Apple Vacations' Sales team with Golden Apple Travel Agents from New Jersey

I know there is misconception that if you cut out a travel agent and go directly to the source, then you will save lots of money. There are a lot of things to consider when that statement is made. First, if either you or a travel agent pulls up a price on Apple Vacations site, the same exact price will come up. Of course, all things considered must be equal  - same date, departure city, destination hotel and class of air service.

So why should you use at travel agent? The #1 reason is their expertise. Most travel agents have traveled to our top destinations. They have seen the resorts, eaten in the restaurants and walked the beaches. If they personally have not been to a specific resort, then an agent in their office most likely has.

Apple Vacations also provides travel agents with year-round training including FAM trips where they visit and inspect resorts, seminars, trade shows, webinars and personal sales visits. …Read More>>

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Each fall I am extremely impressed when I land in Chicago to attend our WinterSun Trade Show event. The event was held this week, and the grandeur of this  year was no exception.

The day begins with the top hotels in Mexico, The Caribbean and Hawaii receiving their Golden Apple Awards at an exclusive luncheon. These awards are voted on by you - Apple Vacationers. The Golden Apple Awards are awarded to individual hotels based on achieving high levels of excellence for their staff and service. This luncheon is truly an industry list of who’s who. It is not Sales reps from each hotel, rather it is the individual GMs, owners, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chairmen and CEOs. It is truly awe inspiring to see so many industry executives in one place. They are all competing hotels, but the air in the room is friendly and they are all proud of themselves and each others’ accomplishments. …Read More>>

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Why would I ever book through a travel agent when I can get the same price online myself?

The better question is …

Why would I ever book online myself when I can get the service, experience and knowledge of a travel agent for the same price?

If you could buy a new laptop online for $999 or buy it through a retailer down the street for the same price and get a $100 gift card for future purchases, where would you buy the laptop?

From the retailer, of course, because they offer added VALUE and a human face down the street to contact in case of any problems with the product.  The same is true with travel agents.

One of the common myths is that travel agents mark up prices and hide them in their quotes to boost their bottom lines. This is not the case when using a travel agent to book an Apple Vacation.  In fact, all prices offered on AppleVacations.com are the exact same prices offered when you buy an Apple Vacation through a local travel agent.

If the price is the same either way, wouldn’t you rather have the benefit of an experienced professional who handles the details from start to finish?

Travel agents attend in-depth training seminars, trade shows, webinars — and most importantly, they get to experience first-hand many of the best selling destinations. They also have access to the latest deals through sales calls, catalogs and daily communication with tour companies, such as Apple Vacations. These agents then take all of this knowledge offer it to customers for FREE!

To find a professional travel agent in your area, please click on this link:  http://tinyurl.com/cszlmf

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What is important information to share with my travel agent when planning a trip?

When planning a trip, your travel agent will likely ask you:

1) where would you like to go; 2) what time of year did you want to travel; and, 3) what is your budget? All critical pieces of information as they begin to suggest vacation destinations for you and your family.
However, there are a number of other items that are equally as important, but unfortunately sometimes overlooked. In this day of communicating electronically, or over the phone, some important details could be left out that make a huge difference in the trip you book.

For instance, we received a letter from a passenger who was upset with the resort she visited. This passenger went on to say, “that resort was not appropriate for a 79 year old woman.” Apple Vacations agrees 100 percent, and had they known Mrs. X was 79 and had physical limitations, we probably would have suggested a smaller resort with specific handicapped facilities and perhaps a private transfer to and from the airport. However, it was Mrs. X’s son who booked the trip through a phone call with his travel agent. Mrs. X’s son never shared information about his mother’s limitations. Sadly now, we have a customer who did not have the most enjoyable vacation.

Along with the help of our valued travel agents, it is Apple Vacations goal to please 100 percent of our customers, 100 percent of the time. Information is key to us being able to plan the perfect trip for you and make sure you are 100 percent satisfied with your Apple Vacations experience.

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