FEBRUARY 7, 2018

 

Meet Frank Karluk of Crushed Apple Vacations
VOYAGEHOUSTON STAFF
 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Karluk.

​

Frank, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.

This is a very funny story.

In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, I wanted to plan the best vacation ever for my wife and I when I returned home.

I spent nearly 8 months researching every aspect of the cruise vacation to include excursions, food and drink, and even found a way to get VIP treatment like seen on TV.

​

I kept is a secret all the way to the ship. This is where it gets funny. While on the interstate heading to Baltimore, MD (where she assumed we were flying from) she did not notice we passed the airport. As we approached the port, she noticed the ship and said “wow look at the size of that ship”. I responded with “yes, that’s you plane”.

​

She went from happy to angry in an instant. She called me names that can’t be printed, and told me she hated me and everything. She boarded the ship under duress. Not speaking to me much. After only about an hour onboard, we were planning our next cruise.

​

I continued to plan our vacations and help others do the same. After doing this for a while, I researched becoming a travel agent, and here we are.

​

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The biggest challenge is the internet. There are so many travel sites, why hire a travel agent?

​

That’s simple.  Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information on the web, it’s no wonder why you can get frustrated. That’s why the services of a travel specialist are more valuable than ever.  If you are going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars as well as your time, a travel specialist makes great sense.  Our services are at NO cost to you.  Save time and money!

 

Knowledge

We have specialized knowledge.  We are experts in many destinations.  We stay at resorts, we sail on ships, and we eat and drink at the restaurants and bars.  We have experienced all vacations have to offer.  We know what we sell!

 

Save Money

Travel agents have access to bulk buying power to allow them to remain competitive against each other as well as the vacation location itself.  Additionally, travel agents offer more extras such as drink packages or on-board credit.

Travel agents build lasting relationships with their clients.  Let us book your dream vacation for you.

 

Validation

Crushed Apple Vacations has earned specialized certification with all of the major cruise lines, and resorts.  These certifications allow us to provide clients with the best available prices and service on the market today.

Crushed Apple Vacations – what should we know? What do you guys do best?

 

What sets you apart from the competition?

We began specializing in cruises. We very quickly grew and began to plan all types of vacations. As a small business with minimal overhead, we are able to pass savings on to our clients. The best advertising available is happy customers and with the social media impact, our customer base continues to grow.

​

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?

Recently, we planned a large corporate event at sea. We were able to negotiate a better rate that the client was able to obtain in years past.

To further sweeten the deal, we were able to have the cruise line provide complementary use of meeting areas and provide private receptions for the clients.

​