Welcome back to the Monograms Booking Agent Program. We hope module 2 showed you how the different component s of a Monograms vacation are designed to meet the critical needs of the independent traveler easily and seamlessly. Now moving on to our goal for this module, to be able to answer this question: how does Monograms operate on an actual itinerary, in particular, Europe? 1
In this module, Traveling with Monograms: Europe we will talk about how Monograms is the only way to travel Europe Independently. From arriving at your hotel in London to getting you on your train to Paris to making sure you have a comfortable stay in Bath, Monograms ensures your clients can enjoy a European vacation without a worry. 2
QUICK MOD 2 RECAP because this knowledge will be the foundation of what we will talk about through the remainder of our time together. We talked about a few things - about the simplicity of a Monograms package for you and your client. We discussed the common denominators of what s included in a Monograms package. What are they? Choice of Hotels VIP Sightseeing Transportation Local Hosts 3
Monograms offers 2 brochures showcasing Europe, and our Exotic destinations of South America, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Let s visit Europe using our Geography books (I mean Monograms brochures). Since we know that destination is the driver for travelers, breaking the product down into relevant destination brochures, gives you a better tool to use with your clients. 4
Here we are in Europe. And you can see it doesn t get any simpler than this. You and your clients have a choice between multi-city (which often span multi-country) and single city packages. TRANSITION Now, we explained in the last course that Monograms is for those clients of yours that love the idea of an inclusive package but would prefer not to do it as a tour. But in fact, this really is a NEW way for people to tour. Because it s not the support they are adverse to, they simply PREFER to travel independently. And Monograms delivers just that. And you can choose from a package that is as short as three nights, like in London - all the way up to a five city, 15 night package. And something new and exciting for your deep water cruisers. We now have a Monograms 2 night pre or post cruise option for ships utilizing Southhampton and include ship transfers! More details to come! 5
Here s what you need to know, specifically about Europe. Local Host in each city, as your clients will have language and logistical barriers, they ll need help breaking down. City combos are the biggest sellers because they provide the most value navigating in between different European cities can be a challenge for US travelers, so when you link them up through Monograms, they see & do more with a lot less hassle. Connectors are either by first class train or flights no coach transfers And we include breakfast daily as breakfast in Europe can be expensive, plus it eats up valuable vacation time trying to figure out where to eat each morning 6
Let s take a little peek inside the layout of the Monograms vacation pages within the brochure. Our brochures are not only beautiful and easy to read but they are a powerful tool in helping you present Monograms to your clients. In the bottom left, notice the map and the day-by-day itinerary. Simple for you to point out what cities are included in the package and how they will travel in between, for this example by first-class train. In the upper right hand corner, it clearly outlines what is included in the package and a from price. This makes it easy for you to explain to your client ALL that is included in the price. And then in the lower right hand corner you have the included hotels and price box. Plus a call out with a photo of a Local Host. Remember, this aspect of the vacation is unique to Monograms. This helps make the Local Host tangible prior to travel. 7
So when does Monograms make the most sense? TRANSITION Now. when a client comes at you with this requests for transfers, meals, airfare, hotels, train tickets all of this can be solved with Monograms. Monograms is a very simple product for both the agent and the consumer. What many agents don t understand is that this is one of their strongest selling tools. look at all these different details and arrangements you, the agent, have to book. And let s not forget, you need to confirm the details of each of these arrangements with your client to ensure it is what they want. It s the only way to package these elements together? Right? Wrong we have the simple solution to this and so do you 8
Monograms. We take all of these elements and present them in a customized, preplanned itinerary for your client who wants the structure of an escorted tour but the freedom that comes with independent travel. You re all MBAs, so you know the components that make these packages great. We handle all the logistics, from handselected hotels, world-class transportation, VIP sightseeing, and of course, our Local Hosts. And did I mention that the average Monograms booking takes only 10 minutes? With an average commission of $1000? So it seems pretty clear cut to me with Monograms, you save time (and money) for your client (more on cost later) and you earn more as an agent what isn't to love? Time and money saved for your client is the true value of Monograms 9
Remember in Course 2, we talked about Why these were the key ingredients for Monograms. Because these are the elements that past travelers and prospects valued most. But how does this differ from ordinary FIT? With ordinary FIT, you need to choose (from a list) & coordinate the elements. You need to fill in the blanks, like when your clients need to meet for sightseeing. You need to pull together transfer details and build the full itinerary and invoice for your clients. Monograms does away with all of that we include all these elements and coordinate them into one booking for you and your clients. So Simple! 10
Before we dig deep into the day to day of a Monograms vacation, I want to spend a little more time on the role of the Local Host. Throughout your clients Monograms vacation, we provide them with a friendly, knowledgeable insider in each destination to offer hints and recommendations, and help them maximize every moment of their vacation. No other travel company offers this level of support. Just ask John of East End Journeys.. (read quote) These Local Hosts are a value to your clients and to you..thanks to the on-trip support. No middle of the night calls coming your way, when you put your clients on Monograms. 11
Now the Local Host sounds great, but do travelers find value in them? Yes! With 72% of respondents saying it was VERY important to them. 12
But what aspect of what they do resonates most with travelers? The most important aspects really center around recommendations & access/support, such as recommending things to see and do and arranging optional activities and excursions. 13
Because I truly believe this is the key selling p, I want to be very clear, as to the level of support the Local Host provides, wherever your clients travel with Monograms. Contact with guests upon arrival (in person or via welcome letter) Hosts a welcome meeting Personally accessible throughout the trip by phone Accompanies clients to the transfer point to their next destination This truly is unique to Monograms. Other suppliers may even try to use the same name, but it s not the same. Only Monograms offers this level of live support to your clients on trip. Plus, let me share a few examples of how our Local Hosts go above and beyond Alleigh to add hero scripts: My friend Kay and her husband Brian went to Italy with Monograms and when they 14
arrived in Sorrento, their luggage was lost. The Local Host reassured Kay that she would track down their luggage while they went out and enjoyed their sightseeing and a little shopping in Sorrento. Their luggage was found and Brian and Kay did not have to spend one precious moment of their vacation worrying about finding their luggage. Nothing else gives you, the agent peace of mind like the Local Host. As your clients will call them (not you!) should anything go wrong. But you may wonder, how often will my client really be in contact with the Local Host. You ll see as I take you through a few day-by-days, of some of our most popular packages. 14
OK, I hope your caffeinated and dialed in. This is going to go quickly, but will give you a real sense for how much support your clients get with a Monograms package. We ll start with our #1 selling package: A Week in London & Paris. Day 1 - Your clients land. They re tired. They ve never been to Heathrow. After they make their way through customs, they will be met by an airport host, who is with Monograms. They will see their name on a card and know they are in good hands. The host will lead them to the minibus for their private transfer. While true independent travelers are probably still schlepping their luggage to the taxi line, your clients are already enjoying the views of Jolly Old England. Upon arrival at the hotel, they meet the Monograms Local Host for the first (of many times). The Local Host gives them their destination guide. Now let me pause here to go into great detail about what is contained in the destination guide. I won t repeat this again but know your clients will get this level of detail in every destination guide, in every city they visit. Welcome letter A Pre-purchased excursion letter, with vouchers (if applicable) 15
Local Host Picks recommendations on what to do A London Tube map Connection information for Paris (for the Eurostar transfer) Information and timing for the city sightseeing (next day) and departure day (note: similar, applicable information will be given to all clients, in all destinations by their Local Host) Plus, just in case your clients forgot their Monograms Travel Kit, the Local Host will have a copy on hand. Then your clients check into their room and have the remainder of the day to enjoy London as they wish. Local Hosts will be on hand, in the hotel,, should they need assistance with anything, including optional excursions. 15
Day 2 your clients enjoy their included breakfast. They meet their Local Host in the lobby at 8 am who guides them to the coach for included sightseeing which will be with other Globus or Monograms travellers, to avoid high costs associated with private sightseeing and to maximize their time. But don t worry its just the ride. At the sites, it is all about them and their sightseeing! A certified local Blue Badge guide will accompany them. They will view the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall s mounted horse guards, the Prime Minister s Downing Street and Piccadilly Circus. They will have an inside visit to St. Paul s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Just four hours later, they are back at their hotel. Again, a Local Host will be on hand, and available in the hotel until 7 pm for recommendations or help with optional excursions. They enjoy London as they wish. 16
Day 3 Again, your clients enjoy an included breakfast, and their Local Hosts will be available as early as 7 am your clients enjoy London as if they d been there before, a truly independent day. But remember, we already included the must-sees, so have them customize that time! This is so easy! 17
Day 4 time to leave for Paris your clients (thanks to the great information provided by the local host) know to meet their Local Host in the lobby for their transfer. The Local Host accompanies them to St. Pancras (San Pancris) Station. During the transfer, they will be given their first class Eurostar tickets and informed of the procedures for the Eurostar check-in, boarding and arrival in Paris. Let s stop here for a moment to realize what peace of mind it is for your clients not to be guessing about the next step. Even as seasoned travellers, we can get unnerved trying to navigate international transportation, and worrying that we ll make a misstep. Monograms removes 100% of that anxiety. The Local Host will accompany your clients to the check-in barriers, and explain the procedures. Their luggage, fortunately for them, is sent along separately in bulk, so no need to schlep heavy luggage through the train station and while traveling. This is true VIP treatment! A little over two hours later, your clients will arrive in Paris! 18
Hello Paris! A mid-afternoon arrival at Gare du Nord (GAH DU NO), and your clients will be met by their Local Host at the station. She will be waiting at the end of the platform, holding a MONOGRAMS signboard. They again travel by an included Monograms transfer. At the hotel the Local Host will again give your clients a Destination Guide and confirm what hours they will be available each day at the hotel. Clients check in to their rooms and the rest of the day is at their leisure or they can ask our Local Host to assist them in booking optional excursions. 19
Day 5 - your clients enjoy their included breakfast. They meet their Local Host in the lobby at 8 am, who gets them on their way for their included sightseeing. A certified local guide will accompany them. They will see famous Parisian landmarks, such as the Latin Quarter, Napoleon s Les Invalides (Lays Inva-leed), the Opera, the Arc de Triomphe (TREE-UMPH), & Champs Elysées (shon ze lee say), an inside visit of Notre Dame Cathedral and take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Your clients will be returned to their hotel by noon to enjoy their afternoon at their leisure. Again, the Local Host will be on hand for set hours, for recommendations or help with optional excursions. 20
Day 6 Are we getting this drill down or what? They again have breakfast included to start their day off right. The Local Host is available should they need their assistance or help lining up excursions. This is a full day at leisure to enjoy Paris again, that true independent vacation with the must-sees taken care of and included. 21
Day 7 Time to depart for home! What a trip! If your clients purchased air or airport transfers with us, then we ll see them off to the airport. Reminder: Transfer information was included in the Transfer letter given with the Destination Guide again removing any uncertainty around transportation. Pick up times are usually scheduled 3 ½ to 4 hours, before their flight is estimated departure time. A local coach or private vehicle is organized to bring your clients to the airport. Your clients arrive at the airport, on time, unrushed and absolutely basking in the glow of 7 amazing days spent effortlessly in London & Paris. Thank you Monograms! 22
I want to pause here for a moment to remind you that in between all that amazing, orchestrated sightseeing and logistics, your clients were staying at some really remarkable properties, which they chose themselves. Shown here are the The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London (look at the views of Big Ben and the London Eye!) and the Pullman Montparnasse (munt par nos) in Paris, which is just 10 minutes by subway to the Eiffel Tower. 23
I ve dissected the A Week in London & Paris trip because for the past few years, this has been our top selling package. I ve included here the top selling European packages. The reason we see A Week in London & Paris and Rome, Florence & Venice as our top sellers is that multi-city packages deliver the most value for your clients, due to the expert intra-city transfers we include. Now, keep these in mind, If you are new to Monograms, these are great itineraries to start with. They are tried and true favorites, so you can rest assured that demand will be there as you get more familiar, Monograms seller already? These are a great :state of the market check. If your top sellers align with these, rest easy knowing you have a good grasp on what s popular and selling! Now let s move on to a unique itinerary. 24
I m going to spend a little time on a Monograms package that truly acts like a private tour. Over 86 years, the Globus family has perfected vacations. So we know how much time your clients should be spending in each city. Take the London York Edinburgh with Stonehenge and Bath. We know that there isn't a need to overnight in Stonehenge or Bath, but we make sure your clients see the sights. We also know that 4 nights is better spent in London than 3, 3, 3, in each city, because an extra night is needed to see more in London than say, in York. Note, that all transfers between cities will be by 1 st class express train! We also have this type of offer in Italy on our Rome, Florence, Venice. But let s focus back in on this itinerary. Your vacation begins the moment your clients arrive in London, where we can seamlessly pick them up at the airport and take them to their selected hotel. Here, they will be greeted with a warm welcome by their Local Host, who will give them a set of materials to help them become familiar with the city as well as a phone number for the Local Host in case your clients have any questions or the suggested lobby hours are not convenient for them. If your clients pre-purchased any optionals, then their vouchers will also be given to them upon check in. The rest of the day is for your clients to enjoy as they wish. 25
On Day 2, The next day, after an included breakfast, we've arranged exclusive sightseeing with a local expert that will take your clients to the must-see attractions. Morning guided sightseeing and orientation includes all of London s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married; Whitehall s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister s Downing Street; and Piccadilly Circus. Take photographs of the London Eye, and the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. Visit ST. PAUL S CATHEDRAL. The final highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. If it seems like déjà vu, you're right! Day 2 is just like the sightseeing in day 2 for a week in London and Paris but from here on out, its different 26
On Day 3, You CLIENTS will have a full day in London to explore on THEIR own more of that independent feel! Ask your Local Hosts for suggestions to make the most of the day. Consider a flight on the London Eye, a visit to Madame Tussauds celebrity wax figure exhibition, or a London pub dining experience, followed by an illumination cruise on Thames River. 27
From London, we will take you to Stonehenge on day 4. You'll stand in awe as you try to figure out the mystery behind this monument. Explore the brand-new Stonehenge Visitor Centre and walk around the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, head to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. Following a scenic drive into the heart of the city, visit the Roman Baths, built nearly 2,000 years ago. You will also have time to enjoy coffee in the famous Pump Room, or just stroll past Bath Abbey and along the Avon River. 28
Then you are off to York. To make travel as convenient as possible, we will pick you up at your London hotel and escort you to the train station. Once you arrive in York, your Local Host will pick you up at the train station, take you to your hotel, and present you with materials on the city so you can start exploring immediately, just like on a week in London and Paris. What should that say? CONSISTENCY! 29
On day 6 in York, we've arranged for you to have a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour. Your hop-on/hop-off sightseeing ticket for the City of the Dreaming Spires allows you to experience and discover in depth one of the most inspiring cities in England. Take time to admire mighty York Minster, to walk through the narrow Shambles, and perhaps take an afternoon excursion to Castle Howard, one of the grandest private residences in Britain. 30
we will pick your CLIENT up at your hotel IN York and take THEM to the train station, where THEY will catch the Express train (first-class) to Edinburgh, where THEIR Local Host will greet you at the train station and escort THEM to THEIR hotel. 31
We've arranged a sightseeing tour with a local expert who will share insider stories with you as you see the "New Town," dating to the 18th century, and the "Old Town," dominated by Edinburgh Castle. We will take you to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the "Honours of Scotland," the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles. You will also have a full day to explore on your own. Perhaps take a ghost tour of Edinburgh's Old Town or explore Holyrood Palace, Her Majesty the Queen s official residence in Scotland and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. 32
Day 9 brings a Full day at leisure to explore the vibrant Scottish capital. Your Local Host will assist you with recommendations, such as a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, setting for part of The Da Vinci Code, or an entertaining evening "Ghosts and Ghouls" walking tour of old Edinburgh. Or perhaps travel out of the city for the day to visit Loch Ness, Glen Coe, and the Highlands. 33
Day 10 another wonderful trip comes to an end. As you can see, Monograms has taken care of the details for you. Between the transportation and transfers we've included, the sightseeing and guides we've arranged, the hotels we've booked, and the breakfast we've included, all your CLIENTS have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! Imagine the stress and hassles saved by allowing us to handle the details not to mention the comfort of knowing you'll have a Local Host in each city and you've got yourself a vacation of a lifetime! Hopefully, you can see how 4 nights in London vs 3 for all cities helps create a better experience for your clients. No need to have them overnight in Stonehenge when they can enjoy another night in London! No need for 3 nights in York when 2 is all you need! 34
After a great look at why Monograms fulfills that independent traveler niche, Let s do a little reminder of how you benefit when you become and MBA and sell Monograms. In addition to earning TADs & Preferred Points Review avg booking takes 10 minutes (online and call-in) Review avg commission is nearly $1,000 (aggregating commission too) 50% off anytime, anywhere after your first booking. 35
And here are the perks of this program once again. 50% off Monograms. Anywhere. Anytime. 36
As you ve learned in this module, Monograms operates like a well oiled machine in Europe, from getting your clients to their inside visits to included breakfast daily. It s the little things that really matter with Monograms Next up: Traveling with Monograms: Exotics. did you know that your clients can enjoy Monograms outside of Europe? Monograms operates all across the world and this module will tell you everything you need to know on how she operates. 37
Thank you for taking the time to complete this online module today. You re on your way to becoming an MBA a Monograms Booking Agent and Independent Travel Specialist. For questions please contact Inside Sales: 866.270.9850 See you soon! 38