Travel articles

Thailand
part 2
David Kushner

Travel Benefits at Globetrotter Renewed




We renewed our travel agreement with Globetrotter until January 31, 2008 because so many members are satisfied with their benefits. This tour operator offers us discounted fares and professional service in English adapted to our exacting expectations.

Eighteen full time travel consultants, seven in the cruise department, book airline travel, hotels, car rentals and cruises, and offer professional advice. These ladies and one man! see virtually all prices and routings of airlines flying to your destination, thus offering you a great selection.
We continue to get 5% discounts on prices that Globetrotter has negotiated with airlines. This discount can be worth up to 15% compared with economy airfares. See your benefits in the travel chart below.

Although you are entitled to a discount on most prices, there are an increasing number of promotional fares online that are not discounted. Globetrotter often pays the same price for these fares as Internet users. To cover their expenses, Globetrotter adds a handling fee which is included in the ticket price. Fortunately, we negotiated a reduction in fees beginning with the current American Airlines offer.

This raises the issue of booking on the Internet. Although you may find lower prices online, you must often pay immediately for your ticket and you cannot get a refund. Also, you may suffer from booking frustration such as getting to step 6 and then being forced to start all over again. The advantages of booking at Globetrotter instead are 1) speaking or emailing with a qualified travel advisor, 2) getting a considerable range of airlines/routings, 3) waiting to pay for ordinary tickets until 21 days before departure, 4) changing or cancelling your booking until the ticket is issued without cost, 5) booking several stops on the way to your final destination including around the world trips, 6) booking combinations of flights, hotels and car rentals (some websites offer this benefit with less range and flexibility), 7) getting help after departure and, 8) insurance which allows you a full refund up to the date of departure for any reason at all. If you do not buy the insurance, you are still entitled to a complete refund before the tickets are issued.

Judy Vlastnik discovered the advantages of booking through Globetrotter when KLM denied boarding to her and her husband. Although this was KLMs mistake, Globetrotter quickly paid an extra SEK 32,000 for Judy and Olle to complete their trip to Vietnam. Globetrotter took a loss of SEK 10,000 when KLM refused to pay full compensation. Judy writes, “Ivar Blomberg (Globetrotter's sales and marketing manager) was sterling throughout the entire nightmare.” So Globetrotter cares about you during your entire vacation regardless of who is at fault.
Globetrotter offers more hotels at lower prices due to its recent partnership with British Gullivers, which books the most hotels of any agency in the world.

Globetrotter cruise offers are up to 50% less than prices on cruise line websites. On top of that, you are entitled to a 5% Club discount. Globetrotter will offer special cruise fares soon commemorating 40 years of travel service.
How to Reach Globetrotter

You have several ways to contact Globetrotter in English: 1) Send an email message to english@globetrotter.se. Usually, you will get a response within one business day. 2) Phone. You will be connected with the first available agent or you can request that your favorite consultant return your call. 3) Book online at www.globetrotter.se. The website will be new and improved in mid February. 4) Visit Globetrotter at Grev Turegatan 3 near Stureplan. Be sure to identify your Club affiliation.

Bargain fares come and go quickly. If you are not yet receiving travel updates by email, do get in touch with me. Bargain tickets are often sold out quickly.
Even though we are still in the middle of winter, it's time to book your summer flights in order to be sure of getting seats. If a better price comes up later, just change your booking at no cost before tickets must be issued. Happy Travels,

Bill Borden
Travel Coordinator
Email: bb@ebox.tninet.se
Tel/fax 604 04 51

Travel Agreement with Globetrotter for 2006

Bill Borden
Travel Coordinator
Email: bb@ebox.tninet.se