Are you hiring?
We always like to hear from experienced Travel Consultants who would like to Join Us.
What do I do if there is an emergency on my trip?
Your trip documents will contain emergency numbers for on-location service providers. In addition, our office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and any travel consultant can help you. If your emergency occurs after business hours, you can send a text to your consultant via their direct line. Consultants offer their after-hours phone number on a case-by-case basis.
Should I buy travel insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance. We have seen it save many travelers from the cost of cancellation due to illness, weather delay, or medical emergencies that occurred while traveling. There are several different plans available and we can help you choose the right one for you. There is no fee to buy travel insurance, so we can help you purchase it regardless of where you booked your trip.
I run a nonprofit and would like to offer a free vacation at our event, can you donate one?
Because we do not own travel inventory, we are not able to give away a vacation/cruise package without purchasing it first. We do have a great relationship with resorts and cruise lines, and we are happy to help you purchase a package so that you may organize a give-away or raffle for your cause. The only way to obtain a free cruise vacation or free nights at a resort is to ask the cruise or resort directly.
Can I give travel as a gift?
We do have travel gift certificates and can attest to joy of receiving them.
What kind of places do you recommend?
Because our clients pay fees for our services, we are free to recommend the best travel plan for each traveler’s needs. We are not contractually obligated to any travel supplier, which allows us to suggest any type of accommodation that best fits your travel expectations and budget. That said, we will not recommend or book a sub-par property that is offering the “deal of the century” if that property does not live up to our own standards of quality, value, and service.
When is the best time to buy my airline ticket?
Unfortunately there is no sure-fire way to predict airfare. Prices fluctuate greatly and often. It’s usually best to purchase airfare at least thirty days before your date of travel.
Will the price of my trip change after I make a reservation?
Changes in price are usually the result of cost increases that travel suppliers cannot absorb, such as fuel surcharges, international currency fluctuations, or increases in the cost of services. Because of this, prices are subject to change until final payment is received.
The quoted price of our fees will not increase unless your travel plan changes significantly after the initial plan is underway.
What if my travel plans change?
Every travel supplier has different policies for revision, usually based on how far along we are in the planning process. It’s best to review these policies before making reservations. After we make a reservation, Kern Travel charges a $50 per person revision fee should you decide to change your plan.
What if I need to cancel after I’ve paid for my trip?
Every travel supplier has a different cancellation policy, so it is important to review all terms and conditions before booking. Once a trip is under deposit, Kern Travel charges a 15% cancellation fee, based on the total trip cost. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment.
Can we pay for our trip in installments?
We are more than happy to help you arrange a payment plan for your reservation. Deposits and final payment due dates are determined by the travel supplier, but we can help you plan for these payments. While airlines require full payment at the time of booking, many travel suppliers will allow partial payments until the final payment is due. If you would like to pay toward a bucket-list trip that is very far out, we can help you set up a payment plan that will make this trip possible.
What services do you offer?
We can handle all of your travel arrangements (flights, transfers, hotels, tours, insurance, etc.), or we can handle just the arrangements that you’re not comfortable handling on your own.
What kind of trips can you plan?
Our Consultants have been in travel for a minimum of 40 years and have planned every kind of trip imaginable. We specialize in custom Experiential Travel and River Cruises.
I want to travel but I’m not sure to where. Can you help me decide?
We have a formal consultation process that allows us to get to know you before any of the planning can be done. During this process, we can help you figure out which destination is best for your travel expectations and budget.
How many years have you been in business?
In June 2016, we celebrated 70 years in the travel planning business.
I have decided to go somewhere last minute and am having trouble finding availability. Can you help me put something together quickly?
We are happy to help clients with last minute travel plans. We have a 30-day Expedited Service Fee and a 15-day Expedited Service Fee. These fees depend on the scope of what you’re trying to plan, so please let us know what you’re hoping to do and we can give you an accurate fee range.
Are you able to get better rates than I can find online?
We book travel and research destinations all day long, so we know where to find the deals, and can help you determine which ones are best for you. As a member of the Signature Travel Network, we also have access to features and amenities that are only available to our clients.
We work for you, not for a supplier. We can provide travel options from a number of competing travel suppliers and help you to interpret their advantages and disadvantages. Traditional agencies focus on the lowest prices and fares. We focus on quality and value.
What if I just want to pick up a brochure?
Many travel suppliers have moved their brochures online, so it’s best to let us know what brochure you’re looking for, so that we can either direct you toward a site, or have a printed version ready for pick up when you arrive. We do not have a brochure library available to the public.
Can I stop by your office, or should I make an appointment?
It is best to make an appointment so that we can provide the best customer service possible.
What is the cost of doing business with you?
We do charge fees for our services, and these fees vary depending on the scope of the trip you would like us to arrange. Our initial consultation, which only takes about 20 minutes and is free, is a great way to determine what we can offer you specifically. We can conduct an initial consultation in person or on the phone, whichever is more convenient for you.
Why should I use a Travel Consultant?
Travel Consultants are customer advocates, providing expert guidance through the myriad information out there. Hiring a Travel Consultant ensures that you get the experience you have in mind, without common pitfalls, and without spending all of your time online. With personalized service, a Travel Consultant considers your travel history, expectations, and budget before offering unbiased advice on the options that are right for you.
