THE WORLD IS WAITING
MEET MARGARET
I am an independent contractor with Brownell Travel, the oldest travel agency in North America. Brownell is associated with the world’s best cruise lines, hotels, resorts, tour operators and destination management companies and has deep, long-time relationships with the very best luxury travel companies in the world.
Working with Brownell affords my clients every advantage of the preferred partner programs and affinity clubs that are important to my clients. This all translates into very special VIP treatment, benefits, access, amenities and savings for you. These programs offer my clients rare and exclusive opportunities not available by booking directly on travel websites or even through other agencies.
Our travel partners welcome my guests with personalized service and treat them as welcomed friends, not just reservations.
Additionally, Brownell is a Virtuoso Member. Virtuoso is the travel industry’s leading luxury network. And by being a Virtuoso agent, I specialize in creating unique experiences you simply cannot find online or plan yourself. Virtuoso’s connections to properties and itineraries around the world are unparalleled.
Virtuoso benefits can vary by property and experience, but generally my clients receive preferred rates at hotels, upgrades upon arrival (if available), spa credits, daily breakfast for two and early check-in/late checkout.
If a very unique and one of a kind travel experience is what you are looking for, I am here to help! I would love to help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
WHAT USING MY SERVICES AFFORDS YOU...
A WORLDWIDE KNOWLEDGE
Over the last 30+ years, I have traveled extensively throughout the world in order to grow my knowledge as Travel Advisor. I have scouted out the best hotels, deepened relationships with amazing tour guides and maître d's and created a firsthand insight into destinations for travelers just like you.
FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE
When planning your getaway, expect customized itineraries and insider access across the globe. As your Travel Advisor, I will work to secure special insider benefits, including exclusive hotel amenities such as preferred rates and availability, room upgrades, and plenty of extras like spa treatments and dining credits.
YOUR TRAVEL STYLE
Through our “Discover More” process, I’ll begin to better understand your travel style. Whether it’s taking a cooking class or simply lounging by the pool, I will work directly with you in order to customize an experience that fits your travel style and interests.
FROM THE ORDINARY TO THE EXTRAORDINARY
I specialize in helping you take a creative approach to your travel, thinking outside of the box about where to go and what to do. You can count on my recommendations for hot new destinations, and new ways to experience places you’ve already visited, to make your trip the journey of a lifetime.
YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL CONCIERGE
If any problems occur away from home, consider me your personal help line and travel “fixer.” I will always be just a phone call away and ready to use my vast knowledge and know-how to quickly turn things around for the better. With my access to industry VIP hotlines, I can smooth out any "bumps" that may occur during your travels.
THE BROWNELL TRAVEL
“DISCOVER MORE” PROCESS
Travel Made Easy
DISCOVER
You have your heart set on taking a trip,
so what’s next?
As a partner of Brownell Travel, I will share with you the benefit of their worldwide connections and travel planning. We will start the process with all new bookings with a “Discover More” call. The more I understand about you and your travel companions, the better I can design an experience that is right for you all. I will want to learn from your past experiences – what worked for you and what didn’t, and what you want this trip to look like. This process can be as collaborative as you like – Some clients prefer being very involved in creating their travel plans, while others like to hand over the reins and let me do all the research and planning.
DESIGN
This is where I shine!
Based on our initial conversations, I think creatively and work hard to design an experience that is perfect for you. I will then present you with a proposed itinerary including where to stay and the best ways to see and experience everything you want.
BOOKING
Let’s get going!
Once we have agreed on all of the details and budget, we will begin the booking process. I will inform you of all costs, deposit requirements, cancellation policies and so on. And when it makes sense, I will check several booking sources in order to bring the best value to you.
EXPERIENCE
Now it’s time to enjoy!
I will confirm all reservations prior to your departure to ensure smooth sailing throughout your trip. If you are staying with a preferred partner, we will notify them that a VIP will be staying with them so that they may attend to any special arrangements we have made or need to be made. While you are enjoying your hard-earned time away, I am always available for any bumps in the road.
SHARE
Tell me all about your trip!
Upon your return, I really want to hear how much you LOVED your time away. Your feedback is appreciated so that I can know how I am doing and can relive your trip with you! Even though I am not physically traveling with you, I am just as excited about your experience as you are.
FAQ‘S
Travel Made Easy
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHEN WE FIRST START WORKING TOGETHER ON A TRIP?
By asking yourself the following questions and providing me with the answers, I can get a better feel for the essence you seek on your next adventure: How do you want to feel on this trip, and when you come home? What do you value and prioritize? What are some past experiences you have loved and have not loved? Once you’re able to provide us with the information above, we will offer some ideas and start discussing the logistics.
WHY SHOULD I PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO PLAN MY TRIP?
It's free if I do it myself! It can take many hours to research a trip and to plan it just the way you want it. A travel advisor, has many resources and is able get you better results, and potentially save you money. Not only will the experience be more meaningful, the planning will also be a much less stressful and time consuming endeavor for you. Through Brownell’s status as a preferred partner with virtually every luxury travel provider in the world, I am able to offer my clients preferred rates, amenities, upgrades, VIP status and credits that you cannot access on your own through the Internet or by booking direct.
DOES IT COST MORE TO USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
While I do charge a nominal fee for the time I spend researching and planning your trip, I have a relationship with our partners and suppliers and my hosting agency, Brownell Travel is a top producer with them. Not only does this give me buying power, it also gives my customers the added advantage of benefiting from these relationships. We are members of virtually every affinity club and preferred partner program. This translates into very special treatment, benefits, access, amenities and savings for you. These programs offer my clients rare and exclusive opportunities not available by booking directly through websites, such as Expedia and Travelocity, or through other travel agencies. Very often, clients find that they more than make up the planning fee in the discounts, food and beverage credits, extra amenities and value-adds that I am able to offer.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A BIG BUDGET TO WORK WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
The short answer is… No! If you consider travel an investment in life and you value the experiences and memories that travel brings, then you will find great value in working with me. I plan trips according to your budget and respect the fact that your hard earned dollars are being spent on a very special journey.
WHAT KIND OF TRIPS SHOULD I BOOK WITH A TRAVEL CONSULTANT?
While I don’t try to be an expert in everything, I do plan a wide variety of trips. Here is a small sample of the type of travel experiences I can create in collaboration with clients.
> Family Travel
> Multigenerational Travel
> Unique Honeymoons that are not “cookie cutter” packages
> Your “Trip-of-a-Lifetime”
> Around-the-World Journeys
> African Safaris
> Private Jet Travel
> Hotel Bookings at boutique and luxury properties
> Vacation stays at luxury villas
> Cruises and Sailing trips
SHOULD I USE MARGARET PRATT TRAVEL FOR HOTEL STAYS?
Of course! I never want you to feel like you are “bothering” me for a hotel request. It is my privilege and pleasure to manage your travel reservations. I will still confirm your reservation before departure and communicate to the individual property that we have a VIP coming to ensure you have the wonderful benefits available.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WHILE I’M TRAVELING?
What happens if your flight gets canceled or the property loses your reservation or another more serious emergency? All these things can cost you money and time and cause you stress. I am just a phone call, text or email away and can help you work through the issue.
DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes, always—you never know when you could miss a step, lose your luggage or, heaven forbid, have a family emergency. Even if you only opt for the extra medical coverage, travel insurance is always a good idea.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL APPS?
Currency and time converters are extremely helpful! Be sure to download apps that work offline. In particular, the Google translate app has helped us solve many unclear moments abroad.
HOW SHOULD I TIP?
In most countries, it's custom to tip 10 percent. It's helpful to think about this in advance, so you can avoid awkward moments with your guide, driver, etc.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR AN INTERNATIONAL PHONE PLAN IN PREPARATION FOR MY TRIP?
International phone plans vary greatly by carrier and by the plan you currently have, so it's important to call your provider to find the best fit for you. Most mobile companies offer competitive plans these days. Also, don't forget that you can often use Skype, What's App or FaceTime if you have wifi access. These are easy to download and to use, and are very inexpensive or free.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
This depends on your destination. Check with your doctor and the CDC to be sure.
DO I NEED TO BRING AN ELECTRICAL ADAPTER?
Most luxury hotels will lend you one for your stay if they don't offer American plugs.
Fees
After our "Discover More" meeting, I will be happy to send you a detailed list of my fee structure. But, some of the many perks you receive when you book through me are access to deeply discounted fares, my access to hotlines where any bumps in the road can be resolved quickly, and my personal relationships with vendors over the past 30 plus years and more!
