“This is the largest technology project Trek Travel has ever taken on, and I’m stoked at the user experience our guests can enjoy at anytime from anywhere in the world.”
-Mark, Technology Manager at Trek Travel
The team at Trek Travel is always looking for ways to make the guest experience better, more fun, and easier. Starting in November 2019, even the booking process has been upgraded. Now, guests can simply and efficiently book a trip online! Check out the video above to see how quick and easy the process is. Why is this a major benefit to guests? We talked to the project lead, Mark, to learn more about the new online booking system.
Why was online booking created?
We realized we wanted to create a great user experience through our website that would allow our guests to book one of our vacations anytime of day. We also want to offer a way for our guests to book their vacations in whatever technology they use most. For a lot of people, that means booking online as it has become such a natural extension of purchasing travel.
How will this make the guest experience better?
With the new system, it means we are able to accept bookings 24/7. That allows guests to schedule a trip when it is most convenient for them, whether that be weekends, evenings, or regular business hours. Along with offering the ability to purchase online, we also built out a customer account center. While still in its infancy in terms of features, this account center gives our guests information on trips they have booked with us, travel information, and more. We also have a road map in place to offer more functionality and features in the future to give our guests the best user experience possible both on and offline.
What should guests expect after they have booked online?
After completing the online booking process, guests will receive a confirmation email and within two days, one of our trip consultants will reach out to verify we have all the necessary information and answer any questions the guest may have. After speaking with a trip consultant, guests will receive a final confirmation for their trip. At any point between booking and trip departure, guests can always reach out to our expert trip consultants to get advice, ask questions, or learn additional information about a trip.
Please note that some select trips are so special they cannot be booked online, but our trip consultants are ready to help. It will be noted on the trip page if a trip cannot be booked online.
What are you waiting for?
Benefits of Using a Travel Agent
I was a travel agent for six years prior to working for Trek Travel, so I am undeniably biased when it comes to discussing the advantages of booking through a travel agent. Though not every trip requires the guidance of a travel professional, your two week European excursion to numerous cities using multiple forms of transportation will run much more smoothly with the knowledge and support of a travel agent. Below are my picks for the top five benefits of using a travel agent when planning your next vacation, whether it be domestic or abroad:
1. Cut Through the Noise
When researching your next vacation, the internet can be both wonderful and overwhelming. An experienced travel agent will weed out the mediocrity and focus your attention on top personal recommendations.
2. Completely Customized
Travel agents have all the tools to seamlessly piece together the exact trip you are looking for, which can be challenging and time consuming to do on your own. They have an ever-expanding list of trusted contacts and suppliers, from private drivers to luxury VIP experiences.
3. Feel Like a Celebrity
Some travel professionals have connections with top tourist destinations due to their high volume of sales. On occasion, travel agents can organize VIP experiences such as private after-hours tours of normally crowded exhibits, exclusive access to areas closed to the public, or highly-sought after event tickets that sell out quickly.
4. Service from Start to Finish
Just like at Trek Travel, travel agents see your trip through from your first consultation until the time you land back home. Agencies will typically offer a 24-hour emergency line in case you run into any unexpected delays or issues while traveling. They can even quickly assist you in the case of widespread delays such as airline strikes or major storms. Long hold times with airlines can mean all the good alternative flights are taken by the time you speak to a representative. One quick call to your travel agent, on the other hand, can provide peace of mind while they take care of getting you on the best possible flight.
5. More Money For Souvenirs
Travel agents not only save you time, but they can also save you money. Agencies who belong to larger networks, such as Virtuoso, can land you deals like special pricing on hotels and airfare that you can’t access on your own. They are also sometimes able to offer special bonuses like complimentary room upgrades, spa discounts and more. Most travel professionals will charge a nominal fee for their services and expertise, but it often pays for itself with these extra perks.
All Work and No Play Is No Fun At All
Listen up, Americans. Collectively we’re taking less vacation time than at any point in nearly the last four decades. And by doing so, we’re only hurting ourselves.
According to a study conducted by Oxford Economics for Project: Time Off, American workers lost 169 million days of paid time off in 2013. And in the last 15 years, we’ve lost nearly a full work-week of vacation time–going from an average of 20.3 days to 16.0 days most recently. These days could not be rolled over, paid out, or used for any other benefit.
We’re making a name for ourselves. Our poor time management is turning into headlines. There might be an end game–a raise, a promotion, a retirement–but in the mean time we’re becoming a nation of work martyrs.
You shouldn’t have to feel guilty about leaving the office. You’re not a slacker, you won’t get behind, and the work can wait. In fact, taking earned time off is essential to creating a productive workforce. Furthermore, vacation time creates strong bonds with family and friends, and helps cultivate a fulfilled life.
So instead of providing free labor to your employer, think about what you could do in a week. Learn to salsa dance in Barcelona. See the leaves change in Vermont. Taste the finest wines in Italy. Eat too many pain au chocolat in Provence.
YOU COULD BE HERE:
Project: Time Off was an initiative to prove the personal, business, social, and economic benefits that taking earned time off can deliver. We aim to shift culture so that using personal time off is not considered frivolous, but essential to strengthening families and improving personal health; a business investment with proven returns and an economic necessity. Learn more at ustravel.org.
Guest Experience: California Wine Country
At Trek Travel we are here to craft an extraordinary experience. That’s why we do things a little differently. We think your expectations are simply a place to begin and it is our job to give you everything you could have ever imagined and so much more.
Born from the world-renowned Trek Bikes, we are bike-lovers, fellow travelers, hospitality maestros, but most importantly we understand what a cycling vacation of a lifetime means to you. But don’t just take our word for it. Steve M. recently traveled with us to the California Wine Country and we think his review speaks for itself.
Hi Kari:
Today was the last day of our wine country tour with Trek Travel so I wanted to drop you a quick line about our experience.
Firstly, it’s fair to say that my wife and I are pretty picky when it comes to vacations. You could call us fussy I guess but I’m afraid our experience is that there’s always something which just isn’t up to scratch and/or wasn’t as described in the brochure. Our expectations are high and they are rarely met.
So I take a great deal of pleasure in writing this note – this vacation was quite simply perfect in every regard. Every single aspect of this trip was just excellent.
It started off with you yourself. The vacation experience begins at first contact and you could not have been more helpful or more accommodating during the booking process. You talked us through everything, gave us detailed (and as we now know, accurate) descriptions of every factor of the trip and answered every question. Nicely done!
The trip itself – sensational. Firstly, our guides – Dan, Jake and Beth – could not have been more professional, knowledgeable or better company. The bikes were top notch and superbly prepared. The SAG vehicle followed us everywhere and snacks aplenty were always there when needed. The accommodations were well chosen – both the Mount View in Calistoga and the H2 in Healdsburg are first class, comfortable and chic hotels with super helpful staff who were very bike-friendly.
The itinerary was extremely well thought out. Our vacation was classified as “recreational” but a couple of us wanted something more challenging. No problem – Dan and Jake were happy to arrange. Every day included enjoyable coffee, lunch and/or wine tasting stops. The welcome dinner on the first night and the farewell dinner and cocktails on the last evening were truly excellent.
By the way, special thanks to our guides for taking special care of my wife, Carri. She unfortunately hurt her back just before the trip so could only participate in the easiest of the rides. No problem – she rode along in the SAG truck and they stopped to let her out whenever she wanted to ride. If she rode and fell behind, one guide would always hang back to keep her company. At all times, they made sure she always felt fully part of the group – not marginalized in anyway.
Finally, we had an exceptional group of other guests on our trip. All extremely nice people and we have made many new friends who I know we will see again. Obviously Trek Travel can’t really be held responsible for the “quality” of your guests! But it’s clear that Trek attracts a very nice demographic that would definitely be a factor in us booking with you again.
Last but not least – Dan and Jake were both snapping photos throughout the trip and presented us with an excellent photo montage at the end which will be a wonderful souvenir of our trip.
All in all, you guys are a class act. Superbly well done all round. Bravo!
We will certainly be booking with you again – hopefully soon!
Thank you!
SM