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.
Koala Conservation Center, Victoria, Australia
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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 senstive 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.
Remember that the BEST VALUE is about more than bottom line price. I seek 1) the highest quality products that 2) match my clients’ interests and needs at 3) the best available prices .
My best advice is to plan well ahead for the best advance discounts and best selection.
One Foot Island, the Cook Islands
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Q: Do you offer any discounts?
A: YES, everything is offered at the best available price at the time. I’m very savvy about pricing for high quality travel products. However, keep in mind that prices do change and space does sell out. The only time you should be paying full price is if it is the last minute after all sale prices have expired.
There are many types of discounts: promotional, seasonal, group rates to name a few. Advance GROUP RATES are among the best available. They offer low rates based on high volume.
Bonuses or amenities may include: bon voyage or welcome gifts; room/cabin upgrades; complimentary meals or nights; resort or shipboard credits; reduced or free air included with a resort stay or cruise vacation. These all constitute VALUE ADDED components that enhance your trip.
I also have access to great rates and amenities through a national travel network that has significant buying power. And I am happy to pass these benefits along to my clients.
marae site, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, Tahiti
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Q: Do you have a (travel) WISH LIST?
A: Most serious travelers have a revolving travel wish list.
Here is my current personal list 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) Exotic Mediterranean – Morocco & Jordan,
(I have already visited Spain & Portugal; Egypt & Tunisia; Corsica & Sardinia)
4) Indian Ocean – the Spice Islands of Zanzibar; Seychelles, Maldives
5) Panama Canal – a historic voyage from Pacifc Ocean to the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean
King Tut Exhibit, Cairo Museum, Egypt
If wishes do come true, I will make it to all of them – -in due time.
September Raffle Question: What’s on YOUR Wish List?
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Q: What is your FAVORITE place?
A: Tahiti – SIMPLY SURREAL in its beauty – 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.
Bora Bora - photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourism
What’s YOUR favorite destination?
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Q: Do you offer JUST ISLANDS?
A: I have a personal interest in islands but I do offer other destinations.
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.
Island Girl
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”.
The Sea Goddess always gravitates back to The Sea. I mention this quite often in my travel blog.
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?
One of my favorite places - the island of Moorea, Tahiti
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 each year. 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. And 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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"out of office" in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Q: Have you been to ANY of these places?
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.
Wildlife Guide Extraordinaire, Newton at Joy's Camp, Kenya
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 I NEED a travel professional?
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. Nevertheless, I still advise my clients on ways to get the most convenient and most cost-effective flights on their direct internet bookings.
For more complex itineraries, I recommend that you consult an experienced professional who works with these types of details on a daily basis, someone who 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.
International Date Line, island of Taveuni, Fiji
Your vacation time and money are valuable commodities, make the most of them!
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