why use a travel consultant?

"Why use a travel consultant," many people wonder. In this age of internet booking, aren't all the best deals online? If you are an upscale traveler, used to staying in five star hotels, you might be surprised at the value a travel consultant can provide.

A client emailed me last evening from National Airport in Washington, DC. He had been stuck at DCA for five hours, three of which were spent on the runway. Storms in the New York area prevented his flight from departing. He planned to take the train back early the next morning but needed a place to spend the night. He gave me a price range and asked what I could find for him.

8:45 pm. I did a quick search and emailed him three choices. He chose a room at the Mandarin Oriental for $295. Granted, anyone with a cell phone could have booked that room for $295 while standing in the terminal at DCA. They might not have known to ask for the Summer Breaks rate (same price but with a $50 hotel credit), and the reservations agent might not have volunteered information about that promotion. That being said, I got him a far better deal — the Virtuoso amenities — which included a complimentary Continental breakfast for two, a $50 Food & Beverage credit, a $35 Spa credit, and an upgrade subject to availability.

As my client was climbing into a cab, I emailed him the confirmation number and hotel's address. Then, I did what I always do after making a reservation; I contacted the hotel directly. As it was now 9 pm, I spoke to the agent at the front desk to make sure his reservation was in order — and I asked if he could upgrade my client.

9:24 p.m. My client emailed me again. "They've put me in a very nice suite. So glad to be here and no longer sitting on the runway!"

Why use a travel consultant in this age of the internet? Because we actually provide expertise, added value, convenience, and service.


travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Bangkok duty free scam followup

King Power Duty Free responded to my recent blog about the duty free zig zag scam reported by the BBC at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. A representative of KPD, the operator of the duty free stores at BKK, provided a copy of the press release issued in response to the BBC article. The company, according to the press release, "has examined the facts related to the incident and states clearly that it has no involvement in the alleged 'zig-zag' scheme perpetrated by members of the Thai police."

King Power's version of the case: The accused shoplifters were seen on airport security cameras allegedly placing a Givenchy wallet into the woman's handbag. The incident was related to Airport Tourist Police who apprehended the couple in a restaurant. The man and woman were seated at separate tables and wearing different outerwear than they had allegedly worn whilst in the KPD shop. While the female was searched by police at her restaurant table, the male was observed leaving the restaurant and entering a men's restroom. Security staff reported finding the missing wallet in a trash bin at the restroom's entrance. The couple was subsequently charged with theft and taken to the police station.

What is the truth of the matter? Is the BBC's reporting accurate? Is KPD's account factual? Was a wallet actually stolen? Did they get the right couple? Did the police plant evidence? Is there a zig zag scam? Unfortunately, a fair and open trial was never held; witnesses were never cross-examined; and an impartial jury never determined the facts of the case.

The larger issue is this. While KPD may in fact "always follow the strictest legal procedures" in reporting alleged crimes, it does not dispute any of the following factual claims in the BBC story:

1. that the accused couple was denied access to a lawyer or to their embassy
2. that the facts of the case were not judged by a fair, open, and impartial court
3. that the accused were not allowed legal representation at their hearing, nor were they provided the opportunity to cross-examine their accusers
4. that a single police official served as judge and jury
5. that a fine of $13,000 was levied for the theft of a wallet

Nor does KPD's statement dispute the inference that security officers, police officials, and others may be profiting illegally from an alleged scam.

UPDATE

I posed the following questions to King Power Duty Free's representative and received the following responses:

(1) Did King Power Duty Free receive reimbursement for the stolen wallet from the fine extracted from the couple? In what amount?

King Power (KPD) did not receive any reimbursement for the stolen wallet from the fine extracted from the couple. In fact, we already received the stolen wallet back officially from the Police few days after the case already been filed and processed, as usual and normal practice.

(2) Does KPD acknowledge that there is a problem with the police practices described in the BBC story?

We (KPD) are not aware of any problem with the police practices described in the BBC Story. That's beyond our acknowledgement and responsibilities.

So ... there you have it. These are the answers, verbatim, provided on behalf of Mr. Sombat Dechapanichkul, Group Managing Director of King Power Duty Free Company Limited. I find the second response especially interesting ("we are not aware of any problem with the police practices described in the BBC Story"), and I will allow this comment to speak for itself.

zig zag scam (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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duty free scam at the Bangkok airport

I was alerted to this story by one of the blogs I follow regularly, Upgrade Travel Better. BBC News has reported a scam victimizing unsuspecting travelers departing from Bangkok's international airport.

The scam involves unwitting travelers who browse the duty free shop. A number of travelers are allegedly being detained each month, charged with shoplifting, and held until they agree to pay a large cash "fine" in order to be released. One couple interviewed by the BBC was approached by security guards in the departure gate. They were accused of stealing a wallet from the duty free store, and the guards demanded to search their bags. Even though the allegedly missing wallet was not found in their possession, the couple was detained, questioned in separate rooms, and held overnight.

The couple was interrogated the next morning by the local police commissioner. In the course of their three hour meeting, the official would only discuss how much money the couple would have to pay in order to leave the country. The ordeal eventually cost them 8,000£ (about $13,000) — despite the fact that the allegedly stolen wallet was not in their possession. The couple was forbidden access to a lawyer or to their Embassy, and the lack of any evidence against them was apparently of no relevance.

This is apparently a typical scam, known as the zig zag scam, occurring many times a month at BKK. Travelers are falsely accused of stealing inexpensive items, then become the victims of an extortion scheme. The lesson to take away from this? If you're flying through the Bangkok International Airport, stay out of the duty free shop. Got time to kill? Buy a one-day membership in the frequent flyer lounge of your airline.

zig zag scam (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Botswana safari | 2 for 1 luxury safari

Among the incredible luxury travel values to come across my desk in recent weeks, none will save you more money than this once-in-a-lifetime safari in Botswana. Buy one land safari, and the second guest's land safari is FREE!

Botswana is located in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa to the southeast, Namibia to the northwest, and touching Zambia at a single point. During your vacation, you will stay at renowned Orient-Express properties. In Johannesburg, your home will be the historic Westcliff Hotel for two nights. In Botswana, you will experience a total of six nights at three Orient-Express luxury safari lodges — Khwai River Lodge, Eagle Island Lodge, and Savute Elephant Camp — which feature luxurious air conditioned tents with en-suite facilities. Your safari includes all meals and drinks as well as daily breakfasts in Johannesburg and private airport transfers.

Of course, the reason to go on safari is the experience of seeing African wildlife in their natural habitat. Most travelers to Africa enjoy experiences that surpass their expectations. This exclusive offer of a 2-for-1 luxury safari is not likely to be seen again, and it's valid only through 2009.

Buy one, and the second guest stays for free. Land price from August - October is $8,675. In November and December, the land price decreases to $6,595. Not included is international air from the USA and roundtrip air between Johannesburg and Botswana.

luxury safari (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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del Coronado | San Diego beach resort

Hotel del Coronado (known in San Diego simply as The Del) is an historic hotel just minutes south of downtown San Diego and over the causeway on Coronado Island. Built in 1888 and now a National Historic Landmark, Hotel del Coronado provides the ideal setting for a beach vacation in sunny Southern California. Coronado Beach is quite simply one of the best beaches in the world.

Its unique Victorian architecture reminds visitors of the casual elegance of an earlier era. The Del has hosted eleven U.S. Presidents, and its spiraling turrets were the inspiration for the Emerald City in Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz. The Del also provided the setting for Some Like it Hot, starring Mariyn Monroe, filmed on the property in 1958.

I saw a variety of room types during my site inspection. If you want to stay in the Main Resort, I highly recommend a Deluxe Junior Suite — a large suite with a stunning view of the beach and the blue Pacific Ocean beyond. But for the ultimate in a family beach vacation, book connecting suites at the Beach Village to form up to a three bedroom apartment with a full gourmet kitchen. These stunning rooms are available with full views of the beach and ocean.

For the very best luxury value, book through a Virtuoso luxury travel consultant (click here to book). Virtuoso guests pay the Best Available Rate and receive exclusive additional amenities including daily buffet breakfasts for two and room upgrades if available upon check-in. Additionally, Beach Village guests receive a daily $100 spa credit.

Hotel del Coronado (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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the most incredible luxury vacation value

There are beach vacations... and there is Four Seasons Punta Mita, one of the world's most luxurious beach and golf resorts. Located just 25 miles from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the area features 9 miles of pristine white sand beaches and lava rock formations. With just 173 guest rooms nestled among 26 acres of lush tropical grounds, you will never feel crowded. And once you luxuriate in one of Four Seasons' spacious guestrooms and enjoy a fabulous night's sleep on their exclusive custom designed mattresses, you'll be spoiled for life!

Relax on the beach or enjoy activities ranging from golf on the Jack Nicklaus designed championship course, tennis, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling ... even romantic horseback rides on the beach. Children can participate in the Kids Program which is included in your package.

This incredible deal is available until December 21st .. and not likely ever to be seen again.

1. Rates begin at just $415 + tax for a spacious 645 square foot Garden Casita.


2. For every four consecutive nights you book, you will receive a resort credit of $1,234 that can be applied to your room bill or other charges.


3. When booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, you will also receive complimentary full breakfast for two daily, an upgrade to the next room category if available at check-in, and a $100 golf credit.

Do the math: Four nights with tax will cost about $875 with breakfast included. Eight nights will cost about $1750 with breakfast included. You're spending less than $220 per day to vacation at one of Four Seasons most renowned beach resorts.

Contact a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant for a complimentary booking.


Four Seasons Punta Mita (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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