[nlappa]

My husband and I are planning to go on a bus trip to the national parks in the northwest region of the U.S. and perhaps into the Canada next fall. Does anyone know of a good travel agent for our trip?

[REDCART]

Originally Posted by nlappa

My husband and I are planning to go on a bus trip to the national parks in the northwest region of the U.S. and perhaps into the Canada next fall. Does anyone know of a good travel agent for our trip?

I’d start with Ocala Travel. The office number is 352-753-9969 or 352-732-7511.
They are located in TV off of CR 466:
11962 CR101 - STE 201, The Villages, FL 32162

Ocala Travel

We’ve used them many times for river cruises, as well as, for a Tauck tour of the Canadian Rockies, and an Insight tour of the National Parks in the West.

[nlappa]

Thanks

[SIRE1]

We have done 4 bus tours with GLOBUS TOURS (2 in the US / 2 in Europe) and have just booked another one for next September. For the last 2, we traveled with our friends from New York state and they recommended we use the travel agency that they always use. That was Pavlus Travel out of Albuquerque, NM. The unique thing about booking with Pavlus is that they offer a 10% discount on the tour cost. I found that other travel agents that we have checked with, were charging the rate that you see on the tour companies web site, at least for a GLOBUS tour. So, with the cost of one of these bus tours, that 10% discount was a real good deal. You might check with them and get a quote to compare with some others you might be considering. And they were very professional and everything always is correct. If you have any questions about Pavlus or thoughts about GLOBUS vs other bus tour companies, feel free to PM me.

[Babubhat]

Travel agents should rebate part of their commissions on tours and cruises via discounts or other perks

[SIRE1]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Travel agents should rebate part of their commissions on tours and cruises via discounts or other perks

I thought so too, but when I checked with a couple of Travel agents in The Villages and with AAA, I was told they could NOT give a discount on a Globus bus tour. And since we have always thought that the hotel locations were much better with a Globus tour, we have used Pavlus. No idea why the others don't and why Pavlus does, but that is what we have found. If you can find one that does and beats the 10% discount, PLEASE let me know. I would love to save money!!!!

I know there are less expensive bus tour companies out there, but we have found that the cost difference is always in the location of the overnight hotel. I would much rather stay right at the event and enjoy it in the evening rather than a hotel that is away from the action. Sort of like a bus tour that might come to The Villages. Globus would probably stay at the Waterfront Inn and you could enjoy the square that night vs. a lesser priced tour that might see the same Villages sights during the day and then stay at a motel in Leesburg or by I-75 and 44 for the night.