10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

From being young and adventuresome backpacking and staying in hostels, to enjoying luxury resorts in sunny destinations or using my organization skills to lead a group of friends on an adventurous vacation.The way I travel is always evolving but I will always have that love of adventure, freedom and discovery.

This is why I always booked my own vacation and every aspect separately.Then I took my passion to the next level so I could share with others and became an independent travel agent.

What are the benefits of booking through an independent travel agent?

Why is this even more important during uncertain times?

Many consumers might not realize what they are missing out on when they travel and don't use a travel agent. Here are just a few things that a travel agent can do for you.

Experience

Most travel agents travel a lot themselves and are able to share their personal experiences with you. Travel agents know the market and, if they listen to you and what you want, they will be able to match you with a better product than you can find alone on the internet.Plus, they generally are part of a global network of reputable suppliers. With the use of their connections, they will often hear of potential travel advisories before it becomes general knowledge.

Advocate

If something goes wrong on your trip, a good travel agent will go to bat for you -- no matter who is at fault -- and try to get your vacation back on track.If something isn’t provided or isn’t as expected they will sort this out for you – either resolving the issue, offering an alternative, or providing a full or partial refund.A good travel agent will help you get refunds where they are legally due, when trips/flights are cancelled or aspects of the trip are not as expected. A travel agent will also help support you in sorting out problems.If you miss a connection, a flight is cancelled, a disruption in your journey due to a volcano or a driver not showing up. With all the airline problems lately, would it not be easier on the traveler to call their agent and have them sort it out.This is also an important thing to consider during uncertain times, as we’re experiencing with the pandemic. Travel agents know what the new norm is and can secure good flexible options.

Resources

Travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn't know about. They can sometimes get you a better price, seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.They also have agent only contact information that says the traveler from being on hold for great lengths of time.

Convenience

Finding great deals on flights, accommodation, and experiences for your dream trip can be fun but it can also take days! Your time is valuable and you shouldn't have to spend it searching for the right vacation. There’s nothing to stop you from doing preliminary research, but a travel agent can do the heavy work for you. An agent can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw advertised on TV. The difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires, the inspiring destinations may look good on TV but not actually be your personal dream holiday. Travel agents can help you define your ideas of what it is you want to get out of a vacation.Also, if you go through a knowledgeable travel agent, they can often source great solutions more quickly.

Relationships

When you develop a relationship with a travel agent, they are able to target the perfect trips for you without having a conversation. Ideally, they could have your next vacation already planned and just a call or email away from booking. Travel agents tend to know about the deals as or before they are available.Your agent will know what you are looking for and they can keep an eye out for you and let you know when the next deal comes up.No need for you to continuously check.

Save Money

One of the most common myths about travel agents is that they are more expensive than booking trips yourself. Often, agents can save you money due to their supplier relationships -- or at least price match the what you find – although they save you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into trips. A travel agent will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book will not include those, making the experience appear cheaper. Only 60% of travel opportunities are available to the public. Travel agents have access to trade deals you will never be able to see or hear about unless you speak to a travel agent.

Added Value

There are a lot of value-adds that consumers don't even know about that can be added by a travel agent.An agent can arrange for little extras to be waiting for you on check-in. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn't? They probably used a travel agent.

Better Destinations

Travel agents have insider information on the best places or times to go to crowded destinations. Sometimes, they will even know what the new trending destinations are going to be before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a travel agent.

Exclusive Access

Some tours and experiences are only available by booking through a travel agent. Many companies will offer many components and simply want to make sure a customer is right for their experience -- exotic tours, treks, private jet products are often only available through an agent.

Enjoy a Personal Service

A travel agent is someone you want to be able to connect with and have in your life for the long-term. You are trusting them to advise you on the most memorable and budget friendly way to invest a lot of your time and money over the years. Travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you'll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count -- they have been professors, hotel owners, tour guides, nurses. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing the world with you. Take advantage of their services.


There are many benefits to using a travel agent, especially with all the travel uncertainties thanks to Covid. With the potential of increased risk and hassles, using a travel agent is a no-brainer.

Booking through a travel agent gives you all the benefits shared above, why would you ever do anything otherwise? Even when you go to stay with far away friends or family, there are ways a travel agent can create a ‘package’ to make your travel extra ordinary.

If you can dream it, a travel agent can make it happen!It’s never too early to start dreaming so, contact me today and let me send you packing!