Top 10 Reasons Why You Still Need a Travel Agent
In today’s age of technology, booking trips online is an easy choice for travelers. So why should you use a travel agent? Well, consider this: there are two trips advertised online, same price and the same destination. One is a dream come true, the other a nightmare. Do you know which is which? Exactly. This would be a good time to call your travel agent.
Here are 10 reasons why YOU still need a travel agent:
Accountability – Your travel agent’s job is on the line with every trip. They are accountable not only to their boss but also to you, their client. And it is really nice to have an actual person to speak to when things go sideways in the middle of your journey.
Knowledge – Travel agents have been doing the job for years and speak from experience. Is this your first time going to Europe/any country? How do you know where to go, or stay? Is your entire trip based on anonymous comments from a website? Isn’t it a much better decision to speak with people who do this for a living and know what they’re talking about? They can suggest something which you would have never had an idea about!
More for Your Money – Do you have an unlimited income? Most travelers do not and when you’re booking an expensive trip, you want to see and do everything. Your agent can ensure that your travel dollars are well spent. Your agent is able to take what is most important to your travel style and send you on an amazing experience.
Setting an Itinerary – There are not many people who “wing-it” through everyday life, so why would you try that on a trip? Let your agent plan a concise schedule of what to do every day and keep clear records for you of what is included in your trip. And remember, a good agent knows not to schedule something every minute of the day.
Budgeting – How much does the trip cost? Are there hidden fees? Resort tax? Does the excursion include lunch? Should we purchase excursions in advance? Is all-inclusive a good deal? You may or may not know the answer to these questions, but you can bet your travel agent does.
Offers & Best Time – Your Travel will be the first one to know offers extended by the Airlines & Tour promoters. Book with travel agent and save every penny since ‘Penny saved is penny earned’. Also, Travel agent uses Central Reservation Systems (CRS) & Global Distribution Systems (GDS) for flight reservations, who will have complete information about current flight loads/capacities and wisely advise you when is right time to punch a ticket for your travel which otherwise is the case with online portals that create panic and anxiety in you every time you visit their website by using some gimmicks
Resources – Travel agents have an amazing set of resources at their fingertips. Of course, you too have the internet but how much time do you have to do the research?
Exclusivity – Want to be treated special? Maybe go to the head of the line? How about a seat upgrade on the plane? Would you like to book a room at that brand-new hotel or have dinner reservations at a special restaurant? Travel agents know new destinations and new places in them. Through preferred partnerships, agents are able to get freebies for their clients that range from a free drink, room upgrade, or an exclusive admission to a restaurant or show.
Time Savings – Tell your agent about yourself and what type of experience you are looking for. Your agent will put together an entire custom vacation for you. We spend hours and weeks researching our client’s perfect trips, why should you? Remember, this is what we do for a living.
Leverage – V M TOURS & TRAVEL has spent years developing long-term relationships with our vendors and we understand how important repeat business is to them. Because of this, agents have leverage when it comes to getting what they want. And if you’ve ever tried to add a last-minute addition to a trip and all the rooms are booked, you will have wished you had an agent.