None of us should be surprised at these quotes from a travel article in the TimesOnline.co.uk (Oct 2008)  by Stephen Bleach:

“Massive discounts on cruises were exposed as a con last week after leading line Fred Olsen admitted it had not sold a single cruise at full price for a year.”

A further quote from the managing director of the line, Mike Rodwell:

“the big American operators started it and the rest had to follow.”

Another surprise.  On the same laptop page as this excellent article were three Google ads offering:

“Cruise Deals. Search The Top Online Cruise Deals. Read Reviews & Book Online Today.” Followed by:

“Cruise Discounts 75% Off, All cruise lines, all destinations.” And another:

“Huge Alaska Cruise Sale, Free Upgrades, Exclusive Deals & More with Guaranteed Lowest Prices!”

The travel operators behind these advertisements must think the travelling public is naive or even stupid but they would probably not use them if they did not work. 

Also, these Google ads were run against a very negative, but truthful article about misleading advertising for cruises. 

The travelling public continues to be treated with disdain by travel operators and advertising companies, not only by cruise lines and airlines but by all types of travel suppliers.  What could be more misleading and false advertising than an airline advertising their fares in headlines that shout out:

“$49. one-way to Smithville” IN LARGE PRINT, and then:

‘based on return purchase, plus all taxes, surcharges for fuel, surcharges for security, checked baggage is extra, seat selection fees, and on and on and on.”  And by the way, have fuel surcharges been reduced enough?

Not only cruise prices and airfares but also consider hotel pricing that often requires much investigation as regards the offered discounts:

“75% off!  But off of what?  A rack-rate that is rarely charged?

And, why can you often get cheaper rooms at an online reservation office than at the hotel front desk even when you are in their lobby and ready to book?

Next in line for pricing questions could be the packaged holiday market. How many of these are sold at the brochure price?  Or, as with the above cruise line, are packaged tour operators simply following the lead of others?

Not only is the public being mislead by questionable advertising and pricing practices but once captured by a cruise line, airline or packaged resort operator they can be open to additional gouging whilst onboard the ship, aircraft or resort. 

Apart from the onboard costs of alcoholic drinks which should be at duty-free prices (i.e. cheaper than onshore). Extras, such as shore excursions can also be more expensive when purchased onboard rather than ashore or even pre-departure using the internet. Similarly with resorts that have onsite booking agencies for off-resort activities. The prices are often cheaper when purchased directly from the operators or again at pre-departure directly over the internet. Airlines however, who are charging for all sorts of basic amenities from blankets, pillows, soft drinks and soon even water may not be free, have a more captive audience (the movie, ConAir comes to mind) and will continue to be the most reviled part of the travel experience.

There is hope for the future but so far only in Europe. In 2009 new rules for advertising standards will come into effect offering more protection for travellers. We must hope that these new rules will eventually spread to the rest of the world with further improvements to protect consumers worldwide.

In the travel industry. Where has the originality and creativity gone? Where are the leaders? Where has “lead, follow or get out of my way” gone? Only the followers know.

Another aspect of travel pricing is when consumers want to handle their own travel arrangements directly with the operators of hotels, lodges, tours and transportation. The pricing should reflect the fact that the products are being purchased directly from the source and not at the retail level. In other words, reduce the price by the commission that would have been paid to an agent, broker or retailer and give the traveller a direct booking discount. This action could encourage more travellers to make their own direct bookings, leading to more business and a competitive edge for the operator.

Of course, the traditional distribution channels have to be protected as many consumers require help and assistance and as yet not everyone has or wants the internet.

Travel providers do not normally show different prices on their websites as this could lead to potential clients seeking advice at the retail level and then booking directly with the operator to get a discounted price. It is unfair for retailers to lose their commissions when they have performed services for their travel-trade clients.

Consumers on the other hand, if they do not need expert advice or booking services, should have the opportunity to go directly to the source and get a direct booking discount.

Originality and creativity has returned to the travel industry. Travel providers are now able to offer travellers a direct booking discount service by using a new travel voucher system that has been introduced. With a website and the internet they can now reach out to the global travel community, not just travel agency or local traffic.

Any travel operator, from the smallest b&b to the grandest lodge or luxury tour, can offer this service. The voucher values represent the normal commissions that would have been paid out to sellers of travel but now will be given back to the buyers of travel. And, the discounted price does not have to show on their websites.

The service is leading with this new initiative and now wants to promote the thousands of small travel providers and other businesses around the world that do not use selling agents and therefore do not have sales commissions built into their pricing. The operators of the voucher service suggest that lower yields with higher volumes of direct booking discount travellers may achieve better overall returns.

Members of a new online travel club can get these vouchers free with membership and non-members can purchase them at deep discounts to their face values at another similar website. At present there are vouchers covering travel in over seventy countries from b&b’s to adventure and luxury tours.

The Club operators say that they do not charge businesses for listing their services as long as they participate in issuing vouchers enabling members to get direct booking discounts.

There are many directories linking the world of travel to the world of travellers but this new concept offers a directory with discounts on every travel selection if you are willing and able to handle your own travel bookings and arrangements directly with the listed operators.

The club operators are aware that many travel operators will continue to adhere to the business style of Mike Rodwell of Fred Olsen Lines and will continue to follow rather than lead and it is unlikely that they will ever be represented by this travel club.  They are also aware that there are enough independent travel businesses that will find that their new business style of expanded selections and direct booking discounts is a better way of offering travel directly to consumers around the world.

You can find out more at the website of TheTopTravelClub.com.

About Author

A UK Chartered Accountant with over 40yrs of international travel and over 25yrs in the travel industry. Editor of http://www.thetravelinsider.net and developer of the TopTravelVoucher service at http://www.thetoptravelclub.com

When deciding that you are going to travel to see the many different beautiful landscapes of Europe, the mode of transportation will significantly impact your experience. Ever since the European Union formed, it has made traveling between different countries much more affordable. So whether you are on a romantic honeymoon with your fiancée, on a family vacation or just as a student back packing around, transportation does not have to put a dent in your wallet.

Taking the train through the various country sides is a pleasurable experience. Many different people of diverse economic statuses that you encounter along the way also prefer to travel by train. The appeal of visiting destinations that are completely culturally different from your home are the people that you encounter and the conversations you have along the way. You will find many different types of rail passes for your journey across Europe that will be affected by how many destinations you’d like to visit and the amount of people you travel with. The fares also take into consideration how many days you would like to travel for. Traveling by train can be more appropriate for individuals under the age of 26 because your Eurail Youth Pass will be for a discounted amount of Euros.   

While you will not be able to simply look out the window and admire the various views of Europe, traveling by train at night will be considerably cheaper. When you travel at night, you will find that they have sleeper car accommodations. In these sleeper cars, there are bunks for you to energize in preparation of your day of sightseeing. The sleeper cars are not private, but the plus side is that you will not lose a day traveling and will be able to spend more time sight seeing. Taking the train will also deliver you and the people you are traveling with directly into the center of most cities. You will rarely find yourself in obscure destinations feeling lost and disoriented while trying to make your way back to the destination you actually want to end up in.

Most travelers will choose to travel by train; however what you sacrifice in comfort by taking coach, you will save in expenses. You can travel between many European cities by coach, since many companies will have organized coach routes. Taking coach will most likely be more appealing to students who are looking to save money on their trip. Coach also is more appropriate when your destination is not one of the major European cities, but a smaller town or land mark. Many times once you arrive by train, you will need to find another mode of transportation to get to the smaller location. Coaches will more likely deliver you directly. A few companies will also offer combinations of coach/train packages that ultimately will get you to both the larger and smaller destinations and will provide a cheaper rate altogether.

In the end, it comes down to price and comfort that will affect your decision of whether to go train or coach.

About Author

Yootravel.co.uk is one of the UK’s leading Holiday discounts, travel voucher codes,travel discount codes websites. Yootravel is your guide for travel voucher, travel codes, and travel voucher codes for the UK travelers.

Looking for a weekend break, short holiday, stag party or hen party in Blackpool? CSIDE HOLIDAYS is a network of search directories where you can find a comprehensive listing of Blackpool Hotels, Blackpool Guesthouses and Blackpool Self Catering accommodation. There are solutions for family holidays, couples holidays and options for disabled holidaymakers, gay couples and even swingers!

Blackpool is a popular holiday destination all year round. Summer holidays on the beach, autumn breaks to see the world famous Blackpool Illuminations or a celebration with friends at Christmas or New Year; there is a wide selection of hotels in Blackpool to cater for your needs.

Through the network of specialist directories the type of Blackpool hotels option you require is categorised exactly.Each hotel or guesthouse option has a selection of photographs of the property, a short description and a list of services and facilities offered, contact details and even online booking options.

As well as the Blackpool hotel listing, all sites offer a wide range of information about Blackpool and the surrounding areas. You can find a full listing of all the events, attractions and shows, regularly updated so you can plan your whole trip from one site.

There is also general information about parking in Blackpool – both open parking and secure parking – plus links to local weather and traffic. There are even links to a wide range of discount vouchers, available to all.

But that’s not all! A unique service is offered to all Blackpool hotels who advertise with CSIDE HOLIDAYS. As a member of the association, there is a wide network provided for associated businesses who offer generous discounts and promotions, exclusive to members.

In the members section, there is an active forum to share and discuss ideas, special offers links and a downloads area.

For further information, CSIDE HOLIDAYS can be contacted by using the enquiry form on website: Blackpool Hotels

About Author

CSIDE HOLIDAYS is a network of directory sites for Blackpool Hotels, Blackpool Guesthouses and Blackpool Selfcatering with a member association for owners of hotels in Blackpool.

Travel Vouchers are documents that entitle the holder to avail discounts on airfare, hotel stays or any other travel amenities like cheap car rentals. Traveling can be quite expensive irrespective of it being domestic or international.  The costs loom up with flights, hotels and car rentals. So at the end, you spend a huge amount of money on the trip; however, the situation may differ if you have plenty of time and are ready to time your trip appropriately.

The holder of these discount travel vouchers pay nothing as the discounted cost is paid up front when the voucher is purchased. Sometimes, these discount travel vouchers are used as incentives to lure more travelers for prolonged stay at a specific hotel when that hotel is running low on occupants; or alternatively other times, there  are “buy one get one” certificates

Clearly, these Vouchers for travel have quite impressive benefits.  By usage of Travel vouchers for sale, one can save a good amount of money on travel needs. While on the flip side, one needs to be extra careful as you need to plan your trip in accordance to the voucher’s validity as they are usually offered during slow times for hotels, airlines or resorts, and hence, could not be used during extremely busy seasons. That may be a blessing in disguise, as it requires you to vacation when the area will be less crowded.

If your company pays for employees’ travel expenses, you can also utilize the vouchers for travel as a way to minimize travel costs. One voucher per employee per year can help save thousands of dollars for your corporate pocket. As there are travel vouchers on sale which, as an employer, you can purchase for your employees beforehand.

One of the most popular ways to use these vouchers is by giving them away under the tag of incentive or reward to your customers and clients and to let them know how valuable they are. The vouchers can be customized with your business’ name and information, so your customers will remember your company for the great vacation. Vouchers for sale can also be used as a gift to your loved ones.

Thus travel vouchers for sale are a great way to build business, attract new customers and lower you travel expenses.