Coffee Talk with Gig Gwin of Gwins Travel
WC: How did you get started in the travel industry?
GG: After college I examined my options and followed my heart. TWA
Airlines was my first travel employer and taught me geography, the
industry, and customer relations. Then 10 years with Maritz Travel
Company took me around the world and gave me the understanding of
quality service. For the past 27 years I have been a hands-on owner of
Gwins Travel.
WC: Where does your love for travel come from?
GG: Loving parents fostered my early years of travel with family
vacations full of exploration. My quest reached a milestone in
September 1999 when I became one of a handful of people to have
visited every country on earth. According to the Travelers Century
Club of Los Angeles, there are 315 countries; I have visited all of
them (many, numerous times). This quest has taken me on over 2,400
flights covering over 3.1 million miles, with 35 cruises, innumerable
trains, motor coaches, taxis, cars and even "hoofing it". I've even
enjoyed the transportation of the locals which has involved elephants,
camels, horses, mules, donkeys and an ostrich.
WC: What are some of the most unforgettable trips you have taken?
GG: Wow, so many memorable trips ... South African Safaris, Ancient
Mayan Ruins, the Incas of Peru and the Galapagos, Australia/New
Zealand. Today that list of 315 countries and the many voyages has
given me a solid understanding of the four corners of the world.
WC: How can Gwins Vacation Travel Services help a couple plan
their honeymoon as opposed to the couple planning it themselves
through the internet?
GG: The internet may offer the chance to research a destination,
but it cannot share the knowledge of experience you can obtain from a
travel consultant. Honeymoons should be filled with treasured lifelong
memories, not with the possible regret of "what might have been" or
"if only we had". Gwins has highly experienced agents who have a
variety of destination certifications, and more importantly, the
experience of dialogue and guidance to help couples choose their
perfect honeymoon or destination wedding locale.
WC: From your experience, what destinations seem to be popular
among couples planning their honeymoon? Are there any that you
personally recommend?
GG: From the Saint Louis area we are fortunate to have non-stop
flights into the Caribbean and Mexican resort areas. Many of our
wedding couples have chosen popular all-inclusive properties that
provide a carefree honeymoon experience. These exciting resorts are a
perfect venue for destination weddings and many of our wedding groups
swell from 10, to 20 or even 50 people.
Dreams come in many sizes and desired destinations. Many couples
request private hideaways in Kauai, the water bungalows in Bora Bora,
or the Villas in Tuscany. We know the exclusive places, and can help
couples find special value and pricing.
WC: What are some misconceptions or common mistakes that couples
have while planning their honeymoons?
GG: Choosing a destination because "everyone goes there", or
choosing a location without realizing the variety of honeymoon
destinations available. Did the destination reflect their likes and
variety of activities, i.e. adventurous or tranquil; crowded or
secluded; will the season match what you are hoping for. Another
misconception is that booking with a travel consultant is an expensive
affair, while the contrary is actually true. Gwin's earns fees from
suppliers and in many cases charge no fees to the honeymoon couple,
and we're there to guide you through the process. It is not unusual
for us to start the honeymoon experience 18 months before the
wedding.
WC: If there is one piece of advice that you could give to a
couple planning their honeymoon, what would it be?
GG: Find a honeymoon destination that reflects both the bride and
groom. A one-sided choice is not always the best choice. Gwin's
feels it is best when both the bride and groom come to our office and
express their travel dreams.
WC: Do you work with couples outside of St. Louis and
Illinois?
GG: The majority of our honeymoon and destination weddings are
booked from couples in the Saint Louis area. But technology has
allowed us to work with people around the USA, to destinations
throughout the world.
Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.
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