“Why should I book with Fora when I could just book through my credit card?”
This is one of the most common questions I get, along with, “Aren’t the hotel perks the same? And what about that 5x points value? Why is booking with Fora better?”
I've got answers. Read on to learn why booking travel with me means not only a smoother booking process, but also a more personalized travel experience.
Reason 1: I offer a highly personalized booking experience; credit-card bookings are made via an online booking site or call center
When you book travel with me, you’re working one-on-one with a real person who takes the time to understand your travel style, goals and budget. I provide highly personalized recommendations and support you along the way, even while you're on your trip. When it comes to your hotel booking, I match you with the perfect stay, and unlock extra benefits. Booking via your credit card company means you’re sacrificing that level of personalization.
Credit cards' option is waiting on hold to speak with a call center agent. And, with thousands of agents, you’re never getting the same person twice. When you book with me, you can relax knowing your requests are taken care of, like confirming a connecting room, adding a crib or triple-checking that your room is on the same floor as your teenagers. You won’t get that same care and attention to detail when booking through your credit card.
Reason 2: When you book with me, you benefit from collective knowledge and industry connections
The partnerships and influence Fora has with over 300,000 travel providers around the world unlock unique experiences and perks. In other words, you'll get treated like a VIP wherever you go. Credit cards can often offer perks like free breakfast and up to $200 resort credit. But booking with me means you’re getting all the same perks and prioritized for room upgrades.
The travel industry is all about relationships. I've built meaningful relationships with hotels around the world. And while credit cards provide perks for card holders at some hotels, there’s no personal relationship with many credit card travel agents. The partnership is with the credit card company as a corporate brand.
And it doesn’t stop at upgrades. Fora is part of every major preferred partner program, including Four Seasons Preferred, Rosewood Elite, Hyatt Privé and Virtuoso. Preferred partnerships are not easy to get — these selective, invitation-only programs are developed and cultivated by hotels to reward agencies that deliver consistent, high-quality clientele at significant volume. You reap the benefits of these established partnerships.
Booking with me ensures you’re seen as a valued client coming from a preferred partnership. Even before you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be a top priority and marked as a VIP, landing you above-and-beyond hospitality and service.
Reason 3: Booking with me means you have dedicated support and a seamless booking experience
Your travel booking is more than just a transaction. Not only do I customize a trip that’s perfect for you, but my services continue during and after your trip. Since I have relationships and book directly with partner hotels, I am ready to double-check reservations, make sure all your requests are squared away and problem-solve for you if something goes awry while you’re traveling.
This level of attention and personalization is especially valuable if you’re interested in a multi-stop trip, one that requires logistical planning (like a safari) or on-the-ground resources (like tours and transfers). I bring a level of convenience and peace of mind you won't get via a credit card company. Fora's intuitive, in-house booking platform gives me easy visibility into all the available rates and promotions. As a result, you get the best value and a streamlined experience. No need to parse through complex quotes or worry about getting the most bang for your buck.
How should I use my credit card?
I carry various cards myself and love their benefits. My advice? Transfer your credit card points to one of their airline transfer partners and use them for premium cabin flights around the world. When you work with me, I'll help you maximize the use of your credit card or rewards points as part of an overall trip-planning strategy.