Purchasing an Adventure Vacation is easier when you are informed and confident
If you've completed steps one and two, you now have a select short-list of excellent adventure vacations that meet your personal needs. It's time to go shopping.
Actually purchasing your adventure vacation is probably the most exciting part of the buying process, but there is a little work remaining if you want to maximize your purchase potential.
You know what you need and what adventure vacations meet those needs, but you still have to decide which particular vacation, and from whom you will buy it. If you do have a couple of adventure vacations on a final short-list, you'll want to do some additional comparison shopping, so you can find the best deal. You also need to know what kind of final checks to make, and what questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line or hand over that hard-earned cash.
Tip: Some adventure tour companies offer a preparation day, on which you try some of the activities. This lets the company judge your fitness; gives you an idea of whether or not you will enjoy the experience; and lets you ask questions about your own equipment or any aspect of the event. In most cases, you can participate in the preparation day whether or not you have booked a tour with the company, and the preparation day does not put you under any obligation.
How will you purchase the trip?
Buyers now have a number of choices when it comes to buying adventure vacations. These can be broken down into two major options - in person or by remote purchase. Some people aren't comfortable with remote purchase options such as mail-order, TV shopping networks or the internet, and prefer to buy directly from an actual travel agency, or from the actual resort or provider.
Remote Purchase:
- TV - shopping network, regular advertisement, special offer
- Internet - travel agency, individual operators - airlines, hotels, tourist attractions, venues
In Person:
- Travel Agency
- Individual operators - resorts, airlines, hotels, tour operators and other venues
Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and these may be influenced by your individual taste and previous buying experience. For instance, staff at travel agencies can usually offer good and objective advice, but on the other hand the prices can be more attractive through individual operators. Experienced salespeople can be invaluable if you are still unsure about whether to get an adventure vacation offering non-stop thrills and spills or one that is more modest whilst still providing an exciting quest.
Buying online can give you excellent opportunities to shop around and compare discounted prices - the major disadvantage being the problem of getting all the information you need on the accommodation or facilities on offer. Travel agents usually have photos and brochures and can often discuss the amenities from firsthand experience. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is most suitable for you.
Tip: Remember, regardless of how a product is offered for sale, if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Choosing a seller
Many factors have an influence when deciding where to buy an adventure vacation, and these need to be weighed up; you may have a tight budget, in which case the sellers who offer the best prices will be most attractive to you. Alternatively, you may prefer to deal with a seller who has excellent customer service and employs knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The major factors that need to be considered are presented below:
Choosing a
Seller Checklist
- Reputation - time established, fair dealing, complaints record, good name, reviews
- Price - discounts, specials, less for cash, bonus schemes, rebates
- Sweeteners - some sellers are more likely to add items to 'sweeten' the deal
- Extras - check what facilities or other extras are offered
- Customer service - product knowledge, at point-of-sale, after service
- Support - phone hotlines, travel tips, troubleshooting and advice
Other considerations:
- Where possible look for members of professional associations or bodies
- A prior relationship with a company can be a big advantage
Once you have factored in all these different considerations, choosing who to buy from often comes down simply to your personal preference. It is important to buy from a reputable, reliable seller, as this offers you the most protection if something goes wrong with the adventure vacation.
Tip: Online forums, blogs and review sites are excellent sources for finding out a seller's reputation for good service and fair dealing.
Booking
There is often little to choose from between particular vacations and their sellers, and small things can make a real difference to your pocket and the satisfaction you gain in your purchase. It's a good idea to anticipate any issues associated with your purchase that might arise either immediately after buying the adventure vacation or while you are on vacation.
Many of these issues will only become significant if there is some kind of problem, but it's a good idea to investigate before you make your final purchase. Ask the seller about guarantees and cancellation policies, as these can vary between sellers - some cancellations incur a fee, for instance
Purchase and Aftersales Checklist
- Money back guarantee - unlimited, limited, time frame, what is covered, fees
- Insurance
- Refunds
Tip: Even if you can't imagine calling on a guarantee, or taking out insurance for your adventure vacation, do ask the seller about their policies; it's always better to have all the information.
Buying an adventure vacation can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Once you've worked your way through all three steps of the
Buyz123 three step guide you can buy exactly the right adventure vacation for your needs.
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