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I like to think of myself as a facilitator of travel in Turkey (and a few other places). Along with my Turkish agents (Equinox Travel), we can handle virtually any possible program there. Whether you’re planning an international convention, a family vacation, or a weekend escape for two—we can help you from the beginning or merely apply the final polish to your program.
My compensation is based not on commissions, but on the time-based fees I charge for my services. This keeps me impartial and makes me a better consumer of services on behalf of my clients. Especially with small yacht charters, this saves clients significant sums: we find you the boats, many of which are never marketed through agencies. Usually, we pay the Turkish boat owners directly. You can buy as much or as little of my time as you like. Perhaps you’ve found an el cheapo package tour and want to know how to mold it to your own style and particular interests. I’ll vet it for you and help you get the most for your money—even if most of that money is being spent with someone other than me. Are you a travel agent or a tour developer for a museum or other institution? Do you have individual clients who need special arrangements? There are many ways we can cooperate. Always, I offer you and your clients my years of experience and meticulous attention to detail. Although recent travel writing has tended to emphasize Turkey’s western coast, inland areas are equally fascinating and accessible. I have no "canned" tours or slick brochures, but will provide sample itineraries from past tours to current clients. I can make recommendations for books and Web sites on the arts, cultures, and cuisines of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Consulting (in the U.S.)
Initial phone consultation (up to 15 minutes): FREE.
If you’d like to work with me, I ask for a $100 deposit before I suggest or make any arrangements for you. You may mail me a check, or use the PayPal button below for the deposit. I’ll also need your email contacts, a physical address, and phone & fax numbers. After our initial phone acquaintance, we’ll set up mutually convenient times to discuss your needs. Using electronic mail saves lots of time. My address is: hollychase@verizon.net I ask for a retainer fee from all new clients. It will vary, depending on the complexity of your requirements. For example: the customary arrangements for a party of 2-12 travelling together, for a two-week tour with a sailboat and land program, take roughly 8-12 hours of my time at $100.00 per hour, plus incidental costs, e.g. FedEx. In such a case, I’d ask for a tour-planning retainer of $800.00. (If you’d like a point of comparison, $600-$700 is an average per person deposit for a typical museum tour to Turkey.) On the other hand, if you are making most of your own arrangements and just want to check some details with me—the initial deposit of $100 for the first hour may suffice. I meticulously track of incidental expenses and time (by the minute). You’ll receive itemized invoice-statements against funds you have advanced to me. Of course, any excess advance will be promptly refunded when all your arrangements are in place. My consulting retainer, as well as any yacht or hotel deposits are fully insurable with a simple trip cancellation policy, sent to you upon request. Just calculate the dollar amount of any sums you have "at risk" and wish to have refunded should you have to cancel your trip. (You may use the insurer I suggest even if you do not contract for my services.)
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| Yacht Charters | Guiding | Send Mail | Holly Chase Home |