5 Reasons You Should Use a Travel Agent
In the digital age there is no shortage of travel resources available right at your fingertips. As travel experts, we use digital tools all the time (we recently published a blog post about some of our favorites). However, information overload is real and it can feel nearly impossible to decide where to start when it comes to planning your next trip. This sentiment is exactly why many people (including Millennials and Gen Z!) are consistently turning to travel agents to take the stress out of travel. In fact, IBS Software recently conducted a survey that found, “a record 47% of respondents are utilizing in-person or online travel agents (OTAs) to book their holiday trips due to convenience.” Below are the top five reasons we think everyone should use travel agent services:
1. Travel agents can get you better rooms and experiences at better prices
Did you know that many hotels and resorts will be listed as “sold out,” but they truly still have some space available, reserved only for bookings made through travel agents? This is because travel agents put extensive time and energy into establishing relationships with the brands they work with and they consistently send these brands excited travelers who often become repeat guests. Not only can travel agents get you into the places you want to go, they also have insider knowledge on upgrades, perks, and excursions that suit your travel style. Brands will often hold flash sales or offer freebies on bookings made by travel agents, which in turn benefits you, the guest. Sure, online booking sites are often holding sales too, but think of travel agents as your own personal price compare tool. They have access to insider resources and are first in line to travel information, making sure you are getting the best bang for your buck, not just booking the first deal you find.
Poolside rooms at Sandals Jamaica
2. Travel agents take the guesswork out of group travel
Get that trip out of the group chat! Actualizing group travel can seem like a daunting task, and without a good travel agent it truly can be. First, there’s coordinating flights, then getting a block of hotel rooms together, and then, worst of all, splitting the cost of everything. This is exactly what travel agents are prepared to do. Best of all, travel agents often have access to group discounts and upgrades. So, decide on your dates and destination and let your travel agent take care of the rest.
3. Travel is constantly changing - let your travel agent take the stress out of the details
Especially following international shutdowns, the state of travel is constantly changing. There are ever-evolving documentation requirements, new standards for air travel, and new suppliers popping up left and right. Now more than ever, it is difficult to just show up in a city and play it by ear. Let your travel agent ensure your perfect modes of transportation, accommodations, and excursions are booked ahead of time, not only so your trip is everything you dreamed of, but also so they can provide you with any information you need ahead of time. Your travel agent can update you on packing and luggage standards, documentation, vaccinations, and much more before you take off. Travel is their job - let them do their job while you sit back and relax.
Boarding AmaWaterways’ AmaViola for a river cruise in Europe
4. Relationships are everything and your travel agent has established them
As with any industry, building strong relationships is crucial to success. Travel agents are no exception. Travel agents aim to create lasting relationships with their clients and suppliers. By establishing a strong and ongoing relationship with you, agents are able to book travel that suits your interests and can notify you when opportunities that would interest you arise. Travel agents also learn your travel style. Need assistance at the airport? Only like to stay at hotels with breakfast included? Want to pick up a rental car right at the airport? Your agent is an expert in all things you! Let them get you on your way in the style that suits you best. Additionally, by maintaining relationships with suppliers, agents are in the know about the best times to book, how to reschedule and cancel bookings on the fly, and how to curate unique itineraries that may be off the beaten path. Better adventures start with better relationships.
5. Save time before, during, and after your trip with a travel agent
Travel is fun and relaxing, but it also requires a lot of work! Drop your worries related to airport transfers, payment due dates, and required documents and simply follow the instruction of your agent. Not only do agents take the stress out of planning and booking, they also serve as your personal helpline while on the go. Need help on a cruise or at a hotel, but the information desk has a line a mile long? Call your agent! Was your booking canceled and you don’t know how to process a refund? Call your agent! At every step of the way, your travel agent is your advocate and will make sure your needs are met.
In 2024 travel is alive and well, and so is the need for an expert travel agent. Save yourself time and stress on your next trip by reaching out to one of our agents today!