Frequently Asked Questions

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Choosing a travel agent to book your vacation offers numerous benefits and advantages. The following are some reasons to consider:

1.  Expertise and Knowledge: We possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel industry. We stay up-to-date with the latest trends, destinations, and travel regulations, enabling us to provide valuable insight and recommendations tailored to your specific needs. 

2.  Time and Effort Savings: Planning a vacation can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when it comes to researching destinations, comparing prices, and arranging the necessary details. We take care of these tasks for you, saving you time and effort. 

3.  Personalized Recommendations: We take the time to understand your preferences, interests, and budget. Based on this information, we provide personalized recommendations ensuring that your vacation aligns with your desires. 

4.  Access to Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Being a part of Nexion, LLC (host-agency) and Travel Leaders Network (consortium), we may have special promotions, discounts, and package deals that are not available to the general public. 

5.  Assistance and Support: From booking flights and accommodations to arranging transportation and activities, we handle the logistics of your trip. We are a reliable point of contact throughout your journey, providing assistance and support in case of any unforeseen circumstances. 

6.  Peace of Mind: By trusting us, you gain peace of mind knowing all the details are taken care of. We have your best interests in mind and we are there to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and seamlessly. 

7.  Personalized Customer Service: Unlike online booking platforms, we offer personalized customer service. We are here to answer your questions (if we do not know the answer, it is our job to find out), address concerns, and provide support before, during, and after your trip. We are dedicated to making your travel experience exceptional. 

Booking with Blue Escapes Travel has several advantages over using a booking engine or booking directly with the supplier! Here are a few reasons why choosing our agency is a smart choice: 

1.  Personalized Service: We provide personalized service tailored to your needs and preferences. We take the time to understand your travel desires and offer customized recommendations and itineraries. Unlike booking engines, we prioritize your satisfaction and ensure that every aspect of your trip is carefully planned and coordinated. 

2.  Expertise and Knowledge: We have in-depth knowledge of various destinations, resorts, cruise lines, and excursions. We stay updated on the latest travel trends, safety guidelines, and regulations. This expertise allows us to offer clients valuable insider tips and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. 

3.  Time Saver: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming. By booking with Blue Escapes Travel, you can save valuable time and eliminate the stress of having to research multiple options, comparing prices, and coordinating various aspects of your trip. We handle all the details, allowing you to focus on your vacation.

4.  Personalized Assistance: When you book with us, you gain access to our dedicated support throughout your vacation. We are available to assist you with any questions, concerns, or changes you may have before, during, and even after your trip. By contacting us directly (no automated systems), you save time by not having to contact different support centers for different suppliers. We handle that for you!

5.  Relationship and Trust: By choosing to book with us, you are building a long-term relationship and establishing trust. We strive to exceed your expectations and become your trusted travel advisor for all your future trips. Our commitment of building strong client relationships sets us apart from impersonal booking engines or websites. 

Though all travel agencies are different, here is our process: 

1.  Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation between you and our agency. During this discussion, you will tell us your travel preferences, interests, budget, and any specific requirements or requests you may have. If you have already priced vacations and would like to go ahead and book using our agency, we can skip to step 4. We can do this with the quote form on our website, over the phone, Zoom, or email!

2.  Research and Itinerary Planning: Based on the information you provide, we will conduct thorough research and identify suitable destinations, accommodations, transportation options, and activities that align with your preferences. We will create an itinerary that includes flights, hotels, transfers, cruises, excursions, or any other desired services.

3.  Proposal and Quote: Once we have compiled the itinerary, we will present you with a proposal and quote for your trip. This will include all relevant details to include pricing, inclusions, and terms and conditions.  

4.  Booking Confirmation: If you decide to proceed with the booking, we will proceed to make the necessary reservations on your behalf. Prior to making the reservation, we require a signature that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions and we also require a signature that you have chosen to purchase travel insurance through the supplier, through a third-party travel insurance company, or decline travel insurance. Though travel insurance is not required, we strongly recommend it. Per our insurance carrier, we are required to have you sign a waiver that insurance was at least offered. We will then provide you with a booking confirmation that outlines all the details of your trip. 

5.  Payment: We will explain the payment process to you and payment deadlines in the proposal and quote portion. During the booking confirmation, you may be required to pay a deposit up front, with the remaining balance due at a later date. We will guide you through the payment options and ensure a smooth transaction.

6.  Documentation and Travel Preparation: Once the booking is confirmed and payment is settled, we will provide you with all necessary documentation for your trip. This may include flight tickets, hotel vouchers, transfer details, and any other relevant travel documents. We will offer guidance on travel preparations such as passport, visa requirements and packing tips. 

7.  Ongoing Support: We do not stop once the vacation is booked. Throughout the entire process, even during and after your trip, we will be available to provide ongoing support and assistance. We will be here to answer any questions you have, make changes to your itinerary (if allowed by the supplier), and help resolve any issues that may arise during your travel (though it is our hope there will not be issues). 

Absolutely! As a travel agent, my primary goal is to work within your budget and find the best options. During our initial consultation, we will discuss your budget and travel preferences, allowing me to curate a selection of destinations, accommodations, and activities that fit your price range. We have access to a wide range of resources and travel suppliers, allowing me to find competitive prices and special deals to maximize the value of your vacation. Please note that we will also be honest if your budget does not meet the expectations of a given vacation. For example, a budget of $1,000 to the Maldives will not work in this situation.  But rest assured, I will do my best to create a memorable travel experience that meets your expectations and budgetary needs!

We do not charge service fees! We do ask that if you already started working with another travel agent on an existing quote, please give them time to research and get back with you. If they have already quoted you, chances are, our quotes will be around the same as theirs. Out of respect to the agent you have been working with, we ask that you book your vacation with them. A lot of time goes into researching, planning, and creating quotes. Travel agents only get paid if you book with them and I do not want to take away from other hard working travel agents!

Yes!

This generally depends on what you are booking. Most of the time, as long as you are extended out from your travel date, only a deposit is required at the time of booking with a final due date, usually due out 90-120 days of travel. This will be communicated with you during the planning process.

While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for travelers and we are required to offer it. Travel insurance provides protection and coverage for unexpected events that may occur before or during your trip. Here are some examples of why travel insurance can be beneficial:

1.  Trip Cancellation or Interruptions: Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or the death of a family member. 

2.  Medical Emergencies: If you experience a medical emergency while traveling, travel insurance can cover medical expenses including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and emergency medical transportation.

3.  Lost or Delayed Luggage: Travel insurance can provide compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, helping cover the cost of replacing essential items. 

4.  Travel Delays: If your trip is delayed to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, strikes, or mechanical breakdowns, travel insurance can reimburse you for additional accommodations, meals, and transportation expenses. 

5.  Emergency Assistance: Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services, providing you with access to a helpline for travel-related emergencies, such as locating medical facilities, arranging transportation, or coordinating with local authorities.

It is very important to carefully review the coverage and terms of the travel insurance policy to understand exactly what is included and any exclusions or limitations.

To cancel your vacation, you will typically need to follow these steps:

1.  Review the Cancellation Policy: Start by reviewing the cancellation policy of the travel supplier(s) we booked with, such as airlines, cruise line, hotels, or tour operators. This will outline the terms and conditions regarding cancellations, any applicable fees, and the deadline for canceling without penalty. 

2.  Contact Us: If you booked with Blue Escapes Travel, contact us as soon as possible due to time frames allowed before a penalty period, or cancellation not allowed period. If you have not booked with Blue Escapes Travel, unfortunately, we are unable to assist you. We recommend following up with your travel agent or the supplier you booked the vacation with. 

3.  Check Travel Insurance Coverage: If you purchased travel insurance, review the policy to understand if your reason for cancellation falls within the covered reasons. IF so, contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim and seek reimbursement for any eligible expenses. 

4.  Document Communication: Keep records of all communication related to the cancellation, including dates, times, and the names of individuals you spoke with. This will be helpful in case of any disputes or inquires later on. 

5.  Request Confirmation and Refunds: Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation and any refunds that may be due to you. It is important to be aware that some suppliers may apply cancellation fees or offer credits for future travel instead of a refund, depending on the terms of the booking and the timing of the cancellation. 

6.  Adjust Other Travel Arrangements: If you have made additional arrangements such as transportation, excursions, or car rentals, we will contact those suppliers to cancel or adjust those booking as well. 

7.  Follow Up on Refunds and Credits: After cancelling, monitor your credit card statements or bank account to ensure that any refunds or credits are processed correctly. If you encounter any issues or delays, follow up with the appropriate parties to resolve the matter. 

Please remember that cancellation policies can vary among suppliers, so it is essential to review the terms and conditions of your specific booking. It is recommended to cancel as early as possible to avoid or minimize any cancellation fees or penalties.  

The best time to book a vacation varies on several factors, including your destination, travel dates, and personal preferences. However, here are a few general considerations to keep in mind: 

1.  Off-Peak Seasons: Booking during off-peak seasons can often results in lower prices and fewer crowds. These periods typically fall outside of popular travel times, such as school holidays or major events. We can research the destination you plan to visit and identify if its off-peak season to take advantage of potential discounts. 

2.  Early Booking: For popular destinations or peak travel times, booking in advance can be an advantage. Airlines and hotels sometimes offer early bird promotions or discounted rates for those who look to book well ahead of their travel dates. This is especially true if you have specific requirements such as specific room types or flight seating. 

3.  Last-Minute Deals: On the other hand, if you have flexibility and can be spontaneous, waiting for last-minute deals might work in your favor. Travel suppliers may offer discounted rates or package deals closer to the travel dates to fill remaining vacancies. However, keep in mind that availability may be limited, and this approach may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have specific preferences or a fixed travel schedule. 

4.  Consider Travel Packages: Booking vacation packages that include flights, accommodations, and other components can often result in cost savings. Travel agents can help you find and compare different package options to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. 

Ultimately, the best time to book a vacation depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Consider factors such as budget, flexibility, desired activities, and any specific events happing at your destination. Consulting with us, we will provide you with personalized advice and insights based on your travel goals and requirements. Here is an image we have created that highlights destination low and high seasons!