Oct 28 2008

Eric Maryanov, Pres. of All-Travel, on our Challenging Times and Emerging Opportunities

As I watch the rollercoaster ride that currently is our stock market, my 30+ years in the travel industry no longer just remind me how old I am – they’ve suddenly become a priceless knowledgebase that can save you money during these challenging times. Here are my thoughts and suggestions on what we can all do to stay afloat. A month ago I read an article about how ‘close to home destinations’ (such as theme parks) will get a boost from our volatile situation but as I glance at my world map, I realize the end of my business is nowhere in sight – people are still traveling.

You can also continue to travel (and save money doing it) but first need to realize that your savings are directly proportional to your demeanor. If you’re looking to escape the evening news and get out of town for a couple of weeks, you need to have flexible travel dates and be prepared to act quickly. This is not a time for prudent planners, nor is it a time for haste. If you take this advice and work with a travel consultant (who can wade through the hundreds of daily bargains), you’re bound to come up with a great deal. But, simply telling your consultant you want a ‘bargain’ or a ‘last minute deal’ is no longer enough – you need to have some prerequisites in mind (i.e. destinations, activities, land/cruise, etc…). If you don’t already own one, I’d suggest getting a world map.

When people hear me mention getting out of town for a ‘couple of weeks’ the reaction is usually to gawk in horror – who can possibly have that much time to take off? But if you have the days saved up or if you’re retired, we’re seeing way more bang-for-your-buck on longer voyages. On a per-day basis, 2 week cruises have been significantly cheaper but expect to see reduced deposits and cancellation periods in order to get more commitment. Might I also remind you that in this day in age, handhelds and wireless cruise ships reduce two weeks out of the office to just a few days. You are now able to stay as connected as if you were actually at your desk – trust me, I’ve done it a number of times…

My next point is a common misconception I see with clients – the blending and/or confusion between the words ‘cheaper’ and ‘better value.’ Just because something is cheap(er) does not necessarily mean it’s a ‘better value.’ Some have been asking if cruise fares will now dip lower at the last minute (1 to 2 months out); a great example of when having a travel consultant is essential. The short answer is that high-end lines will concentrate on value (same voyage price but with more extras), while Premium lines will increase last minute deals. The reason for this is that the luxury brands generally include more in their price (i.e. gratuity, offshore excursions, transfers, etc…) and don’t feel the same need to fill the ship. The Premium lines will try to reduce their rate to fill cabins, but boost the prices on everything else they can squeeze out of you.

If you’re a family traveler, squeezing into a cabin might not be an option but this is the other area we’ve seen a huge increase in value. If you’ve got the added human baggage, be sure to look into lines that offer cabins which can comfortably fit 3-4 instead of having to book a separate room for the kids.

Finally, keep in mind that the U.S. is not the only place challenged by the economic downturn – other places are feeling it and also offering bargains. We’ve seen some great deals in Europe and the Caribbean but buyer beware of Europe – the cost to cross the pond might negate the money you’re saving from the cruise booking.

To sum it up: be flexible, prepared to act quickly, and have a preconception of what you’re looking for.

Happy (All-)Travels!


Sincerely,

Eric Maryanov

About Eric Maryanov

Eric Maryanov, president of Los Angeles-based All-Travel.com, is no stranger to the travel industry – and no stranger to industry recognition. Over the past few years, All-Travel.com has won numerous awards including TravelAge West’s Trendsetter Award for Best Online Marketing Strategy and Best Agency Web Site along with the 2010 Magellan Award for Best Consumer Internet Marketing from Travel Weekly, a national publication. Most recently, they won the prestigious title of TravelAge West’s Trendsetters 2011 Best Use of Social Media at the WAVE Awards dinner held at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

In 1984 Eric Maryanov opened ALL-TRAVEL in West Los Angeles with one employee, a vision and determination to succeed in the travel industry. As the industry changed, Maryanov recognized the need to reinvent his business and responded by embracing change, new technologies and the Internet. In 1996 “.com” was added to the company name to reflect the increasing presence of the Internet to retail travel business. It's no secret that technology has revolutionized the industry and the way business is conducted. However All-Travel continues to thrive based on traditional core values of providing added value to their clients, delivering a high level of customer service by a dedicated and committed sales team, and cultivating true supplier-agency partnerships. Today, ALL-TRAVEL.com employs more than 30 people, with an office in West Los Angeles, California and has a major national and international Internet presence.

Maryanov states “We have become ‘travel marketers’ for our preferred vendors. We are not trying to be all things to all people. We have identified what we want to sell and have gone out to find those people that want that product.” The formula is clearly working. Utilizing the agency’s 10+ websites, All-Travel has risen to become one of the premier agencies in the world of online marketing.

Maryanov is a Certified Travel Counselor and has been in the travel business for over 30 years. He is a hands-on manager and is involved in the daily operations of the agency. As a published travel columnist and regular guest on local radio, his business insight is sought after by a variety of industry trade publications, such as Luxury Travel Advisor where he was recently featured on the cover. 

He is an active board member, treasurer and past vice president of the Signature Travel Network, a national co-op for retail travel companies. Additionally, he has served on several industry advisory boards including Fours Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Classic Custom Vacations, Enterprise Rental Car. Currently, he is a member of the Club Med Advisory and TravelAge West Editorial Advisory Boards as well as TAMS co-consultant.