Different trips have different structures fee wise.
Many trips have zero fee associated with them! An all inclusive resort, a theme park, or a cruise all have built in commissions into the price of the reservation. If the trip is $5,000 online, it is $5,000 through us. The only difference is we book the trip through a travel agent portal. Instead of the travel supplier keeping that commission (that you’re paying already), we keep it! You’re paying for an agent’s services, so it’s in your best interest to use one!
If you are traveling domestically and would like us to plan and book your itinerary, there will be a variable service fee built into the total cost of the trip. The United States offers so many sights and destinations and we love to personalize your vacation… from a luxury spa to hotel hopping to see the state and all it has to offer. Many people have grown to like vacation house rentals also. While travel agents don’t book AirBnBs, we can book VRBO’s domestically through our supplier. We are very up front with this service fee and will discuss this once we know your vision. Typically it is less than 6% for even the most elaborate domestic destination.
If it’s a trip to Europe or similar with many moving parts (private transfers, tours, trains, multiple cities each with their own hotel etc) there is also a service fee of the total cost of the trip. Customized FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) trips include an 8% service fee built into the total cost of the trip. While most other trips planned by Aero Sail and Passage have commission fully built into the cost of the trip (all inclusive etc.) making it “free” to work with an agent as you will not be paying a dime above cost, Europe travel is much different. The built in commissions for a FIT are significantly lower than the amount of time invested by the travel agent to build. The many moving parts, changes from tour companies, train schedules, flights etc leading up to and during the trip make for a much more complicated process with significant attention to detail needed from day one of planning through the day you return. This fee would be built in by any European supplier and typically at a higher percentage. Aero Sail and Passage prides itself on a transparent and fair service fee for FIT trips.
We are your planner.
We are your researcher.
We are your advocate.
We are your support.
We are your direct contact.
We help to curate a customized trip based on what you want – from the destination to your travel style to your interests to your budget. Then, if something should go wrong leading up to or during your trip we are the ones to fix it… not a 1-800 number.
Our goal is to ultimately save you time, energy, and hopefully money (whether through tips and tricks, upgrades only we have access to with suppliers, or possibly by bundling air with a hotel to get a bulk rate deal). You will know throughout the process of working together and especially during travel you have someone to support you.
When you contact us you’ll provide initial information such as where you’d like to go, who is going, when you would like to travel… providing as much information as possible. Then, we talk and explore what you really want out of your trip. Then, instead of you spending time researching, we get to work. We’ll create a custom quote with a few different options that we feel match your wish list. We’ll explain the differences between your options so you can make an informed decision. If you like those options- great we move on! If not, we start over! Our job is to help you realize your dream… and we won’t stop until we do. Once you’ve determined which option you want to proceed with we will book your trip with a deposit.
As we prepare for your vacation we supply travel tips and tricks, learning materials for destinations that require you to really plan ahead, and of course reminders of deadlines. Once it’s time for your trip you’ll have your travel details, and have a fantastic trip. The biggest thing to note is that we are ALWAYS an email, call or text message away from our clients at all times.
I’m glad you asked!
The biggest thing would be our passion for helping you realize your travel dream. This is through extensive research and planning and customized itineraries. We include you each step of the way and provide you with as much information as you’d like. Then, we keep in touch and are always accessible.
When you book a trip, you create a relationship with us from day one. We are always available… from the initial plan to the day you return home….and beyond!
At Aero Sail and Passage, we pride ourselves on long term relationships with clients. We are not here to book your trip and wish you well, we’re here to ensure you have a phenomenal travel experience and return home wanting to do it again.
What information should I have prior to contacting you?
● Who is traveling
● When (approximate or solidified)
● Where you’d like to go (specific or broad)
● A realistic budget
● An idea of what you want your trip to look like as far as experience, memories created, vibe you’d like.
It’s a budget that would encompass the wish list you actually have. While we will always strive to find the best value, we just need to be realistic about what it is you want. A $2500 budget for a week-long trip in overwater bungalows with flights and transfers for example would be unrealistic. Whereas, that $2500 could get you an all inclusive in a popular destination. We are always happy to give examples of what specific types of trips cost, we just ask that clients think about what is the amount they are truly able and willing to spend on the experiences they are looking for. Keep in mind peak travel times cost more than off season, too. We will always do our best to give you the maximum vacation for the budget you have.
Do I have to pay for the trip up front?
No! Suppliers all have different deposit amounts depending on the type of trip. A typical deposit would fall anywhere between $98 and $500.
Can I make payments on my trip?
Absolutely! Trips typically need to be paid between 30-60 prior to arrival. Many clients opt to break those final payments into more manageable amounts. It’s as simple as letting your agent know when you’re ready to make a payment and the amount- we take care of the rest!
Yes and no. Should you find your same trip cheaper online it’s important to check a few things:
● What do the flight times look like? Sometimes a cheap bundled trip has 18 hour flights with overnight layovers. That flight will certainly cost less than a typical flight time we book for clients.
● What are the flight restrictions- can you pick seats, luggage restrictions, etc?
● What room category is offered? Is it a non-refundable option? VERY important to know this.
● Is insurance included? If so, what does the insurance policy cover?
● Are transfers included? Are they nonstop or shared?
If the trip is apples to apples, meaning the exact same details above match mine then we can usually put in a request for a price match. Oftentimes if there is a price discrepancy it’s minimal. If the trip is cheaper and we are unable to price match it just keep in mind if something why you contacted us in the first place….
YES. YES. YES. Travel insurance is just like house and auto insurance. You don’t want to pay for it, but if you need it you’re glad you have it. Simply put- travel is an investment. It is something you’ve saved, sacrificed, and planned for. Unfortunately travel plans can be impacted in many ways. What if you:
● Get sick/injured before or during your trip?
● Miss a connection?
● Have a flight delayed missing the start of your trip?
● Breakup with your travel companion and have to cancel?
● Have to leave early to tend to someone at home?
● Your bags are lost, stolen, or delayed?
● You simply can’t go on your trip last minute?
Travel insurance in most cases will help you through all of the above scenarios that could really impact your trip. We invite you to ask as many questions as you need to understand the important role travel insurance can play.
Aero Sail and Passage is an independent Travel Agency affiliated with Travel Quest Network, a Travel Leaders Network Associate. In a nutshell, we are associated with one of the strongest networks in the industry.
The great part about working with a host agency is that there is experience with all types of destinations by many seasoned agents. Our agents at Aero Sail and Passage have access to a wealth of information and expertise to handle most any travel dream.
