A.  We are most often paid a commission by the supplier (airlines, cruise lines, etc.) at the time of booking or departure. This fee doesn’t change the cost of the trip for our clients. Whether you book through us, an online agency (like Expedia) or through the supplier directly, the fee is paid out. So, why not book with us and get the best personalized service possible?

A.

Unfortunately, commissions for inner-country United States travel (hotel, airfare, train, etc) are extremely low.  When we create travel experiences for our clients that involve travel around the United States (inner-country travel, national parks, individualized or family vacation planning), we dedicate significant resources and time to each trip that is planned The fee is a way of ensuring that there is a mutual commitment that we are selecting the best experiences for your travel goals.

The professional fee allows us to do the unglamorous part of travel planning so that you can show up at the airport looking like a Rock Star!  We spend hours poring over information that’s for industry pros only, and then transfer that information into a superior travel experience. You pay a small percentage of your overall trip budget, and in return you get the peace of mind that you’re working with a professional who will support your travel experience. 

The actual professional fee varies depending on length of trip, complexities of itinerary development, etc.  As such, an actual dollar amount can only be determined after a consultation meeting for us to understand all your needs and expectations.

A.  Oh yes! The Curious Turtle is affiliated with and supported by Outside Agencies, one of the most prestigious agencies in the country, connecting us to the largest consortium of travel options and approved vendors. Through Outside Agencies, we are able to use our global connections to plan the most memorable experiences for you all while getting the best value for our clients’ time and money.

A.  While our preference is to start at the very beginning of the process, we can always step in to assist you. The service and applicable professional fees will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Travel advisors can find crazy deals.

This is literally our job. We have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. We specialize in locations (river cruises in Europe, large cruises in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, etc). Travel advisors can offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you than booking the trip on your own, and that is good news to your wallet.

Travel advisors will be your advocate.

One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.

Travel advisors take care of the little things.

Your travel advisor can make sure there is a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in your room upon arrival, or even possibly upgrade your room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel advisor, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel advisor. Why? Because travel advisors know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.

They’re true experts.

We have worked in the industry for years, and it’s our job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. Sometimes where you might want to go is under political upheaval and should be avoided.  We can provide you with alternatives to still ensure you have a memorable vacation!

Do travel advisors get discounts on flights?

Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you’d get from using a travel advisor would be for a combined package. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel advisor can get you a deal on your flight.

How can a travel advisor help me?

International travel:  If you are traveling to a country you’ve never visited, a travel advisor can be a useful resource in helping you plan your trip. We can manage all of your booking needs, which can be easier than juggling a long itinerary that includes flights, hotels and excursions on your own.

Group travel:   We can coordinate bookings across multiple parties, keep things organized, negotiate with services and personally work out any complications that may arise. Rather than trying to reserve rooms in the same hotels and seats on the same flights with multiple credit cards and names, let a travel advisor do that work.

Destination advice:  Travel advisors can provide destination advice. We can offer insight as to how you should structure your visit, and direct you to the services, facilities and entertainment that best align with your interests and needs.

A.  This depends on where and when you are going. If you are heading to a popular destination and you have specific dates for travel, you need to book this as early as you can. This also goes for dates surrounding holidays like Spring Break and Christmas. Some cruises are available to book almost 2 years prior to departure and we often recommend that for trips that are celebrating something special.

A.  Yes!  One trip on a cobblestone street could land you in a hospital needing stitches or even surgery to set a bone. One of your kids may suddenly get an ear infection and cannot fly back home.  Many hospitals overseas require payment in full prior to services being provided, and they will not accept your personal health insurance through your employer. Your bags have been destroyed and your personal belongings have been splayed out on the tarmac.  A relative has passed away and now you must cancel your entire trip.  Having cancellation insurance is invaluable so you don’t lose your entire investment!

Travel insurance ensures that you will get the help you need and not have to manage taking care of extraordinary expenses when you’re not prepared for it.  There are so many scenarios that are covered by insurance. We live by the mantra “It’s better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.”  We strongly recommend that everyone travels with comprehensive insurance for their security.

A.  Your first step is to hit the “Contact Us” button on any of the pages.  After you provide the primary information, we will get in touch with you to have a discussion.  You can also set up a date and time to connect virtually through the Calendly link

A.  We work with clients from all walks of life – busy professionals, retirees, families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone else looking to check off their bucket list.  If you, your travel partner or child has special needs (mobility challenges, dietary restrictions, etc), we will work closely with you and any services you receive to ensure all your needs are met.