14 Amazing Benefits of Booking with a Travel Agent.
Making travel arrangements with a travel agent.
There are endless websites, apps and online travel booking engines to help you plan your next vacation, so, why book with a travel agent?
The one thing we learned from Covid is that booking with a travel agent eased the stress for customers who were stranded far from home. Using their relationships with their partners, travel agencies went to work and arranged timely departures, re-booking vacations and securing refunds.
Here we go, in no particular order:
It’s free. Travel agents are paid on commission. They earn anywhere from 8 to 20% on each component in a booking. With the exception of air travel. This does not mean the rates are higher. Quite the contrary. They are given a travel agent or wholesale rate from the supplier. These rates are not published or sold directly to customers. The supplier realizes the agents will sell their products on their behalf and are rewarded for it.
Payment plans. This is a great benefit to booking with a Travel Agency. A deposit is usually required at the time of booking. It could be as low as $100.00. By the time you travel, you’re fully paid.
Booking lead times. You can start planning today for travel as far out as two years or as soon as tomorrow.
Exclusive deals. Travel agencies have access to exclusive deals with resorts and tour operators not available online. This could be a value add like No resort fee, free breakfast, or room upgrades.
Experts in their field. A travel agent or advisor can offer valuable advice about your trip. Tourism boards, cruise lines and resorts offer FAM trips to travel agents. These are trips whose sole purpose is to educate travel agents on their product, providing them first-hand experience to share with their customers.
Detailed itineraries and organized documentation. Travel agents organize your itinerary and provide documentation of all your confirmations and vouchers. If you are planning an extended trip with multiple cities or countries a travel agency is a great place to save time and money. As the customer, it is up to you to make sure all the information is correct. Especially, the spelling of names, ages, and passport numbers.
Customer service, Call your travel agent. 24-7. Agencies will have someone online ready to deal with the issue immediately. They will handle any issues directly with the tour operator or resort. This is a great reason to book with an agent. They make the calls and negotiate the terms.
Budget-friendly. Travel agents work within your budget. Being honest about your budget will work in your favor. Also advise them on what you don’t like, and what you’re willing to forfeit for a cheaper rate.
One-stop-shop. Book Domestic or International trips, including flights, resorts, car rentals, activities, and attractions.
Up to date Covid restrictions. Travel agents have up-to-date information about COVID restrictions. They will advise their customers on protocols, cancellation policies, and refunds.
Group bookings. Including family gatherings or trips for organizations. Many resorts offer group rates. A minimum of 8 or 9 rooms, depending on the resort, will qualify as a group and require a contract with the property. A discounted rate will apply and a block of rooms will be reserved. Your agent can also provide transportation and tours.
Destination Weddings. There are agencies that specifically deal with Destination Weddings. These agents know the contracts and what to expect. They are familiar with blocking rooms and space, arranging transportation for the guests, ceremony, and reception.
Travel insurance providers. Covering trip cancellation. Illnesses and injuries. Ask about Covid policies and restrictions.
Virtuoso agencies. These agencies have access to special add-ons for their clients. They have developed long and trusted relationships with their suppliers, and in return for their good standing, their clients are rewarded with unique add ons. These include free breakfast, tour vouchers, upgrades, and more.
I have worked for a travel management company for eight years and I have seen firsthand the dedication and loyalty travel agents have with their customers. Of course, like any business, there are those that don’t have their heart in the game. Finding the right match for you is important. As a travel customer, you should look for a travel agent that meets your needs.It’s a good idea to shop around. You want to find a person you feel comfortable working with. It’s ok to ask for referrals. After all, booking a vacation is serious business. And a good travel agent takes their role seriously. They know how hard you work and they realize the expectation is very high for travelers. Although they cannot guarantee perfect weather or untimely delays or cancellations, they can ease these mishaps with their knowledge and customer service excellence.
You may want to look for a travel agent that specializes in your destination. For example a certified Disney expert. Disney, like many other resort chains, and cruise lines, offers a course for travel agents to become certified to sell their products. They have to take a course and are tested on their knowledge. The course is updated yearly and the agents are required to keep updated on Disney’s latest additions.
Travel agents with years of experience have developed long-term relationships with their customers. Just like a good Doctor, Hairdresser, or Accountant. They have a long line of repeat clientele.
Characteristics of a good travel agent:
A passion for travel. And a deep knowledge of your destination.
Dependability. Responds in a timely manner and a follow-up after you return home.
Experienced. At least some industry experience under their belt.
Insightfulness. Provides an honest picture of your plan and offers suggestions to improve your experience.
Authenticity. Courteous, approachable. Someone that is not putting on a sales script. Although they are sales agents and working on commission you want to develop a relationship to become a valued customer that will return for every vacation.
Drive. A willingness to go to any length to make sure you're getting the holiday you paid for.
Once you have found the agent/advisor that works with you, you will find yourself developing a relationship with them and booking all your travel needs with that agency or advisor. They learn how you like to travel, how much you like to spend, and will even go the extra mile to please you.
They will give you a heads-up on upcoming promotions and travel deals.
There are many exceptional agents out there, I’ve heard some amazing and heartwarming stories of agents arranging surprises for their guests or special day tours. Assisting travelers with canceled flights and arranging refunds for vacations that have been cut short.
As a customer, it’s important to have a clear idea of your budget, flexibility, timing, and expectations from your vacation. Communicate this clearly to your travel agent. This is key to developing a relationship with them and to building trust with each other.
These are just a few of the benefits of booking with a travel agent. One thing is for certain, travel agents are not a dying breed. They move with the times and can be essential to providing lasting memories and value for your dollar.
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Happy travels!
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