WORKING WITH A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
If there are no fees for your services, how do you get paid?
A Travel Agent is paid commission sales. This commission fee is already built into the price of many hotels, resorts, cruises, etc. When you search online and book a vacation on your own, the vendors are able to keep this commission percentage instead. In this case, you are paying for a service you are not using. Many do not charge additional fees for planning services, but there are some that do, especially in certain circumstances where commission may not be offered so that they are compensated for their time and expertise. 101 Vacations does not charge any additional planning fees at this time. Booking with us will cost you the same as booking yourself, but you will have a travel professional on your side.
Are you getting paid to research and help plan my trip?
For those that do not require a planning fee up front, a Travel Agent only gets paid when they make the booking on your behalf and not until after the trip has been completed. For example, if you start planning with your travel professional in May of 2022 for a trip in May of 2023, they will not receive payment for working with you until after you complete your trip in 2023. This means if your trip has to, unfortunately, be canceled for any reason before you go, they will not get paid regardless of the length of time, number of months devoted to answering questions, offering guidance, and work put into that trip with you. This also means if you ask to spend a large amount of time researching information for you, and then you use that information to book direct yourself, they are not compensated whatsoever for their time and professional help.
If I book with a Travel Agent, will I lose control of the planning?
You can be as little or as much involved in the planning process as you choose. Want to make your own reservations and plans but have your travel professional as your go-to person to take care of the basic details and bounce ideas off of? You can! Have no idea where to start or what to do and need ALL the help? Someone to just take everything over and you can just show up to enjoy it? You can do that, too! This is your vacation, and it's entirely up to you. Essentially, you are guaranteeing that you will have a single dedicated professional on your side that knows your preferences, wants and needs, should any questions or concerns arise before, during, and after your trip.
Are there any special benefits to working with a Travel Agent?
There are many, but the most important benefit to working with a travel professional is you are creating an invaluable relationship to make sure all of your preferences and needs are being met. When was the last time an internet search engine knew your reason for celebrating, that your child has dietary allergies you are very concerned about, or that this is your first time doing this as a family? When working with a Travel Agent, you are helping support a small business that truly cares about you and your WHY.
Why can't I make my payments on my own? I don't feel comfortable giving my information out.
The only way a Travel Agent can be compensated for their services is to book on your behalf with the vendor. This gives them the authorization to assist with your package components and planning. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your payment information is kept safe, secure and confidential, and that your payments are made promptly directly to the vendor. 101 Vacations has been recognized and awarded high-level statuses by many vendors. We are accredited by IATAN and are bonded, insured, and have planned thousands of vacations. Most importantly, our team is comprised of passionate travelers who love to share our knowledge with others, and plan amazing trips filled with a lifetime of memories.
Do I have to pay you up front for my vacation?
The deposit requirements are set by the resorts and the tour operators we book through. Deposit rates vary based on the resort or package you select, and the time you are traveling. If your arrival date falls within a certain window at time of booking, your payment could be due in full. The deposit is made directly with the resort or tour operator. You can be assured that your deposit is applied directly to your vacation at the time of booking. If you are booking your vacation within 90 days of travel, a larger deposit or payment in full may be required. These terms would be disclosed in your quote. There are no additional fees for our services as long as the booking is in our care.
What if a Disney promotion is released after I book with you?
We will be monitoring your booking for the latest discounts as they are released by Disney to ensure that you’re getting the best deal even after you’ve booked your vacation.
What is your cancellation, reschedule, and change policy/fees?
We certainly understand it is sometimes necessary to cancel, reschedule, or otherwise change your vacation plans. Our agency does not charge any fees for changes or cancellations. We are confident that in the unfortunate circumstance that you have to cancel your vacation, you will be so pleased with our service that you will certainly return. However, the suppliers change and cancellation policies will still apply. We will provide the terms and conditions for any suppliers we are booking for you prior to your deposit. If you have questions about these policies, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
I booked my Walt Disney World trip on my own and I'm overwhelmed; can I still book with you?
If your Walt Disney World trip was booked within 30 days and not paid in full we can transfer the reservation to our care!
How far in advance do I need to book a package?
While we can do our best to help you book a trip on short notice depending on availability, the earlier you book the better! For example, with Walt Disney World Resort vacations, before Covid-19 impact, dining reservations opened for booking 180 days prior to arrival and many of the most popular restaurants fully book within a few minutes of that opening. Currently, dining opens 60 days in advance now and availability goes even faster and is harder to come by due to decreased number of restaurants operating to choose from and higher demand for what is currently open. Regarding cruise pricing, it is dynamic which means that the price increases as the ship fills. Opening day pricing on most cruise lines is often the lowest you will find. Cruises typically open for booking 18 to 24 months in advance. While we will work hard to assist you the best we can with last minute trips, booking your vacation well in advance also allows us plenty of time to make the most magic and ensure the vacation of your dreams.
What is included in your complimentary planning services if I book with you?
Our concierge level service begins before you even make the deposit on your trip. For example, with Disney vacations, we help you determine the best accommodations, ticket type, and dining recommendations for your family and budget. Once your trip is booked, we will provide you with all the information and tips you need for a successful vacation. We will monitor your reservation and apply any promotions which may be released after you book based on eligibility of your package. We can also assist in booking things such as stroller or scooter rentals, special events, tours, spa appointments, tee times, deliveries, in-room celebrations, and so much more! You'll be prepared when you leave for your trip; however, if you do run into any problems, we are just a phone call or text away to help get your vacation back on track.
When is the best time to go to Walt Disney World?
This is easily the most common question we get asked, but there is no single answer. The answer depends on what is most important to you and your schedule. This is something we can assist with that we would discuss in the quote consultation call. Any time is a great time to visit Walt Disney World. It’s more a matter of knowing the pros and cons of each time of year and making a decision based on that.
Do I need travel insurance for my vacation?
While not required, we always highly recommend travel insurance to our clients as a way to protect your vacation investment should anything unexpected happen, especially in our current ever-changing conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic. When booking with us, we provide you with a no-obligation trip insurance quote from our vendor of choice.
Am I guaranteed to get a discount on my Walt Disney World vacation package?
Discounts are never guaranteed, so it's important that you are comfortable with your full package price and not get your heart set on a discount. When Disney releases a special offer, they allot a set number of rooms and room categories for the discount at select resorts. This could mean even if your dates are eligible, your specific resort and/or room category might not be. The good news is that when you book with a Travel Agent, you will have a professional on your side monitoring these special offers as they are released and doing all the hard work for you to get them applied if you are eligible!
A Travel Agent is paid commission sales. This commission fee is already built into the price of many hotels, resorts, cruises, etc. When you search online and book a vacation on your own, the vendors are able to keep this commission percentage instead. In this case, you are paying for a service you are not using. Many do not charge additional fees for planning services, but there are some that do, especially in certain circumstances where commission may not be offered so that they are compensated for their time and expertise. 101 Vacations does not charge any additional planning fees at this time. Booking with us will cost you the same as booking yourself, but you will have a travel professional on your side.
Are you getting paid to research and help plan my trip?
For those that do not require a planning fee up front, a Travel Agent only gets paid when they make the booking on your behalf and not until after the trip has been completed. For example, if you start planning with your travel professional in May of 2022 for a trip in May of 2023, they will not receive payment for working with you until after you complete your trip in 2023. This means if your trip has to, unfortunately, be canceled for any reason before you go, they will not get paid regardless of the length of time, number of months devoted to answering questions, offering guidance, and work put into that trip with you. This also means if you ask to spend a large amount of time researching information for you, and then you use that information to book direct yourself, they are not compensated whatsoever for their time and professional help.
If I book with a Travel Agent, will I lose control of the planning?
You can be as little or as much involved in the planning process as you choose. Want to make your own reservations and plans but have your travel professional as your go-to person to take care of the basic details and bounce ideas off of? You can! Have no idea where to start or what to do and need ALL the help? Someone to just take everything over and you can just show up to enjoy it? You can do that, too! This is your vacation, and it's entirely up to you. Essentially, you are guaranteeing that you will have a single dedicated professional on your side that knows your preferences, wants and needs, should any questions or concerns arise before, during, and after your trip.
Are there any special benefits to working with a Travel Agent?
There are many, but the most important benefit to working with a travel professional is you are creating an invaluable relationship to make sure all of your preferences and needs are being met. When was the last time an internet search engine knew your reason for celebrating, that your child has dietary allergies you are very concerned about, or that this is your first time doing this as a family? When working with a Travel Agent, you are helping support a small business that truly cares about you and your WHY.
Why can't I make my payments on my own? I don't feel comfortable giving my information out.
The only way a Travel Agent can be compensated for their services is to book on your behalf with the vendor. This gives them the authorization to assist with your package components and planning. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your payment information is kept safe, secure and confidential, and that your payments are made promptly directly to the vendor. 101 Vacations has been recognized and awarded high-level statuses by many vendors. We are accredited by IATAN and are bonded, insured, and have planned thousands of vacations. Most importantly, our team is comprised of passionate travelers who love to share our knowledge with others, and plan amazing trips filled with a lifetime of memories.
Do I have to pay you up front for my vacation?
The deposit requirements are set by the resorts and the tour operators we book through. Deposit rates vary based on the resort or package you select, and the time you are traveling. If your arrival date falls within a certain window at time of booking, your payment could be due in full. The deposit is made directly with the resort or tour operator. You can be assured that your deposit is applied directly to your vacation at the time of booking. If you are booking your vacation within 90 days of travel, a larger deposit or payment in full may be required. These terms would be disclosed in your quote. There are no additional fees for our services as long as the booking is in our care.
What if a Disney promotion is released after I book with you?
We will be monitoring your booking for the latest discounts as they are released by Disney to ensure that you’re getting the best deal even after you’ve booked your vacation.
What is your cancellation, reschedule, and change policy/fees?
We certainly understand it is sometimes necessary to cancel, reschedule, or otherwise change your vacation plans. Our agency does not charge any fees for changes or cancellations. We are confident that in the unfortunate circumstance that you have to cancel your vacation, you will be so pleased with our service that you will certainly return. However, the suppliers change and cancellation policies will still apply. We will provide the terms and conditions for any suppliers we are booking for you prior to your deposit. If you have questions about these policies, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
I booked my Walt Disney World trip on my own and I'm overwhelmed; can I still book with you?
If your Walt Disney World trip was booked within 30 days and not paid in full we can transfer the reservation to our care!
How far in advance do I need to book a package?
While we can do our best to help you book a trip on short notice depending on availability, the earlier you book the better! For example, with Walt Disney World Resort vacations, before Covid-19 impact, dining reservations opened for booking 180 days prior to arrival and many of the most popular restaurants fully book within a few minutes of that opening. Currently, dining opens 60 days in advance now and availability goes even faster and is harder to come by due to decreased number of restaurants operating to choose from and higher demand for what is currently open. Regarding cruise pricing, it is dynamic which means that the price increases as the ship fills. Opening day pricing on most cruise lines is often the lowest you will find. Cruises typically open for booking 18 to 24 months in advance. While we will work hard to assist you the best we can with last minute trips, booking your vacation well in advance also allows us plenty of time to make the most magic and ensure the vacation of your dreams.
What is included in your complimentary planning services if I book with you?
Our concierge level service begins before you even make the deposit on your trip. For example, with Disney vacations, we help you determine the best accommodations, ticket type, and dining recommendations for your family and budget. Once your trip is booked, we will provide you with all the information and tips you need for a successful vacation. We will monitor your reservation and apply any promotions which may be released after you book based on eligibility of your package. We can also assist in booking things such as stroller or scooter rentals, special events, tours, spa appointments, tee times, deliveries, in-room celebrations, and so much more! You'll be prepared when you leave for your trip; however, if you do run into any problems, we are just a phone call or text away to help get your vacation back on track.
When is the best time to go to Walt Disney World?
This is easily the most common question we get asked, but there is no single answer. The answer depends on what is most important to you and your schedule. This is something we can assist with that we would discuss in the quote consultation call. Any time is a great time to visit Walt Disney World. It’s more a matter of knowing the pros and cons of each time of year and making a decision based on that.
Do I need travel insurance for my vacation?
While not required, we always highly recommend travel insurance to our clients as a way to protect your vacation investment should anything unexpected happen, especially in our current ever-changing conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic. When booking with us, we provide you with a no-obligation trip insurance quote from our vendor of choice.
Am I guaranteed to get a discount on my Walt Disney World vacation package?
Discounts are never guaranteed, so it's important that you are comfortable with your full package price and not get your heart set on a discount. When Disney releases a special offer, they allot a set number of rooms and room categories for the discount at select resorts. This could mean even if your dates are eligible, your specific resort and/or room category might not be. The good news is that when you book with a Travel Agent, you will have a professional on your side monitoring these special offers as they are released and doing all the hard work for you to get them applied if you are eligible!