CHICAGO-BASED CRUISE PLANNERS TRAVEL ADVISOR GIVES THE GIFT OF TRAVEL - THE MILLENNIAL WAY

When you hear the term “travel agent” you may envision a stereotypical agent sitting in an office with no computer and 1000 paper files of upcoming trips for clients. Cruise Planners/American Express franchise owner and travel advisor Jacquelyn Santo, located in Chicago, IL, is trying to differentiate herself in this classic industry by doing things a little differently.
 

“In a world where it seems there is a wealth of knowledge and resources at our fingertips, it can seem like a simple task to book your own travel. Why would you need someone like me to book your travel, right?” Santo goes on to explain that the internet has gotten so big that it is simply overwhelming for some people to book their own travel. In the age of the internet, studies show that consumers visit as many as 38 travel websites before they commit to their next getaway. “I don’t view the internet as my competitor - instead I view it as a resource to ensure that I am providing value to my clients. I do more than just book flights and hotels - I want to simplify your life. I’ll check you into your flight and choose your seats so you’re not stuck in a middle seat. Expedia won’t do that for you. It’s these little things that will make your travel experience that much more enjoyable.” Santo also utilizes social media to connect with lovers of travel across the globe which is something that many of the “old school” agents are not taking advantage of.
 

Travel websites don’t know the little details that matter to you when it comes to planning a vacation. They don’t know your travel style and they’re not going to tell you the airline policies and procedures or if you’re staying in the “old” tower at the hotel versus the newly renovated one. Cruise Planners has state of the art technology that allows their agents to compare fares from different vendors and also ongoing virtual training to keep their agents up to date on the latest trends to help grow their business. Cruise Planners has established purchasing power in the industry so that you as the traveler get better pricing, more negotiated vendor programs to choose from, and more leverage with cruise lines, tour companies, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. Their partnership with American Express also allows clients to access exclusive benefits for cardholders such as paying with points or receiving added amenities or upgrades to a hotel booking.