Travel FREE - Chapter Two!

When you have decided where you want to go, see a travel agent and find out all the details, including cost. Groups usually get a cheaper rate, and you can use this as a tool to get people to go with you. Check out seasonal discounts. For example, a trip to Europe can be much less expensive in Jan through Mar. Of course Alaska is going to be less in the colder season, which is the time Caribbean cruises are more costly.  November through April is what's called 'peak season' in the cruise industry.

Find out how many people make up a group. For cruises, seven days or less, it is usually 15 people and the 16th, (that's you), goes FREE. With some of the deluxe cruise lines with longer sailing, the group is just 9 passengers and the 10th (you) go FREE. On one of my Hawaii cruises, I had 6 free ones. I used two, gave away two and sold two.

On most motorcoach tours, it is usually 32 to 40 in your group to get your own private bus, but don't let that scare you. Once you get started, you'll find out how easy it is to get a group together. Ask your agent how many you need to get a FREE trip. Ask if it includes transportation to the destination. Not all tour companies and cruise lines include free air. My FREE cruise on the Mediterranean included round-trip air from New York to Genoa, Italy. My FREE cruise in Hawaii did not

On cruises, tours, (or shore excursions, as they are called), are optional. People usually sign up for them on board the ship. I always have a list of the shore excursions to give to my group travelers prior to the cruise. That way they know when they get on board, what they want to do in each port.    

                                             
It's important to be knowledgeable about the tour. Drive your travel agent nuts with your questions. Find out if the agency will supply you with flyers and brochures with your name and telephone number as the contact person.If you aren't satisfied with one agency, go to another until you find one you feel will support you. Not all travel agencies are adept at group tours. Some specialize in corporate travel, some in cruises, and some in leisure. Make sure the agency you work with has experience working with groups. Get references of people who have gone on group tours through them, and check 'em out.