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Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: What is the DIFFERENCE between a travel agent and a travel
specialist?
A: A travel agent is a generalist who can assist you with general
travel needs. A travel specialist is an expert who has developed
expertise and acquired experience for a geographic destination or type
of travel.
I am a credentialed travel specialist for the South Pacific and
cruise travel with a couple other sub-specialties. See my bio for
details.
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Q: Do I NEED a travel professional?
A: If it's simple, DIY - Do It Yourself. If it's complicated, consult an
expert.
You can & should make simple arrangements yourself. For example,
Southwest Airlines remains very user-friendly for domestic air travel.
For more complex itineraries, I recommend that you consult an
experienced professional who works with these types of details daily,
"has been there, done that" many times and has sent people to the
destination. They can assure that you have the correct products at the
best prices, save you time and money plus provide support or follow-up,
if necessary.
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Q: Have you been to ANY of these places?
A: Yes, I have been to ALL the places for which I hold specialist
credentials. I have spent literally decades and thousands of dollars
visiting destinations to develop my expertise. I personally inspect,
hand-select and recommend only products that meet my high standards in
terms of facilities, comfort, service, cuisine and amenities. I have
long-standing professional relationships with local owners, managers,
concierges, tour guides and chef/owners. As the "advance scout", my
clients benefit directly from recommendations based on my first-hand
experiences and personal connections.
On the flip side, superficially beautiful resorts or ships that are
mediocre (or poor) in any one of these areas are instantly crossed off my
list. If I won't go there, I won't send you there!
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Q: Do you get to go on ALL the trips?
A: I hate to disillusion you but that travel fantasy is different
from the business reality. Essentially, I have a desk job, not a traveling
job, like a flight attendant or tour guide. I design, arrange, market,
process and deliver the getaways. There's nothing glamorous about the
actual WORK but careful planning is essential to successful trips.
I advertise different getaways each month but only accompany a few
select group getaways. When I'm not "flying my desk", I am on location as
the group leader/group concierge reconfirming opening/closing events,
activities and tours, and tending to individual group member
requests/needs.
So, do I get to travel? -YES! I have traveled all over the world on my
own time and my own money & I have even lived overseas long before I
started my company. I usually budget for two business trips a year
to broaden my expertise and occasionally take an actual vacation :)
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Q: Why did you NAME your company Island Getaways? A: Well, back in
1997, I had to come up with a name and a theme to form my company. I didn't
want to start a general travel agency, we already had enough of those.
I began with the (then new) concept of custom-designed travel for
individuals and brainstormed several possibilities.
I was leaning toward Island Girl Getaways but thought the name would
be too long. So, I shortened it to Island Getaways for practical reasons,
not realizing at that time, that I would eventually specialize in the South
Pacific islands of Tahiti, Fiji, the Cooks , the north & south islands of
New Zealand and the island continent of Australia.
Do you detect a theme here?
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Q: Do you offer JUST ISLANDS?
A: I have a personal interest in islands but I do offer other
destinations. See web site for current getaways.
There is a whole planet out there. I came to explore as much of it as
possible, a little at a time. And then, in turn, introduce others to the
EXTRAORDINARY places, people and experiences I've discovered.
I was born on an island and expect to end up on one. In my lifetime, I
have visited islands in other parts of the world (partial list): Caribbean
(numerous), Mediterranean (Greek Isles, Corsica, Sardina, Malta), Atlantic
(Bermuda, Canary Islands, Falklands), South China Seas/Southeast Asia (Hong
Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Koh Samui, Bali).
My motto is "so many islands, so little time". |
| Q: What is your FAVORITE place? A: Tahiti - simply
the most beautiful place on the planet - from the high-peaked mountains of
the Society Islands to the low lying Tuamotus Atolls to the remote and
mysterious Marquesas Islands.
I fell in love with this destination on my very first visit years
ago. It must be what Heaven looks like. |
| Q: Do you have a (travel) WISH LIST? A: Most serious
travelers have a revolving travel wish list.
Here is mine by geographic region:
1) South Pacific - the islands of Vanuatu & New Caledonia;
the Galapagos Islands, a unique wildlife expedition
2) Southeast Asia - Bali, the Island of the Gods (return visit)
3) Indian Ocean - the Spice Islands of Zanzibar; Seychelles, Maldives
If wishes do come true, I will make it to all of them - in due time. |
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Q: Do I REALLY need
TRAVEL INSURANCE?
A: An
unexpected accident, illness or injury before or during travel can derail
the best laid plans. Cancellation fees and medical expenses can add up
quickly. Insurance protects your financial investment. Any prepaid,
non-refundable components of your trip should be insured.
Also, most U.S. health insurance plans do NOT cover international travel.
Some provide reimbursement upon your return but it is your responsibility to
have and submit the appropriate paperwork. It is very important to have a
policy that includes an emergency assistance hotline, medical coverage
and medical evacuation.
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Q: Why is there so much
variation with so-called "all-inclusive" resorts? (We went to one & were
very disappointed.)
A: The all-inclusive concept is wonderful
in theory but varies quite a bit in reality.
Accommodations and meals are a given
but any or all of the following may or MAY NOT be included: beverages;
land activities and water sports; spa or golf , service fees and
gratuities. A few resorts and ships are truly ultra all-inclusive, many
are definitely not!
Also, all-inclusive is NOT synonymous with
high quality. Glossy advertising can create unrealistic expectations.
If you are envisioning upscale
accommodations; a la carte meals with menu items cooked to order; soft
drinks, espresso drinks and premium cocktails; 24 hour room service and
resort activities to all be included but instead find basic
accommodations; 3 daily self-serve buffets, generic alcohols from a wall
dispenser, limited room service and resort activities fees, then you are
at the wrong place and will definitely feel let down.
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Q: Why do you recommend
cruises? (We went on one & hated it.)
A: Cruise vacations still remain the very
best TRAVEL VALUE today and there is a wide range of products available.
They are a seamless & cost-effective way
to travel to several places in one trip with the major components (of
transportation, accommodations, meals, activities & entertainment ) all
prepaid in U.S. dollars at one low rate.
However, cruise lines are NOT created
equal.
Cruise lines have had a renaissance in
the last 20 years and there is a wide range of products available. They
can be active, fun vacations or relaxing, enriching experiences depending
on the line and the itinerary.
If you selected a cruise based on a tv
commercial or a low advertised price or someone else's opinion, it simply
may not have been the right one for YOUR travel style. Each cruise line
has its own "personality" so it is very important to be well matched with
the one(s) that best suit your tastes.
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Q: Do you ever have any great last minute deals?
A: A quick reminder that travel promotions and group space/rates are
time sensitive and do expire. Contrary to popular belief, there are NO
great last minute deals. Generally, you will be shopping the
clearance rack for the least desirable leftovers.
My best advice is to plan well ahead for the best advance discounts
and best selection.
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| Q: Why are single travelers penalized? A: This is
actually a misconception. Hotel room and ship cabins are priced based on
double occupancy. The total cost is divided and shared by two people. A solo
traveler has to pay the entire amount. This is sometimes referred to as a
single supplement which sounds like a surcharge. In fact, it is simple
mathematics - either way the cost of the accommodations has to be paid,
whether by one person or two.
Unless the traveler wants the luxury of single accommodations, which
is often the case with personal retreats, I suggest that they invite a
friend to join them. This way both can enjoy the trip components and the
cost saving benefits. |
| Q: Can you help me find a travel companion?
A: I do
maintain a Will Share List for each group getaway and introduce same sex
singles to each other with mutual permission from both parties. I recommend
they chat or meet in person to gauge compatibility before they agree to room
together.
A few companies will place solo travelers together in shared
accommodations. I caution my clients NOT to to do as you will be occupying
close quarters with a complete stranger. You could potentially make a
friend for life or find yourself in a very stressful situation.
At the moment, a few select travel companies are offering single
accommodations based on availability at no additional cost or a very small
(10%-25% ) additional charge. |
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