What are Home Based Travel Agencies and Can They Survive?

Almost daily there seems to be news regarding whether or not the travel industry will prevail or be doomed due to the large internet booking engines and supposedly low prices.  As I read these articles, if I were not a travel professional and co-owner of a travel and tour company, I might be convinced to wonder too.  Fortunately, there is no doubt in my mind as to the future of either. The company I co-own with my business partner, Armando, is a home based travel and tour agency.  Kind of sounds like something homegrown, huh?  Well, actually that might not be too far from the truth in many ways, yet far from it in others.  Not too many years ago, home based travel and tour agencies were thought of almost as Chia Pets.  And “everybody” knows that a Chia Pet compared to a real live storefront agency is simply just not as good, or so you thought!   We are definitely not a storefront agency or internet booking site, and have no aspiration to become one.  That being said, you are probably wondering….who and what are you?  We are a company that was formed by two individuals who are as much different as they are similar.  These two people have a true love and passion for travel, genuinely love working with varied degrees of people, and making their dreams come true.  We are two people who are very much interested in what you have to say, and are excellent listeners.   We are iTravel. When people ask me “what sets you apart from other agencies,” I have no problem in answering them.  The logic is simple….we work out of our homes so we don’t have quotas to fill for fear of losing our jobs.  We are able to take our time and truly work with people individually and on a personal basis.  We may not have a big office to meet at, but isn’t it much nicer to meet at Starbucks (coffee is on us) or the client’s home?  We are able to keep our hours geared to our client’s needs, not ours.  What we sell at iTravel, is more than a cruise or hotel reservation, we sell personalized and customized service.  We are available to our clients 24/7.  Try calling the internet site or storefront agencies at 1:00 am in the morning when something is not right while traveling out of the country.  The majority of us want to hear a comforting voice, not an automated voice saying “please push 2 if this is a true emergency”.  At iTravel, we have no automated voices, just the voices of Armando and me. In a way we are an old fashioned travel and tour company with young minded folk (humor us please).  Remember when the customer really was right and your business really was appreciated?  Remember when the insurance salesman (I’m dating myself here) came to your home and made things convenient for you, the customer?  That is exactly what we do — we make selecting travel convenient for you. We tailor our hours and appointments to accommodate your busy schedule, whether in-person or via phone.  Its up to you; you’re the customer.  Our goal is to make planning your travel as stress-free as possible.  Leave the stressing up to us.  Give us a call so we can assist you in planning that perfect, dream trip.   L. Wright L. Wright is a Certified Travel Agent and co-owner of iTravel (an LLC registered in the State of Maryland).  Ms. Wright can be reached at information@iTravelTT.com.  You can subscribe to iTravel’s newsletter by logging onto www.iTravelTT.com.

Concept and Attitude – An Evening with “The Design Hotels”

The Design Hotels (www.DesignHotels.com) recently hosted a sit down dinner at Hook Restaurant in the heart of Georgetown.  I had the honor of being an invitee to this wonderful event.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Design Hotels, they are an exclusive collection (170) of one-of-a-kind hotels scattered across the globe.  In order to earn the recognition of being a member of The Design Hotels, these hotels must pass very strict requirements.  The Design Group receives many applications each year for the pristine recognition of being under The Design Group, but only a select few of chosen.   The best way to describe this collection of hotels is to say they are fun, hip and modern.  Although it’s not just the furnishings that are cool, it’s the whole concept and attitude.     

I had the honor of meeting several hoteliers from around the globe.  These included representatives from London, England (Covent Garden, Charlotte Street, The Pelham, Knightsbridge, Number Sixteen, The Soho and Haymarket Hotels), Paris, France (Murano and Kube Hotels), Dublin, Ireland (The Morgan), Barcelona, Spain (Hotel Omm, Claris Hotel, and Granados 83), Madrid, Spain (Hotel Urban), Stockholm, Sweden (Nordic Light Hotel), and Brussels, Belgium (The Dominican).      

The Design event was a small and intimate affair allowing you the time to speak in depth with each hotelier.  This was unique and reflected the ideology and attitude of this Group.  I left feeling as though I had acquired new friends from across the globe.  This was not your average meet and greet.  And these are not your average hotels.  

It would be safe to say, that this assortment of hotels is much more suited to adults whether it be couples, singles, a girls or guy getaway.  My previous bookings at these properties have only received stellar reviews.         

So, guys and gals when you’re ready to venture out to awesome destinations and experience the warmth of luxurious and sexy accommodations, give me a ring…..   

I’ll be happy to assist.   

L. Wright

L. Wright is a Certified Travel Agent and co-owner of iTravel (an LLC registered in the State of Maryland).  Ms. Wright can be reached at information@iTravelTT.com.  You can subscribe to iTravel’s newsletter by logging onto www.iTravelTT.com.

 

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