The sudden announcement of the closure of GoTravelSouth.com and the likelihood that many passengers will be greatly inconvenienced by having their holiday plans dashed, brings to the fore the need for consumers to book with a certified travel professional. The ‘do-it-yourself’, happy garden gnome days of travel are fading into the sunset as more consumers research on the internet but then go to certified travel professional for travel advice and counsel, and to make their travel purchases.
Certified Travel Counsellors and Managers are entitled to display the “CTC” or “CTM” after their name, to announce their credential to their clients. They know that travellers come in all shapes and sizes. They know that some people cringe at the very thought of travel and that those consumers need information, advice and personal attention to ease their discomfort. Certified professionals also know that some consumers wholeheartedly embrace the challenge of discovery, activity, education and adventure, yet they still need personal attention and experienced advice in booking their travels. No matter which category of traveller you fall under, you need to feel comfortable and safe. A Certified Travel Counsellor is the perfect resource to provide you with sound advice and, if you will, a security blanket for your travels. Here are some ideas to ponder:
Travelling in Troubled Times.
You pick up a newspaper and read about political events, natural disasters, pickpockets, medical concerns and you wonder where it is actually safe to travel these days. A certified professional is equipped to provide you with the latest information about a destination and, if you choose to travel there, what advice or precautions you might wish to consider before your departure. This may include suggesting the appropriate type of travel insurance to set your mind at ease should anything affect your vacation, your baggage or your health.
Personal Contact.
The Internet is a great source of information but it fails in one major area of consumer need: personal attention. If something happens on your vacation, you want to speak to the individual who booked your travel and you want an immediate resolution of any issues that affect the enjoyment of your holiday. It is not unusual at all for a certified professional to provide you with a 24 hour emergency number to call and it is also not unusual in circumstances where airlines have gone bankrupt, for that same travel professional to have re-booked your holiday on another airline before you even know that a problem existed.
Areas within your Comfort Sphere.
In times of trouble, many tour operators and cruise lines will adjust their itineraries to take advantage of destinations that are relatively safe. For Canadians this may include the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and the Pacific. A certified professional determines your needs and concerns and then is able to recommend options for you to consider. This is what travel ‘counselling’ is all about. The internet does not counsel. It is built to book whatever you tell it to do, whether you think it is good for you or not. The internet will not suggest alternatives that are in your interest. A professional, will.
Cancellation policies.
When you book travel, ask your Certified Travel Counsellor about airline cancellation policies. There may be an option to upgrade to the next ticket level at a minimal cost, to ensure that the ticket is refundable. If "something happens' and you have a non-refundable ticket, will the airline allow you some flexibility? Will the cruise line? Remember that this is information a certified travel professional will provide. If you book on your own—you are left on to find answers to these questions. .
Realistic Expectations.
For those who are apprehensive about travel in this day and age of increased security checks, more detailed information requirements on immigration forms, and long, long line-ups, your security blanket is a certified travel professional. They can walk you through the airport procedure; tell you exactly what will happen, what kind of questions you will be asked, what kind of items you should leave in your checked baggage and the number and weight of bags you are allowed to take on board. In other words, they will make sure you arrive prepared. When US immigration screening at Canadian airports can take from 15 minutes-to 2 hours, you can avoid a lot of frustration by having the advice of a travel expert on your side.
The joy of travel is based on relaxation, getting out of your regular routine and doing something different, energizing and stress-free. If one of these components is not in place, then your entire trip could be jeopardized. Play it safe…talk to a certified travel professional about your ideas and your concerns. They in turn will provide you with counsel and advice about realistic options. This is their full time professional occupation. When you spend a lot of time and energy on your travel dreams, it is nice to have them wrapped in a security blanket--that is--good advice from a professional in the know.
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