I had the pleasure of photographing Mr. Kahan and his beautiful family last month at his home in Tarrytown, NY. As we got to talking, I discovered that he is the passionate president of Kahan Travel Group. He told me about so many details that people often overlook when planning a vacation (like the view from your room, included breakfasts, airport transfers), and how he takes personal pride and care with each trip he plans for his clients.
I thought of him last week as my husband and I were vacationing in Jamaica. The hotel recommended and booked through American Express (which shall remain nameless) fell way below our expectations. American Express did make arrangements for us to relocate to The Ritz Carlton the very next day. However, I couldn’t help but reflect upon my conversations with Michael and feel that had he booked our trip, this snafu would have never happened! He is an expert in the Caribbean and Hawaii and has personally visited a number of Caribbean resorts just in the past couple of months. He listens to his clients to ensure that the destination matches their expectations. And he is accountable. If there is any problem, he is on the line, available to help.
He abides by the “Four A’s” that illustrate their service in a nutshell:
Advice- We can use our personal experiences and those of our other clients to help guide from the overwhelming choices in the luxury travel world. We also listen to and get to know our client personally, so any special needs or desires can be addressed.
We spend many hours each week visiting properties and meeting with General Managers and Sales Managers of the properties we recommend—we truly strive to “know our product”.
Advocacy- Most people do not expect the “unexpected” when they travel—but take it from us, often things occur that are not in the plans. Most of the time, they are minor—hotel reservations under a different name, airport transfer driver is at different meeting place, passport/visa issues and complications, billing discrepancy, hotel room not satisfactory to the guest—the list goes on. Our deep relationships with our suppliers often allows us to intercede on behalf of our clients and remedy the situation so that everyone is satisfied—quickly.
Accountability- Our clients are hard working, successful professionals who put a premium on their leisure time. It is a great asset for them to know they have someone on their side throughout the travel process—and to whom they can turn to for help and guidance should things go wrong. We always stand by our clients and our work, and in the rare instances where we are at fault—we remedy the situation at our expense, immediately. We are the only call our client needs to make in regard to travel.
Amenities- Kahan Travel Group is a proud member of the Virtuoso Network, the “crème of the crop” of luxury travel advisors.
Some of the finest properties, cruise lines, destination management companies, tour groups and airlines are part of this network—
Each member Hotel and Cruise Line treats our client as VIP’s. They are afforded special extras such as Room Upgrades, Complimentary Meals, Airport Limousine Transfers and Private Complimentary Shore Excursions, just to name a few.
I urge you to contact him when you are planning your next vacation!
Our holiday portrait mini shoots will yield beautiful photos of your family to last a lifetime! Sessions available November 21-24.
