WANTED: A holiday to South America

Mystery Shopper and her friend would like to spend three weeks in South America. They wish to see Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro and are also interested in visiting Peru, trekking to Machu Picchu and taking a boat trip along the Amazon River. They are seeking the cheapest possible airfares, budget accommodation and would like to be based close to city centres. The budget is $13,000 in total.

TOP AGENT: 93%  Nicole Moran, STA Travel, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone, Vic

Stepping into the agency, Nicole immediately afforded me a warm welcome followed by an offer of assistance. I made my inquiry and was offered a seat. Nicole retrieved a G Adventures Central and South America brochure and handed it to me, saying what a fantastic place South America was. Many questions were asked to understand my requirements. She then went through the brochure, pointing out the relevant tours available. Nicole suggested that a tour would be best, so we could see some of the key places within the timeframe, although she did indicate we could travel independently if we wanted to. Nicole emphasised the splendour of Iguassu Falls and suggested a tour of the shanty town areas and a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue – as well as staying a few extra nights – in Rio de Janeiro. The Amazon to the Andes tour followed by the Iguassu and Beyond tour were recommended and she went into great detail filling in the gaps with other places and interesting things to do between tours. Nicole offered to put together a full package and said she would look at some of the cheaper flight options. She covered everything in the consultation, from insurance to the need for Yellow Fever vaccinations. When I got home later that evening an email from Nicole was waiting, acknowledging our meeting and with the promise of a quote, to be sent as soon as she was able to confirm with the tour provider and airlines. I received the quotation a few days later as indicated. Nicole spared no detail and made holiday planning both easy and enjoyable. This was a model consultation. 

QUESTIONNAIRE

How long have you worked as a travel agent? Four years.

What's your favourite destination to sell and why? South America. It's a truly amazing part of the world that everyone should add to their bucket list.

If you could book yourself a holiday right now (money is no object) where would it be and why? It's always been my dream to travel on the Trans Mongolian to experience the unique landscapes and cultures.

What destination do you sell the most of? Europe.

When was the last famil you went on? I went on a trip to Europe in 2010.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you while travelling? Many years ago I had an accident in a pool in Thailand which resulted in a visit to a Phuket dentist to repair the two front teeth I knocked out. It wasn't one of my best moments.

Which four famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? I'd invite Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama, Will Ferrell and Lady Gaga.

Who is your dream travel partner? Richard Branson. It would be first class all the way with a potential space expedition.

What is the strangest place you have ever travelled to? The Okavango Delta in Botswana. There's no running water, no electricity and no toilets.

If you were stranded on a desert island and only allowed one item, what would it be? A banana lounge.

SECOND PLACE: 81% Escape Travel, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone, Vic

I was greeted shortly after entering and offered assistance. After I asked about South America the agent retrieved three brochures for me – Tucan Travel 2011/2012, Trafalgar South America 2012 and APT South America. I was asked a series of questions about where I wished to visit and the things I'd like to do. The agent suggested we start by looking at the Tucan Travel brochure and explained there were a couple of options available that might suit. I was asked if I wanted a tour or to travel independently. The agent said walking the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu was definitely worth doing and a Jungle and Inca tour was recommended. Discovering that the tour did not coincide with the time I intended to travel, the agent said they would email me a quote after contacting wholesalers and putting something together for me. They then asked if I had a budget in mind. I was told that flights would cost between $2500 and $3000 per person. I was very impressed with the detailed quote I was sent, which came in close to my budget. All things considered, the service I received was very good.

THIRD PLACE: 44% Flight Centre, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone, Vic

The agent invited me to take a seat soon after I entered and offered their assistance. I made my inquiry and was promptly handed the APT South America 2013, Trafalgar South America 2012 and Natural Focus Safaris' South America brochures. Shortly after the agent bid me farewell. I then asked if I could have a chat about the proposed trip and took a seat. A few questions were asked to understand my specific requirements and a couple of tours were suggested before I was referred to the brochure for more information. After discovering that the tours related to 2013, the agent offered to ring the wholesaler direct. While they were on hold it was suggested I go through the brochures so they could complete an earlier task. I asked what other costs would be involved and the agent mentioned airfares and travel insurance. I was told the airfares were likely to be around $2500 per person. The agent was kept on hold for nearly thirty minutes, so I asked if they could email me a quote as I had to leave. I was asked for my contact details, however no quote was received until I followed up a few days later.