Q: What is the advantage of booking a private trip through a travel agent, instead of doing it online, by myself?

A: Great question! 

It's personal. When you book online, you take all the responsibility for your reservation. This includes reading and acknowledging the "fine print." If anything goes wrong, who will you call? Do you want to call an 800 number and talk to someone? No. You want to call the agent that booked it for you. An agent will take pride in their work and ensure everything goes smoothly for you. If any hiccups occur, the agent who knows you and the exact details of your trip will go to bat and make it right for you. This is important in developing great business relationships between not only us and our customers, but our vendors and resorts, as well. Don't believe me? In an article, published by TravelMarket Report:

"Travel agents make travel less stressful.
When booking a vacation, destination wedding or honeymoon, the last thing a traveler should have to do is worry.

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'It is a special memory in your lifetime that should only result in a pleasant experience all the way through. A travel agent is vital in planning these special memories as they take the worry off of you and let you focus solely on the exciting events to come and what you shall pack,' said Jamie Mussolini, founder and president of Beachfronts Travel LLC in Westchester, NY.

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They save you money…

Travel professionals have access to special discount codes and promotions through suppliers. They often can save an additional amount or provide clients with a dining or spa credit that wouldn’t be available when booking through an OTA.

…and time.

In a recent survey of more than 1,200 consumers, nearly one-third spent in excess of four hours, over multiple days, planning their own vacations. Travel advisors create a custom itinerary, pulling together flights, transfers, accommodation, tours, visits, meals and exclusive visits based on your preferences—so you can spend your time on other things.

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They don’t charge hidden fees.

In a column for Business Insider, Avery Hartmans described her experience using the Hotels Tonight app for a staycation in New York City – and noted that the prices listed did not include taxes and fees. Hartmans said she was charged an additional $121 in fees for the weekend, an expense she wasn’t expecting; “the extra fees were a bad surprise, and they put us well over budget for the trip,” she said.

Many agents don’t charge fees at all, and those who do are up-front about the cost.

 

They advocate on your behalf.

A Washington state family, as TMR previously reported, received an email a few weeks before its $874 vacation was cancelled due to overbooking. After hours on the phone, Holly Parsons walked away with $500 in Expedia vouchers and three nights in a Holiday Inn Express.

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'I feel for this family that has suffered a horrendous experience not only were they left with no refund but also a cancelled trip,” Mussolini said. That would never have happened if they used a travel agent. “Using one of those websites is taking a risk and can be a setup for a disaster. During peak seasons to find out your trip is cancelled and have no refund is the worst news – but on top of that, trying to scramble to plan something at the last minute is even worse.'

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They provide personalized attention.
OTAs provide a one-size-fits-all service, not taking into account the numerous variables that are in play. Travel advisors tailor their services to their clients’ individual needs. Have concerns? They’ll talk you through them. Need a hotel that can cater to your allergies? A travel advisor can speak to hotel managers to make sure it’s taken care of.

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“Despite all the websites, clients by the truckload are desperate for a real human voice on the phone. They are clamoring for truly dedicated, genuine customer service and someone willing and eager to sell them what they want,” said Norm Payne, senior consultant at Uniglobe Premiere Travel. “People readily buy from those ready to sell. Really taking care of your clients automatically takes care of your profit margins.”

 

They offer insurance.
From guaranteeing your hotel is available to knowing if the excursion company is legitimate, booking through a travel agent ensures travelers will not get duped. And they provide insurance for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

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They’re there 24/7.
Travel agents are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re there with you throughout the booking process and follow up afterward. On the other hand, contacting an OTA’s customer service line often means wading through a chain of people. Parson said she spent six and a half hours over three days speaking with Expedia’s customer service department.

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They’re specialists.
Agents have a personal understanding of your interests and insight into a specific destinations and segments of travel. A good travel agent spends time getting to know the customer and so can make recommendations tailored to what you want to do."

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Q: What is a "Plan To Go" fee and how does it work?

A: For starters, the "Plan To Go" fee is not really a fee, for the serious traveler. It is refunded to you, when your final payment is submitted. Nobody likes working for free. This is a fee that is sometimes collected before certain research for your trip begins. It is also a tool to know who is serious about booking a vacation with us, or just shopping around. Our software automatically gives us the lowest prices available for all options you desire. This fee is only non-refundable, should you choose not to complete your booking with us, after we have done research and planning for you.

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Q: Do I have to stay with the group on your group trips?

A: Not at all. Once you arrive, you are free to do what you want. We encourage everyone to attend the welcome receptions, so they can meet new friends, but it is entirely up to you.

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Q: Does Vertical Escape Vacations send out a bunch of unwanted emails or SPAM?

A: No. We will only send out emails which are relevant to any upcoming trips. You will not receive these emails unless you occupy a spot on one of those trips. We will also send out occasional newsletters, letting you know what trips will run during the season and possibly a questionnaire, looking for feedback/destination suggestions.

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Q: Can I book a private, family group trip though Vertical Escape Vacations?

A: ABSOLUTELY!!! Send us an email with your details and we'll make it a success!

 

Q: Is Vertical Escape Vacations going to offer discount lift tickets for ski/snowboard trips?

A: We do! We'll include it in your package, if you don't have season passes!​

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Q: Can I get lessons added to my ski/snowboard trip?

A: You can add lessons, rentals, etc. Vertical Escape Vacations' group prices do not reflect those optional add-ons. Contact us for details and we will be more than happy to make arrangements for you.

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Q: Do I really need the provided travel insurance?

A: The short answer is, "No, but you assume all the risk." Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended. Skiing, and other vacations are expensive. Sometimes, things happen that are out of anyone's control. It is best to protect yourself. Vertical Escape Vacations includes travel insurance in all of our quotes. When possible, we will offer "Cancel For Any Reason" insurance. For details and limitations on the included policies, please ask us for the link to the provider's website. Should you decline the travel insurance, you must sign a waiver for each person attending, and make full trip payment (for group ski trips), before you take a spot on any group trip. All payments made without insurance are non-refundable, should you cancel, for any reason. 

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Q: Why am I required to pay a group ski trip in full if i decline the offered insurance?

A: This policy is in place to protect the rest of the group. Our group trips require a certain number of people to materialize. Once the trip is confirmed, if you back out, it affects the price/rates of the rest of the group/trip. Most times, insurance will alleviate that.

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Q: How many people are needed for a group trip?

A: Typically, resorts require between 20-25 people for group reservations. Strength in numbers allows everyone to save!

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Q: Can I bring my pet?

A: It depends where you're going and what kind of trip you're going on. Contact us for more.

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