When I asked them what level they'd be on they said they didn't know rm # or dining option. Since we planned to surprise them I couldn't tell them that info was available so I just said ask AAA. They did several times and was told ---won't know until 1 week before. That treatment coupled with the high price they paid (never told them what we paid for the cabin right next to them) I'd never use AAA. Rosemay
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: charlie000]
#26127
04/16/2014 01:46 PM
04/16/2014 01:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 520 Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Temery
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 520
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
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may be on the next call start the conversation with "Hi, I'm trying to comparison shop this Princess cruise, can you beat XX price?" then see what the TA says. =) (that way you have no guilt, you've been up front)
Last edited by Temery; 04/16/2014 01:47 PM.
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Re: are there benefits working with a travel agent?
[Re: charlie000]
#26128
04/29/2014 04:48 PM
04/29/2014 04:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884 St. Thomas, USVI
Nutmeg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
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Charlie: Why don't you look under the TTOL sponsors page here and give Bonnie a call? She can give you the information you seek. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
[color:"red"]NUTMEG[/color] Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday.
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