FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Short answer: the business model. We offer similar services to a travel agent, but we don’t book flights and the hotel reservations are optional. Travel agencies receive commissions for booking hotels, cruises, flights or tours, choosing from the options they already have, and often won’t accept changes in itineraries because they are sold as a package. As a travel consultant, I charge for my time and expertise so I’m able to focus on aspects that wouldn’t give commissions but that make a trip absolutely amazing; how to get from A to B, restaurant recommendations, festivals, events or local markets… and always having in mind the personal tastes of each traveller.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”Why should I choose you?” accordion_id=”” icon=””] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]Ok, here’s where I am going to toot my own horn! I work hard, I pay attention to the details and I know Japan very well. But many people can say that. Here are some specific reasons that set me apart from other travel consultants:
– I have traveled extensively throughout Japan, I know the different regions well and, precisely because I have returned to the country so many times, I know what makes Japan so special as a destination and I can assure that you will also be captivated by it during your trip. Since I’ve also gone beyond the most famous destinations, I can recommend many places that don’t have other tourists or are simply more authentic.
– I do my research in Japanese, so I can access many more reviews and different perspectives, especially from locals of the country, and a lot of information that isn’t available in English. It also means that there is no miscommunication when I make reservations or bookings.
– I travelled to Japan for the first time when I was still a student, so I know how to plan trips for those who have a limited budget. I always try to find options that fit different budgets.
– I have travelled to many countries other than Japan. I know what it’s like to feel like a stranger in a foreign land, without speaking the language of the place. I have advice on luggage, language, food, plug adapters and other details that can facilitate the trip.
– I don’t sell packages at a fixed price so you’ll be able to know exactly where your money is going and how much everything costs. It is a totally transparent process. That’s why I choose to charge for my time and expertise instead of by commissions.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”If I send you details of a tour I found online, will you create the private version for me?” accordion_id=”” icon=””] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]Of course! And you should also ask me for the cost breakdown, because the vast majority of the time we can create the same trip for a lower cost. Online tours are often sold at a package price and when individual costs are broken down, the total cost of the trip almost always comes out lower.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”Can you get me discounts?” accordion_id=”” icon=””] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]Sometimes. But more importantly, you can be sure that all the recommendations are good value for money. I do not necessarily recommend the cheapest option in every situation because sometimes it’s worth paying more for an experience, seat or place. Of course, I am used to working within a budget.
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title=”How much does the consulting service cost?” accordion_id=”” icon=””] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]Tailor-made trips, since it is a personal project and I work with each client personally over a long period of time, require dedication. Trips of up to 2-3 weeks usually cost between 180-350 USD, prices can vary according to duration, difficulty, number of people, etc. The price may be somewhat higher for trips longer than three weeks. Before we start, we will always discuss the budget with each person and their situation so that there are no surprises.
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