State of travel agents: endangered species?

From Travelmole- 06.04.2010

Not so long ago, prognosticators were cheerfully predicting the extinction of the live travel agent. He or she would be replaced by robots. Has it happened yet?

“Well, much like the vaunted Paperless Office and futuristic Hoverboard, this life-enriching, job-threatening technology still hasn't — and may never— happen,” reports blogger Michael Valkevich in FastCompany.Com.

He said seven or so years ago, experts were predicting travel agents would be replaced by something called the Information Superhighway.

“Live travel agents deliver service that online travel agents have never been able to replicate much less replace, despite endless claims to the contrary,” he writes.

According to Fast Company, OTAs don't deliver on the most basic expectation of a travel buyer: offering the best options based on price, schedule, and preferred vendor.

And one reason for that was evident during the volcanic ash crisis.

He writes:

“This is where the rubber meets the road, literally - when the next volcano explodes and your shoes stay glued to the ground, stuck in whatever far-flung limbo you happen to be, no computer is going to proactively re-book you or find you a hotel so you can avoid curling up indefinitely on the terminal carpet hoping to find a way to get home,” he says.

The author acknowledges that simple domestic roundtrip and a couple of hotel nights are how you might leverage solid online travel tools, for either business or personal travel. But where you cross the line is as you get into complex international or multi-destination trips, he says.

They often require multiple layers of vendor-biasing, tax and currency adjustment, services fees and many more complications.

As travel technology leaders have observed, when it comes to disappointing travelers, software is rarely the limiting factor. The technology powering OTAs is advanced e-commerce material.

“However, what’s driving them is a strategy that invests in sophisticated margin logic and multi-level algorithms to get you to see, click, and buy what they want you to,” he writes.

That’s where travel agents come in.

“You can stop sweating. Heck, here are people - live bodies! - who can actually find on their map the particular hole where you are marooned, which cancelled flight was yours, and what are your best hotel and trip options now,” he says.

The author acknowledges that most of his trips were bought online until a few years ago when someone recommended a travel agent. He has since gone back to agents to handle his multi-thousand-dollar travels just as he hires specialists to do his taxes.

“Frankly, I couldn't be happier — I mean, about the live travel agent part. I'm clearly and justifiably bummed that Mattel never came through with the Hoverboard, though. (Isn't everyone?)” writes Valkevich.

By David Wilkening

Win a Free Vacation to Cancun

To celebrate 50 years as a full-service travel agency, Fox World Travel is giving away a free 4-night All-Inclusive Funjet Vacations package for two to the RIU Cancun in Cancun, Mexico.

Enter by July 7, 2010 for your chance to win. Package includes roundtrip airfare, 4-night hotel accommodations, transfers, meals, drinks and non-motorized sports. Fox World Travel is also giving away five $200 vacation certificates as part of their contest.

Visit GoFox.com here to register or contact a travel agent for complete details.

Enjoying Phoenix, Arizona

One of our travel agents recently returned from her first trip to Arizona and Scottsdale, and had this to share:

I stayed at both The Hilton Tapatio and The Phoenician. All in all these were both great hotels, but very different. The Hilton, located in Glendale, just north of Phoenix was very quiet for this time of year. Other than a marketing conference there wasn't too much going on. The buildings had a scattering of small pools and the large pool in "The Falls" was very nice. The service was very good all around and it was just a nice quiet atmosphere. The views of the mountains were awesome and I recommend taking a hike on the 37 or 100 trails right behind the resort. Definitely worth the additional views of Glendale.

The Phoenician was a great AAA Diamond resort. A little fancy for me, but I like to be able to get my own ice from the machines and I'm pretty independent. For those looking to get pampered, this is a great option. Service was phenomenal. We never had an empty pitcher of water next to us as we laid by the pools and food was very good. Both food and drinks are a little pricier, but that's too be expected with this type of resort.

My favorite part of the trip was getting up early in the morning and walking to and then climbing up Camelback Mountain. Camelback Mountain is right behind the Phoenician and you'll get great birds eye views of the hotel. It was a revitalizing experience.

I recommend both resorts for your next trip to Phoenix or Scottsdale. I also recommend the Salt River Tubing for $15 a person in Mesa. You can tube down the river for anywhere from 2-4 hours.

Tips for Toiletries when Traveling

Have the 3-1-1 rules caused you a headache with carry-on bags at airport security? Well we can tell you've we've seen it in the airports and it's more important than ever to streamline your vacation toiletries. If you want to avoid hassles, try the following tips:

1. Consider an all-in-one product, like soaps that can be used as body wash, shampoo, and even laundry detergent. Bethesda Sunscreen Soap features a cleanser and sunscreen product in one. Burt's Bees All-in-One Wash functions as shampoo, body wash, and soap. Check your favorite cosmetics/skin care provider to see if they offer similar products.

2.Take only non-liquid toiletries, such as shampoo bars, to avoid spills (in checked bags) or confiscation by security (for carry-on bags). These affordable alternatives are versatile and durable.

3. Travel empty-handed and use only the basic toiletries provided by your hotel. Many hotel brands now offer upscale toiletries. If you find your hotel room offerings aren't quite enough, many hotels stock extra products for free, such as shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.

4. Talk to your travel agent, he or she may have even more tips and tricks for traveling stress-free with toiletries.


What travel toiletries are your must-haves, and how do you travel with them?

How to Take Advantage of Your Frequent Flier Miles

Do you have trouble cashing in your frequent-flier miles, just at the time when you come up with the perfect dream getaway or need take off at the last-minute? We’ve all been there! Programs have definitely been changing. Between airlines joining new alliances and rewards programs, to airlines letting you upgrade with points, the times have changed.

We love these Insider tips that Conde Nast Traveler published in their April 2010 Magazine:

1. Choose a mileage program that meets the expectations of your award goals.
2. If your home airport is a carrier’s hub, don’t assume that your main program has to be that airline’s.
3. Take a look at available credit cards out there and consider using one that allows you to earn miles that can be redeemed across alliances.
4. Start looking for award seats at least six months before your trip.
5. Look for award seats on code-share partner.
6. If possible, fly into one airport and back from another for one-way rewards. This is especially helpful if there is more than one airport in your region.
7. Look midweek, preferably Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
8. Call the airline just after midnight on a weekend. Carriers change their award inventory on Friday afternoons and sometimes Saturdays.
9. For domestic seats, look at connecting in an airport that not a hub for the airline you’re redeeming miles on.
10. For international seats, start with the routes connecting the hubs in your carrier’s alliance.

When in doubt, call your travel agents at Fox World Travel and they can help find you the best value. Many times award points can be used in conjunction with vacation packages and are great for flying to cruise ports.

Travel Preferences Are Diverse

As you consider what your next vacation adventure will be, do you find yourself leaning towards the same destinations and same cruise lines you’ve experienced in the past, or are you always looking for a new adventure? As a travel agency, we work with a diverse mix of clients and work to truly understand their travel preferences. A few examples of our travelers include:

1. All-Inclusive vacation die-hards. We work with many couples and families who through-and-through love the all-inclusive experience. They enjoy the fact that everything is paid for when they get to the resort. Within this mix we have travelers who stay at a new resort and/or destination each year and many others who fall in love with a resort and keep going back year after year!

2. Cruise lovers. It’s a pretty even split between our cruisers who are loyal to one cruise line and those upgrade and change it up and are always looking for the new best thing. These travelers tend to really enjoy diversity and visiting the many destinations they get to experience on a cruise vacation. Some book cruises online, but due to the complexity of cruises, most find it easiest to work with a travel agent directly.

3. Families: Many of the families we work with take a good mix of vacations, including road trips, Disney packages, All-inclusive vacations and cruises. Deal Seekers: Some of our travelers take 3-4 short trips a year based on any last-minute deals we can come up with. They take a mix of cruises and beach getaways.

4. Adventure Travelers: Our adventure travelers tend to sway more towards Hawaii vacations, exotic cruises, independent international tours and other endless possibilities. This group knows what they want and we customize it for them! Excursions are often a must!

5. Experienced travelers: Our experienced travelers have taken many trips throughout their lifetime and are also looking for one more “once in a lifetime” experience. We make that happen.

The diversity of travelers we work with is truly endless and very unique. No matter what your preferences, our travel agents will work with you to determine your interests, past travel experience and expectations to customize a great vacation for you.

European River Cruising – Is It Right For You?

If your dream is to see Europe in style and comfort, the answer could be yes. If the prospect of an easy-to-budget-for European holiday is appealing, river cruising may be the ticket. If hassle-free travel is something that you long for but don’t often get, then yes IS the answer to the question: is European River Cruising right for you?

River Cruising may be the best way to travel to many of Europe’s most captivating places. Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, Paris…there is a long list of cities and towns that developed along rivers in Europe and are therefore accessible to the flat-bottomed river cruise ships that navigate its rivers and waterways; places which are not accessible to large ocean liners or can only be reached by traveling miles on the highways.

Once aboard a river cruise ship, you can relax in the comfort of your stateroom which becomes your “floating hotel room”. You’ll unpack only once giving you more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery, panoramic views, sun decks, lounges, bars and amenities of the ship. Most river cruising ships are designed to accommodate 150 to 300 passengers, so it is a very intimate atmosphere where it’s easy to meet people and make new friends. And when these ships arrive at their destinations, less than 300 people are “absorbed” into the city compared to the 3000 plus passengers who “invade” a port on a large ship itinerary.

European river cruising can be a great value. Since meals are included, there is no reason to worry about unexpected dining expenses. The cuisine is always fantastic and often incorporates local flavors and ingredients. But unlike the large ocean-going cruise ships, shore excursions and beer, wine or soft drinks with dinner are often included in the price of the cruise.

Say YES to European river cruising and experience the charming squares, magnificent cathedrals and busy marketplaces of Europe in an intimate and inspiring way. Travel agents who have experienced river cruises first hand are available to help plan your first or next river cruise.

Why to have a Honeymoon

A honeymoon is one of those extra special events in your life that many newlyweds consider passing up. After all, a honeymoon may be too expensive for a new couple, it takes you away from your "real" life, and it involves planning — when you may already feel overwhelmed by wedding details.

We highly encourage engaged couples to take serious thought into taking a honeymoon and too look at the big picture. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to cherish each other outside of your every day lives.

There are valid and compelling reasons to organize a honeymoon and schedule it as close to your wedding as possible. These are some of my favorite reasons to have a honeymoon:

To Relax: Even the simplest weddings are stressful and tiring. And if you're like most couples, you'll spend more time with your guests than your new spouse at your wedding. A honeymoon is your opportunity to relax alone together.

To Celebrate: You're married! Allow yourselves some time to kick back and celebrate your new status as an official couple.

To Offer Undivided Attention: You may not need to travel to a new location to do this, but on a honeymoon you can enjoy each others company for hours without anyone disturbing you. Doing so in a beautiful setting away from home fosters intimacy, a cornerstone of a strong marriage.

To Explore: A honeymoon sends a couple out into the world together, and it's one of life's joys to experience new places, foods and opportunities together.

To Plan for the Future: A honeymoon gives a couple quiet time to imagine a new future together. What type of family do you picture together? Where do you want to be in five years? How about in ten or twenty?

If you’re at all concerned about the price of a honeymoon, a great option we offer our honeymooners is a honeymoon registry. You can encourage your bridal shower and wedding guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund through your travel agent to reduce your out of pocket costs as a couple. Speaking of travel agent, even if you’re stressed with the planning of a wedding, your travel agent can take care of the research, details and planning for you. Finally, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break from your “real life” to enjoy the newlywed stage and de-stress. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of days ahead of you to tackle “real life.”

If you’re ready to start planning your honeymoon, I encourage you to visit our honeymoon travel web page. You can submit a request form for more information, or call one of our many honeymoon travel specialists at 888-369-8785.

One of the most popular options many honeymooners lean towards is an All-Inclusive with either Funjet Vacations or Apple Vacations.

New Disney ship “Dream” to Feature Water Coaster

Our travel specialists are very excited when it comes to the onboard plans of Disney’s Cruise Lines’ newest and third ship, The Disney Dream, set to debut in early 2011.

This new 4,000-passenger ship will feature the first-ever shipboard water coaster that is four decks high. Riders seated on inflatable rafts will zip through a 765-foot-long tube (that’s more than two football fields) from the ship’s highest point, through a funnel and a tube 13 feet off the ship’s side. Get a sneak peak at the water coaster here!

Other new features of the Disney Dream are animation-driven, such as "enchanted art" placed throughout the ship that will animate when passengers approach it and will change depending on who is looking.

One of the most unique new amenities we’ve seen includes unique upgrades to typically windowless inside staterooms. Now, they will actually feature "virtual portholes" offering live video feeds via cameras outside the ship, corresponding to the cabin’s place onboard, and you’ll also see animated starfish and pirate ships through the new portholes.

In the children’s area, the Dream will have an animated turtle that engages kids in conversation about ocean life. The turtle will "remember" the children's names.

Purpose-built for families, Disney’s ships have always been focused on creating separate spaces for children in different age groups, and also for adults. The ship will be almost 50% larger than the current Disney ships.

The Dream will have Disney’s first tween area, called “Edge” rounding out youth programming that has always had specific areas for babies, children and teenagers. On the Dream, it will add a space just for children ages 11 to 13, who don’t quite identify with high schoolers but are too old to for the elementary school kids.

A 9,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space will give teenagers a private deck area on the ship’s bow with wading pools and fountains for cooling off, and deck games such as ping-pong and foosball.

They also get a dance floor where they can get in the DJ booth and try their hand at spinning tracks.

The younger Dream passengers will have playrooms themed around Disney movies, such as a Toy Story room, a Monsters Inc. area and a Finding Nemo space.

For adults, an area on the ship called the “District” will encompass five nighttime entertainment areas. The District will have a dance club, sports bar, champagne room and lounge where virtual cityscapes change daily.

The cruise travel agents at Fox World Travel can’t wait to share more of the unique amenities with current and future clients, especially families. If you’d like more information on when you can reserve your staterooms on the new Disney Dream, please call 888-369-8785 to speak with a travel agent today!

Go For a Personalized Cruise Experience

With the help of our travelers and expertise of our travel specialists, we have compiled a list of cruising tips and have segmented our most popular cruise lines, helping you start on the right track to a personalized vacation experience with Fox World Travel.

Tips from some of our Facebook Fans:

• Spend the extra money on a balcony, and take advantage of the great shore excursions!!!


• Take advantage of the refillable soda cup deals when you get on board. They save you quite a bit of money over the course of your cruise and you may as well start using them right away.


• Go on some of the more unique shore excursions. The memories will be worth the initial cost.


• Take advantage of the laundry service they offer. Then you don't have to pack so much. I think the cruises we were on offered $10 for a laundry bag twice during the week. I packed it full rolled everything in to tight rolls! and then I had less wash when I got back. Definitely worth it.


• The new trend in cruising is being able to eat whenever you want. If you are planning on this type of dining plan, keep in mind that you may end up waiting for long periods of time before being seated and served like at a very busy restaurant. To avoid the crowds, go to the dining room a bit earlier or later than normal dinner hours. Or skip it all together and go to the buffet!


• Make sure to take advantage of the themed menu nights when the dining room will serve meals from the region you are sailing through at that time.

There are many cruise lines that are popular, but how choosing the right cruise line, destination, cabins and excursions is extremely important to ensure you receive the most personalized cruising vacation experience. We can give you a few quick insights into the travelers each cruise line caters too, but our travel agents are the true experts in customizing your cruise experience.

The following cruise lines are more “contemporary”:

• Carnival Cruise Lines
  
  Fun, casual, value oriented cruise line appealing to the young at heart of all ages.


• Disney Cruises
  
  Legendary attention to detail, amazing adventures for all ages and Disney-style entertainment, a Disney cruise vacation brings magic into your life.


• Norwegian Cruise Line
  
  Intimate modern ships offering many activities, but in an intimate environment focused on Freestyle Cruising.


• Royal Caribbean
  
  Well run, activity filled, value oriented cruise line with a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere.

These cruise lines are one step up and could be classified as “premium”:

• Celebrity Cruises
  
  Premium, semi-formal, value line with excellent food, service, and attention to detail.


• Holland America
  
  Premium, elegant, classic cruise line with a semi-formal and yet relaxed atmosphere.


• MSC Cruise Lines
  
  From the world-famous authentic Italian cuisine to the personal attention and friendliness of an Italian crew, guests are treated to the finest Italian hospitality.


• Oceania Cruises
  
  Offers highly personalized service, pampering, catering, and incomparable luxury, including cuisine that is simply the finest at sea.


• Princess Cruises
  
  Premium cruise line focusing on passenger choice in dining, entertainment, activities, and accommodations.


• Windstar Cruises
  
  Created in the mid-1980's with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation.

Finally, at the very high end you will discover “luxury” cruise lines:

• Crystal Cruises
  
  Luxury line with six-star quality service, yet with all the amenities and choice of modern cruise ships.


• Cunard Cruises
  
  Traditional luxury line that began in 1840; its flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, is the world’s most famous ship.


• Regent Cruises
  
  Offer voyages of exploration and discovery to over 300 ports on six continents, including Antarctica.


• Seabourn Cruise Line
  
  Luxury line with six-star quality service, yet with all the amenities and choice of modern cruise ships.


• Silversea Cruises
  
  Award-winning six-star luxury cruise line with unmatched, all-inclusive value; voted "Best of the Best Cruise Line" by the Robb Report in 1999.

Choosing of these cruise lines is just the initial choice you need to make. Next comes your preferred departure port, preferred port destinations, number of nights, what type of balcony or cabin you would prefer, what excursions will most interest you, and the list goes on. As an award-winning full-service travel agency with increased buying power, our travel specialists can help you with all of these unique aspects of your cruise experience to ensure you have a memorable, personalized vacation.