Tag Archives: online travel booking

That’s a no-no: We won’t ever engage in price-checking contests

Posted on by alanwhitt

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

Alan Whitt

Now we move onto question No. 4:

We’re price-checking at least four or five agencies and online brokers. We’ll book with whichever offers the best quote. Will you send us your best price?

Well … no.

You won’t be booking with Allure Quest Travel Experience. We’re loyal to our clients and we expect the same in return.

If you book a trip with us, we won’t even tell your mother about it unless you insist that we do.

We’re discreet, non-judgmental and guarantee to treat you as if you’re our only client. Therefore, we don’t really like to deal with people when we’re not their only travel agent.

Even if you’re traveling some place you shouldn’t be … with someone you shouldn’t be with … that’s your business and no one will pry those details from these lips.

As I said, we’re loyal. And because of that we save our best rates for those loyal to us. That’s why we get repeat business and continue to grow in stature and success. That’s how we learn our clients and keep their preferences on record for future use.

We give our clients a quality product for a fair price. But if price is the only criteria you’re concerned with, then you’re certainly welcome to book your trip with an online agency where the person handling your account may be working from a desk halfway around the world.

Maybe he’s a part-time employee, maybe not. Maybe he started last week, maybe he didn’t. Maybe he’s reading from a script, maybe he isn’t.

Work with Allure Quest Travel Experience, and not only are you certain that we’re experienced, but you’ll know that we’re regularly attending workshops, seminars and conferences to learn about new and existing products that may be of interest to our valued clients.

And we look forward to visiting resorts and cruise ships so that we can confidently give you our informed analysis of what our clients will experience.

The truth is that most cruise lines don’t even allow rate discounting. Try that and you’ll never sell another cabin with them. They realize that discounting devalues their product, and says that the discounter believe their product isn’t worth the price.

Someone walks into your business and says your product isn’t worth what you’re charging … even though thousands (or millions) of people are buying it. I think you’ll show him the door.

That’s why we won’t participate in a price-checking contest with other agencies.

Saying that may cost us a little business here or there.

But we’re better than that … and proud of it. Our loyal customers understand.

I believe it’s called integrity.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Allure Quest Travel is for the do-it-yourself traveler as well

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’m not trying to brag … but what separates Allure Quest Travel Experience from an Internet only travel website is our ability to provide you with personalized service.

Alan Whitt

I love meeting people, getting to know them and discussing travel before I book a trip for them. In that regard I’m a bit of a voyeur because I always want to see my customers post-vacation photos and hear all about it.

I travel to destinations through a client’s adventures, imagining that I’m soaking up rays on a beach in St. Maarten, sailing through Glacier Bay National Park on a cruise ship in Alaska or any of the thrilling vacations I book for them.

But in this modern age, I also understand that some folks just want to do the heavy lifting themselves. They don’t mind getting online and searching for information on destinations, prices and booking – no matter how much time it takes.

At Allure Quest Travel Experience we want everyone to be happy no matter how they book a vacation … as long as it’s through us.

Therefore, we’ve created a new website that not only allows you to research those glorious vacations you’ve dreamed of for so long, but to also book many of them online as well.

Check out the new Allure Quest Travel Experience website today.

You can seek out just about any destination, including cities, countries or regions as tame as Des Moines, Iowa or as exotic as Bangkok. Just punch in the name of a city or country and you’re on your way … figuratively speaking. Even better, you’ll also get video from several of those places.

You’ll also find links for Funjet Vacations and Travel Impressions, which allow you to book those destinations yourself. In the coming weeks we will be evaluating and adding more links for he do-it-yourself traveler.

You can book hotels right now through Expedia on Allure Quest Travel Experience by clicking on the “hotel” link, at the fact same price you’ll get going to the Expedia site. The difference is that if changes need to be made or if there are issues, you’ll always have someone to call.

Of course, Allure Quest Travel Experience still believes it’s best to book through one of our agents. We’ll make you feel special so that all you need to do is pack a bag and head off for a fabulous vacation experience.