Interview Summary: Mark Murphy with Frankie of Frankie Travel
Current Travel Trends in Europe
Frankie, a British-born travel advisor, noted that Europe remains a hot destination since COVID, with Italy experiencing a particularly massive boom in tourism, especially this year during the Jubilee. While discussing Europe's appeal due to its history, architecture, culture, and food, they also addressed concerns about freedom of speech issues in European countries. Frankie assured that while these issues might be concerning for citizens, tourists have little to worry about.
Travel Planning Advice
Frankie emphasized the importance of realistic planning:
* Advises against trying to visit too many destinations in a short time (e.g., "London, Scotland, and Paris in 7 days").
* Recommends concentrating on one destination to truly immerse in the experience (maximum two countries if they're near each other).
* Highlights the time cost of transit, hotel check-outs/check-ins, and transfers.
* Notes travelers often underestimate airfare costs to Europe (currently around $3,000 for two people in economy).
Alternative to Flying: Ocean Crossings
When discussing travel to England, Frankie suggested an interesting alternative to flying:
* Cunard's QNOT (Queen Mary 2) offers transatlantic crossings from New York to Southampton.
* The only cruise line that allows pets (with kennels and caretakers).
* Costs approximately $4,000 for a balcony cabin (significantly less than business class airfare).
* Takes about 7 days and helps avoid jet lag through gradual time changes.
* Offers enrichment activities, lectures, and a planetarium.
UK Travel Insights
Frankie advised that beyond London, travelers should explore:
* The Lake District (near Liverpool).
* Bath and the Cotswolds.
* Wales with its coastal castles.
* Small villages to meet "real" locals.
* Scotland and Ireland (noting the Irish are "some of the friendliest and funniest people").
Value of Using a Travel Advisor
A significant portion of the interview highlighted why travelers should use advisors rather than booking directly:
* Access to unpublished airfares and contracted hotel rates through package deals.
* Special perks like complimentary private drivers (through consortium memberships like Signature Travel Network).
* Credit card benefits (AmEx Platinum perks that aren't available when booking direct).
* Emergency assistance during travel via WhatsApp.
* Preparation for potential issues (like driver shortages).
* DMCs (Destination Management Companies) with expert local knowledge and connections.
Luxury Travel Pricing
Frankie shared insights on luxury travel costs:
* A two-week luxury Italy honeymoon with private drivers, 5-star hotels, and unique experiences cost approximately $30,000 (excluding airfare).
* Working with specialized DMCs like "Travelive" for high-end experiences.
* Tailoring experiences to client preferences (e.g., arranging a private boat instead of car transfer when a client felt carsick).
Client Matching Philosophy
Frankie emphasized the importance of matching clients to the right products:
* Asking detailed questions about preferred experiences before making recommendations.
* Shared an example of steering a client from Sandals to Zoetry based on their desire for a quiet, zen-like experience.
* Encouraging clients to be realistic about budgets and expectations.
* Working with clients' schedules to access better deals and perks.
The interview concluded with Frankie reiterating her commitment to finding the right travel experience for each client, highlighting that there's "a product for everybody" rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
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