Let's go right to the list of benefits . . .
The financial benefits in the form of client discounts
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 12 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $200 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 9 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $150 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 6 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $100 discount off the price of your trip.
When you send in your deposit and enrollment form at least 4 calendar months before the trip starts, you will receive a $50 discount off the price of your trip.
Places on hold: I am sometimes asked or offer to hold a place on a trip for a client. I've no problem with that but do please note that all early enrollment discounts only apply from the date your deposit was mailed, or paid online.
For the full list of available discounts go here as there are discounts for client loyalty, room sharing, 'non-photo' travelers, referrals, back-to-back trips and groups such as camera clubs.
Your photography tour of choice is more likely to go ahead
By signing up early our website 'watchers' are more likely to take action and enroll themselves.
We've found that our 'watchers' have often not informed us of their interest, and consequently they don't receive email updates, and a trip being one person short - sometimes as few as 3 are all that's needed - might mean that the trip is cancelled.
If you're a 'watcher' - even some of our regulars do this! - we merely ask that you pop off an email to let us know that you're interested in a particular trip, but are not ready to commit just yet. Honestly, it won't hurt a bit!
Lower airfares
Historically airfares are lower the earlier you book your flight, and we've observed that since 2009 in particular that the airlines are less likely to offer late sales on seats.
'Reward seats' are more readily available
We don't have the exact numbers, but all the airlines assign limited reward seats, i.e. those seats to be filled by clients claiming their accumulated air miles, to just a few people in most cases. This number is likely higher for international flights.
By enrolling early with us your trip is likely to be declared as a 'go' sooner, and consequently you're more likely to get the flights and seats you want.
We are able to secure our preferred accommodations
With trips that fill frequently we secure rooms in advance regardless, while others we have to wait and see if the trip will we be a 'go'. Consequently, when a trip fills up early we are able to secure our preferred rooms. These are establishments that have worked very well for our groups, and are well-liked by our clients.
The fact is . . .
When folk see that a trip is starting to fill, they are more likely to enroll themselves.
We have the lowest 'minimum number' of clients among most of the photography tour fraternity. Trips can be deemed a go with as few as 1 to 3 clients depending upon the location.
Having said all this, late additions to groups are always welcome!
If you are reading this right before a trip you want to take is due to start, have no fear as we will get you aboard.
The 'record' was set when a client enrolled 3 days prior to our photography tour to Cinque Terre in Italy, but we made it happen.
So, how to hold your place . . .
Previous clients can hold a place on any of our photography tours with a 'Please hold my place' via email. However, a deposit is required 6 months from the trip commencement for your place to be held.
Potential new clients can hold their place/s by paying a fully refundable deposit. You can do this via snail mail or online here. For terms and conditions go here.
One thing you'll never see on our website
'Places fill fast, so don't delay, sign up now!' We find this to be somewhat 'cheesy' and often apparently untrue. We prefer to tell it like it is, and yes, a number of our trips do fill quickly, while other times it takes a few months before all the places are taken. That's the reality of today's economy.
Useful links
Enrollment guidelines: Go here
Enrollment form: Go here
Enrollment terms and conditions: Go here
Online payments: Go here
'By request' photography tours: Go here
Questions and answers:
Go here
Client responses: Go here
Mailing list: Send an e-mail
Preparing for a photography tour?: Go here
Search the site: Go here
Ask a question via email: Click here
Contact information: Go here
John Baker, Photographer/Guide, Travel Images
