All of the reasons that people are inclined to use the internet to book travel themselves (best price, convenience, multitude of options) are actually the same reasons they should be using a travel agent.
Wait, really?
Yes, really! Here's why:
Price
Vacations are an investment, both of money and of hard-earned time away from work. We all want and deserve to get the most for that investment. Travel agents take the parameters you give them (dates, locations, budget, etc) and try to find you the best value for your money. Travel agents know what cruise lines or all-inclusive properties offer amenities that match up with what you're looking for. Often times they have relationships with vendors that will get their clients special perks. Travel agents read reviews and vet properties before offering them to you. They also scout multiple booking platforms to find you the best price.
Did I mention that this is all done for free? Travel agents work on commission, which is paid for by the property, cruise line or vendor. And no, the vendor doesn't jack up the prices they offer travel agents to pass that commission on to you; vendors would lose sales through travel agents if they did that and those sales are important streams of revenue for vendors.
You are of course welcomed and encouraged to do some homework yourself, too. If you find a better rate online than your travel agent gave you let them know, they can most likely price match it.
Convenience
Do you know what you're doing while your travel agent is doing all of this research, review reading and quote compilation?
You're living your life. You're focused on your family, time with friends, or your own work. You're letting a professional handle an important aspect of your life for you, same as you might with your taxes or healthcare. And then, after they've done their work, you review their recommendations and make the decisions that are best for you and your family.
And again, friendly reminder, it's all at no cost to you. And it's a lot more enjoyable than taxes and healthcare.
Expertise
We go to an accountant or healthcare provider because they are specialists in their field, and we're not. Travel agents are specialists in travel, so why not benefit from their expertise?
Travel agents are passionate about travel and they tend to do it often themselves. They usually make recommendations based on their own previous, first hand knowledge of a property or destination. It wouldn't be in a travel agent's best interest to sell you something you're going to end up hating, you'll never book with them again and they will lose the possibility of a repeat customer. And be assured, good travel agents are looking for lasting relationships with their clients.
If a travel agent doesn't have first-hand knowledge of a particular destination, they usually have a network they can reach out to for more information. At Independent by Liberty, for example, the travel agents all contribute to a forum to give each other recommendations and answer each other's questions. And, if Jesse is any example, they enthusiastically participate on a daily basis. Travel agents love to share travel experience and knowledge, both with each other and with their clients.
Relationships
And finally, the relationship you have with the right travel agent might be the most important aspect of using a travel agent in the first place.
Please note, we're talking about the right travel agent here, not just anyone. And what should a relationship with the right travel agent look like?
In short, whatever best suits your needs. Planning a trip with your travel agent should be easy and fun. You should feel comfortable telling them what you want and need in regards to travel. You should be given options and have all of your questions answered. You should feel comfortable with some back and forth, giving input to initial quotes that will allow your travel agent to come back with finer honed recommendations. You should never feel pressured or pushed and you should always feel respected and valued.
Using a travel agent is free, convenient, and adds value to your vacation. You, your family, and your investment in your vacation deserve the guidance of the right travel agent.
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