Planning a trip properly is essential…
to truly enjoying yourself while on vacation. Some people prefer to do all the work themselves: booking hotels, flights and excursions by telephone or online. With the world of online shopping, it seems travel agencies have become a thing of the past. However, if you want your trip to go smoothly, read on to find out why you should use a travel agent.
Expert Advice
Travel agents make their living on knowing the ins and outs of all steps of the process, from initial planning to when and where to go. If you have questions, your travel agent will have answers. There’s nothing worse than taking two weeks vacation and finding that your “online special” isn’t special at all!
Travel agents are inspired by travel. They should be able to give you first hand reviews of resorts and different travel companies, so you can get the best possible experience. They’ve been to Cuba and to the Dominican Republic, so they can tell you what’s great about each country and help you decide on the best trip!
Save Time
In your daily life – while running from work to the gym, to the store to pick up ingredients for dinner and then home to catch up with your friends and family – when do you have time to search, check reviews and book travel? Who has time to book 18 different train reservations so you arrive on time at each destination?
Your travel agent can save you time. Book an appointment to go in and talk about your dream trip and then leave it in the professional hands of your travel agent. They’ll update you along the way. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to go!
They Work For You
Your travel agent works for you, not the travel companies. This is important. Your travel agent shouldn’t try to sell you anything you don’t need for your vacation. They don’t make a commission with a certain destination or hotel chain. You’re the boss when it comes to booking with your travel agent. They are there to support and guide your travel decisions so you have a better trip! After all, a happy customer is a repeat customer.
Deals
Your travel agent has the inside scoop on sales and deals in the travel industry. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, a travel agent is your best bet. Your agent works within your budget and will always be on the lookout for seat sales and other discounts. Ask your travel agent when to book your vacation time from work, to coincide with the best deals on travel. Work your vacation into the low season to save money! Agents have the resources to direct you to age specific discounts, from student to senior deals.
Doing the dirty work
Taking a vacation should be a stress-free adventure! While lying on the beach, you shouldn’t have to worry about your return flight. If you’re jumping from city to city on a European backpacking excursion, you need to trust that when you arrive in Rome at 11:30 p.m., your hotel will be booked and ready for your arrival. By booking your travel with a registered travel agent, the fears and worries in the planning stage disappear. Turning to the experts is the key to enjoying your next sojourn!
With all of the resources out there for travelers, it’s not easy to know if you’re getting the best information. You wonder if the recommendations online have been sent by hotel employees. You wonder how you can get the best price on an airline ticket without flying around the country to get it. You’re confused. To clear things up, go to your local travel agent.
Article written by: Dianne Tuttle, CTC
Dianne has been in the travel field over 30+ years and owns Academy Cruises & Tours and Academy Travel School and can be reached at 805-781-2630.