All your reading and research has gathered a range of interesting information, but has not put it into the perspective of time and distance. Our job is to give you a trip that will work, bearing in mind that no trip is ever long enough. There is never enough time, and seldom enough money to do everything everybody wants.
Following is a detailed explanation of the procedure that we are going to work through together:-
Step 1..
We listen to what you think you want. We discuss things like budget, where you want to go, the sorts of things you like to do, accommodation styles, activity level etc. You get a feel for us, we get a feel for you.
Step 2.
After you retain us,we present a proposal that, based on our experience and knowledge, could offer what it is you think you want.
Step 3..
You need to then react to this because we might well have put a lot more into the itinerary than will eventually be there. It is far easier for us to "cram" the itinerary as a method of presenting options and have you react to them, than it is to leave everything wide open and have you wondering what you might like to do. The classic example of this is a client not considering a sailing option or the fact that when one takes part in the Bridge Climb in Sydney we are suggesting that someone might want to walk a mile along an 8 foot wide girder some 650 feet above the water.
Similarly, you may not have really considered the point at which experiences will overlap and you will see essentially the same thing in another location. The problem with guide books and the information put out by tourist boards, or local councils is that everybody always considers their own local attractions to be the best, and pushes them because they want you spending more time in their area, for obvious economic reasons.
We, on the other hand, do not find it necessary to have you spend time taking part in an activity or looking at a view that is pretty close to what you might have already encountered somewhere else.
It is during this phase of your reaction and our explanation that we are able to fine tune the itinerary to cut out areas that do not suit your travel style, and highlight the experiences that you do wish to take part in.
This is where we get the actual timing of things right.
Step 4..
After we go backwards and forwards a bit in Step 3, we then re-run the itinerary and email you a listing of all the items that are still part of the itinerary, laid out day by day. At this stage, you know the full text version of the itinerary and it is considerably easier to see the structure by reading the listing. If any new experiences are added to the listing, the text will be inserted so you understand what that item is, but basically we can communicate easily by way of this list and get the trip into a final shape.
We might go backwards and forwards several times with this listing, modifying as we get closer to the finished product.
Step 5..
Once we all agree that the listing now represents an optimal trip, and one that you wish to purchase, we get a fairly accurate estimate as to what the trip will cost. We then quote this estimate to you and you accept the quote, or request it be modified by changing accommodation levels, experience group sizes or whatever until we get to a price that you are happy with.
Step 6..
We then collect 10% of the Package price quote as a reservation deposit and the reservations are placed. The 10% deposit is attributable to the final price, as is the Retainer.
Step 7..
Reservations are then placed with each and every property and service and confirmations received in writing, establishing a confirmed price and itinerary for your trip. This can take anywhere from 6 to 10 days.
Step 8..
Once everything is reserved and confirmed, your itinerary is updated onto the web to "Confirmed" status (it will now contain a lot more information and contact detail, i.e. hotel names, supplier names, actual pickup times, etc. etc.). A confirmed price for the Package is advised.
Step 9..
About 60 days before your date of travel, your Vouchers are prepared and a printed, bound colour copy of your Itinerary is sent to you. Included is the Hotel list with dates, names, phone numbers, should you wish to copy and leave with friends/family/work as emergency contact. We also include major city maps marked with our suggestions for areas of interest to match the text in our itinerary. This way, you have a pre-look/feel of the city and where things are located in relation to your accommodation.
Step 10..
We ask for the final prepayment of the Package at this stage so we can prepay your arrangements. This pre-payment is due 60 days before travel.
Step 11..
About now you will have extra questions on topics ranging from clothing to laundry facilities to restaurants to weather that have not already been covered in your Confirmed Itinerary. We will email a "Frequently Asked Questions" information page.
Step 12..
We wish the time away for you until departure!
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