Why Should You Use A Travel Agent?
Playa Sopela, Bilbao, Spain. Photo by Ryan Harrison
Does using a travel agent cost extra money?
When booking travel for my clients or speaking to potential clients about my services, I come across a certain perception of what a travel agent does. The biggest assumption is that using a travel agent costs extra money, hence why many people decide not to use a travel agent and instead, book everything on their own or go straight to the resort, hotel, or airline. Is this true? Plain and simple, the answer is no!
See, each individual trip or booking, whether it be a flight or a cruise or a vacation package/resort, already has a built-in commission in the overall price. The vendor, airline, or supplier provides that commission. Whoever books the travel will receive the commission. So, if you went to an automated travel site, such as Expedia or Trivago, or directly to the resort, hotel or airline, they would take that commission. However, when you book with a locally-run travel agency or independent travel agent, they receive that commission. And in the process, you’re helping them as they have helped you.
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But, that is not the only reason that travel agents are a more effective approach when booking your travel. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should look towards a travel agent to help book your next trip!
1. Expertise & Experience
As travel agents, we have experience & knowledge in every aspect of travel, from the transfers, to airport security, to sights and activities, you name it. We are experienced in the actual travel as well; we sell you experiences that we have experienced ourselves and are well-informed about all types of trips to all destinations. Our job stems from our own love of travel – we do not sell you something that we do not love!
2. Time-Savers
Booking travel is very time consuming – searching for a specific location, then having to research flights, hotels, places to eat, activities to do – it can be overwhelming and sometimes intimidating. All you have to do is provide us your desires and interests, and we take care of the rest! So, you can go about your daily activities, and at the end of the day, you will have all that information without spending the time or stress on it.
3. Money-Savers
As mentioned above, using an agent costs you nothing…I repeat, using an agent is FREE! We get paid by the vendor, not by you as the client. In addition, we travel agents have access to a wide variety of vendors and suppliers that regularly provide us deals and promotions that are not always published or accessible to the public. We have the connections that automated travel sites do not!
4. Added Value
We as travel agents provide more than just a quota or a price. We provide you an experience and an insight you do not receive when booking your own trip or going to an automated site. We provide you a relationship and a connection, as well as an in-person presence. Someone you can trust that provides you peace of mind. We take our time getting to know you as people and make sure your trip is exactly what you are looking for. We know the hidden eats in smaller corners of cities you won’t see advertised, the beautiful sights not necessarily discussed online, and the little ways to save money on flights, hotels, transportation, etc.
5. There for You 24/7
Travel agents are real people. We are here for you in a second. You will never have to wait on hearing back from us 24-48 hours later, like a customer service representative. We are there for you from start to finish. If something were to go wrong, your travel agent is immediately at your service and by your side to help you through that process.