Ask Endora

Dear Endora,

I really don’t understand the travel insurance programs that are available. Are any worth the price?

To insure or not to insure

Dear Undecided,

Most of the wholesalers that offer packaged travel, that is, where you can purchase air/car or air/car/accommodations/tours etc. offer very good insurance that will allow you to cancel up to 24 hours prior to departure (for US destinations), up to 72 hours prior to departure for most international destinations. The companies I work with that offer this type of insurance allow travelers to cancel for ANY reason. Your entire vacation will then be refunded — less the price of the insurance of course. Be aware that not all insurance is the same — check with your travel consultant first, never assume.

Rest assured,
   Endora

Dear Endora,

I am just starting to ponder the thought of a Tahitian holiday. I have been researching on the internet and there are so many tour operators to Tahiti - all have some kind of fabulous offer, but when I call there are always stipulations. Should I reserve a Tahiti vacation through a travel agency rather than going direct with the tour operators to Tahiti? It almost is too confusing with all the different offers.

Dazed and confused

Dear Dazed and confused,

I guarantee that if you choose to plan a Tahitian getaway by yourself you will spend many hours researching. You have to understand that each tour operator wants YOUR business. They are biased and will say they offer the best value and will plan the ultimate getaway. The only way you would know if the vacation they put together for you would be the best option and the best value is by calling someone else and getting their advice. However, if you called a Tiare Specialist, who works for a travel company they have no bias. They work with all of the reputable tour operators and will know instantly what options would best fit your needs once they have spent a bit of time getting to know you. I cannot stress the importance of using a destination specialist. It is the difference between having a good vacation and an extraordinary vacation! You have nothing to lose, by using a travel specialist. The price will be the same, if not better, and you will be getting expert advice at no cost to you! Make sure you contact Joyce at jc@incrediblejourney.net to create a fabulous getaway to Tahiti.

Wishing you enlightenment!
   Endora

Dear Endora,

I typically book my vacations through the internet but just experienced the worst nightmare ever when I had to change my flights. What do you suggest I do when making reservations for business travel?

Brian

Dear Brian,

Ah yes, the beauty of booking travel yourself will eventually have pitfalls if you travel enough. Again, my belief is that booking through a travel agent would be the best option, however if you want to do it yourself then I always recommend finding the best fare through one of the online air vendors, finding the least expensive air and then going straight to that company. This way if you have any changes to be made, or flight times change the airline will make sure you are completely taken care of.

I find in our "do it yourself" society, what we have lost is companies that provide service and we have created more stress on ourselves — and when you consider the savings over time it really does not amount to much!

Good luck with future travels and next time when you use a travel professional — I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well you are taken care of!

Best Regards,
   Endora