For over 30 years, Hawthorn Travel & Cruise has taken pride in providing the highest quality travel arrangements for our clients. To assist you with your next journey we would like to take you through the process that we believe gives our independent travellers the best results.

Wish list

Tell us your dream trip, don’t hold back. You may not be able to do everything but you may be surprised at some things we will be able to include.

Planning & Logistics

We cannot over emphasise the importance of this step. It can easily take 60% of the time your consultant requires and that’s before a booking has commenced. Resist making bookings on so called “Specials” as it often ends up costing more to build the rest of the itinerary around the special. Remember the small print favours the supplier’s, rarely you so ask us before you leap.

When we plan an itinerary we look at the best destination airports to fly to and from, tours, train connections, domestic flights, car pick up, drop off points etc, etc. An efficient itinerary saves time and that saves money by not having to have unnecessary overnights and air and rail sectors. At all times we are mindful of costs and include specials when we can. Picture your itinerary like building a house. You need a framework, roof, walls before you start hanging the pictures. We will ask you for a non-refundable planning fee at this stage but don’t worry it will come off the final balance of the trip.

Remember that a successful trip is when you are satisfied that there is a good balance between, cost, comfort & convenience.

Hawthorn Travel has some of the best planners in the business with years of experience and expertise. We pool consultants’ knowledge and have contacts around the world that we use for further investigation. Our contacts can do things you can’t find on the net. 

Quotes

A package tour is more straightforward and an accurate quote is usually obtainable. However when an itinerary is crafted around your wants and needs, there is so many components that often we will only give you our qualified opinion for some components. When dealing with overseas trips rates are changing constantly due to currency variations. 

The bookings

Bookings that can be made without instant purchase are usually done first; these are more often the long-haul air bookings and the key components such as a tour or cruise. These all need to be confirmed before any payments are made. Remember a travel agent generally has more flexibility than the internet and usually does not need you to book and pay at the same time.

When the major components are in place we can fill in the dots, send a progressive itinerary and advise you of payment schedules. We urge you to do all bookings with us where possible. We like to make sure all travel sectors are consecutive and that you have a roof over your head every night.

Experience tells us that unforseen events may happen whilst you are away and that sometimes changes need to be made. Things like volcanic ash, civil unrest, strikes or hospitalisation come to mind. Try and change a booking you have made on the internet whilst lying in a hospital bed. As a customer you have my mobile number if something unexpected happens. 

The accessories

Our staff will give you timely advice on visas, travel insurance, foreign exchange, baggage allowances etc. 

Documentation

This is the culmination of a lot of thought, communication, our hard work and your hard earned money. Whilst most tickets are electronic tickets these days it is important that passports, itineraries, e-tickets, frequent flyers programs etc. are in synchronized folder or wallet for your easy understanding. We will also provide details of other services, contact details as well as additional useful information. 

You should walk out of our office confident that all arrangements are well co-ordinated and the confidence that you have a professional support service that is with you every steps of the way. 

Trevor & Sonia Jones
Owner Directors since 1984