Best Travel Rates

Twice today, I’ve shared with people that I’m also a travel
agent.

One was while discussing building a lead generation website in
the travel industry.

The second was while visiting with some out of state friends who
are planning a trip to Maldives, and I was listening to a lot of
bad travel advice being bounced around.

I first noticed the travel biz probably 25 years ago, while I was
listening to some cassette tapes made at a seminar on ways to
earn money. I bought the set of used cassette taps off eBay.

This event was right at the beginning, or perhaps even before,
internet marketers started hosting seminars. As far as I
remember, NONE of the speakers were “Internet Marketers!”

One of the speakers, Wade Cook, shared during his presentation
that he was a travel agent, and that as a result he got lower
rates on travel and accommodations that other event attendees

He explained that since hotels, resorts, airline and cruise ships
want travel agents to experience their services, and then
recommend them to their clients, they often offered the discounts
and “FAM” rates.

Fam specials are “Familiarization rates.

So, as a travel agents, I can get special rates on a VARIETY of
cruise lines… many that I had not even heard of.

When I recently ask ChatGPT how many cruise lines there are and
what some of them are, it responded:

As of 2024, there are over 50 cruise lines operating worldwide,
offering a wide range of experiences, from luxury cruises to
budget-friendly options. These cruise lines vary in size,
destination, and target audience, ranging from large global
companies to smaller, niche operators.

Some of the Leading Cruise Lines Worldwide:

Carnival Cruise Line

One of the largest cruise lines in the world, Carnival is known
for offering affordable and fun experiences, with many ships
catering to families and younger travelers.

Royal Caribbean International

Famous for its massive ships and innovative onboard features,
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of entertainment options,
including zip lines, surf simulators, and Broadway-style shows.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which
allows guests more flexibility with dining and entertainment
options. NCL offers a wide range of destinations and activities.

MSC Cruises

MSC is a European-based cruise line with a strong focus on
Mediterranean itineraries. It has expanded rapidly and is known
for elegant ships and family-friendly experiences.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a more refined, classic cruising
experience, popular for its Alaskan itineraries. It caters to a
slightly older crowd with a focus on relaxation and culture.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is known for its luxurious amenities and sophisticated
atmosphere. It offers more upscale dining and service, appealing
to travelers seeking a more refined cruise experience.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney specializes in family-oriented cruises with a magical
twist. It offers entertainment featuring Disney characters,
themed activities, and high-quality service.

Holland America Line

Holland America is known for offering a more traditional and
relaxed cruising experience, often with longer itineraries and a
focus on enrichment and cultural exploration.

Costa Cruises

Based in Italy, Costa Cruises primarily caters to European
travelers but offers a wide range of itineraries worldwide.
It’s known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly
features.

Cunard Line

A luxury British cruise line, Cunard is famous for its
transatlantic crossings and elegant, old-world charm. Its
flagship, the Queen Mary 2, is the only ship offering regular
transatlantic service.

Other Notable Cruise Lines:

Oceania Cruises (luxury and culinary-focused cruises)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (luxury, all-inclusive cruises)

Viking Ocean Cruises (focused on cultural enrichment and river
cruising)

Seabourn (ultra-luxury, small ship cruises)

These are some of the key players in the global cruise industry,
offering various experiences for all types of travelers.

I’ve only cruised on three of the above.

As a travel agent, one can get special training from some
companies, and become certified, as for example “A Disney
Expert.” I’m not actually sure what most of these experts are
called since I haven’t focused on the travel industry.

I have discovered numerous travel agents earning six-figures and
a handful earning seven-figures.

Maybe, when I am retired, and traveling a lot more, I’ll share
photos or videos from many of the places that I visit,
encouraging othes to do the same.

Anyway, if any of you need to book travel arrangements or
vacations, here is my booking engine:

https://majorwilliecrawford.inteletravel.com/

You’ll be hard pressed to find lower rates anywhere, and we do
have price match guarantees.

I haven’t used the title Major since I retired back in 2003 🙂

Also, if you’d like details on BECOMING a travel agent, now is a
good time to get into the industry. People still have a lot of
pent-up desire to travel due to the Covid shutdown.

I even have a trip planned to the Philippines in the next few
months!