Question 1

WHAT IS A RESEARCH FEE AND HOW MUCH IS IT?

Accepted Answer

Because vacation planning involves a great deal of time, a research fee is required and must be paid prior to booking any travel requests or itineraries. There is a $25 non-refundable research fee for travel up to 2 persons, $50 for up to 4 persons and $100 for 8 or more for all travel agent inquiries. The deposit fee must be paid in advance to ensure time is not exhausted between potential clients and travel agents.
 
In order to perform the professional services required to design and arrange your travel request, a deposit is required when you book with Diamond Travel Express as a client. We research cruises, hotels, tours and activities to meet your specific needs, contact suppliers, coordinate transportation, draft itineraries and more.

Question 2

WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CONTACTING A TRAVEL AGENT?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, you should set a budget and share it with the travel agent. This allows the travel agent to provide you with a realistic, fun, and memorable itinerary for a price you are comfortable with and between your financial means.

Question 3

WILL IT COST MORE BOOKING THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT THAN AN ONLINE BOOKING SITE?

Accepted Answer

No. We have access to all the same pricing for vacation packages and tours. However, as a travel agency, many of our rates are price match guaranteed and majority of the time found to be for less than bookings directly made through the company or booking sites. In many cases, we can offer discounts, promotions and other giveaways that are not offered to the general public.

Question 4

WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH A TRAVEL AGENT INSTEAD OF AN ONLINE BOOKING SITE OR DIRECTLY WITH THE COMPANY?

Accepted Answer

With a travel agent, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during , and afer your vacation. 
 
Budget is important and we strive to find the perfect dream vacation within your budget. There is no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with. We offer you a stress and hassle-free experience and chance to enjoy your vacation.

Question 5

ARE THERE ANY GUARANTEES AS A CLIENT?

Accepted Answer

Because you do not pay Diamond Express Travels for your vacation, there is no risk of losing your vacation through us. Reservations are made with the credit card information provided for the booking. In turn, the information is provided to vacation vendors who charge the card. It is assured that every payment made goes directly towards your vacation and is applied directly to your reservation.

Question 6

DO I HAVE TO PAY IN ADVANCE FOR MY VACATION?

Accepted Answer

There is a $25 research fee for all travel agent inquiries. The fee must be paid in advance to ensure time is not exhausted between potential clients and travel agents. 
 
Each booking has different requirements. The deposit requirements are set by the vendors and based upon the type of travel booking made and services booked. Deposit rates vary based upon the hotel, flight or activities you select and the time in which you are traveling. 
 
The deposit is made via each vendor in which services are booked through with the hotel, airline or tour operator. At no time does Diamond Express Travels ever charge your credit card. This way clients are assured that the deposit is applied directly to your vacation at the time of booking.
 
Vacation packages require that payment is paid in full at least 45 days prior to arrival. Again, payment is paid directly to the supplier. The payment received does not goes toward the travel agent's commission or compensation.

Question 7

HOW DO TRAVEL AGENTS GET PAID?

Accepted Answer

Travel agents are paid directly through the booking vendors (i.e. resorts, hotels, airlines). Clients do not pay the travel agents through the payments accepted for their bookings. Whether you book through an agent or online booking engine, a travel agent will be paid for that booking.

Question 8

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

Accepted Answer

The only accepted forms of payment are major credit and debit cards. We cannor process any other forms of payment made via cash, check, money order, PayPal or Stripe services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)