blog post

I loved the "Travel Myths" article on MSN's front page -- click here -- and at the end the author challenges us readers to debunk our own myths, so here goes:

1.  Trains in Europe are cheaper than flights -- I agree with Eric and almost always advise my clients to fly between cities that are any distance at all.

2.  It's cheaper on the internet.  Well, the introductory offer that caught your eye might be cheap, but the dates YOU want, and the resort where YOU want to stay, and the air flights YOU need will have the same prices no matter how you purchase them.  Look at it from the viewpoint of the supplier -- why would they sell it for less just because company xyz is selling it?  The market sets the prices and suppliers get as much as they can to move their inventory; and in the case of airlines, they simply cut capacity to keep the fare up.  Supply and demand, baby.

3.  Wait until the last minute to book a cruise.  I don't see this working very often.  If a cruise line is offering a hot deal at the last minute to fill up the ship -- look at the air!  You probably can't get to the port, or if you can get a flight it's very expensive, or you have to go in days in advance, etc.  Texas people -- don't even think about waiting until the last minute to go out of Galveston -- the Carnival Conquest, the Ecstasy, and the Voyager of the Seas all sell out week after week after week.  Better to book as far out as you can -- set your date, get the best cabin you can -- then sit back and enjoy the ride!

4.  Booking through a travel agent costs more.  Not true!  I save people money every day.  I get my clients the best deals, little extras and amenities, and give advice that saves them money, time, and travel hassles.  I work for the client -- not the supplier.   I don't even charge service fees (except for air-only reservations).

5.  Travel insurance is a scam -- don't need it.  Wrong -- there are too many horror stories out there.  Besides, I have an insurance company affiliated with American Express that is really inexpensive and offers excellent coverage.  No need to take chances!

Got a travel myth?  Put it in the comments -- thanks and talk soon -- Janet