I-DARE SERVICES

5 UNKNOWN TRUTHS ABOUT TRAVEL AGENTS

2014-10-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I did a write up captioned ‘who needs a travel agent’ on this blog some years back but today I have decided to make an extension to that write up. When you mention the phrase ‘travel agent’ to some people they are always quick to answer back ‘not me’. This is mainly due to the feeling that in this age of technology, they can do just about anything that has to do with their travel plans online. This opinion is not always true and the reasons below will justify it.

1) I can always make my booking online without using an agent

Yes I will say but you will most probably not be booking the same thing that your agent will book. Simply put, your agent is like a teacher, who has studied virtually all the topics in your year textbook while you are the student that will only study the topic the teacher presents to you per time. While your gaze at a time is limited to what you want, you agent’s gaze is broader and equally more fascinating than yours. These he or she can bring into your plans if allowed. Coupled with the fact that if you book it yourself you’re just a reference number and there is no special desire to help you out if or when the need arises. When you're stranded because of a cancelled or delayed flight, there's nothing like e-mailing or texting your travel agent to get you on another flight as they can often do it much faster than the airline.

2) I do get cheaper prices online than through my travel agent.

YES, you might be right but like a writer puts it ‘it's not what you pay walking in the door, it's what you pay when you leave’. Frankly, the initial ticket fee might look cheaper on the face value but what does your total bill come to after you miss a flight, have to change your date, need to do a refund, have to do an upgrade or need to cancel the booking outright. The personal relationship built over the years with your travel agent will be a pool of goodwill that you can draw from in such a situation.

3) Travel agents steer you to options that get them higher commission.

This is not necessarily true especially in this age of zero commission on most travel product. Also, since your preference altogether overrides your travel agent’s interest, steering you towards any preferred option will be suicidal for business. What an agent simply does is to match by developing a good relationship with his or her client which helps in creating exactly what their taste is.

4) Travel agents charge service charge.

Yes sometimes. Since it can take so long, sometimes week, in putting together an itinerary that is quite complicated, the need for service charge arises just to pay for their time. In attempting to meet a client’s need, you could go back and forth for several weeks before the deal is finally settled.

5) All travel consultants are the same.

I am tempted to make this my number one point as this is the most prominent error of opinion that people have about travel agents. As a traveler, your need and desires will determine who your agent will be. Not all travel agents can package tours for instant or have full grasp of the industry rules and regulations. Knowing what you want will greatly affect who your choice of agent will be but trust me, there is a travel agent out there that can serve you efficiently and professionally.

I-DARE SERVICES: 5 ways to keep kids busy during a flight delay or layover

2014-10-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

I-DARE SERVICES: 5 ways to keep kids busy during a flight delay or layover

HERE COMES SUMMER 2014

2014-06-02T04:35:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone,
* Are you looking for a get-away holiday destination for you and your family?
* Have you been to Dubai but never really experienced the emirates?
* Are you looking for a credible holiday destination alternative to Europe and America?
* Are you in search of a really real holiday?

                    HERE COMES DUBAI AND ABU-DHABI

Come experience the thrill and frills of the emirates with I-DARE SERVICES as we present to you a well thought out and planned tour package to the Emirates for summer 2014.

Our tours are both on and off the rack hence it gives our clients the flexibility of dates, tour and hotel choice.

The tour package includes but not limited to
# Air flight- Emirates, Ethiad or Ethiopia Airline.
# Hotel accommodation - 2, 3 4 or 5 star hotel options.
# Airport transfers both to and fro with meet and greet service (private).
# Airport transfer in Lagos, Nigeria (private).
# Emirates Visa.
# One or all of the below tours.
   * Traditional dhow cruise
   * Dinner at the Burg al Arab Hotel
   * Desert safari
                 * Half day city tour
                 * Dubai shopping tours
                 * Ferrari world Abu-Dhabi

To be a part of this beautiful experience, please call peju on 08028900411 or email idareservices@yahoo.com. You cal also fill our contact us form at idareservices.com.ng. Bet you'll be glad you did.
NOTE: All our tours are inclusive of pick up from the hotel and back. Terms and conditions apply

2014-02-19T10:23:00.003-08:00

SUMMER 2014

2014-02-13T02:52:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Summer 2014 is around the corner and the very smart travelers have started planning. The question is have you?
Early planning is important for summer travel since its iften a family holiday time and if planning early will save you a couple of tens of thousand on each family member multiply by 4,5 or 6 as the case may be, believe me it's a huge savings.

To join you in the early planning process, whether it's Atlanta, Nweyork, London or Dubai, please call peju on 08028900411 or email idareservices@yahoo.com. You'll be glad you did. Cheers.

PROMO ON VIRGIN AND BA

2014-02-13T02:17:00.003-08:00

There is an ongoing promo on both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways on economy and premium economy classes.

TICKET VALIDITY :12 MONTHS

MINIMUM STAY :3 DAYS

NON REFUNDABLE

DATE CHANGE FEE 125DOLLARS

TRAVEL DATE- UP TILL 31ST MARCH

TICKET DATE-28 FEB

***Fare is subject to availability.

Interested please call PEJU of -DARE SERVICES on 08028900411.

NEW VIRGIN PROMO

2012-08-01T03:20:00.002-07:00

Hi all,
            Do you still intend to travel to the united kingdom this month of August, then you'll have it on this new promo from virgin atlantic

FIRST OUTBOUND DATE 01 AUG
LAST OUTBOUND DATE 31 AUG
LAST DATE TO TICKET    10 AUG
TICKET VALIDITY             1 YEAR
ECONOMY FARE WEEKDAY (BASIC) 559 AND 629 DOLLARS*
ECONOMY FARE WEEKEND (BASIC) 599 AND 669 DOLLARS*
PREMIUM FARE WEEKDAY (BASIC) 999 AND 1039 DOLLARS*

* Please note that fare is without taxes.
Interested, pls call Peju on 08028900411 or email idareservices@yahoo.com

British boy sneaks onto Rome flight without passport

2012-07-25T14:45:00.002-07:00

Britain's Manchester Airport launched an urgent investigation Wednesday after an 11-year-old boy managed to slip through security and fly to Rome without a passport or ticket.

Liam Corcoran walked through security checks without showing any documentation and successfully boarded a Jet2.com flight to the Italian capital on Tuesday, the airport in north-west England admitted.

He was scanned by security staff but they did not notice his lack of a passport and boarding pass as he mingled with a family boarding the plane, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Passengers noticed halfway through the flight that the boy was alone and alerted the cabin crew.

"This extremely serious matter is now being urgently investigated by officials from the airport and airline," an airport spokesman said.
"It is clear that documentation has not been checked correctly at security and the boarding gate. The boy went through full security screening so the safety of passengers and the aircraft was never compromised."
Several staff from Manchester Airport and Jet2.com have been suspended while the investigation takes place.
The incident comes as some two million people head to Britain for the Olympic Games, which open in London on Friday.
Security at the Games has been under the spotlight after Britain was forced to deploy an extra 4,700 troops to guard venues following a recruitment meltdown at a private security contractor.

An airport spokesman said Liam stayed onboard the plane after it landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport and returned on the same plane to Manchester, where he was met by his mother.

The Manchester Evening News said he had run away from his mother during a shopping trip at the city's Wythenshawe Civic Centre and travelled to the airport on his own.

Courtesy yahoo news

2012-06-30T09:20:00.003-07:00

5 ways to keep kids busy during a flight delay or layover

2012-06-29T15:08:00.002-07:00

Courtesy of Aeroports de Paris

Some airports, such as Paris-Orly, provide spaces for kids to burn off energy before boarding a plane.

Being stuck in the boarding area with kids in tow can be challenging: You’re exhausted after the schlep through security, and you don’t want to run through your kids’ in-flight entertainment before you leave the ground.

Here are some ideas for keeping your children entertained if you have a flight delay or long layover.

Stock up: This is the time to buy snacks and milk (which is not stocked on many domestic airlines) for the flight.
Get your jiggles out: Find a quiet gate area and encourage your kids to play jumping games (for example, who can jump the most times in one minute) and relay races. You might get a few wide-eyed looks, but wouldn’t you prefer to get them here than at cruising altitude?
Go on a scavenger hunt: Even if you are in an unfamiliar airport, it doesn’t take too much effort to dream up a scavenger hunt that would send you and your kids on a fun adventure. In London, for example, you might ask them to find a toy London bus, a picture of the queen, and a “W.C.”
Ask for information: More and more airports have playgrounds or interesting art displays that kids would enjoy. Some have activity books to give to young visitors. The best way to find out is at the airport’s information desk.
Use the bathroom: I know more than one parent whose fully potty trained child has refused to use the airplane bathroom (and really, who can blame them?). The best way to avoid an in-flight accident is to make everyone visit the restroom before you fly.

courtesy msnbc.com

DELTA AIRLINES INCREDIBLE SALES!!!!!!

2012-06-26T05:40:00.001-07:00

Do you wish to travel to the United States of America for Summer 2012? Now is the time to buy your ticket as Delta airline is making it possible with their on going sales.

TRAVEL PERIOD 30AUG 2012!!!!!

TICKET VALIDITY 3 MONTHS

SALES PERIOD 01JUL

FARE - CHEAPER THAN EXPECTED

Please call Peju on 08028900411 as fare is subject to availability.

AND BRITISH AIRWAYS ALSO

2012-06-26T05:15:00.001-07:00

Re-loaded fares on British Airways also from Lagos and Abuja to London Heathrow

LAST TRAVEL DATE 03JUL
VALIDITY 12 MONTHS
SALES PERIOD 29JUN 2012
FARE O CLASS LAGOS 489 DOLLARS
ABUJA 439 DOLLARS

FARE Q CLASS LAGOS 539 DOLLARS
ABUJA 489 DOLLARS

Interested, please call Peju on 08028900411.
* Rates are without taxes and subject to availability.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC PROMO RELOADED

2012-06-17T02:06:00.002-07:00

Did you miss on the last promo? here is another opportunity from virgin atlantic.

LAST TRAVEL DATE: 03 JULY 2012
VALIDITY: 1 YEAR
DATE CHANGE FEE: 125 DOLLARS
BASIC FARE: 489 DOLLARS/529 DOLLARS
SALES PERIOD: 27JUNE 2012

Interested, call peju on 08028900411 for prompt attention.

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2012

2012-06-15T06:09:00.003-07:00

Hi all,
Sure you must be preparing for your usual time off for summer holiday this year, whereever you choose to travel to however, please know that starting your travel plans early is the most important desicion you will be making if you are interested in having an enjoyable holiday which I believe you do. No one wants to get to the airport only to notice that the international passport of one member of the family expired a week before your travel dates. Let's start now, it's not too early,
Cheers.

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

2012-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

London olympics is less than 100 days away since it will start on 27th July. Should you however want to be at the olympics or want to visit England for summer 2012 or even both, it is advised that you plan your travel ahead of time as travel tickets, airport transfers, tour tickets and every other olympic attractions tickets will be quite expensive as we get closer to the D-day.The time to start is now, call peju on 08028900411

GOOD NEWS FROM VIRGIN

2012-04-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Good news is here on virgin atlantic, you can now carry your two boxes of 23kg each as your free baggage allowance as against the proposed decision of just one piece of 23kg a while ago so if you love flying virgin atlantic, you can actually fly virgin atlantic.

CHEAP TICKETS TO LONDON

2012-04-24T15:04:00.002-07:00

If you want to fly to london for less than usual between 01 may and 14 june, these two airlines are giving you the opportunity.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

OUTBOUND TRAVEL DATES 01MAY TO 14 JUNE
VALIDITY 1 YEAR
TICKET ISSUANCE 15MAY

ECONOMY WEEKDAY 319 DOLLARS
ECONOMY WEEKEND 359 DOLLARS

ECONOMY 2 WEEKDAY 384 DOLLARS
ECONOMY 2 WEEKEND 424 DOLLARS

PREMIUM ECONOMY WEEKDAY 819 DOLLARS
PREMIUM ECONOMY WEEKEND 859 DOLLARS

UPPER CLASS 2360 DOLLARS

BRITISH AIRWAYS

OUTBOUND TRAVEL DATES 01MAY TO 14 JUNE
VALIDITY 1 YEAR
TICKET ISSUANCE 15MAY

ECONOMY 319 DOLLARS

ECONOMY 2 384 DOLLARS

PREMIUM ECONOMY 819 DOLLARS

BUSINESS CLASS 2360 DOLLARS

If you're interested in any of these fares, please call peju on 08028900411
*All fares are excluding of taxes and any other required fee

HERE COMES AIR NIGERIA

2012-04-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Have you waited patiently for the 'resurection' of Air Nigeria formally known as Virgin Nigeria on your long haul segments? your wait has just ended has Air Nigeria is set to resume its flight on LAGOS LONDON route. Below is the details of the flights as planned

LAGOS LONDON
RESUME 16th MAY 2012
FLIES MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY OUT OF LAGOS BY 2350HRS
FLIES TEUSDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY OUT OF LONDON BY1050HRS
FARE 134,722 (subject to availability)
If you have missed the Nigerian spirit in this company, please call peju on 08028900411

TOUR TO GAMBIA

2012-04-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

This is Gambia, the smallest country in mainland africa with more than enough tourist attractions anyday. For a trip to Gambia that will wow you, from your travel ticket, hotel accommodation, airport transfers and tour site tickets, your holiday will surely be memorable.

We promise to spoil you, call us on 08028900411

FARE DISPARITY, NIGERIA AND GHANA - IT'S TIME FOR ANSWERS

2012-03-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

                Until recently, that's about a week ago, I thought no one knew there was any disparity in fares charged on some airlines from Nigeria as against Ghana. This view was however laid to rest when the honourable house in Nigeria started a debate on it. Honestly, I do not know if the responsibility of talking about this issue is theirs but I agree it's time we ask questions and get answers. I have made a compilation of some fares on the two routes and I leave you to spot the difference, it's not so difficult to spot though.

BRITISH AIRWAYS
                        LAGOS - LONDON - LAGOS                      ACCRA - LONDON - ACCRA
                         *NUC /TOTAL FARE IN NAIRA               *NUC/ TOTAL FARE IN NAIRA
T CLASS                174,192/297,770                                               87,968/211,990
I CLASS                499,117/657,012                                               183,068/337,840
D CLASS               715,469/884,182                                                480,731/650,387
J CLASS               973,349/1,154,956                                             655,556/833,952

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
K CLASS               169,437/292,778                                                  87,968/211990
Z CLASS                507,042/665,333                                                 183,068/337,840
D CLASS              731,319/900,824                                                  480,731/650,387
J CLASS               989,199/1,171,598                                               655,556/833,952

                           It is however instructive to note that the economy fares of these airlines are the same from both Lagos and Accra. This therefore makes one wonder if these exorbitant fares charged on the higher classes (premium economy to first class) is not as a result of the fact that they believe Nigeria has more (free) money than Ghana.
                         Whatever their reason(s) though, it's time to get some answers, they owe us that much.
*NUC-This is the actual ticket fare without the taxes paid to government

WILL ONE PIECE DO IT?

2012-03-18T08:11:00.001-07:00

Have you heard? You might not be able to carry more than one piece of 23kg on your next flight out of Nigeria? This I bet is news to most people but courtesy airlines like Virgin Atlantic, you might have to reconsider what to take with you on your next flight.
I have tried to think of why any airline should make any decision like this especially on a Nigerian route and I have easily come to my answer, the need to make more money. A lot of Nigerians reading this piece will probably say "serves them right, they really can pack rubbish you know". This sort of line is what kept me thinking and asking, why wont a piece of 23kg do it for most Nigerian travellers? This is simple, most Nigerians are family visitors. If you look at the percentage of people travelling abroad in Nigeria, I'll safely say that 90% of them are family travellers, you don't go visiting families and not bring souveniers do you. Anyway, I think the time when we will begin to appraise our choice of things to pack and not to pack is right here.

Below is an update of the baggage news on some airlines

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Economy- One checked in bag (23kg)   FREE
Premium Economy- Two checked in bags FREE
Upper Class - Three checked in bags FREE

EXTRA BAGS
          1st extra checked in bag (23kg) 48 dollars if bought online/60 dollars if bought at the airport.
          2nd extra checked in bag (23kg) 112 dollars if bought online/140dollars if bought at the airport*
*This price also apply to other susequent bags

BRITISH AIRWAYS
Economy - 2 checked in bags (23kg each) FREE
Premium - 2 checked in bags (23kg each) FREE
Business - 2 checked in bags (32kg each) FREE
First - 3 checked in bags (32kg each) FREE

EXTRA BAGS
1ST extra bag (23kg) - 119 dollars*
*This price also apply to subsequent bags

IDARE SERVICES: SA DEPORTATION OF NIGERIANS - IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD...

2012-03-13T05:12:00.001-07:00

IDARE SERVICES: SA DEPORTATION OF NIGERIANS - IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD...: When it was reported that South Africa deported over one hundred Nigerians last week there was so much out cry against the decision of...

SA DEPORTATION OF NIGERIANS - IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD

2012-03-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

When it was reported that South Africa deported over one hundred Nigerians last week there was so much out cry against the decision of the South African government. A lot as been said about this issue but I want to comment as a travel consultant based in Nigeria.
                      It is a known fact that South Africa requests for yellow fever vaccination card from Nigerians travelling to their country. This has gone on for so long that I do not understand what the uproar is about. In my opinion, the issue is not about whether it is right or wrong for SA to make whatever request they desire of Nigerians, it is rather about the way Nigerians flout every known orders given to them. To get a yellow fever vaccination card in Nigeria, you only have to go to the airport on a day that there is a Johannesburg bound flight. This I feel is wrong and criminal but since we've done it for so long without any repercussion(s), we have all collectively assumed it is right.
                    If it is "wrong" for SA to make this request of us, I wonder why it took our government and all her officials, who have been granting interviews all around, the deportation of over a hundred people for them to notice it is wrong, perhaps they buy their own yellow fever vaccination card at the airport also.
                    I am not in any way saying what SA did to Nigerians is right but I think morally, we have failed as much as they have failed, if not more.
                     If you must enter USA, no matter your nationality if your country is visa free, you fill the ESTA form, simple, that's their rule, you either abide by it or you get turned back.

LESSON: To my readers and clients alike, it is necessary that you have correct and genuine documentation(s) for any country you are travelling to as the fact that you have your visa does not give you automatic entry into that country. lol

LET'S MAKE YOUR JOURNEY ABROAD AN EXPERIENCE

2012-01-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

Just as many of us are getting ready to make one trip or the other abroad, we at I-DARE SERVICES offer to turn your travel from just a journey to an experience by taking up ALL of your travel needs from here to there and back.

We like most agencies give travel advice, visa and ticket help. Our service however goes beyond here, we help with other nitty gritty of your travel like checking in, transfer to and from airports both in nigeria and any country on your itinerary, options on places of interest in your cities of travel with priority tickets to such attractions. IN ONE WORD, WE'RE WITH YOU ALL THE WHILE.

Check out our products on www.idareservices.com.ng
Contact us on +2348028900411 or idareservices@yahoo.com

CHEAP TICKETS TO UK TILL 14FEB

2012-01-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

VIRGIN ATLANTIC AND BRITISH AIRWAYS PROMO:
OUTBOUND TRAVEL DATE: TILL 14 JUN 2012
VALIDITY: 12 MONTHS
DATE CHANGE FEE: 125 DOLLARS
FARE: 349 DOLLARS
TICKET ISSUANCE: 14 FEB

WHO WE ARE: We are a travel service company that believes in excellent customer service.
Our Travel is mostly targeted at knowledge acquisition hence our slogan "knowing your world while having fun".We provide individual and group travel service to both leisure and corporate clients. The added value I-DARE SERVICES offer is her knowledge and expertise, competitive rates and focused individual attention on each of our clients which translates into increased satisfaction for our customers.Our service provision is broadly divided into three main parts, TRAVEL, TOURS and CRUISE.