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Summary: This book delivers on its promise
Review: Mr. Widzer's book is quite good. I found that in each and every chapter, I was surprised by how remarkably well informed the author is. Mr. Widzer has all the savvy of a million miler with an unusually good sense of the point of view of airline, hotel, and rental car companies (and their employees). I find this combination results in far more helpful advice then is usual. This book delivers on its promise-indispensable, hard-earned knowledge on how to get more luxury and value in your travels. The advice in this book is extremely practical and insightful. Mr. Widzer seems to know quite well how to best deal with travel industry employees. This book should save a lot of travelers a lot of time and money. American Airlines Reservations Sales Rep Since 1990
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Summary: Here's a book you won't regret buying
Review: Here's a book you won't regret buying. Sure, the author does loads of high-end luxury travel. But he passes along insights and tips sure to make even the occasional traveler more comfortable and confident. Getting preferential treatment in airline clubrooms, and freebies and perks from some of the most luxurious hotels, is sometimes possible; it all has to do with approach, civility, consistency and rewarding those who are kind enough to help you out in your travels, either with a tip or a letter of commendation. On a recent family trip I applied the authors' tips and our free airline tickets were booked in the premier seating area (it's not first class, but it's in the front of the plane). And when I mentioned my husband's loyalty to The Breakers Hotel for his business travel to Palm Beach, Fla., an attentive reservation clerk upgraded our accommodations to the hotel's exclusive Flagler Club level. Upgrades of that quality make the book well worth the price.
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Summary: Extremely Helpful
Review: Clearly the reader from Dallas needs a vacation, because they couldn't be more off the mark with their review of Widzer's book. I found it extremely helpful as I began to plan for an upcoming trip; I avoided many hassles and got a great hotel upgrade. I knew exactly what to ask for and who to ask. It's clear from his extensive research and wide range of knowledge that Widzer is obviously the authority on travel-he knows his stuff. I'll definitely turn to this book again and again, and have already referred it to a number of friends.
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Summary: Save a Tree
Review: Amazon says to focus on the content of the book when writing a review. Unfortunately, there is no content to focus on. Be nice to people, ask for upgrades, frequent the same airline, hotel chain, etc? How many miles did the author have to fly to figure that one out? It took me about 2 trips to realize the benefit of loyalty. What exactly do they teach at Pepperdine? I only wish Amazon would have some way to verify where the reviews are coming from. I am confident that the only thing left would be 1 star comments. Most of the positive reviews look quite similar, even where there are writing errors. The good news is, publishers must be desperate, so if you want to write a book on pretty much anything, I am confident you will get published. I was thinking about writing a book on how to properly dispose of this so-called "book". It will be 2 pages long, then repeat itself for 148 more pages...
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Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: This is a thought provoking book. The basic premise of this book is that through the creation of mutually beneficial relationship, both travel providers and travel consumers can benefit. The author takes a decidedly different approach from most travel writers who preach that consumers should in a Machiavellian style base purchasing decisions solely on price. Rather, the author contends that consumers and providers should seek a methodology of understanding each others needs and interest-seeking long term benefits-not short term opportunistic behavior. To me this is a book for the new world of travel. It has also yielded me a few upgrades.
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Summary: Indispensable Travel Advice
Review: This book is an indispensable resource for getting more luxury for less when you travel. Buy it, study it, and implement the strategies and you will save thousands of dollars while you travel in the lap of luxury.
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Summary: The Reviewer of 10-31-02 Must be Jealous
Review: I purchased this book over two years ago and have found it to be very useful. What puzzles me about the review on 10-31-02 is that the author teaches you how to save money not spend money. So I am not sure why it says "how to waste money before you travel." From my participation in travel discussion groups it seems that readers either think that the author is full of something or right on the point. I do not know the author nor do I receive any remunerated for this post, but I must say that those who think the author is nuts are just plain jealous. If one reads this book earnestly, they would discover how his principles do have validity. For example, when the book was released it was the height of the airline industries profits and ignorance; however, he said that markets are cyclical and described what is referred to as the contrarian theory chapter 4. This piece of advice is worth 10 platinum memberships. Moreover, the way the author approaches the travel industry in a non-adversarial role is in my opinion much more beneficial than trying to show travel industry insiders how much smarter you are than them. To those who criticize this guy keep on-doing so-it leaves those with insight more upgrades and first class opportunities.
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Summary: How to waste money before you travel.
Review: This has to qualify as one of the worst books ever written. The author wants to tell us all how successful he has been in charming travel industry employees into giving him upgrades while endlessly repeating the same stale phrases over and over and over. The book could easy have been printed on half the pages if the repetitions had been edited. Save your money and buy a drink to celebrate thinking for yourself.
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Summary: Another interesting and informative book!
Review: It tells you the tricks of how to go on luxury travels at a discount. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to many people (including the author) who have experienced first class travel and service at a portion of the usual cost.
The way the author leads you through the book is cool - you will keep asking "how could he do that?" while reading it from cover to cover. He starts each chapter with appealing stories. I couldn't put the book down once I opened it. Have you ever rented a car during peak seasons? Usually it took you some time to wait in line, do the booking, and go take the car. But the author managed to bypass the line and get his car within five minutes. "How could he do that?" For sure he wasn't the chairman of that car rental company.... Just take a look at Chapter Seven.
Printed on the back of the book is a quotation that reads "I thought I knew it all until I read this book - a must-read for every traveler" by Randy Petersen, editor and publisher of InsideFlyer. You can count on that because the book is really useful. Chapter Four introduces the "Contrarian Strategy" in luxury travel. Contrarian travelers choose particular destinations and travel companies at the times they need them the most. The author met a guy who had just traveled in Bali. For US$30 a day, he stayed in one of the best resort in Bali, provided with breakfast, dinner, laundry, newspapers, etc. "How could he do that?" Right time at the right place! It was the time of the Asian financial turmoil. One way the book stimulated me was that it advocated "fight for the best" enthusiasm. Don't be shy, and don't hesitate! On one occasion the author and his wife were dissatisfied with a waiter's arrogance - they weren't able to order dessert because they weren't well-dressed. But after complaining to the hotel's Food and Beverage Manager, they got a complimentary dessert delivered to their room within two minutes. I am pretty sure they would get nothing if they hadn't asked. This "fight for the best" attitude always holds true for other services as well, such as hotel and air ticket. The book also covers other aspects. Chapter Two talks about importance of loyalty. Don't ever underestimate the power of loyal customers because 80% of most companies' earnings are from 20% of their customers. One of the author's friends, a frequent flyer of a certain airline, wanted to use his mileage earned to exchange for 5 first class seats for his family to go to Hawaii. However, no seats were available, not even coach class. He then called the Vice President of Marketing of that airline and said he was a loyal customer and needed five tickets. Amazingly, five previously unavailable first class tickets became on hand! Another thing I like about the book is that the author gives a summary of the key points at the end of each chapter. You will find the book a very comfortable read.
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Summary: Wonderful advice
Review: Dear Joel,
I just want to thank you for your wonderful advice. I don't know where else I could have gone where someone has the knowledge and expertise that you have. What
a wonderful book you provide for all.
Thanks again, Linda
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