Five Reasons Why You Need a Travel Agent

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No matter how many trips you plan an experts advice is always worth considering. Here are Five Reasons Why You Need a Travel Agent.

When I was a travel agent I remember the surprised responses I would get from people when they learned of my chosen profession. Many would fall along the lines of “Do people even need travel agents anymore?” I know it’s hard to believe that in this day and age of internet booking sites and mobile apps that someone would even consider contacting a travel agent.

When it comes to designing the perfect travel experience it takes more than just internet access. It takes experience, knowledge, and industry contacts and that’s just the beginning. Here are Five Reasons Why You Need a Travel Agent.

Travel Agents Can Save You Money

Many people don’t realize that the majority of a travel agent’s services are actually paid through commission from the vendors (hotels, tours, cruises, car rentals). In the case of my former agency, we only charged fees on non-commissionable services, such as airfare.

A travel agent’s relationships with travel suppliers and wholesalers allow them to get you the best price possible. You’ll also increase your chances of receiving some upgrades and additional amenities.

There are actually several wholesale travel companies out there that will only work with travel agents. Deciding not to contact a travel consultant results in the elimination of a big cost–saving resource!

Travel Agents are Your Advocate When Things Go Wrong

If you come across an issue before, during, or after travel and you booked the trip yourself, guess what? You have to fix it yourself. However, if you booked with a travel consultant, then they are the ones that you turn to handle the situation. This will lessen the amount of stress for you and allow you to enjoy your vacation.

There were several times when my clients called or texted me with issues, some from the other side of the world. No matter what the time, I was happy to help. It’s part of the service. A travel agent’s main concern is taking care of you, the client, and making sure you have a stress free journey!

Travel Agents are a Great Resource of Knowledge and Expertise

Travel agents have the knowledge you are looking for and they’re constantly learning more. They attend seminars and take online courses offered by all types of travel vendors. It allows agents to stay up to date on what they can offer clients. This helps them provide you with the best trip planning service possible!

Travel agents can tell you when are the best times to travel to save you money, what extras are worth your dollar, which travel insurance you should purchase, and they stay up to date on all cruise and tour company sales and special offers!

Travel Agents are a One Stop Shop

Your time is valuable. If you are planning a trip that involves cruise, air, transfers, rail, hotel, and tours, it can get a little daunting and time–consuming. Instead of contacting each and everyone one of those vendors, just contact a travel agency. They will combine each element into one nice package personalized to your specific wants and needs.

You’re Shopping Small When You Book with Travel Agents

Over the past few years, shopping small businesses has become very important to many people. So why not do the same when booking travel? Instead of booking through Expedia or Travelocity (which are actually online travel agencies that are getting the commission from the work you’re doing), book with a local travel agency. Help those small businesses grow and stay in business and be an active part of your community.

Once you decide to book with a travel agent there are a few things to keep in mind. First, do your research and make sure you find a reputable travel agency. Whether it’s through word of mouth or Google reviews, unfortunately, there are people out there who pose as travel agents who are not, so this is very important.

Second, when you go to talk to an agent about the type of trip you want to book, give them as much information as possible, such as where you want to go, when, how many people, and the budget. The more information you give the better results you will receive.

Most of all, please, please, please do not take the information that is given to you and then book it online yourself! As I explained at the beginning of the article, travel agents are paid through commission. If they don’t book the trip, they don’t get paid for their work. Then their time was also taken away from another client. So please, don’t do this, you have nothing to gain and that agent has much to lose if you do that.

It is one thing if the agent didn’t provide you with what you wanted, you found another agent who gave you a better result, or your plans changed. Then it is perfectly understandable to not book the trip you were quoted.

So when you start to plan your next vacation, why don’t you pick up the phone and call your local travel agency, I promise you won’t be disappointed! Stay tuned for next month’s installment of the series, when I share with you how to find a reputable travel agent!

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