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North Americans, including many who have yet to work with a travel agent before, are turning to travel agents as they anticipate resuming vacation plans. Here are some reasons why relying on a travel agent during these times makes sense.
- Save time
We all know time is money, so why waste it is researching airlines, cruise ships, hotels, and other travel suppliers when you can lean on an expert who has experienced them first-hand? While you should research which places you want to go (research shows that even planning travel creates happiness), there’s no need to spend your valuable time over the tedious and less interesting details such as hotel reviews and flight options.
- Avoid stress
Things that require significant time and money inevitably tend to create headaches and stress. If recent times have taught us anything, self-care is of prime importance. Working with a Travel Agent who can do the complex parts for you is an easy way to reduce the amount of stress in your life while still being able to get excited about future travel.
- Rely on an expert
People travel less than travel agents. They are constantly educating themselves on the industry, and what’s coming next. While COVID-19-related travel restrictions are constantly changing, it’s your travel agent’s job to be up-to-date and in the know. For many, the thought of planning travel in the time of coronavirus makes them feel lost or overwhelmed but that’s where a Travel Agent can step in and provide expert advice, recommendations, and even alternate options when need be.
Would you invest your life savings without an expert? or build a home? Your vacation is just as important for your well-being, and you should rely on an expert in planning and booking.
- Travel options are more complex than they used to be
With the current environment, including retiring cruise ships, Covid testing requirements, vaccine travel passports, staycations, pod vacations, never mind the new resorts, and new airline fare categories, keeping up with the options is a full-time job. Having a professional help with the planning and logistics can have a big impact on how much you spend and how much you enjoy your vacation.
- The personal experience
Often the best travel deal isn’t the one that best suits you. By working with a travel agent, you’ll make sure that you get the best possible deal for the trip you want to take. Unlike a search engine, a travel agent will consider your preferences before seeking your ideal getaway.
- You’ll support small business
Like many other small and family-owned businesses, travel agencies have been massively impacted by the pandemic and need support from those who they’ve helped over the years. Supporting your local travel agent is another way to support small businesses and do your part to help jumpstart your local economy.
- Get special access
Travel Agents have access that Online Travel Sites and average travelers don’t have. They are much more likely to enhance your trip with unexpected and authentic moments. It might just be a surprise bottle of champagne upon arrival at your honeymoon resort or a last-minute suite upgrade. There’s no guarantee, but working with an agent ensures that someone looks out for you behind the scenes.
- Leverage their passion
The role of the Travel Agent might be different than what it was decades ago but this group’s relentless passion for exploration is among the many reasons they remain so vital today and have been able to overcome past crises including 9/11 and the Great Recession. A great travel agent can excite you to see the world and inspire you to stay the course in those moments when you aren’t so sure. In the time of COVID-19, a good agent will never pressure you to travel but can help plan your dream trip for the time when you are more comfortable with heading out to explore again.
- You get an instant network
When you work with a travel agent, you benefit from their expertise and many connections. No travel professional has been everywhere, and it would be impossible for them to know everyone and everything. But they’ve undoubtedly participated in FAM (familiarization) trips where they were able to network with other agents and initiate lasting relationships with key players in the travel and tourism industry. This network is something they lean on when it comes to planning the best vacation for their clients. You get more than just one travel agent when you work with them.
- A human connection that travels with you
Unlike an online travel engine, your travel agent is with you for the duration of your trip. If you encounter any problems, such as last-minute flight cancellations, you will have a real person to contact for assistance. Even when an unexpected obstacle is outside of their control, a trusted agent will go to bat for you and keep in communication until the situation is resolved. You’re never alone when you have a travel agent to lean on.
- Travel agents not only save you money, but they also deliver more value for your vacation dollars
When working with a travel agent, the value you receive will be bigger than what you paid. Cruise lines, luxury hotels, and many resorts get the majority of their customers through travel agents, and they reward the best ones with perks to share with you. Travel Agents consistently get access to the best rooms, upgrades, and special features that are just not available in online databases.
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This article was submitted by BBB Accredited Business, Absolute Travel Specialists LTD.
