Making Travel Arrangements for a Destination Wedding

If you've picked that perfect destination wedding spot, you might be wondering how you and your guests are going to get there. Traveling with a wedding party can be difficult even if you're not going that far. Destination Wedding Gurus state that you should make all your travel arrangements nine months before the wedding, so you can be sure to get everyone there in one group. The best way to get travel arrangements for everyone, however, is to go through a Destination Wedding Travel Agent (AHEM! Crossways). We have years of experience with booking flights, rental cars, taxis, limos and other transportation that might be needed for you and your guests. Also, we can negotiate either wholesale or group rates, making the travel expenses a bit cheaper for everyone involved. As Travel agents we have access to rates that individuals can't obtain, so it's a good idea to at least consult us before booking your trip.

Ways to Save on Destination Wedding Flights and Accommodations

There are many ways that you and your wedding guests, can save on destination wedding accommodations. If you choose to have your wedding in the “off season” (a less popular time of year to travel to your destination), you can often save almost half of the cost of full rates. Booking large amounts of rooms at the same time can also save you money - We can negotiate a group rate for your accommodations, making the cost per room less for your guests. Another way to lower your accommodation costs is to have wedding guests stay at a cheaper (but still nice) hotel or resort that's nearby. If you want to stay at the four star resort you're holding your wedding at, you can choose to have your wedding guests stay at the two or three star hotel next door. It's also nice to give your guests a choice of rooms; that way, they can decide how much they want to pay for their accommodations. Remember, your destination wedding is a vacation for them as well!

For more information and travel inquiries please contact us:

Customized Tours/Packages/Destination Weddings/Honeymoons:
p. 1 800 588 1688 (Toll Free)
e. rashmi@crossways-travel.com

For Customer Testimonials and company updates please
Visit our page on  Facebook
And follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/crosswaystravel

Part Three: Booking Online vs. A Travel Agent

Mybookingwizard.com writes:

"A number of other disadvantages exist with the use of online booking. Because of the need for exchanging sensitive personal data, such as home addresses and bank and credit card details, the online booking process is an attractive target for cyber criminals looking to steal this information. Fake websites created for the sole purpose of stealing personal information is also an ever-present danger. Plus, as individuals don’t have another individual to deal with in the booking process, it is left to them to read and understand the often complicated terms and conditions."

Read more: http://www.mybookingwizard.com/pros-cons-of-online-booking/ 

smh.com.au writes:

"Another is hotels and tour operators with similar names, a problem that has caused many travellers to end up in the wrong place. Car rental companies and other operators have also had problems with people making a booking for the wrong city, such as Sydney in Canada instead of Sydney, Australia."

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/travel-agents-versus-online-booking-pros-and-cons-20090402-9ksi.html#ixzz1qKh1gTZz

ehow.co.uk writes:

"Travel booking sites are in a sense their own kind of middleman. When you book your holiday through an external site like Orbitz, Expedia or Priceline, you are often expected to adhere to that particular website's cancellation and refund policy instead of, or in addition to, the policy of the airline or hotel where you're making your reservation. In a worst-case scenario, in the event you have to cancel or change your travel dates, you could wind up paying two cancellation fees instead of the one you'd have if you'd booked directly with the hotel or airline."

Read more: Pros & Cons of Booking Holidays Online | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8605150_pros-cons-booking-holidays-online.html#ixzz1qKhowjYj

buzzle.com writes:

Cons
✘ Every technology has its disadvantages and so does online bookings. While the Internet offers good reviews and comments of some supposed previous travelers, there is no guarantee that the names and positive comments are authentic. The travel agent on the other hand, tends to make a suggestion based on his personal experience and quotes by his previous customers.

✘ With a huge scale of frauds and Internet crimes taking place, online booking sites are not far behind. There are several well-designed sites that offer to do online bookings for their customers. They offer fake reviews and holiday discounts to lure customers. There is a high chance of innocent customers booking a holiday or an airplane ticket through these sites. These sites generally issue fake itineraries and tickets after the payment is made. Preference for online bookings demands that customers stay alert and ensure authenticity of the online booking sites before proceeding with any transaction.

✘ Online booking sites are designed to make the customers feel that they have got the cheapest travel deal on offer. However, the grim reality is that the commission, taxes and hidden charges on online booking sites are way higher than traditional travel agents.

Read more: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/booking-tickets-online-or-through-a-travel-agent-which-is-better.html

TravelDreamMegazine.com writes:

The Lowest Prices are Guaranteed Online? Or Are They?

Have you ever gone online and found the most amazing deal on a flight and then when you start going into the actual booking the price just goes higher and higher? Online travel sites are well known for the “bait and switch” tactic. They have all done clever marketing campaigns to get the word out that you will get the lowest prices for the same packages that agents sell and if you travel often then you may be discovering that this is just not the case. In fact every agent I have talked with about a price I found online has matched and further reduced the online price, so why doesn’t the Agent have the upper hand here?
There are some unbelievable travel deals to be found on an online site but is what you see always what you get? You purchase the trip and then the online site says oh we are sorry the tour operator changed the flight, or cancelled it all together. It isn’t our fault but the charter flight company changed the flight. Is it just me or are these “changes” happening more with online bookings than with agency bookings?

The Bottom Line — Travel Buyers Beware

In response to my recent online booking issues, I’m questioning if I ever want to book a flight or trip online again. Having a relationship with a good travel agent means experience, expertise, information, customer service and someone that has my back. I’m starting to wonder why consumer reports have not been compiled on issues of using Online Travel Sites for bookings and is it really true that they offer the lowest price for the same vacations you get with an Agent? Just sayin’!

Read more: http://dreamtravelmagazine.com/booking-with-a-travel-agent-vs-booking-online-which-is-better/

Part One: Booking Online vs. A Travel Agent

When we first entered the travel industry, no one booked a vacation on their own. Why? Because all you had to do was call a Travel Agent who hooked you up with the best available deals and took care of all the arrangements. The world changed when Online Travel Sites started popping up creating a discount craze by allowing easy access to travel deals. This craze went on for a few years forcing many Travel Agencies to shut down. Fortunately for us, travelers have now started to realize that you get exactly what you pay for when purchasing Air, Hotel, Car Rentals and so forth, online. The Travel Industry has always been and will always be commission based. We may not be able to directly compete with some of the prices offered Online but we are confident that we deliver way more!

Last year, one of our valued clients was looking for cheap package deals for a family vacation getaway. He was honest in telling us that he ended up purchasing a package online simply because he was getting way more and for a better price. He shared the package details and in all honesty, it truly was an amazing deal- one that was difficult for us to match. We were grateful for his loyalty and were happy to see how excited he was about this trip. Unfortunately, he ended up calling us (almost halfway to his destination) completely angry and desperate. Their first flight was delayed (due to weather) and they ended up missing their connecting flight. They were able to get on the next available flight, but not in time for their Cruise departure. There was another flight that would get them there on time, but their tickets were non-transferable to another Air Line. After being with the Help Desk for over two hours, he had called us hoping to see if there was anything we could do for them. Unfortunately, we couldn’t because we didn’t have access to his file. He and his family ended up paying full price for a cruise they missed. His travel insurance provided limited coverage, it paid for their hotel rooms until they were able to fly back. They had already redeemed their flights. And finally, they lost all their money on the cruise because the terms and conditions for the online site clearly stated that you get zero refunds on “no shows”. What a mess. The worst part is, our client admitted that he went with the online deal because he was saving $30 per person on Air and a total of $200 on the cruise.

We want to save our clients money. But there are times where we can’t. However, in all cases we end up offering you way more than online sites. 

Here is how:

Pros to booking through a Travel Agent

• If you're looking for experience, convenience and personal service.
• You want maximum control over your itinerary.
• If you are going to off the path locals.
• If you are booking a tour or a cruise.
• If you have a complicated itinerary.
• If you want upscale flights and lodging, special amenities or out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
• If you want a customized experience.
• You want to save time on researching.
• You are going somewhere where you’ve never been before.
• You are traveling as a couple, family, or group.
• You are pressed for time or on a tight schedule.
• You want a safe and secure experience with someone to hold accountable in case things go wrong.

Cons to booking through a Travel Agent

•  Having to pay a small Travel Agent Fee

What you don’t know will end up costing you more. Most often, prices differences between Online sites and Travel Agents is the difference between the worst trip ever and one that is seamlessly perfect! Check out Part Two of this article to learn more on hidden costs.

10 Great Reasons For Why You Should Book Your Next Trip To India With Crossways!

Namaste

1. We’ve been in business for over 30 years specializing in leisure and business travel to all over India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and various other destinations.
2. We have long existing relationships with nationwide contacts that allow us to offer competitive pricing essentially delivering more action for your buck.
3. We can customize your trip anyway you like it and offer several price ranges (student budgets, family trips to royal and luxurious getaways)
4. Our itineraries are personalized to your interests and travel needs. If you are passionate about history or spirituality we’ll present you with options and create a historical or spiritual themed itinerary.
5. Our itineraries are flexible, we provide a good balance between free personal time and guided tours.
6. Our guides are carefully selected based on their areas of expertise; they are well educated, well mannered, extremely informative and easy to get along with.
7. Our drivers are safe, reliable, knowledgeable, and great to get along with. They even go out of their way to tell you which areas are safe and schedule rest stops in areas with better washroom facilities and hygienic restaurants.
8. Our hotel choices are carefully selected based on your travel needs, reviewed in terms of services/amenities, and most have been personally inspected by our staff.
9. Our services also include a detailed itinerary, equipped with everything you need to know in terms of traveling to your destination(s). For example, where to exchange your money, how much to tip, expected weather, what you should pack, etc.
10. In case of an emergency or you need to get a hold of us, we have local contacts on location that can assist on all matters. As well, you can contact our main office in Brampton.

We are committed, accountable and reliable. We’ve given you 10 great reasons to book your trip to India with Crossways! Now we want to ask you, how soon can we start planning ? 

A little information about us...

Crossways Travel & Tours Inc & Tropex Vacations is a niche Travel Company that specializes in customized itineraries for individuals and small to large groups. We have been in business for over 30 years and are IATA certified. We also cater to walk in clients and Business/Corporate accounts. We have two convenient locations in Toronto and Brampton (Ontario, Canada). However, our clients are from all over North America!

A great deal of our success is due to our loyal and satisfied customers. We are extremely thankful to our  clients, corporate partners and Airline partners!

Our expertise is travel within India. We offer extremely competitive rates and a one of a kind experience. Our agents in India are dedicated, committed, reliable and extremely knowledgeable. We are with you each step of the way as you get see India and experience it from within.

We are also qualified and experienced in travel to North, Central & South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Over the past 30 years we have customized, coordinated, executed, and delivered the following:

~ Destination Weddings
~ Conferences (Doctors, Radiologists, etc.)
~ Spiritual Retreats (including pilgrimages)
~ Youth Tours
~ Luxury Retreats (customized to various budgets)
~ Yoga Retreats (Ashrams, temples etc)
~ Spa Retreats (some of the World's best destination spas)
~ Safari Excursion
~ Honeymoon packages (customized)
~ Adventure tours (hiking, trekking, water rafting, backpacking, camping etc.)
~ Bachelor/Bachelorette Destination Parties (includes travel, accommodation and transportation only)
~ School Trips
~ Architecture themed retreat
~ Kama Sutra themed retreats
... and much more!

For more information and travel inquiries please feel free to contact us directly.

General Travel Inquiries:
p. 905 452 0010
e. info@crossways-travel.com

Customized Tours and Packages:
p. 1 800 588 1688 (Toll Free)
e. rashmi@crossways-travel.com

For Customer Testimonials and company updates please
follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/crosswaystravel
join our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crossways-Travel-Tours-Inc/149659565095605
And subscribe to our official Blog site: http://crosswaystravel.blogspot.com/

We look forward to serving you.

Spiritual Tour (Gallery)-India