As some of you know my office and home (most of the time) is in Northern California. During the summer months I stay close to my office because I have a lot of guests going on their vacations! One thing that has been a constant, and always a part of my business practice is my very high level of service! My happy guests and the success of their vacation experiences are my priority!
I think it is interesting that many people are unaware of the services of a Travel Professional, and that for the most part they are complimentary! But let's be honest; many people think that booking everything themselves is what they are supposed to do! I want everyone reading my blog posts to know... it's what you can do~ but you do not have to anymore! I hope to get you to at least consider the alternatives in this edition!
First point~ your airfare! We all know that the first step to building your vacation package, or the details you will reserve, is your airfare. I absolutely want to make this first point a strong one; we are all looking at the same thing people! The very best tip I can share is it is all about "availability". So you are not finding anything "online" that I could not also offer to you. If it's available we all have access to it! But here's my advantage; my airfare for you is refundable, and changeable with out penalties! It costs you no more, and if "life happens" and you need to make a change, all you do is call and we fix it... it's that easy!
The next step is of course... where you are going to stay! Now I totally understand that some people have a favorite place, and have no intention of going elsewhere! But my question always is; when were you there last? Hawai'i (my #1 specialty) is forever changing, growing, and reinventing itself! As a part of my services I make sure to "consult" with every guest, and advise if their intended destination or resort has made some changes. Most of the time they are all good! But sometimes that special location or restaurant you remember, is now gone! Nothing spoils a perfect vacation faster then that kind of surprise! I make sure my guests are well informed, and have made the right choices for them, and they are never "surprised" after they arrive!
But I would also like to talk for a moment about the guests that have "never been there before". I know people like doing their "research", and I respect that always. But a very common resource is a friend or family member. This can often be a Travel Consultant's worst nightmare. I never disrespect this advice, often times it is good and accurate. But more often than not it comes from a person who has also not visited the destination in years! The perfect example is when people call me and tell me they want to go to Maui. My first question is always; "Please tell me why you have chosen Maui?" The answer 9 out of 10 times is that a friend or family member went there and so that is where they are going. What troubles me is the answer to my next question; "What do you want to see and do while on Maui?" Most of the time they are very general; "I want to lay on the beach during the day, or sight-see, and go out at night!" Or they quite literally do not know what they want to do, or what they will see at all! As an expert and someone who spends a lot of time in Hawai'i, I find this the most frustrating of all! You see all the islands are very, very different and have unique qualities and things to offer! Just because your best friend went there and loved it, does not always mean its perfect for you! Case in point; there is no "night life" on Maui! Great restaurants (some of the best), some awesome luau, and a few very entertaining shows! But there are no night clubs, and staying out until the "wee hours" of the morning... not on Maui anyway!
Then the next step of planning any great vacation... and it's often not even in the planning for a lot of people. Your activities, tours, and dining reservations! Still so often I talk with people that really want to "leave this open", or "we do not want to be stuck to a schedule." To this I must reply; then please be prepared to miss some of the most special and fun things available for you to do! You see the Islands of Aloha are busy, all the time! Some times of the year are of course worse than others. For example; traditional summer months, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and anytime there is a three day weekend! I have never seen the reasoning in not making a dinner reservation... they are free, and if you change your mind, you just cancel it! With so many great Chefs moving to Hawai'i, the word is out! If you want to eat dinner anytime before 830PM, you better have that reservation! As for luau; I still go to them myself, they are fun, and the food is great! But if you do not have a reservation before arriving on island, there is a very real possibility you will not go! Some of the best luau sell out weeks in advance!
In closing this post I just want to express to you all; I am passionate about Hawai'i and vacation planning. I love what I do, and I love to share my expertise so that your experience will be the very best it could be! My goal has always been; to make this the best vacation you have yet experienced! So that you will come home happy, feeling spoiled, and talking about it with all your friends! I do not want to just "sell" you something! I want to earn your trust, share my aloha, and become "Your Travel Consultant" from this trip forward!
Just the sincere opinion of this Certified Master Hawai'i Specialist! A hui hou...
