Americans desperately need a vacation according to a new study, but when you finally take that next vacation are you sure that you should DIY it? Post-pandemic travel is vastly different and states, countries, and suppliers all have their own, new rules. The use of travel agents is on the rise because you shouldn’t navigate the new travel landscape alone. Here is a list of the 11 ridiculously good reasons why you need a travel agent to plan your next vacation.
1. Cost
Travel agent services are generally FREE to you because their commissions are paid by the travel vendor. Travel vendors factor in a travel agent’s commission whether you use an agent or not. If there are any agent planning fees, they are established up front before booking your trip.
2. Navigate the New Travel Rules
Travel won’t return to the way it was in 2019 for a while. Information is fluid. Policies, cancellations, openings, closings, advisories, and all other travel information is fluid. A travel agent can help you be prepared to navigate the new requirements and rules as travel bans start to ease. Are there special testing requirements required where you want to travel? Is self-quarantine required? If your trip is cancelled can you get a refund? We can help you navigate the details.
3. Advocacy
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to use a travel agent today is the advocacy we provide. Unexpected changes or problems can happen. When the unexpected happens, you will be happy to have someone on your side to help make phone calls and/or provide information, especially if there is an emergency. Travel agents can also help you avoid unexpected problems or help to make a bad situation less difficult. If you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, a travel agent can also advocate for you new dates, promotions related to a cancellation, or a refund.
4. Get Your Time Back
It can take 20 hours or more over several weeks or months to plan a complex trip on your own. Reclaim some of your precious time and let a travel expert help plan your your trip. Still want to be part of the planning process? We can also provide quick resources and tips to help you make travel decisions easier. Since travel is our passion, we make it our job to know the details that make an incredible vacation. Travel agents can also save you save time on the phone to reschedule or book plans. Some times those phone calls can have you on hold for hours. Let a travel agent make those time-saving calls for you.
5. Expert Experience
In an age of travel advisories and ever changing information, it has never been more important to consult a travel agent. It is a travel agent’s job to know all of the latest information that may impact your travel experience. If you don’t want to risk not knowing important information for your next trip, consult a travel agent who has access to all of the latest resources and information to help you create your dream trip or vacation.
6. Resources, Information, and Pricing
Travel agents are informed on all of the latest information through exclusive travel agent resources. Travel vendors have direct access to our inbox with the latest promotions and information to keep our clients happy and to sell their products. That is how we can keep you informed of any changes or updates to an upcoming trip (and all of those details change often these days), including additional savings that may be passed along to you. Despite all of the travel information available online, you may not be getting the best deal booking a trip yourself.
7. Information Filter
There are a lot of sources of travel information today. Travel agents filter all of that information and do any additional research for you. With one conversation, an agent can help match you with your ideal travel experience with what is being offered in the market instead of you spending your precious time filtering all of the travel information on your own. And that takes us to the next reason to use a travel agent: exclusive access to information.
8. Exclusive Access
Travel agents do have exclusive access to certain resources and information that also allows you book experiences that can only be booked through a travel agent. For example, it can be almost impossible to book lodging and various independent activities and excursions at the many national parks, but an agent can quickly curate a customized vacation package with transportation, lodging, and activities through a tour operator. So, if you have never consulted a travel agent to book your trip, you may not even know what you are missing out on.
9. Added Value
A wonderful travel experience of your dreams is priceless. Using a travel agent increases the possibility of a dream-like travel experience personally tailored to you. Travel agents cannot make any guarantees, of course, but delegating your travel experience to an expert definitely helps to ensure you are maximizing your precious time and money for the best trip or vacation possible.
10. Better Vacations
A travel agent’s expert experience, resources, and exclusive access lead to an overall better vacation. Nothing makes a travel agent happier that to help their clients create a wonderful trip full of life-long memories with inside tips and resources to enhance your experience. And the next time you use the same agent to book travel, they will already know your travel preferences for a easier and quicker booking experience. Building that relationship can lend itself to a lifetime of great vacations.
11. Service
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact travel in March 2020, many online booking platforms known as OTAs or wholesale shopping club vacation sellers were unavailable for phone calls. OTA’s simply turned off their phones because they couldn’t handle the volume of calls from frustrated customers. While you might be able to save money on your trip through OTAs, the lack of customer service is not likely worth the savings, especially when travel plans can be uncertain and are complex.
Elevate your travel experience
If you would like to learn more about the many ways we can assist you with planning your next vacation, schedule a call to discuss your next vacation wish list. You can also email us at info@beautifultomorrowtravel.com. We would love to hear from you! Subscribe below to our email newsletter to receive exclusive travel news and promotions, and FREE planning downloads!