Last week I began answering a series of customer questions as to the benefit of using a travel agent, in an effort to assure everyone that we’re still in business and will continue to be.

The last question was “Why should I book now? What happens if the price goes down later?

Alan Whitt

Now we move on to Question No. 3:

I’d like to book with you, but a website is offering a $5 rebate on any tour. Will you do the same?

My mother always told me that nothing in life is free. However, that won’t prevent people from trying to get anything at rock bottom prices or for absolutely nothing.

The quick answer to this question is … a simple no. But the answer is actually a bit more complex than that.

You’re hospitalized awaiting a complex surgery that could save your life. You’ve got the No. 1 surgeon in that field scheduled to perform the procedure when another physician offers to perform the surgery for 30 percent less.

Would you take that deal?

I didn’t think so. You’re definitely going to go with the best professional because your life is worth every penny.

Can’t the same be said about your vacation?

You’re taking a chance when you use a rebater. Some tour companies have gone to court to prevent rebating … while many cruise lines will ban agencies from future bookings if they reduce the price of their cruises.

The assumption is that a rebater offering the trip for less says that the trip isn’t worth what the tour operator or cruise line has priced it for. If something goes wrong while you’re on your trip, don’t expect a sympathetic ear from the tour company or cruise line.

Of course, Allure Quest Travel Experience also has price protection for you anyway. So if you discover a cheaper fare than what we can provide just bring it to our attention, we’ll alert the tour operator and if the price is legitimate we will match it.

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