DO TRAVEL AGENTS STILL EXIST? With the internet? This is the top question asked when people learn I am a Travel Advisor. Here are some great benefits that clients get when choosing to use a Travel Advisor to help plan their trips:
A travel expert can help you choose a destination and the best way to explore it.
I’ve been to many destinations. If I haven’t been, I have trusted travel professionals who have, as well a host of research resources to use on behalf of my clients. To ensure that you get a great experience, I take time to get to know your needs. I hate to see people spend money on an experience they don’t enjoy, or have a below-average vacation, even if it was a “cheap deal”. You work hard for your money and you want to enjoy the experiences together when you spend it.
Travel experts save clients time and hassle.
The Internet is called the Information Super Highway for a reason, but it’s a double-edged sword, and it may be difficult to know what’s accurate. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet. Knowledge and experience allow me to quickly assess available options. No one loves sitting on hold– but as your Travel Expert, I can outsource this time consuming and sometimes frustrating task for my clients.
Travel Experts may be able to get special treatment for their clients that they can’t find on their own.
Thanks to the relationships with travel suppliers, I can often get amenities, upgrades and other special VIP touches that my clients don’t have access to. So while some DIY vacationers may pat themselves on the back for saving $100, it’s not unusual for my clients to enjoy special perks worth more, and adding an extra touch to their experience.
The job of a Travel Expert does not end when the client’s travel is booked.
I go the final stretch to offer great restaurants I know they will love, recommend and book extra special activities (for example, golf tee times, shore excursions, food experiences, day trips out of city, etc.) Doing my best to prepare my clients for travel, to minimize surprises is also on the table. I confirm that passports are current (and whether visas or other extras are needed,) I make sure you have transfers from your transportation to hotel, airport, train station or a car if booking one instead, and even provide tipping guidelines and etiquette for traveling abroad.
As your Travel Expert, I read through the fine print for you.
There are many rules imposed on the public by airlines, hotel companies and tour operators, frequently resulting in fees for change or cancellation, as well as defining their obligation to the traveler in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, which might disrupt travel.
Travel Experts have access to dedicated travel insurance companies with products that are often less expensive and more comprehensive than those offered by an airline or tour company. Touring companies usually have half the benefits of medical costs or baggage lost, etc.
Extra Special – Do you have a group of people?
Traveling with a group (family, friends, group with a common interest, etc.) is a spectacular way to experience a destination but it can quickly become complicated. You can relinquish planning a group trip to a Travel Expert, who can track all travelers and associated bookings, payment deadlines, documentation requirements, etc. And… its common for travel companies to offer special perks when a group travels together!
Most important… your Travel Expert is a phone call or email away for help.
If a client experiences a challenge or delay during travel, they can email or text me, and I will work to resolve the issue. Have you ever sought help from one of the online huge agencies? If so, you understand the exceptional value in this service!
You can reach me by filling out the form on the contact me page. I will get in touch with you
