1) We know the region and work with the most reliable operators
We have carefully selected the best tours, sights and operators in the countries we cover. As we are in Latin America we can easily travel around checking out places and operators. Key factors in selecting operators are their service quality and support during the trip. We monitor this carefully over time, and seek feedback from returning clients. We avoid at all cost operators offering great prices but unreliable or poor service.
2) We give rapid personal response
We know that fast response is critical on the internet. In fact, we believe strongly in the importance of working personally with you. To do this we use the phone and email actively, wherever you are in the world, particularly during the planning of your trip. We think this is essential to reassure you, and to make your trip a success.
3) You hardly pay more than you would going direct
At most you will pay 3-5% more than you would organising the whole trip yourself, with all the hassle that implies in trying to work directly with hotels, guides and connections. Because we are in Costa Rica our costs are substantially lower than those of US or European -based operators, and we pass most of this saving to you.
| "I got a catalog from Backroads and they advertised a trip to Peru - meeting in Cusco for 6 nights (2 at Hotel Monasterio, 2 at Sol y Luna in Urubanba, 1 at Sanctuary Lodge and 1 at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes) The cost of the trip is $3,698. I think you got us a great deal - we stayed 10 more nights - all at wonderful places - for almost the same money. I have shared this info with Aggie, Nancy and George and they join me in thanking you for a great job." Sandy Rea, Feb 2006 |
4) We can handle all your trip
We can handle all the components - tours, cruises, transfers, hotels, car rentals, and domestic flights. We save you the effort of coordinating many suppliers and hotels, a daunting and often frustrating task in Latin America.
5) We are a serious and accountable travel company
We understand the possible barrier of dealing with an internet company based in Costa Rica. So we have taken many steps to give you confidence that we are serious, responsible, and to be trusted:-
- as members of Better Business Bureau and BBBOnline, we willingly adhere to their strict standards
- epubliceye.com is an independent watchdog that publicly monitors client feedback on us
- we are members of several reputable associations, including ASTA, LATA, and IGTOA
- our team engages with you actively, personally and usually by phone so there is a relationship
- we are transparent about who we are (see Our team and About us)
- we are owner-managed by Europeans with blue chip backgrounds
- you pay later than with many operators, and only after seeing how we work for you
- we send digital vouchers, contacts and final itinerary by email 30 days before travel where possible
- we create for you your own webpage with all these details, eg Barbara Drue page
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6) Unlike others we provide active support during your trip if needed
Not everything always goes smoothly - whether with the tour, hotel arrangements, a guide, or your arrival time. We and our suppliers try hard to solve these. Our supplier relationships give us more clout than you have on your own, and can prove invaluable for solving some problems. See Difficulties for the importance we place here.
| "Latin Discover did an excellent job in setting up our trip to the Galapagos. They put together a great package for a good price. We ended up having to change our departure city 1 week before we left and they were more than happy to accommodate this change at no added cost. Overall rating is excellent, I will be using them for future trips." (Steven M) |
| "Despite our cancellation the day before arrival, caused by a sudden death in the family, and the prospect of no trip insurance and a 100% cancellation policy, Latin Discover helped organize a later cruise on very reasonable terms. Without Latin Discover's long relationship with the operator we are not sure we could have achieved anything similar, and we remain very grateful for how both Latin Discover and the operator handled our last minute crisis." (Lisa D) |
| "I canīt thank you enough! The email and phone calls were effective and I canīt think that these changes could not have been made without your help. Our guide left and was replaced by Harry, who was excellent! He was entertaining, informative, kind, helpful and really knowledgeable about the area, history, geology, biology, etc. Thank you so very much for your efforts. I was really frustrated and very disappointed and had no idea how to make any changes." (Lisa T). |
7) We can work with your existing travel agent if you prefer
You may have a long-established relationship with an agent, or prefer working through one. No problem! We are happy to work with travel agents and frequently do. The price you pay remains the same.
8) Our planning and reservation process is attentive to your needs
Our detailed approach aims to give you confidence about what to expect. Here is ther reservation process:-
1) Contact us directly during the planning stage so we can help. Use our website(s) also. Remember we can customize for you. Your trip may be the trip of a lifetime, so important for you to enjoy it as you want .
2) When you are happy with price and trip details, request us to make reservations. We'll confirm tentative reservations within 24 hours, and confirm payment and cancellation policies in a payment overview..
3) You then pay a deposit, or a full payment for nearby trip dates, and we will immediately send you a PDF receipt by email. We will also confirm the reservations by email. You complete payments as agreed.
4) 30 days before your arrival (or before if you leave your home much earlier), we email your final full itinerary and contact details of operators and hotels. These will be in PDF format unless you ask otherwise.
5) Very shortly after sending you this email, we send you another email with the link to your personal webpage. We provide this for all tours. It has all your trip details, downloads, and useful links, so you and friends can access at any time as needed. See Barbara Drue page as an example.
6) When you arrive, you will receive flight tickets and any other vouchers at the place and time we will already have indicated to you. This is often either at the airport pickup, or at the first hotel reception.
7) During your trip we will be pleased to provide any help and support if you have difficulties, want to make or modify bookings, or want messages forwarded. |
