10 Reasons To Use Travel Agents
When I first started in the travel business, many travel agents worked out of brick and mortar offices. Now there are fewer and fewer brick and mortar travel agencies and more home-based travel agents. The internet changed the travel agent business drastically. However, one thing remains the same.
I know that there are folks who think it costs more to use a travel agent, but that isn’t true. Sure some travel agents do charge a service fee especially if the client doesn’t buy travel insurance. If travel insurance isn’t purchased and a client has to cancel a trip for any reason, the client loses the money they invested on the trip and the travel agent loses their commission for hours of work done on behalf of the client. But beyond that, why wouldn’t you want to use a travel agent?
Using a travel agent means you have someone to talk to who knows you and your desires. Sometimes you can find a “great deal” on line but who do you call if something goes wrong? Did you get their name? A travel agent depends on repeat business so he/she is going to do their very best to make sure you have an awesome time.
Ten Reasons To Use Travel Agents
1. Travel agents save you time and money.
Unless you are a DIY sort of person who thoroughly enjoys spending hours and hours of time researching destinations on the computer for their next vacation, a travel agent can save you many, many hours trying to decipher which cruise line to use or how best to see Italy, for example. And often because of the travel agents connection with suppliers, they can save you money.
2. Agents are well connected.
Travel agents have connections to many different kind of suppliers that can match your particular needs. Many travel agents specialize in certain kind of travel niche. For example, there are travel agents who special in only one or just a few areas, like only Italy or travel for special needs families. If a travel agent can’t help you, they usually know someone who will be a perfect fit for you.
3. They are experts.
A travel agent asks questions to determine what is your most favorite kind of vacation, how much you want to spend and how long you wish to travel. By asking detailed questions, your travel agent is able to book an itinerary that will be perfect for you and your loved ones.
4. Travel agents take care of all of the details.
From your passport and visa information right down to where you like to sit on a plane, your travel agent will take care of you. Travel agents look at every part of your trip from beginning to end. Will your flights include enough time to get through customs if traveling internationally, etc. They want to make sure that your trip is as perfect as humanly possible.
5. Agents are advocates for their client.
Whether you need an upgrade to an ocean view or an airline ticket because your flight was cancelled due to a tropical storm, your travel agent will be there for you, intervening with suppliers on your behalf.
6. A travel agent can customize your trip.
You want to travel to Italy, but don’t want to be stuck on a tour bus with a lot of folks you don’t know. Your travel agent can put together a wonderful itinerary where you travel on your own, but are met by someone in your arriving city to take you to your hotel and help you get the lay of the land. The travel agent will arrange for someone to pick you up at the end of your stay at a certain location and help you get to your next destination. What could be better!
7. They can decipher the multitude of offers from cruise line, airlines and hotels.
Whether you want to cruise to Alaska with the family, or you want to do a European River Cruise, your travel agent will help you pick the right cruise line for you and your wallet.
8. A travel agent is with you every step of the way.
From the time you book your vacation to the time you return home, your travel agent is there should you need them. You want to surprise your honey with a lovely beach dinner, your travel agent can arrange it for you. Your flight gets cancelled on the return home, call your travel agent to reschedule you. She or he is your personal travel concierge. Sit down and relax and let your travel concierge rebook you because they have your back!
9. Agents help your community.
These days most travel agents are home based and by supporting these local entrepreneurs, you support your community. Your travel agent is someone you not only trust with your hard earned cash but also with that human connection when planning a vacation. Someone who knows you by name!
10. You have your own personal shopper.
Because of the many reasons listed above, people value their travel agents and use them over and over again. Your travel agent in turn gets to know your likes and dislikes and therefore can plan the perfect vacation for you every time.
So where do you want to go on vacation? This is an amazing world we live in and there are amazing places for you to see. Not sure where you want to go first? Ask someone who can help you decide…ask a travel agent!
Annette Gaddis enjoys the great pleasure of helping busy people take exciting customized dream vacations. Take the leap to fun and adventure – with your travel concierge doing the heavy lifting.
Dream Travel Escapes by Annette
