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You may ask yourself, “Why should I use a travel agent when I can book a trip on my own?” Keep reading to find out!
10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent In 2017
The following information is taken from an article by Cheryl Rose; published 22 Nov. 2016 on http://www.travelmarketreport.com.
A travel agent knows how to see both parts – the airline and resort and cruise line that best match your needs, and the service that will guarantee your vacation is seamless and stress-free.
They make sure each piece meets your specific needs, so you’re happy with every penny you spend.
This year travel companies are offering more brands than ever before in history – on land, in the air and on the seas. Is Fathom the right cruise for you? Is Delta Light good enough? A travel professional can decipher the subtle differences and choose the one that fits your requirements for your unique trip.
The time and money you spend with them will be returned to you many times over in the form of perks, upgrades, convenience and great service.
Whether you need an upgrade to an ocean view or a ticket out of harm’s way after an earthquake, your travel agent will be there for you, intervening with suppliers on your behalf.
Like a doctor or an accountant, a travel counselor will ask the right questions, listen to your answers, understand your pain, and offer expert advice to guide you in making one of your most important decisions – how to spend your valuable time off.
From the visa and passport requirements to the name of the maître d’ at the best restaurant in town, a good travel agent has the inside information that makes your trip perfect.
When things go wrong, a travel professional knows who to call to get it fixed.
Over time your travel professional gets to know you and your family, your likes and dislikes. You are so much more than a sale to them – and they provide the human connection that makes every transaction more pleasant and meaningful. Plus by supporting local businesses, you support your community.
After 20 or 30 years in the business, a travel professional has the connections to arrange for the side trips, the special passes, the upgrades and little touches that are not available to the general public. Because in this wide and amazing and wonderful world, you just don’t know what you don’t know. So ask someone who does – ask your local travel agent!
Rosen, Cheryl. “10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent in 2017.” Travel Market Report, http://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/10-Reasons-To-Use-A-Travel-Agent-In-2017. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016
Ten Reasons To Book A Cruise Through A Travel Agent
by Daniel McCarthy / April 22, 2016
1. Travel agents are knowledgeable experts.
First and most importantly, travel agents provide knowledge and expertise that has taken them years to collect. This consultative experience with travel agents is incredibly valuable to consumers because it allows them to combine their own research with the expertise of their trusted travel agent and ultimately feel very confident in their final decision.
—Dana Gain, national director of Canadian sales, Norwegian Cruise Line
2. Travel agents offer advice at little cost.
If you have a chance to hire a professional advocate and researcher at little cost to you (we’re paid by the suppliers), why would pass up that value-add?
—Gary Smith, franchise owner, Dream Vacations
3. Travel agents deliver one-stop shopping.
We are able to create a seamless travel experience with transfers, air, as well as unique pre and post tours and hotels. We are also able to create private shore excursions that are unique to each port. We bring added value to every booking.
—Roy Ramsey, director of operations, Betty Maclean Travel, Inc.
4. Travel agents provide an added level of support.
We absolutely rely on agents as our primary means of distribution—and it’s not just our distribution, it’s also just the support they provide.
—Tom Markwell, president, French America river cruise line
5. Travel agents serve as your advocate when things go astray.
There’s so much advice we can offer, it helps to have an agent before you go on a trip. But it’s also great to have an agent for when things go bump in the night, to have someone to call when you have a delayed flight. That’s what keeps customers coming back. Yes, they might get a lower price, but if you want service, we’re the ones who will be there for you at 3 a.m.”
—Diane Bower, travel professional, CruzDiva Travel
6. Travel agents understand your needs.
Travel professionals get to know the customer, their wants and their needs, really well. It’s almost as if your best friend is booking a trip for you.
—Dana Gain, national director of Canadian sales, Norwegian Cruise Line
7. Travel agents are here to stay.
The profession is only going to become stronger and more needed… We are going to need them to continue to sell us more than ever.
—Ken Muskat, executive vice president, MSC Cruises USA
8. Travel agents are impartial advisors.
A good agent is impartial and will always recommend and give insights into the best choice for the client, not the supplier. Going direct to suppliers limits your feedback to what is best for the supplier.
—Gary Smith, franchise owner, Dream Vacations
9. A live travel agent is better than a click.
When you get a good travel agent on the phone she can enhance your vacation with knowledge and expertise that you can’t get on the internet. And we have access to all types of promotions.
—Beth Leonardt, owner, Vacations by Beth
10. A travel agent is a personal shopper at no cost.
At Norwegian there is no price difference between booking direct and booking with a local travel agent, so the customer gets all the benefits of a personal shopping experience at no extra cost. It’s the equivalent of the perfect storm of reasons to work with travel agents! Travel agents are also close to home, allowing a personal and very customized experience, and this is something that no 1-800 number can provide.
—Dana Gain, national director of Canadian sales, Norwegian Cruise Line