Why go to a travel agent to book a trip when there are so many tools available on the Internet?

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• Booking travel online could include some hidden costs

• Travel Agents have extensive knowledge of the destination through training, travel, and other resources. Travel agents have been doing the job for years and know all the ins and outs. Traveling to the destination for the first time? Instead of deciding where to stay and what to do based on anonymous comments on a website, speak to someone who does this for a living.

• More for your money. When booking an expensive trip, travelers want to see everything and experience the best a destination has to offer. A travel agent can ensure the client’s dollars go a long way—and make sure they don’t miss out on an amazing restaurant, or special event going on while traveling.  A travel agent knows where to go and when.

• Setting an Itinerary. While some people enjoy “just winging it,” a travel agent can give a clear-cut schedule of what will be happening on a day-to-day basis, and keep clear records of everything that is included in the trip.

• Budgeting is important. A travel agent can help map out exactly how much a trip will cost, so there are no surprises. Does that excursion on Monday include lunch, for example, or do you have to buy your own? Does it pay to take the drinks package on the cruise ship, or pay for the excursions in advance? A travel agent can guide you and save you money.

• Things happen. A travel agent can offer insurance in a number of ways, from guaranteeing that the hotel is safe and the company running the excursion won’t rob a traveler, to actually advising on which insurance policies are needed, from trip cancellation to medical emergencies. They also insure that travelers will have the correct travel documents, so they don’t end up missing their plane or cruise. And when things do go wrong, travel agents have the resources and the contacts to get travelers to the head of the line.

• A  travel agent has resources that a traveler simply does not. Beyond the internet, they have knowledge through training and experience, as well as direct access to vendors and representatives.

• A travel agent will save you time. Spending hours and weeks researching the perfect trip can take up a ton of time during a busy work week. Travel agents will spend a little time getting to know their clients and what they are looking for, and then put together an entire vacation customized for them.

• A travel agent can offer assistance in hard to find reservations. Can’t book a room or meal at a place you really want? Had a last minute addition to a trip and need more rooms? No problem. Travel agents spend years developing long-term relationships, and travel companies understand how important their repeat business is. Travel agents use their relations and experience to find what you need whenever they can..

• Your travel agent knows you, knows what you like, how you like it and how much you accept to pay for it, resulting on a high level of service making your life much easier.

• When something goes wrong during your trip your travel agent is a phone call away to help.

• A travel agent is constantly monitoring for discounts and offers to be sure you have the best price available on your vacation.

 

In short - A travel agent can save you time, hassles and aggravation; and often, money as well.