Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Why use the services of a travel agent?

Why use the services of a travelagent?

1.CUSTOMER ADVOCACY: Travel agents are there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made if you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience. This was the case with last years outbreak of the H1N1 Flu. It was the professional travel agent that helped customers get back home.

2.EXPERT GUIDANCE: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day. They provide convenient one-stop shopping.

3.PERSONALIZED SERVICE: Travel agents are your neighbors, not the impersonal voice thousand of miles away. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. They have a vested interest in making sure you have the best travel experience possible.

4.PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the best price. They have intimate knowledge of the destinations they sell and are able to select the most appropriate travel arrangements to meet their clients needs.

5.TIME SAVING: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.

6.UNBIASED INFORMATION: Travel agents work for their clients (you-the consumer), not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

7.BEST DEALS: Travel agents are out to find the consumer the best rate available. Agents are there to save you money as well as time.

8. NO ADDITIONAL COST: Travel agents are paid a “commission” from the various travel suppliers. The consumer does not pay more to use a travel agent. In fact, most times a travel agent can find not just the best price, but the best value for your vacation dollars. So why not use a travel agent?


Ron Trimper
Kansas City MO 
816-392-5880

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Some common passport questions (United States)

Here at The Way To Go travel in Kansas City, we get asked questions about passports and traveling everyday. Look this post through and if you still have any question well give us a call or shoot us an email.

U.S. Passport and Visa Information

Knowing which documents you need when traveling internationally is essential to having a stress-free vacation. Prepare yourself by learning about the latest travel requirements and important information you need to know before traveling. Passports
What documents are required when traveling internationally?
You are required to have a U.S. Passport Book when traveling by air to any international location.
If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean Region (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos), you are required to have a U.S. Passport Book or Card.
Please note: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Contact us before your cruise to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
What is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, customers are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 10 weeks.
How long is a passport valid and when should I renew my passport?
  • If you were over age 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
  • If you were age 15 or younger when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail.
How do I purchase or renew my passport?
Detailed information about passports and international travel requirements, along with instructions for applying for a passport can be found at travel.state.gov.
*For more information about passport requirements, please contact the U.S. Department of State by visiting travel.state.gov.
Visas Do I need a visa if I am a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad they may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. When planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country by visiting the U.S. Department of State's Country Specific Travel Information.

Happy Traveling,

Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880



Clients Love the Outrigger Reef in Waikiki


Here is a letter that we received from a satisfied client that I recently referred to The Outrigger Reef on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii;

Than You So much!!  This was our first trip to Hawaii, which was a celebration of a milestone (25th)anniversary. The Outrigger Reef exceeded all of our expectations in every way. The property was absolutely gorgeous, inside and out. And while it was a large hotel, it never felt overwhelmingly large to us. Service was excellent at all levels. When we checked in, we were told they had upgraded us to an ocean front room in the Ocean Tower. It turned out to be an amazing corner room, 2 decks with views of the ocean and Diamond Head. This hotel is truly "ocean front" - the guest rooms are directly above the beach. We had the daily breakfast buffet in the Shore Bird (included in our package), and also had lunch and dinner in the Shore Bird and Ocean House restaurants - all meals were excellent. The Shore Bird was also fun in the evening with music and karaoke. The beach was lovely and surprisingly uncrowded, totally unexpected. We were in awe of the view of Diamond Head and the beautiful ocean water. A short walk to a prime tourist area with the obligatory stores and crowds, if that's what you are looking for, but we never felt its presence while we were in the hotel or on the beach. Easy transfers to bus tours and other events. This hotel also offers free internet and free long distance to the mainland US. If you are looking for a beautiful resort hotel that is close to the action but still offers the option to enjoy the beauty of Waikiki beach without the crowds, this is the place to be. This would absolutely be our first choice is we are ever fortunate enough to return here in the future. We miss it already!

Thanks Again,
"A satisfied client"

You are Welcome......

Ron Trimper
Owner/ Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel



Let us help you too!!!

The Way To Go Travel
Hawaii Vacation Specialists
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel
www.thewaytogotravel.com