If you have ever considered using a travel agent, here's a list of reasons to help you make that decision:
1. Save Time - Travel agents can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging, ground transportation, activities, tours and more, providing “one-stop shopping.”
2. Save Money - Travel agents are in constant communication with suppliers in the travel industry, and have access to the most up-to-date money saving promotions. A travel agent can create possibilities most people would never have dreamed of. Plus, many suppliers offer an interest-free payment plan, allowing the traveler to pay a deposit at booking and the balance within 30-45 days of the trip departure date.
3. Reduce Stress - Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if you’re not a “detail” person. Why spend hours on the internet and on your calculator when you don’t have to? Travel agents can offer you a variety of price quotes from different travel suppliers, giving you a break -- and the upper hand -- when making your final travel decisions.
2. Save Money - Travel agents are in constant communication with suppliers in the travel industry, and have access to the most up-to-date money saving promotions. A travel agent can create possibilities most people would never have dreamed of. Plus, many suppliers offer an interest-free payment plan, allowing the traveler to pay a deposit at booking and the balance within 30-45 days of the trip departure date.
3. Reduce Stress - Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if you’re not a “detail” person. Why spend hours on the internet and on your calculator when you don’t have to? Travel agents can offer you a variety of price quotes from different travel suppliers, giving you a break -- and the upper hand -- when making your final travel decisions.
4. Trip Recommendations - Want an all-inclusive in a tropical destination, but you’re not sure where you want to go? Want to stay at a resort that’s “kid-free?” Need a trip with a good balance of sight-seeing, relaxation, and romance? Want to scuba dive while you’re on vacation? Travel agents can match your preferences to the perfect destination and send you recommendations for itineraries that fit within your vacation budget.
5. Unexpected Expenses - Let’s face it. There’s no such thing as a $249 cruise. The term “all-inclusive” does not mean the same thing for cruises as it does for resorts. A good travel agent will advise inexperienced travelers about unforeseen expenses that may come up during their trip, so there won't be any surprises.
6. Group Trips - Trying to organize a retreat or a trip for large group? A travel expert can work with the supplier on your behalf, to get all the details finalized, and keep the entire group updated.
7. Customer Service - Travel agents offer personalized help and advice that a website cannot provide, such as complicated itineraries and confusing international flights. Since the agent can handle all the various segments of your trip planning, there’s only one phone number to call if you have a question or concern. Travel agents can keep back up copies of your itinerary, and are there for you before, during and after your trip.
8. Travel Insurance - Those economy airfare tickets are not refundable. Travel insurance protects your investment in travel if you have an emergency or sickness and cannot travel on your planned trip dates. It can also cover trip interruption, lost baggage and other things you might not be aware of. It’s relatively inexpensive, yet many travelers opt out. A travel agent can give you the information you need to make an informed decision about travel insurance, and can help you pick which package works best for your needs.
9. Consumer Advocate - If you should have a problem during your trip, your travel agent can act on your behalf to see that the situation is remedied. Want to send a letter to an airline or a hotel about poor service or a bad experience? A good travel agent will send that letter for you.
8. Travel Insurance - Those economy airfare tickets are not refundable. Travel insurance protects your investment in travel if you have an emergency or sickness and cannot travel on your planned trip dates. It can also cover trip interruption, lost baggage and other things you might not be aware of. It’s relatively inexpensive, yet many travelers opt out. A travel agent can give you the information you need to make an informed decision about travel insurance, and can help you pick which package works best for your needs.
9. Consumer Advocate - If you should have a problem during your trip, your travel agent can act on your behalf to see that the situation is remedied. Want to send a letter to an airline or a hotel about poor service or a bad experience? A good travel agent will send that letter for you.
10. It’s FREE - Some travel agents do charge a small fee for booking airline tickets, but, in most cases, will provide “no-obligation” trip recommendations and book vacation packages, tours, cruises and hotel stays for you without charging a fee. Commissions are paid to the agent by the supplier, so you have nothing to lose by contacting your local travel agent and letting them do all the work for you!
