Travel Agent needed in FL

[Ned]

Hi All,

I have a photographer acquaintance, an Internet friend, who I met some time ago on Nikonians where I'm a moderator.

He really needs and wants a quality travel agent. The only agency in his area is AAA and he doesn't like him at all.

He's married and they have two girls, 5 and 10 years of age. He and his wife enjoy history and experiencing different cultures, and different cuisines. He's an amateur photographer enthusiast. Their kids are typical, loving pools, parties and pizza.

They were just on an MSC cruise which, to say the least, didn't work out. He isn't soured on cruising, however, as his parents have loved cruising for years, but as he puts it, they are complete opposites of he and his wife in that they love a party atmosphere and casinos, and love Carnival. He knows there's more out there, but needs help to find it.

I know nothing of his finances, etc., and don't know what he would like to spend over all, but he's definitely a good guy.

He lives in Cape Coral, (Lee County) Florida which is apparently about 5 minutes west of Fort Myers.

I would appreciate a recommendation of a quality travel agent he could go to to book future vacations, so he doesn't repeat the same mistakes he made, and has someone to turn to if there is a question or problem.

On this last cruise, booked through an online travel booking site, the cruise line had a lessor stateroom waiting for him at boarding than he paid for, and the online website said it was the cruise line's fault and there is nothing they can do to help, and wouldn't even talk with the cruise line. Pretty typical if you ask me, and why I constantly recommend to people to use a quality travel agent. (He did get the right type of room eventually, but with an obstructed view, working with ship's personnel.)

Thanks for your help.

[Loonbeam]

Given that I have never actually met the agent you sent me to in question, is working with them remotely an option?

[AaronK]

Loonbeam, I know while I personally have only met my agent once (an agent I did connect with on this forum), I know I would prefer to at least meet once with them before moving to a more electronic communication method.

[Ned]

That's certainly possible, but I think it's actually better to meet the agent you choose. While that's sometimes not possible, I think it's preferable.

I would add you certainly could meet him personally and everyone else in the agency, as you don't live all that far away from him.

Originally Posted by Loonbeam

Given that I have never actually met the agent you sent me to in question, is working with them remotely an option?