Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

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With all the online search capabilities now, why use a travel agent?  A lot of clients feel overwhelmed with the amount of information out there.  See some really good reasons below:

1. Save money 
   • It is the agent's job to find the latest deals and value that is a priority for their client.  Agents are often able to get the best deals because of their relationships with travel suppliers.  
2. Knowledge is power
   • Agents take educational courses to become experts on an array of travel products and destinations.  The often visit and experience them first-hand so that they can sell with confidence.
3. Value adds
   • Many agents have relationships with suppliers and consortia partners that allow them to offer value-added benefits for free, such as shore excursions, breakfast, WIFI, upgrades and more.
4. Boring stuff
   • Anyone can talk about the exciting world of travel, but agents help their clients with the small details that will ensure a successful trip, such as navigating through passport and visa needs. They also can explain travel legalese, like cancellation policies and restrictions.
5. Groups R Us
   • If you're planning a group vacation, whether it's a multi-generational family trip or girl' or golf getaway, travel agents can put it together and pave the way for a wonderful trip for all.
6. Magical Buying Power
   • Agents are armed with know-how and buying power so they can often wield magic, such as getting a hotel room at a property that is supposedly sold out.
7. Problem solver
   • An agent can try to get a satisfactory resolution if a problem does arise while on vacation.
8. Time is Money
   • Searching the internet for the "best deal" takes time and patience. Agents can do the research for you.  Surveys show that the average person spends at least 20 hours and up to 20 days researching new destinations.
9. What's new now
   • Agents are often the first to hear about a new hotel, new cruise ship, and even an emerging destination as the place to be.
10. Combat indecisiveness
    • Can't choose between one cruise line or all-inclusive over another?  A travel agent can outline features and benefits of each and help you decide which one is right for you.
11. One call does it all
    • Agents can handle all aspects of travel: air, hotel, sightseeing, transfers, cruises, activities, and more.
12. Agents keep the ideas coming
    • Even when you're not shopping for your next vacation, a good agent is. They'll remember that China is on your wish list and if a new tour comes up that is a good match for you then they will reach out and let you know.
13. Agents know you
    • Unlike a cold online site, a good agent will get to know you as an individual: your likes, interests, budget, traveling partners, and more. They'll be able to accurately suggest travel products based solely on you as an individual and your travel preferences.
14. Small details add up
    • Looking for restaurant suggestions in Venice, where to shop in Paris, and what's the hottest club in Vegas?  Agents are in the know and can help add to your trip in so many small ways.
15. Putting it all there in black and white
    • Agents can come up with a comprehensive itinerary with a choice of options and rates so that you can see exactly what you can do based on your budget.
16. Celebrate
    • Destination weddings, big birthdays or anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and other life events all add up to a time to celebrate with a big trip. You want an expert making the arrangements because these are one-in-a-lifetime trips.
17. Extend that business trip
    • You use an agent when you travel for business, so why not ask that agent to extend your time in a destination with some leisure weekend fun and bring the spouse along.
18. Play referee
    • It is not easy to create an itinerary that everyone is happy with if you are on a multi-generational family trip or a girls or multi-couples getaway. An agent can speak to each traveler individually and find out their wish list for the trip and put together an itinerary that will keep everyone happy.
19. Ditch the stress
    • Let the experts handle the details and you just enjoy the end result of a great vacation.
20. Senior travel benefits
    • Agents can arrange for private transfers, ADA accommodations as needed, and other ways to ensure comfort for seniors traveling the world.
21. Family focus
    • Agents are able to sift through properties to find the best children's programs based on the ages of the traveling children. They can also work with hotels to arrange for private babysitters if the family has a need for them.
22. Romantic Offerings
    • Those seeking to set up a romantic wedding proposal can work with an agent who can put everything in place at the hotel and/or destination to make sure it is a proposal to remember.
23. Taking travel fears
    • If you are concerned about travel to select areas of the world, agents can help provide you with accurate information on travel advisories and work together with you to decide if, where, and when you should travel.
24. Making a difference
    • If you wish to be involved in voluntourism during your travels, an agent can help set up opportunities for you to give back to the communities.
25. Understanding location
    • Location is key to many destination stays and online information can sometimes be confusing. Agents can do the legwork and find out such things as if a quiet beachfront property really is that quiet or it's in the path of airplanes flying into the airport.
26. Travel insurance Ins and Outs
    • Have questions about whether or not travel insurance is necessary and what type to get? The answer is usually yes, but agents can break it down for you.
27. Cultural musts
    • If you are seeking authentic experiences, agents can suggest and set up the activities that offer insights into the people and cultures of the countries you are visiting.
28. Worlds top events
    • Agents can help get tickets to the world's top events and build a package around them. Alternately, they can let you know not to travel during a certain time of year if it's that city's annual festival and you don't like crowds.
29. Packing lists
    • If you have questions on what to wear and what to pack, agents can help you by telling you expected attire on specific cruises, or what is appropriate in certain countries. They can also explain what you can and cannot carry on the airplane to take onto a cruise ship.
30. Time to upgrade
    • Do you want to splurge on the suite on Club Level this time? An agent can explain the advantages to upgrading, such as included breakfasts and concierge service.