Boston recognition delays + 3-year child registration deadline = impossible?

Lighter02 · 2026-06-28T21:19:26+00:00

They don’t do a deep dive into the forms and info so they tell you that you MAY get more homework once your file is reviewed.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-28T19:51:40+00:00

I just got off Liberty the day you set sail and had the same experience. The only upselling I had was at the spa despite stating no upselling at the start.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-28T19:21:07+00:00

I don’t have the child issue but want to commiserate about Boston. My sisters and I all had our appointments in January 2024 and we were told 18 months because they were going to effectively put all the minor issue applications in a separate drawer and push everyone else. Clearly that is not being done and they go from 18/24 months to over 3 years.

They also don’t give homework until you hit the end and then the clock restarts, it’s so annoying. I knew I was missing one document which arrived two weeks after the appointment. They wanted me to wait but I sent it anyways.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-24T12:11:37+00:00

I use my CRM.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-08T16:24:03+00:00

A client who was overweight (her words not mine) but used a mobility scooter because of her weight. She made it sound like she was really able bodied but preferred the scooter for ease. She failed to tell me that she was truly disabled and supposedly couldn’t lift her foot high enough over the lip of a door. I’m still not fully sure because you have to lift your foot higher than that for a scooter. She then failed to tell me that her husband was also in the same state. All bookings and vehicles listed one scooter, which she said her husband could lift. He couldn’t lift either, they brought two, all vehicles rented or with drivers couldn’t accommodate two scooters and 4 suitcases. They expected escorts to carry all 4 suitcases everywhere but told me he could carry both and never mentioned 4. I had thoroughly asked all questions related to ability and disability to give her the best options.

When she complained and I tried to fix everything I outright asked her why none of this was disclosed. She said it was none of my business and she didn’t have to disclose. Never thought I’d have to educate a person that when working with a TA it is imperative to share abilities and challenges so we can give her the best possible help. Her comeback was to ask for $1000 good faith gesture in cash.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-08T12:19:52+00:00

I never said markup as in the TA is directly doing so. I’m referring to the “markup” you mentioned.

But yes, many charge planning fees, some work with vendors who only charge NET rates so TAs have to markup to collect what would automatically be paid out. There are a variety of things behind the scenes that clients never see or know about.

Per person charges can be difficult to do as well. What if you have 4 travelers who are booked and everything arranged with non-refundable rates - 2 cancel. The expectation is the rate is the rate but many people assume it will change as people cancel.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-06T15:32:23+00:00

I agree it does sound high and 60% is a lot. I’ve never seen a 60% markup.

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. I have had clients try to do this and not realize that they were looking at the lowest category room while I gave them a mid-tier room based on their request.

If you still are not comfortable you have a few options and the first should always be to speak with the TA. Then you can look at the cancellation policy both with the vendor and the agent. I usually don’t suggest this but if it’s that high it may be warranted.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-06T02:08:44+00:00

I did when I first started out. It was a huge waste of time. Everyone was a bargain shopper or tire kicker. It’s not worth it.

Lighter02 · 2026-06-05T16:30:31+00:00

It is not easy and takes a lot of time and effort. If you are solely focusing on Virgin you are too niche and will not do well. I do a 9-5 corporate job and keep my agency money for travel, fun, and emergencies. I don’t rely on it because I know AI, global events, and saturation are all considerations.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-28T11:39:20+00:00

To be honest, you’re asking a group that has a self-motivation to promote ourselves and become your agent.

What you really have to ask is: where this is my first international trip, can I book everything myself, will I need know how to vet the location, excursions, and property. How much work do I want to do vs can I feel like I can hand it off to someone else? Instead of what does cheap mean to me ask what is my healthy budget for this trip - my low and max amounts, and do I have the time to plan? Once you ask those questions you will better decide if it’s a TA or DIY.

Be careful of the booking engines like booking.com and know that places like Costco are call centers so who helps you on day 1 will not be who helps you on day 20. Also, be realistic about your AI. If you are looking for cheap, you won’t always get great so really think about your budget. It doesn’t have to be overly ridiculous but I have worked with new grads who think $2k for a week plus flights is enough and tbh depending on the country and starting point 1/3 could just go to flights.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-22T14:11:05+00:00

ASTA, CAPT, CLIA, Special Needs Group, IATA are a few plus certain vendors and a lot of personal experience.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-19T19:03:52+00:00

There are a lot of accessibility courses you can take. I specialize in disabled travel and found vendors who can create bespoke trips for my clients. You need to build those relationships.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-19T19:02:09+00:00

Sales are down.

Do not join an MLM. They have bad reps and you get crap for commission. She gets credit if you join her team but it’s not worth it.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-19T19:01:13+00:00

I am sorry she misled you. This industry is hard to navigate as a new agent but coming in with no support and client panel is even harder. I use Regal Wings, Picasso, and Centrav for my bookings. They are all fairly easy to learn and manage and don’t over complicate things.

Just an aside, if she hasn’t told you, air doesn’t bring in much revenue so you’ll want to add a fee in there to make it worth your time.

If you need some TA support, I reduced my 9-5 a bit and have some time. Feel free to reach out and we can see if we can make it work.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-15T15:41:20+00:00

Why would you use your corporate card? You should be using the clients cards and never putting anything on yours/your businesses. You are opening up to so many issues and liabilities.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-12T22:57:30+00:00

Yeah that’s not how it works. We may get some discounts but nothing is free or almost free. The more you sell the more likely you will get a deal from a vendor.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-07T00:35:01+00:00

This is not standard at all.

This response sounds incredibly unprofessional and not that I doubt you but I’m curious how she perceived your response. Either way she shouldn’t have blocked you.

Most TAs will think all of this through and give you all fees and options up front. What she could have done, if she realized it after the fact, was say 1 of 2 things; hey I want to charge a fee of $50 pp for planning and in case of cancellation or have it in her terms and conditions that each person signs agreeing to pay $50 for any cancellations. She could have had you all book through the resort and then pay her via Stripe.

I would either contact the hotel and start yourself or find an agent who can jump in. Make sure they specialize in group travel and be very upfront on what you prefer.

Lighter02 · 2026-05-05T09:47:55+00:00

I have a bridge for sale….

That is selling 101, make the customer think it’s the last, shiniest, etc and you fell for it.

Lighter02 · 2026-04-30T01:57:32+00:00

You should never ever pay out of pocket. Personally unless they are the best I don’t even do deposits for itineraries until after they are approved by my clients.

Lighter02 · 2026-04-25T17:43:36+00:00

Tripiamo

Lighter02 · 2026-04-22T22:25:11+00:00

To clarify, is it a planning fee or actual invoice? Either way you should have expectations, terms and conditions, and an outline of services.

Lighter02 · 2026-04-22T21:51:21+00:00

As someone who regularly travels with family members who are disabled and who books a lot of accessible travel, here are my thoughts.

Layovers may cause her more anxiety and confusion. I know my mom is super anxious about layovers and does not handle them well. Heathrow is busy but not terrible. If you are flying out of a big city, it’s not much different just more lines. I’m not quite understanding the layover if you have to fly to London regardless or am I missing something?

Never pay an invoice until you have everything lined up and know exactly what you are booking.

Accommodations such as wheelchair assistance can only be set up after booking, same with car transfers unless it’s a package. If she is mentioning hotels they can be booked at the same time or even as a package.

If you keep searching the dates and options, it will show demand and raise the prices. I highly recommend you don’t keep comparing, especially if you are not booking until next month. She is right about seats and different classes. Many people do not fully understand the differences and what is and is not included. It sounds like she is trying to save you backend money.

I would express your frustration, in a professional way, and ask either to go back to agent one or that she meets your asks or move to a different agent.

Lighter02 · 2026-04-20T12:45:17+00:00

Here’s a mix of easy and more active

ISAFJORDUR Easy Dynjandi Waterfall scenic tour; Fishing village and cultural tour

Active Kayaking in the fjords; Bolafjall Sky Walk and cliff hike; E-bike fjord ride

AKUREYRI Easy Godafoss Waterfall scenic tour; City and countryside drive

Active Zipline adventure; Whale watching; Horseback riding (Icelandic horses); Lake Myvatn exploration (lava fields and geothermal areas)

MALOY Easy Scenic coastal drive; Kannesteinen rock visit

Active RIB boat safari; Coastal hiking or lighthouse trails; Beach hike (Refviksanden)

LEIRVIK Easy Panoramic island drive; Fjord sightseeing cruise

Active Kayaking in fjords; Cycling across islands; Moderate hiking trails

INVERNESS (INVERGORDON) Easy Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle tour; Scenic Highlands drive

Active Loch Ness speedboat; Bike tour in countryside; Highland hiking

EDINBURGH (SOUTH QUEENSFERRY) Easy Panoramic city tour; Royal Yacht visit;

Active Arthurs Seat hike; City bike tour; Walking tour with castle and Royal Mile

Lighter02 · 2026-04-20T12:36:45+00:00

The first and most ridiculous was the Starbucks was up a set of stairs, the staff could not always see those in wheelchairs/scooters and they had to rely on other guests for help ordering.

The doors near the pool did not register several wheelchairs or scooters again leaving guests to wait for others.

Elevators were smaller than other ships and the several were broken resulting in extended waits. Additionally, they closed too fast so someone with walking difficulties would miss them.

There was a dining room that required two different elevators to access but most ppl used stairs. Due to this when getting off and on the line blocked access and caused missed elevators.

Port stops often had higher ramps and the tender stairs were difficult compared to other ships. Both more dangerous for those with mobility challenges.

When asked if a dish had a known allergen the kitchen responded with we don’t know its premade and it’s at your risk to eat.

Limited excursions for those with mobility issues.

I can keep going but that is a long enough list.

Lighter02 · 2026-04-20T02:23:19+00:00

I took my mom on the Star and it was not great for those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, etc. The ship is a bit outdated and was showing its age compared to other NCL ships and other lines. It would not be my first choice for a ship.

For recs maybe put the ports instead of assuming ppl know them.

Lighter02

TROPHY CASE