Category: (Book)
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Who says loyalty isn't appreciated? Follow the advice laid out in The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel and you may find yourself wallowing in the pleasures of luxury without breaking the bank--especially if you travel often and stick like glue to one company. Grateful airlines and hotels often respond to such brand loyalty with free seat or room upgrades, the first steps towards living the life of Riley at the same cost as those Joes cramped behind in coach. Widzer--with a business degree from Pepperdine, a career in marketing, and a million-mile award from his chosen airline--knows all the ropes when it comes to the business side of traveling in comfort, and explains how to ask the appropriate questions to get the desired results. If you're paying full price because you booked last minute, for example, asking for perks often gets you luxury extras. Widzer shares strategies for saving money depending on if the dollar is strong or weak; regularly obtaining airline seat, hotel room, and car rental upgrades; effectively voicing (and being compensated for) complaints, as well as knowing whom to tip when. With an appendix of travel resources, this is the book for those willing to do their homework to win the prize. --Stephanie Gold
Reap the Rewards of Customer LoyaltyReviewed by Babu, 2009-12-22
I have been a frequent flyer with a major airline for many years
and found Joel's advice and strategies
to be uncommonly simple and effective. With his advice and
recommended websites, I accelerated my
airline elite status qualification this year and feel confident
that I am paying the right fare to increase my
chances of being upgraded to first class while saving time and
money. In addition, I feel empowered
by understanding how the travel industry operates, what their true
business needs are and how to meet
those needs through sincere and loyal business relationships.
In addition, I wrote to Joel regarding advice for best holiday
travel bargains and he replied the same day
with a detailed response. I find that amazing given his demanding
travel and work schedule. This book
is perfect for individuals who find the travel industry frustrating
and are looking to forge a new and
sincere business relationship with their travel partners to reap
the just rewards of high customer loyalty.
The bedrock of this relationship is discipline and a long-term
approach.
I gave this book as a gift to friends, business executives and
entrepreneurs, who travel extensively and they
were delighted to receive it.
Straight forward no-holds-barred travel bookReviewed by Traveler's Aide, 2009-07-23
Actually, contrary to preceding review I have read on this site,
this book is one of the most straight forward, no-holds-barred
travel books that doesn't spend an unnecessary amount of time
telling you how difficult it is to travel. Rather the author tells
you how to bring the joy back to travel. The author also isn't
afraid to say stuff that could get him in trouble with the rest of
the travel industry. Like on page 260; where he states that "third
party websites do not offer a competitive advantage." "On page 24;
he says "travel providers work hard to maintain the loyalty of
their valued customers," something entirely dissimilar to most
travel writers.
It's a fast-moving book, with anecdote to support the facts and
opinions. He also offers a comprehensive index and notes on many
worthwhile websites. Each page is likely to offer something
useful.
What I like most about the book is that you get the feeling that he
actually has tried all the things he's writing about, as the book
has a rarified air of authority. The book is conversational,
opinionated, but no one can argue that this author doesn't know his
stuff. The author's travels encompassing million of miles he claims
to have travel shows when he instruct you how to deal with a
variety of situations. For example, on page 33 he provides "A
three-step approach to becoming the right customer." I don't know
any other book that has all these details in one place. I also have
Peter Greenberg's and Scott McCartney's books, which I thought were
both limited in offering actionable tips.
FYI--in reference to past posts--This review is written by someone
who doesn't know the author.
Penny Pinchers PassportReviewed by L. Miller, 2009-06-07
Good book but took one theme and expanded on it. Not sure I could do what author suggests.
GarbageReviewed by NC Reader, 2009-03-14
Can't really add to those who said that this book is full of
general anecdotes and no real specific information.
But for kicks, check out how many of the other reviews are clearly
written by the author or his shills - amazing how many people have
chosen this book - and only this book to review - and rave
about.
Pathetic.
So-soReviewed by Reader PJ, 2009-02-03
This book would be great if you are a business traveler and are allowed to keep frequent flyer miles. However, if you work for a company or public service agency that books your trips and keeps any perks for the company, this was not a helpful book. If you don't travel for business you are out of luck because the book does nothing for the average vacation traveler. It was a disappointment
