Question 1

Is there really no additional charge to work with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There is no charge for our partnership with you. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding travel planning services at no added cost to you. Our revenue comes from payments to us by the travel providers selected for your itinerary. That said, we always make recommendations based on your specific travel needs, not on who is paying us what amount. Sometimes we may even make recommendations or book components of a trip that don’t earn us anything but are what is right for you!

Question 2

Do you only book Disney vacations?

Accepted Answer

Nope! While we love Disney and several of our team members have worked for Walt Disney World, we help our clients wander wherever they wish. If you have a destination or type of vacation in mind, we’d love to work with you! That said, we're proud to be designated by The Walt Disney Company as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Our "EarMarked" status is a hard-earned honor that we're very proud to hold.

Question 3

Can you still assist us if we’ve already made lodging or other travel arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Some select members of our team will work with clients on a small per-traveler fee at times when complete vacation packages haven’t been secured by Wanderkeep Travel and for those times when clients have specific itinerary-only planning needs. Much like any other professional you’d work with — your accountant, architect, landscaper, plumber, etc. —  when we’re not being compensated by travel suppliers, our time is valuable and we will ask our clients for a nominal fee for our services. Just like you, we have bills to pay too.

When you consider the time you will save on planning, the extra level of service and the security of knowing you have someone in your corner should the unexpected occur, and savvy vacationers find this to be money well spent.

Question 4

Why book my trip with you?

Accepted Answer

A professional travel advisor is trained to guide their clients through the entire process of planning a trip. We take classes, participate in seminars, become destination specialists and join professional associations, all to ensure we make each client’s travel experience as personalized, convenient, and as memorable as possible.

When planning a business trip or family vacation, the Internet can be a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of a travel advisor. With us, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation.

Budget is important and we strive to get your dream vacation within your established price range. There's no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with. After all, you can't enjoy your vacation when you're stressed out about paying for it.

We provide honest advice about all resorts, cruise lines, and destinations to help you choose the perfect resort for you. 
You also benefit from our extensive personal connections which carry a certain gravitas when needing anything addressed.

We have an easier time getting you added perks — it's easier for us to get a “yes” because we work with them so often. And, during a travel crisis, the Internet or huge travel booking services can’t replace a human being who will persist to help a client get restitution.

Question 5

Is it cheaper to book through you?

Accepted Answer

Many resorts have price parity, meaning the cost is same whether you book through us, directly, or with an online booking site. That said, due to our direct relationships we can find you the best prices and sometimes even exclusive promotions. So for the same price you have a travel professional in your corner!

When you use a travel advisor, we help you plan a stress-free vacation without the hassle of going it alone. With us, we take care of all the large and small details for you, including dealing directly with the travel providers — and, trust us, you don’t want to sit on hold for hours waiting for your request to be handled.

Question 6

Will I pay more for a vacation if I book through you?

Accepted Answer

No, and sometimes even less. We have access to all the same pricing as any other travel provider and we can usually price-match when comparing apples to apples. In fact, because of our connections and relationships, travel advisors are often able to find a better value for your vacation dollars than what you can find on your own. Whether it is a more beautiful resort for the same pricing , complimentary upgrades, or promotions we can access not available to the general public, you might find your budget goes further when working with a travel expert! And remember, while the price you’re paying could be the same if you booked by yourself, the value oftentimes is much greater with a travel professional by your side.

Question 7

Do I have to pay you up front for my vacation?

Accepted Answer

No, typically not, but it’s not up to us anyway. The deposit requirements are set by travel suppliers named on your itinerary. Deposit rates vary based on the travel supplier, and the time you are traveling.

The deposit is made via Wanderkeep Travel Group directly with the travel supplier. At no time does Wanderkeep Travel ever charge your credit card. This way, you are assured that your deposit is applied directly to your vacation at the time of booking.

Most vacation packages require that you pay the balance 120 to 30 days prior to your arrival. Again, that payment is made directly to the supplier.

Question 8

I’ve heard about travel agencies that went out of business and people lost their vacations. What guarantees do I have doing business with you?

Accepted Answer

Because you don't pay us for your vacation, there is no risk of losing your vacation through us. When making your reservations, you provide us with your credit card information for booking. In turn, we provide that information directly to the vacation suppliers on your behalf (resorts, cruise, tour companies, etc.). They charge your card.

This way, you are assured that every payment you make towards your vacation is applied directly to your reservation.

Question 9

I’ve never worked with a travel advisor before. How does this all work?

Accepted Answer

First, welcome; we’re sure glad you wandered over! Wanderkeep Travel Group is a full-service travel agency with professional, trained travel advisors located throughout the United States.

When you contact us, we kick off our partnership with a call or meeting that we schedule at a mutually agreeable time. This is the time when we learn all about your travel hopes and dreams: where you’d like to go, who will be traveling, your vacation style from relaxed to go-go-go, what types of places you enjoy staying, and your budget. Then we get to work planning and soon after we will be back in touch with some options for you to start to review. We see our work as a true partnership where we’re your travel matchmaker and advocate.

Once you select your vacation, we handle the elements of the booking and itinerary planning. For trips to Disney, our services will include handling your theme park and dining reservations, too. Our goal is that all you really need to worry about are two things we can’t take care of for you — packing and actually going on vacation!

Question 10

Will you book just my flights?

Accepted Answer

Since we work with clients on crafting their complete vacation packages, we don’t book just airfare. Instead, we focus on helping you decide when and where to wander, where to stay and how to get there, as well as what to do when you’re there in your destinations (tours, experiences, attractions, etc.)

Question 11

How do you get paid?

Accepted Answer

We are paid by the travel suppliers named on your vacation itineraries. Many people are surprised to learn that we don’t get paid until after you complete your travel. So, we’re working fully on your behalf for much of the time without compensation while we research travel options and taking care of all your bookings. And, if your trip gets cancelled, unfortunately we don’t receive compensation. We always want to exceed your expectations so that we become your trusted partner for your travel needs!

Question 12

What if something goes wrong when I’m traveling?

Accepted Answer

If things go wrong, having a travel professional means having an advocate in your corner to help get things sorted out as quickly as possible.

We are often aware of potential “hiccups” in a travel itinerary before you are. It’s not uncommon for a travel professional to have already worked out a solution before you know that a problem even exists.

In addition to having access to your travel advisor while you’re away wandering, our travel partners have 24/7 support for our clients as well, so you will always have someone to assist you if something unexpected should occur. We also always recommend complete travel vacation protection plans (aka travel insurance), which we will offer you directly from travel suppliers or other trusted and well-regarded names in the insurance industry. Also, many credit cards offer superior travel protection benefits, as well, so if you pay for your trip that way, you may already be covered.

Question 13

I can’t believe travel advisors still exist? Can’t I do it all myself online?

Accepted Answer

The Internet has brought all kinds of fantastic information right to our fingertips, and for the most part, that can be an awesome thing… but sometimes you still need a professional!

It may sound crazy to say, but the Internet is actually part of the reason why travel professionals are not only still relevant but can make the difference between a plain trip and a dream vacation.

It’s easy to fall into information overload or to discover too late that the information you relied on when planning your trip is hopelessly outdated or just plain wrong. Travel professionals know better!

We have a saying among travel experts… the internet is for looking, but travel agents are for booking.

Doing some homework online is a great place to start but working with a travel professional to plan all of the details and get your vacation booked is the best of both worlds. It will save you hours and hours spent sorting through info online and will make sure that you are getting the best value for your vacation dollars. It’s sort of like the difference between using Google or going to visit your doctor. The information online is a good start, but you need a professional to truly get the best advice.

Question 14

When does it make sense to use a travel professional?

Accepted Answer

All trips are not created equal and yes, there may be some occasions where it could make sense to do-it-yourself. But nothing these days really ever seems that simple.

Are you planning to go to your cousin’s birthday in Seattle and all you need is a hotel room (no activities, dining recommendations, other travel arrangements required)? Maybe you’re even booking on points? That could be a the perfect time for DIY.

Anything more complicated? Time for the professionals! Someone who can direct you to the best places to stay, the “can’t miss” locations, arrange private tours without the long lines and crowds to the must-see attractions, and make sure that your time (and money!) are spent experiencing the “best of the best” while you are away.

When all you need are the basics, going the do-it-yourself route is fine, but for something special or complicated or costly … you’ll have a better experience working with a professional! And, you may even find that you enjoy the extra attention to detail and service you receive from your trusted travel expert so much that you allow them to take care of all of your travel planning, no matter how simple it may seems!

Question 15

Do travel agents have access to things that I don’t?

Accepted Answer

The answer is yes… and no.

Travel professionals develop relationships within the industry that can often open doors that, at first glance, may appear to be closed. Through our partnerships, we often have “buying power” that an individual consumer can’t match. Sometimes that means better rates at the resort you are interested in, sometimes the price may be the same, but we can get access to upgrades or included amenities that are not available to the general public!

Quite often we can get our clients “extras” all for the same price you would have paid if you booked it yourself.

It’s crucial to remember that travel agencies don’t own the resorts, entertainment venues, cruise ships, tour companies, and the like. We sell available inventory (rooms, tickets, spaces on an excursion, etc.), but they can’t create new inventory if it doesn’t exist. If your heart is set on an overwater bungalow at a resort that only has 20 available, it’s always best to plan well in advance and give your travel professional time to pull all the available strings in your favor!

Question 16

When is the best time to contact a travel professional?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you are serious about planning your trip. The sooner, the better. Whether it’s last minute or planned 18 months in advance, the more time you can give us, the better!

You’ll need to be sure of a few details such as the dates (or date range) you wish to travel, the number of people in your travel party including the ages of any children going with you, your anticipated budget, and an idea of what you’d like to experience. Your travel professional will be happy to recommend specifics based on the information you provide.

The one thing every travel professional will ask is that you are serious about the trip you are asking us to plan. Everyone loves to daydream about exotic and luxurious travel, but we dedicate significant time to each itinerary. No matter how far out the travel dates are, we respectfully ask that you only ask us to begin planning for travel you intend to book.

Question 17

What is the role of the travel advisor and how has it changed?

Accepted Answer

Travel advisors work hard on behalf of the consumer. The role of a travel advisor is to make a trip a stress-free and memorable experience. We spend our time not only researching and booking vacations, but also fully personalizing our services for individual clients. The American Society of Travel Advisors motto — “Without a Travel Advisor, You're on Your Own” — exemplifies the importance and way professional travel advisors view their role in today's changing market.

The job of a travel advisor has grown and adapted to reflect the changes within the travel industry and the difference in the way people think about travel. We recognize that consumers today have done their homework and are more knowledgeable about what they want. Clients who turn to a travel adviser desire an in-depth, personal approach and want the advice and expertise of a professional.

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