There are many reasons why you should use a travel agent, but four main reasons make travel agents truly valuable: Money, time, convenience and knowledge.
Picture this, you have gone to London for a quick trip to visit friends and then you are going to take a cruise from Southampton. You booked everything on the cheap because you saw an online deal and you are a seasoned travel, so you had the confidence that you could make your own travel arrangements.
When you land in Heathrow, you hear that a volcanic ash cloud has shut down several airports around Europe. Soon after, you hear that Heathrow has also been shut down. Shortly after that, you receive an email that your cruise has been canceled because the ship is going to assist people stranded elsewhere on the continent. You try to get a flight home, but you can’t change your ticket. Hotel prices are skyrocketing and booking fast. Suddenly, instead of having a relaxing week abroad, you are stressed and racking up international data fees.
What’s the lesson in this semi-fictional story? A travel agent could have fixed all of that and saved you money and time. This story is just one example of myriad ways a travel agent can help you avoid sticky situations abroad.
- Travel agents can save you money. Travel agents develop relationships with travel suppliers such as tour operators, hotel brands, destination management companies and more. They also have access to some of the most up-to-date computer technology in the industry, which gives them access to special deals and perks not available to those going it alone. Ever wonder how to get the best seats in economy on the plane — a travel agent. And what about that couple who scored a bottle of champagne at check in —used a travel agent.
- Time is of the essence. Sometimes money equals time. A travel agent might not be able to save you any more money than booking yourself, but they can save you time and, these days, time is valuable.
- Convenience. It takes countless hours to arrange a trip on your own — and what about one for the whole family? Or even several families. How much time do you want to spend searching for that African safari that you have always wanted to take? Travel agents will do all of the searching for you — and when you leave on your trip, you know its with someone who they trust. Why spend your valuable time surfing the web for travel deals when your travel agent can take care of everything for you?
- Knowledge. ASTA travel agents are some of the most knowledgeable in the travel industry. They have year-round access to training and are up to speed on the latest trends and most popular destinations.
Bonus reason: Travel gents are your advocates. Agents will go to bat for you. They will work tirelessly to get you out of tough situations. Travel agents want their customers to come home happy and relaxed. However, they are not fortune tellers, so when troubles arise, they are going to be there to help you out by rebooking tickets, straightening out hotel reservations, rearranging your tour times if you missed one. You name it, they are there to help.
So going back to our original scenario, if the same traveler had booked with a savvy travel agent, he or she would have had a hotel booked in London upon landing at Heathrow and, most likely, a return ticket home. Wouldn’t you rather be the one talking up your experience in the airport lounge instead of typing frantically on your mobile phone with sweat dripping down your brow and your luggage sprawled at your feet?