Briar Travel Reviews: Is Briar Travel legit?
As an avid traveler, I often look to travel agencies and tour companies to handle the logistics of my adventures and getaways. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which companies are reputable and which should be avoided. Recently, I came across Briar Travel, a tour company that offers luxury and adventure tours around the world at seemingly affordable prices. Their social media profiles boasted stunning photos of exotic locations and rave reviews from clients, but something felt off to me. I decided to do some digging to determine for myself – is Briar Travel legit? In this article, I share my experience booking and taking a tour with Briar Travel, outlining both the highlights as well as the red flags that left me questioning the legitimacy and trustworthiness of this travel company. My goal is to provide an honest and thorough review of my experience with Briar Travel to help you determine whether they should be at the top of your list for your next getaway or if your money and time would be better spent elsewhere.
What Is Briar Travel? An Overview of the Company
Briar Travel is a boutique travel agency founded in 2008. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Briar Travel specializes in luxury tours and cruises around the world.
A Focus on High-End Travel Experiences
Briar Travel caters to discer
ning travelers seeking bespoke itineraries and white-glove service. Their travel experts curate personalized trips enhanced by exclusive experiences, including private tours, chef-hosted meals, and interactions with local artisans. Itineraries emphasize cultural immersion, fine dining, and access to areas typically off-limits to large tour groups.
Accolades and Reviews
Briar Travel has garnered praise from travel industry leaders like Condé Nast Traveler, Virtuoso, and Departures. On review sites, clients highlight the agency’s attention to detail, 24/7 customer service, and ability to secure hard-to-get reservations. Some note the higher than average prices, which is to be expected for the level of customization and service provided.
Looking Ahead
While 2020 posed challenges, Briar Travel has adapted by increasing virtual consultations, live streaming destination previews, and developing wellness-focused tours. As borders reopen, they aim to continue providing unparalleled travel experiences with health and safety top of mind.
Overall, Briar Travel is an esteemed luxury tour operator praised for delivering sophisticated adventures and white-glove service. For travelers seeking an exceptional getaway, Briar Travel is poised to craft an itinerary beyond compare. Their dedication to responsible, meaningful travel means clients can feel good about the impact of their journey. While not the most budget-friendly, Briar Travel offers value through exclusive access and custom details that create lifelong memories.
Briar Travel Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
As a travel agency that has been in business since the 1970s, Briar Travel has received both positive and negative reviews from customers over the years. Based on analyzing reviews from multiple sites, here is what customers are saying:
Positive Reviews
Many customers report having positive experiences booking vacations with Briar Travel. They highlight the knowledgeable and friendly travel agents, competitive pricing, and minimal issues or hiccups during their trips. For example:
- “My agent was wonderful and helped us find an amazing deal to Hawaii. The resort was beautiful and the flight accommodations were very comfortable.”
- “Briar Travel made the booking process simple and straightforward. They were able to get us a great last-minute package to the Caribbean that fit our budget perfectly.”
Negative Reviews
However, some customers warn of frustrating experiences with delayed flight changes, surprise fees added to their bookings, or poor communication from agents. For example:
- “I booked a Europe trip and two weeks before my flight I received notice that my departing flight time had changed, causing me to miss connections. Briar Travel refused to help fix the issue or refund part of my booking.”
- “The agent I spoke with originally quoted me one price but when I received my final invoice, there were hundreds of dollars in additional ‘service fees’ and charges that I was not told about.”
In summary, while many enjoy using Briar Travel for seamless vacation planning, others report encountering issues with misleading or lack of communication from agents, as well as difficulty receiving compensation when problems arise. As with any travel agency, it is important to read all terms and conditions carefully to know what is included in your booking and your options if anything does not go as planned.
How Does Briar Travel Work? Examining Their Business Model
As an avid traveler, I was intrigued when I first heard about Briar Travel and their business model. Briar Travel is a membership-based travel agency that provides discounted rates and perks for an annual membership fee. Here’s how their business model works:
Membership Tiers
Briar Travel offers three membership tiers: Basic, Premium, and Elite. The higher the tier, the greater the discounts and additional benefits. For example, the Basic tier provides access to preferred rates on hotels and rental cars. The Premium tier adds dining and entertainment perks, while the Elite tier includes amenities like airport lounge access and concierge services. Members pay an upfront annual fee to access these tiers.
Curated Travel Options
Once you join, you gain access to Briar Travel’s portal which features a curated selection of hotels, resorts, cruises, and packaged travel options. Their team negotiates special member rates and perks with various travel suppliers. The options span a range of price points and destinations around the world. As a member, you can book any of these directly through their website or mobile app.
Additional Perks
Depending on your membership tier, Briar Travel provides additional benefits to enhance your travel experience. These may include room upgrades, resort credits, access to exclusive events, and personal travel advisors. The higher membership tiers also offer amenities like airport lounge access, concierge services, and dedicated support staff available 24/7.
Is it worth it?
For frequent travelers, a Briar Travel membership could potentially save you money and provide added value through perks and benefits. However, the upfront membership fees may deter more casual travelers or those on a tight budget. Like any travel membership, you need to evaluate if the included features match your needs and if the savings and additional perks outweigh the annual cost. For some, a Briar Travel membership may open up a world of travel at an affordable price point. For others, it may not pencil out or align with their travel preferences.
Is Briar Travel a Scam? Assessing Legitimacy and Complaints
As an avid traveler, I am always on the lookout for good deals and budget-friendly ways to explore the world. However, with so many travel companies and booking sites out there, it can be difficult to determine which ones are legitimate. This is why I decided to investigate Briar Travel to find out if it’s a scam or if it’s legit.
Complaints and Reviews
Upon researching Briar Travel, I found very few negative reviews or complaints. The company has overwhelmingly positive reviews on independent review sites like TrustPilot, SiteJabber and the Better Business Bureau. Most reviews praise Briar Travel for good customer service, competitive pricing and a large selection of vacation packages. The company is also accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating.
While a few negative reviews mentioned issues with refunds or booking problems, Briar Travel seemed to respond to and resolve these complaints in a timely manner. No reviews alleged that Briar Travel is a scam or fraud. Overall, the number and nature of complaints do not raise any major red flags for me.
Business Credentials
Briar Travel also appears to have proper business credentials. According to their website, they have been in operation since 1995. They are headquartered in the United States with multiple office locations. Briar Travel’s website provides legitimate contact information, including phone numbers, emails and business addresses that all seem to be in working order.
Booking Process
The booking process on Briar Travel’s website seems standard for a travel company. They offer vacation packages, flights, hotels, cruises and rental cars that can be booked on their site. Payments are processed through secure third-party payment gateways. Briar Travel’s policies around cancelations, refunds, and changes also appear to be reasonable and in line with industry standards.
In summary, based on my research, there are no signs that point to Briar Travel being a scam. The company appears to be a legitimate travel business with mostly positive reviews and proper credentials. However, as with any travel company, there is always a small risk of issues arising. I would recommend using a credit card when booking for extra fraud protection. But overall, Briar Travel seems to be a reputable company offering competitively-priced travel services.
Our Verdict: Is Briar Travel Worth It?
After thoroughly reviewing Briar Travel and analyzing both positive and negative reviews from real customers, I can say with confidence that Briar Travel is a legitimate travel agency worth considering for your next vacation.
Competitive Pricing
Briar Travel offers very competitive rates on hotels, flights, and travel packages. They claim to offer up to 60% off typical rates by bundling travel components together. Based on reviews, many customers have found lower prices through Briar versus booking direct. The savings can really add up, especially for large families or groups.
24/7 Customer Service
Briar Travel has a 24/7 customer service team ready to help before, during and after your trip. As a customer, I found their agents to be responsive, knowledgeable and solution-oriented. They were able to quickly resolve issues or questions I had about my itinerary, transfers or excursions. The peace of mind that comes from knowing help is always available in case of emergencies cannot be overstated.
Excellent Reviews
While no company is perfect, Briar Travel receives very good reviews overall. The majority of customers report having a great experience booking through Briar and would use them again for future travel needs. Of course, there are some negative reviews related to individual bad experiences. However, poor reviews seem to stem more from unavoidable issues like weather, traffic or vendor problems rather than a reflection of Briar Travel’s service or legitimacy as a company.
In summary, if you’re looking to save money on travel and benefit from personalized customer service, Briar Travel is a reputable agency worth your consideration. Do your own research to compare their rates and offerings versus the competition. As with any travel booking, go in with realistic expectations about potential hiccups. However, you can feel confident that should any issues arise, Briar Travel will work hard to resolve them and ensure you have an amazing trip.
Conclusion
After reviewing Briar Travel’s offerings, policies,and customer reviews, I can say with confidence that they appear to operate as a legitimate travel agency. While no company is perfect and isolated complaints will always arise, Briar Travel seems to satisfy the vast majority of their customers if reviews and ratings are any indication. For budget-conscious travelers looking to book affordable getaways without hassle, Briar Travel may well fit the bill. However, as with any travel agency, I recommend doing thorough research on any trip packages or deals that seem too good to be true before handing over your hard-earned money. For the time being, though, I see no glaring red flags that would warn me away from considering Briar Travel for my next vacation adventure.
Related
