18/02/2021
If you are beginning to rediscover your appetite for travel, whether for a short ‘get-away’ or a longer adventure, let’s look at some facts that may help you to decide on the best way to book these precious trips.
The majority of you predictably assume it is cheaper and better to research destinations and hotels via social media, and that it is more economical to book direct, but this is factually incorrect! Engaging the services of travel consultants such as Emma Horne Travel have distinct advantages, even though direct bookings have become much more accessible. It certainly has since I first started assisting fellow Delhi residents arrange their journeys out of town. However, I’d like to explain what are the benefits in booking via a trusted agent, like ourselves!
1. Find Hidden Gems – you may get a personal recommendation from friends or read something on social media, and that is really helpful. As an agent, we have a wide knowledge of what is available including some hidden gems a bit off the grid and perfect for city getaways. Reviews on TripAdvisor can be very subjective, we can provide a broader perspective of what a property has to offer and whether it is the kind of accommodation that will suit you and your family. Besides personally checking hotels we have positive feedback from numerous clients to support our views.
2. Good Rates – Fact: Booking through us will be no more expensive than booking direct. Our rates are competitive with on-line rates, and indeed in some cases may be lower. In addition we have add-ons not available direct. For example, we are often able to clear rooms which might show as sold out, or block rooms on a tentative basis whilst you make a final decision.
3. Added Value – due to our long and personal relationship with the hotels and their owners our guests are always treated with a little more respect and care. You arrive as a named friend not an anonymous client. Extra activities and benefits are included in our rates.
4. Itinerary planning – even an experienced Indophile can be unsure how best to fit places together, or how long driving between locations will take. We are experienced in planning itineraries and can therefore make the most of the time you have available.
5. Quality guides & drivers – Why take risks, let us provide you with proven and tested guides and drivers. We can also advise on locally run tours that go a little deeper than general sightseeing and help you see the other side of a town, even if it is one you have visited before. (Look at the bad reviews – almost all are a result of a poor guide, bad driving experience, or excessive journey time.)
6. Help when things don’t go as planned – we all know India has her quirks, particularly when it comes to domestic flights! If any changes need to be made, however last minute, we are on hand 24/7 to make sure all goes as smoothly as possible.
As with everything it is our clients who give the honest feed-back – the following are quotes from recent travellers:
‘Guide was excellent (best so far I would say!). The hotel was super and the experience was quite amazing!’
‘Thanks so much indeed - this has been a cracking holiday!’
‘We are back at home now, after an incredible long weekend in Leh. Everything worked very well - the hotel was extremely comfortable and friendly, and our guide and driver were both excellent’
‘We are pretty sure the trip would have been impossible without you - lots of challenges in getting there (and some in getting back) - but a relaxing time when we got there.
SO WHY NOT GIVE US A TRY? I think you will be pleasantly surprised, let us know where you might be thinking of travelling so we can make suggestions and quote.
