July 1, 2008

These days, expediting your vacation begins online. Thanks to a new service offered by Expedia, and evaluated for friendliness, knowledge and professionalism by Second To None, travelers have access to on-site expertise once they’ve reached their lodging destination.

As the market leader in online travel services, Expedia's travel-planning tools allow users to book airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, vacation packages, and cruises online. Recently, Expedia has significantly expanded its "destination services" offerings available through its Web sites and became the first online travel company to offer customers the option of booking in-destination activities online or on location at their vacation property.

Known as Expedia Local Experts, travelers now have access to a team of on-site concierges in many resorts. These individuals help with recommendations, dinner reservations, activities, and many other services. In order to ensure Local Experts consistently provide an optimal experience to travelers, Second To None has developed a program to rigorously and consistently evaluate the concierges across several performance metrics.

Many vacationers, especially first time visitors to a destination location, have difficulty knowing which activities are the best since there are so many of the same type from which to choose. On the Hawaiian Islands, for example, which is the best snorkel sail or whale watch? Which luau is best? Which horseback ride or helicopter tour gives the best experience? It's a difficult decision.

Expedia Local Expert concierges at your hotel or condominium resort might be the answer to all of those questions.