Concierge Up North serves less frantic vacations
By Pat Stinson
Sun contributor
Everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation differs, but most of us would appreciate having some help with our travel plans, whether we journey 500 miles or 5,000. And all of us would love an insider’s scoop on our destinations: sights to see, things to do and amenities or services about which only the locals know.
Cedar resident and Worldwide Travel Agent Diana Aug wears many hats as the owner of Concierge Up North, a vacation planning and concierge service she founded last year. Fifty years of personal experiences in the area — including time spent as a vacationer, resident and volunteer (Traverse City Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, Traverse City Film Festival and State Theatre) — and 30 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry (former sales representative for two airlines and former agent/worldwide group travel concierge for VIKTOR Incentives & Meetings) logically led to her new endeavor.
“I’ve crafted it so I like it, can personally do it, and people have a good time,” Aug says, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
As a “concierge at large” she provides personal service for visitors to Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties or to couples planning a destination wedding here. She also assists those with busy rental cottages, motels, hotels and resorts, where she offers onsite tourism advice to guests, VIP meeting-and-greeting services, events marketing, registration assistance or an extra pair of hands to make tourist welcome packets.
As an area vacation planner, she’s an advocate of local places — suggesting lodging, dining, sightseeing and entertainment choices to fit any traveler’s budget.
“My idea is, when I make a reservation for someone I make a calendar of events, places to stay, and special interests (golf, tennis, water activities, music, etc.). It’s very personal. Some people want a chateau overlooking Glen Lake and some people want that old-timey cottage. We have everything up here — fabulous places to stay, resorts, B&Bs and the places I stayed in as a kid.”
Her concierge services can be hired for a day or a week and include (but aren’t limited to) her availability as an information hub, connecting visitors to services needed for contingencies, such as repair, emergency health care or pet boarding.
“You don’t know all the answers, but you know how to get them,” she explains. “My service is for guests not confident to go do this on their own. Volunteering with the (Traverse City) visitors’ bureau made me aware of how many people need help. I have the expertise, background and opportunity, without people having to go to town. Not everyone can use the Internet. Not everyone travels with a laptop, and some try to get away. Some people just want to feel like somebody is taking care of them and looking over their plan. I provide them with information, so they have more time and a better vacation.”
In addition to her area travel planning and concierge services, Aug provides trip planning and travel agent services for people making visits elsewhere on the continent or abroad. She plans to specialize in the small ship (100 approximate capacity) cruises market (Star Clipper/Peter Deilmann river cruise/American Cruise), which offers unique itineraries at small ports the mega ships can’t navigate.
“People who like to get off the superhighways and choose to shop at specialty markets rather than superstores will love this kind of cruising. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience on them.”
Word about her services has traveled. She was contacted recently by a start-up luxury travel company that markets U.S. trips to Chinese tourists, so that is in the future too.
“The most effective thing I can do is talk to (clients), so I really enjoy talking to them about what they want. I want to make people happy with their vacation plan, and that’s really my motivation.”