“Why should I use a Travel Agent?” “Can a travel agent get me good deals?”
While a travel agent like myself will work tirelessly to ensure you get the best price for your vacation there are much more valuable reasons to use a travel agent to book your next trip.
I get it… the internet has made it so easy for you to go online and book your vacation. You certainly do not need someone to do the booking for you. But with the internet, the amount of information out there has multiplied and it now takes hours and hours to research and plan a vacation. This is where the Travel Advisor comes in.
The shift in the role of travel professionals from agent to advisor was recognized in 2018 by ASTA – the world’s largest association of travel professionals – when they changed their name to the American Association of Travel Advisors (formerly Agents.) With limited vacation time, limited planning time, and the black hole of information on the internet, you need someone to help you navigate through all the clickbait and crazy reviews and REALLY help you maximize your time. It is my job to make sure you don’t waste a penny on a vacation that you don’t absolutely love.
So Why Should You Use a Travel Agent?
Here are 7 ways a Travel Advisor can help you have a better vacation:
A Travel Advisor is never going to beat the discount sites and big box stores to get you the cheapest rate, but they can help you get a better value. What I do for my clients is give them a range – starting with the top of the line, get everything you ask for, to budget-friendly while still being safe. We typically end up with something in the middle… a resort they will still be comfortable at but that fits in their budget. On top of that, I also offer discount checking. And if time is money you will get that back tenfold. A Travel Advisor can easily make up the difference in price with the services they offer and the money and time they will help you save when you get there.
While this may not matter as much on a beach vacation if you are visiting a theme park or a busy city you want to make the best use of your time. You want to see as much as possible without rushing, waiting in long lines or bouncing around. A good Travel Advisor understands crowd patterns, the best days, and the order in which to visit attractions so you can maximize your time.
You want to find a TA who specializes in your destination or type of travel. They can help you with things you may not find in guidebooks. They either have visited those places multiple times or have contacts they work with in the destination. They can recommend non-touristy restaurants popular with locals, off the beaten track attractions, or ways to avoid crowds.
In addition to insider knowledge about your destination, they can share tips to make traveling a little easier.
Not all Travel Advisors offer this, so you will want to ask upfront what they include in their services. I love to help my travelers come up with a plan – it is not rigid like an itinerary but it allows you to approach your days in an organized manner while still having plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the little unplanned moments.
Though we don’t like to think about it, with all the variables that go into travel there is a chance that something may go wrong. If that is the case you will have 24-hour support to make sure you are safe and comfortable, and an advocate to help you get what you need so you can still enjoy your time with your family.
I see it all the time. Families travel to the same destinations over and over because it is comfortable, safe and easy. Once I have worked with a family I learn their interests and travel styles and I am able to recommend other destinations they may enjoy. Of course, I help them every step of the way so it is still easy and they still feel comfortable and safe, but also get to enjoy new experiences.
If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.
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