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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Being a travel agent is something that, naturally, comes with a lot of questions. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about working with a travel agent. We're here make your vacation a breeze, after all - It is VACATION right!? If you don't see your question here, please feel free to shoot us an email at support@keystoparadisetravel.com
WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH YOU INSTEAD OF AN ONLINE BOOKING SITE, OR DIRECT WITH A RESORT?
With us, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation.
Budget is obviously important and we strive to get your dream vacation within the budget you've set forth. There's no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with.
You can't enjoy your vacation when you're stressed about paying for it.
We provide honest advice about all resorts and destinations to help you choose the perfect destination.
You also benefit from our extensive connections which can mean the world when needing something addressed.
We have an easier time getting you perks (like getting your room upgraded)—it's easier for us to get a "yes" because we work with them often.
We also arm you with your own personal number to call and reach us if you need something while you're away. You won't get that from a larger mass producing travel agency such as Priceline, Expedia, etc.
HOW DO TRAVEL AGENTS GET PAID? WILL I BE CHARGED EXTRA OR WILL MY ACCOMMODATIONS HAVE AN EXTRA FEE?
We are mostly paid by the resorts - However, as with any service there is a small nominal fee. A $50 Deposit/Retainer Fee per person once booked may be charged and a $30 initial Research Fee that are both paid by the customer and are non-refundable.
Many resorts have price parity, the cost is typically the same whether you book through us, direct with the resort, or with an online booking engine. Many times, however; we're able to get at significantly better rates.
The difference between using a travel agent is that we help you plan a stress-free vacation without the hassle of doing it alone, in addition to having a direct person you can call vs waiting hours on hold with Hotwire, for example.
WILL I PAY MORE FOR VACATION IF I BOOK THROUGH YOU VS AN ONLINE BOOKING SITE?
We have access to all the same pricing for resorts as the online booking sites do and we can generally price-match or beat online booking engine pricing when comparing apples to apples.
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In many cases, we can find discounts and other promotional offerings that are not offered to the general public.
DO I HAVE TO PAY YOU UP FRONT FOR MY VACATION?
No! The Deposit requirements are set by the resorts and the tour operators we book through.
Deposit rates vary based on the resort or package you select and the time you are traveling.
Most vacation packages require that you pay the full balance at least 45 days prior to your arrival. That payment is made directly to the supplier.
The only initial fees you pay are the $30 Research Fee and the $50 per person Retainer Fee. This is separate from your vacation booked through our vendors.
Do travel agents have access to things that I don’t? Sold out events, better rates at beautiful hotels, airline tickets I can’t find online, etc?
The answer to this is Yes! and No.
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Travel professionals develop relationships within the industry that can often open doors that, at first glance, may appear to be closed. They may be able to find tickets to a sold-out event… but don’t wait till the last minute and expect those tickets at rock bottom prices!
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Through our partnerships, we can often have “buying power” that an individual consumer can not match. Sometimes that means better rates at the resort you are interested in, sometimes the price may be the same, but we can get access to upgrades or included amenities that are not available to the general public!
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We can at times get clients options such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, room credits, free transportation or other “extras” all for the same price you would have paid if you booked it yourself.
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It’s crucial to understand travel agents don’t own the resorts, entertainment venues, cruise ships or airplanes. We sell available inventory (rooms, tickets, spaces on an excursion, etc.), but can’t create new inventory if it doesn’t exist.
If your heart is set on an overwater bungalow at a resort that only has 20 available, or orchestra seats to see Hamilton on your anniversary, it’s always best to plan well in advance and give your travel professional time to pull all the available strings in your favor! You may start by doing that here
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is available and recommended to protect your travel investment. Many trips, such as tours and cruises, involve non-refundable funds paid months in advance.
Travel insurance protects you from losing this investment. Perhaps even more important is the ‘during travel’ coverage and assistance that comes with the top-flight insurance companies we work with.
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Trip interruption due to illness or unforeseen circumstances can be very expensive, and medical care abroad is often not covered by domestic insurance plans.
Also, an increasing number of countries require proof of medical insurance for travelers entering their country.
For more information regarding Travel Insurance, click here.
What happens if something goes wrong? Does having a travel agent mean I can’t get things fixed right away?
Quite the opposite! When things go wrong, having a Travel Professional means having an advocate in your corner to help get things sorted out as quickly as possible.
We are often aware of potential “hiccups” in a travel itinerary before you are. It’s not uncommon for a travel professional to have already worked out a solution before you know that a problem exists.
When flights get delayed or canceled most travelers will be standing in line frustrated and stressed waiting to get their flights rebooked. Savvy travelers who booked with a Travel Professional will be relaxing at dinner while their agent works behind the scenes to rebook their flights and rearrange all of their planned activities to accommodate the schedule change. Which sounds more enjoyable?
Travel Partners often give us access to priority service and make sure our clients are taken care of quickly.