Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

Why do I need a Travel Professional?

BOOKING A TRIP OFTEN proves to be an extremely stressful, grueling undertaking. You can spend hours online searching for deals on flights and hotels, bouncing from one website to another in pursuit of the perfect price. This kind of process is often headache-inducing, overwhelming and frustrating.

Faced with countless choices for flights, hotels, car rental, and tours, consumers are dumping the DIY approach. There are simply too many travel products in the market today for individuals to decipher on their own.

Save time. We can save you time by vetting thousands of flight and hotel options to find the right fare at the lowest rate offering full pricing with no hidden costs, taxes, fees. There's an overwhelming amount of information out there, and you need someone to be your advocate to make sense of it all.

Save money. There's a difference between price and value. Some people shy away from using a travel professional because they think they'll be charged extra for the agent's services. Most travel suppliers, tour operators, hotels, cruise lines pay travel professionals a commission. The price to the consumer is exactly the same. You will get more value for your vacation dollar working with a professional who is aware of extra promotions, discounts, added amenities, etc.

Connections. We have people on the ground who you can connect with, such as a local tour guides and hoteliers as well as people you can reach out to if you encounter any problems. Our clients are looked at as VIP’s. Having this access makes it just an overall better customer service  experience than going at it alone. Over the past 30 years, we’ve developed strong relationships with sales representatives. That means we have double leverage we can use on your behalf—the purchasing power of the agency group we are affiliated with, as well as the personal relationships we have with our sales reps to bring you the best possible vacation experience.

Authenticity. The right Travel Professional will paint a picture and enlighten you about trip options you may not be able to find online. It's about knowing what the real local find is, whether that be a great dinner at a small café or tickets to a show. When our clients travel, they don't want to travel like a tourist. We know you want unique life experiences that they'll remember and we are here to facilitate that for you.

Knowledge. Flawless travel plans lie in the details, and travel professionals are experts when it comes to handling those details. Your hotel could be pretty in the picture, but what if there's construction going on? What if it's in a bad neighborhood? We either have first hand knowledge of the accommodations, destination, tours, etc. or we are armed with knowledge of the areas and given updates on these types of situations.

Troubleshooting. Despite extensive travel planning, you might encounter some bumps on your trip. Having us handle them for you can make your travel experience a lot less stressful. If a hotel room doesn't match your expectations or your flight has been cancelled and you don't have a travel professional, you're on your own.

Can I find it cheaper online? With travel, you get what you pay for. We prefer the word “value” which can come with various price tags. Our mission is to provide you with an excellent vacation value, vacation experience and amenities that will enhance your vacation. With Wander & Whimsey, there are no hidden fees. If ever our quote seems higher upfront, that's because all taxes and fees are included from the very beginning. As travel professionals, we believe it's crucial to be completely transparent. Oftentimes, online sites will lead clients on with alluring low prices, until they hit them with taxes and additional fees at checkout.

We can freeze your price for 24-72 hours as you consider your options or with a small deposit. This isn't the case when booking online! We all know this infamous situation - you search for a flight online, you find a good deal, you check with your travel partner, and POOF! the price has gone up. By booking with us, you can rest assured that their prices will be locked in. No disappointment here!

We can create a custom itinerary for your dream vacation. With a wealth of hotels, tours, and activities at our fingertips, we have the ability to make your unique travel dreams come true! Think about all the time spent planning, researching, and booking - ugh. By using our services, you won't have to lift a finger. Planning a dream vacation can seem overwhelming and daunting for many people - especially for first-time traveler. We will take all your wants and needs into consideration when creating the perfect custom itinerary.

With Wander & Whimsey you have access to 24-hour 'real human' customer service with a Travel Advisor or one of our Concierge Suppliers. This is especially important when you are in-destination. No matter what the issue - a glitch with a hotel booking, a question about a tour, a problem with transportation - a real person will be there to answer your call - before, during, or after your vacation. Most booking websites say "see ya!" after they take your payment. Venturing to another country feels a lot better when you know we have your back.

Payment plans are available with a deposit and in most cases, you don't have to pay the rest until 60 days before you travel. The typical international vacation for two travelers’ costs well into the thousands. It's a big investment! Most online booking sites demand that travelers pay in full, on the spot. By allowing you the extra time for full payments, we allow our clients to prepare for their vacation and take control of their vacation investment.

What can I expect at check in and security in the airport? Passengers traveling domestically need to show a form of identification at the airport checkpoint. Examples of valid identification are- a Driver’s License, DMV-issued state ID cards, Permanent resident cards, and a U.S Passport.

Passengers traveling internationally must always show a valid U.S Passport. Many countries require the validity extend 4-6 months beyond the expiration date or denied boarding may occur. We will assist with Passport requirements and Visa needs.

At the TSA security checkpoint, passengers will be asked to remove all electronics larger than a cellphone from their bags. This includes laptops, tablets, video game consoles, etc. Electronic devices must be removed from carrying cases and placed in their own bin individually. Carrying cases may be placed in a separate bin with your jacket, cellphone, boarding pass, etc.

What are the TSA rules for carry-on luggage? Liquids of all sizes are allowed in checked luggage. In carry-on luggage, liquid substances are permitted as long as they are 3.4 ounces or less. All liquids should be placed in a clear quart-sized bag for easy accessibility at the TSA checkpoint. Having liquids organized will expedite the security process. A reusable water bottle is permitted, if empty. If it’s filled, it is not permitted past security. You can purchase water and other soft drinks near the gates before boarding your aircraft. Generally, sealed snacks are permitted through security. This applies to cereals, granola bars, sandwiches, etc. This doesn’t apply to liquids though, like honey, peanut butter, or salad dressings. As previously stated, all liquids need to be in checked luggage, or in carry-on luggage only if 3.4 ounces or less. There are certain restrictions on bringing fresh produce home from international destinations, so it is always a good idea to ask before purchasing! Failure to declare fruit purchased abroad can result in a fine, even if it’s just an apple you bought in the London airport before flying home.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions