Hotel Search Engines

I previously wrote about search engines and advised that it was necessary to consider the source of the information provided. While researching a destination prior to arrival helps to build your anticipation. The amount of information available on different websites is extensive and can be over whelming. Simple hotel inquiries often generate pages of results. The nature of the internet means that it might not be edited for accuracy and a passengers expectation my not match the service purchased. Filtering out unnecessary information aids in travel planning and dealing with trusted suppliers reduces the risk of unmet expectations.

The reservation systems I subscribe to allow me to filter the results by location, price or property type. One booking engine allows me to look for hotels based on a location's postal code, price or distance from an attraction. From there I can browse sites that map out the hotel locations or link into traveller reviews. 

River Cruises

River cruises are becoming very popular and are available in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. There are several companies which supply these travel experiences and each line has its own character and pricing point. Part of the appeal of these vacations is that passengers do not experience the motion that is normal on a larger body of water. Many tourist attractions are located on major rivers because traditionally goods and people were transported by water.

Similarly to Ocean Cruises, River Cruise Lines offer port tours but passengers have the opportunity to step off their ship and be within walking distance of historic attractions. When not in port you get to witness transitioning landscapes from wilderness to metropolis.

Search Engines

Yesterday I saw an interesting e card on a friends website:

I use a variety of websites for booking flight, hotels, cars and often have to weigh the results against the reliability of the source. Many sites are based in countries where there is no consumer protection or venue of recourse should the product not be represented correctly. This is what I look at first when reviewing the components of a trip. We all hear stories about hotels that misrepresent their facilities, car rental companies that add extra charges or airlines that cancel flights without advising passengers. Simply dealing a responsible individual or organization can help you avoid problems or compensate you if they occur.

March 9, 2014

Yesterday I attended a Sales Discussion about specialization in your field and it lead me to think about the areas of specialization. My first thought went to destination which would be straight forward then there is the ability to help clients mark milestone life events. I then considered why most of my customers speak to me and recognized that they value my attention to the fine print. "We cannot match you to this insurance product but if we shorten your trip duration you will be eligible for another product that will protect you from risk" or "that car rental company is notorious for not honouring quotations". Those are insights that I have gained through hands on experience with the product as a travel broker and administrator.

Amsterdam, December 9

Hi John, I am presently staying on a houseboat located off the Ijburg southeast of Amsterdam. My rental unit includes the boat’s wheel house and I have phenomenal views of the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal. While it takes twenty minutes to walk to the tram once I am on the bus it only takes fifteen minutes to get downtown. I find that the transit system is easy to use however I buy my train tickets separately from my transit pass because point to point tickets are cheaper. While I enjoy the natural surroundings of the area the houseboat is moored in I have been able to appreciate the art galleries, museums and history. Everyone here is extremely fit and they dress fashionably. This is the country to buy fantastic boots! -Therese

November 21, 2013

Yesterday we toured Caesar's Palace and the MGM Grand Hotel. Our lunch was at the "Gordon Ramsey" restaurant in the casino at Caesars. Before dinner I went up to the Mandalay Bay Hotel and visited "Shark Reef". It blows me away that you can view sharks, rays, squid and other marine life in the desert.
On the way home from dinner I was able to score a ticket for "Äbsinthe" which plays in a circus tent located in front of Caesars.

November 20, 2013

November 20, 2013 The Venetian changes their décor and employ themes to their events for Christmas. Last night there were concerts in the different squares as well as seasonal menus at a couple restaurants.