The money question
How I'm paid, and what you pay.
It's the question most people are too polite to ask, so here's the plain answer.
The resorts, cruise lines and tour operators I book with pay my commission. You generally pay the same published price as booking direct — and in many cases, less.
The plain answer
Who pays me
I'm a Travel Advisor with Travelmation. When I book a resort, a cruise or a tour for you, the company you're travelling with pays me a commission for the booking. That's how I'm paid, and it isn't added on top of your price.
So when you book through me, you generally pay the same published price you'd see booking direct. Here's how it works, start to finish:
- You tell me about the trip. Who's going, roughly when, and roughly what you'd like to spend.
- I find the right fit and book it with the resort, cruise line or tour operator. If I have access to a promotion or an extra that suits your trip, I pass it on to you.
- The supplier pays my commission. You pay the price I quoted you.
Same trip, often a better price
Where the savings come from
When I book a trip, I often have access to savings that aren't shown on public booking sites, and I pass them on. In many cases that means I can book the very same trip, still earn my commission from the supplier, and get you in for less than booking it yourself.
Promotions that aren't advertised
Suppliers run offers that aren't always shown publicly. When one fits your trip and I have access to it, you get it.
Extras on top of the price
Onboard credit on a cruise, or breakfast and a property credit at some luxury hotels. Extras like these can come with booking through me, at the same rate.
Group rates
Travelling with family, friends or a wedding party? Booking rooms or cabins together can open up group rates.
Watching the price after you book
Many cruise lines will honor a lower price after booking if someone asks, and some promotions can be added to a booking you've already made. I keep an eye out, and I ask.
When it isn't cheaper, I'll say so
Sometimes the best price I can get is exactly the price you'd find yourself. When that happens, I'll tell you plainly rather than dress it up. You still get the planning, an honest view on which room or cabin to pick, and someone to call if something goes wrong.
Money questions
What people ask me about cost
Does it cost more to use a travel advisor?
Generally, no. The resorts, cruise lines and tour operators I book with pay my commission, so you pay the same published price you'd pay booking direct — and often, less.
How do you get paid?
By commission from the supplier. When you book a resort, a cruise or a tour through me, the company you're travelling with pays me for the booking. It isn't added on top of your price.
Can you really get a lower price?
Often, yes — though not every time. When I book a trip, I often have access to promotions, amenities, group rates or offers that aren't shown publicly, and I pass them on. In many cases that means the very same trip for less than you'd pay booking it yourself. When I can't beat the price, I'll tell you.
What if the price drops after I book?
It depends on the supplier. Many cruise lines will honor a lower price after booking if someone asks, and some promotions can be added to an existing booking. I keep watching, and I ask for you.
Tell me where you want to go.
No fee, no obligation. Most first conversations take twenty minutes and end with a couple of ideas worth thinking about.
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