Is a Travel Agent for you - Q & A

I had someone ask me this morning...

"Do people still use travel Agents?" YES!!

So, here are 10 valuable reasons....
1. Accountability
A travel agent’s job is on the line with every trip. Travel agents have a boss to answer to—or they are the boss—and they are a real person clients can speak with to work things out.
2. Knowledge
Travel agents have been doing the job for years and know all the ins and outs. Traveling to Europe for the first time? Instead of deciding where to go based on anonymous comments on a website, speak to someone who does this for a living and knows what they’re talking about.  
3. More for your money
When booking an expensive trip, travelers want to see everything and experience the best a city has to offer. A travel agent can ensure travelers dollars go a long way—and make sure they don’t miss that amazing restaurant down the street, or the special event going on the day their in town.  A travel agent knows where to go and when.
4. 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.
5. Budgeting
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.
6. Insurance
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.
7. Resources
At the touch of travel agents’ fingertips they have resources a traveler simply does not. Yes, we have the internet, but there is so much still left unknown, especially in places that are undiscovered.
8. Exclusivity
Let’s face it, we all want to be a little bit different. A travel agent knows the new destinations and the new places in them —and often they can get their client in. Through their partners, they also often get freebies for their customers that range from a free drink to an exclusive admission to a hot event.
9. Time savings
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.
10. Leverage
Can’t book a room at a place you really want? Had a last minute addition to a trip but all the rooms are booked? No problem. Travel agents spend years developing long-term relationships, and travel companies understand how important their repeat business is. Travel agents have leverage with most hotel companies and resorts, and they are more likely to get what they want than a single consumer.
....In short, if you have never visited a travel agent, you are missing out on a chance to save time and hassles and aggravation—and often, money as well.
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In the age of technology, booking trips online is an easy choice for travelers. And yet the business of travel agents in the United States soared last year—ASTA reported that more of half of all agents saw an increase in clients, transactions, and revenue in 2014 over 2013, and their profits are expected to grow 12% in 2015.
Here are 10 reasons that help explain why that is, from a customer’s perspective. Article "10 Reasons Travelers Still Need a Travel Agent" by Anna Gleksman

First and Foremost I DO NOT CHARGE A BOOKING FEE

From: Travel Diary / Aug. 1, 2018

  This is among the top queries travelers have and the answer is a very surprising one. Booking with travel agents is often cheaper than booking online as they have access to awesome money-saving deals. Privy to secret airline prices, travel agents book scores of air tickets each day and will be able to easily tell you if the flight price you found online is a reasonable one. This is one of the topmost benefits of booking flights through travel agents. 

 FROM: Nerdwallet / Sept. 5

The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

Also, if you’ve booked a trip with a travel agent and for whatever reason need to cancel, they might be able to help get the refund more directly.

FROM: Outside Magazine / May 8

 It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away. 

I save you valuable time. I do all the searching, comparing, pricing, finding the location and of course finding the BEST DEAL for you!

And let's not forget, as a Travel Agent, I have access to special pricing and deals.

So, My answer to that question... 

Using a Travel Agent saves your valuable time and money!

FROM:

April Grant ~ Quora / Jan 12 

Travel agents are able to offer better deals than prices found on online booking websites because they have access to exclusive discounts and promotions that aren't available to the general public.

They also have relationships with hotels, airlines, and other travel providers that allow them to negotiate lower rates for their clients.

Additionally, travel agents can often bundle services together in a way that is more cost-effective than buying each service separately online.

Finally, many times they will be able to find hidden gems or special offers not listed on any website which can save you money as well!

"I can book Directly and save Money"

- False - 

Do you know Travel Agents can get you the same Travel Deal that you can personally get on-line or on the phone calling directly and often times for less money and usually with special add-ons and this is how we make a living!!

FROM: Be The Budget 

With all of today’s options for booking hotels, flights, and activities while you’re on vacation, it’s a common belief that travel agents only add costs to the eventual price of a trip. It’s only natural to avoid using a travel agent when you’re already spending your hard-earned cash on the vacation itself. So, to help you better understand their role, I’ll answer the burning question: do travel agents save you money?

In short, yes, travel agents can save you money. In fact, most travel agents have access to exclusive deals you can’t otherwise find when booking your travel online. Pair that with their extensive knowledge, and you’ll find that using a travel agent is one of the best ways to stay within budget.