Travel is more complicated now than it has ever been. The entire world was disrupted by the pandemic, and the travel industry was essentially shut down and continues to be hit hard by different travel restrictions across the world. Now more than ever it is important to know the ins and outs of travel regulations, insurance, cancellation policies, how to use travel credits, and where you should go for your next trip. Travel planners and travel agents are here to help you be informed and prepared for your next trip – and they do all the work for you! Here are 8 reasons to use a travel agent in 2021 (and beyond!).
- Travel Agents/Advisors/Planners love travel
Since travel is generally their business and passion, they are invested in helping others have the most amazing trips possible. Booking travel isn’t just processing reservations (though that is a big part of it). It’s also understanding the clients’ needs, likes, dislikes, and matching them with the best travel products. - Travel is more complicated now than ever before
Since the pandemic, travel restrictions and rules change almost on a daily basis – across the globe! Staying up to date and knowing the ins and outs of the travel landscape are essential to planning a vacation. Do you need visas? Will you require a negative PCR test to get into the country? Do you need a negative PCR test to get back into your own country? Where do you get them? The next year of travel may be even more complicated than 2020 as we continue to navigate these rules. - They have expertise, training, and industry resources
Travel agents have personal travel experience to pull from through their own trips, research or familiarization trips, and booking travel for others. Training is always being offered on new products to help advisors recommend the best options for their clients. And, if a client is looking for a more complex trip, agents have access to industry resources to help bring that trip to life! - Travel Advisors stay up to date on travel trends and deals
If you’re looking for the best time to visit a destination, cheaper dates, avoiding major holidays or closures in a city – than a travel agent can help. They stay up to date on location details, rainy seasons, holidays to avoid and more. Plus if you’re looking for an up and coming destination or somewhere less touristy – they will have great options. - Many travel agents work on commission only – meaning you pay nothing for their services
Whether you book directly with an airline, hotel, booking service (like Expedia, etc.) you are paying the same price doing it yourself. The money that travel agents earn is from the travel providers on the products they sell – not from the travellers. There may be some booking fees for more complex trips, or to make airline only reservations, but these vary. But that brings me to my next reason you should use a travel planner… - They save you time and stress
Travel planners are experts in their field. They spend time researching and learning about the industry and taking trips to continue to learn for their clients. I wouldn’t try to do my own taxes because it would take me time to research, and learn. And I’m not good at complex math – so generally it would be a source of stress. The same goes for planning travel. It takes time, effort, knowing where to look, creating a budget, and knowing where additional costs will add up. If you don’t have the time to invest in proper research and planning, you could end up disappointed. - They can offer extras – or add more value
When you book directly with a travel provider or through an online booking engine, there is no personal connection. You are just a number. They don’t offer you travel advice, tips, or recommendations – you are on your own. When you book with a travel agent, you have a personal connection and they will try to offer extra value through tips, advice, even using their industry contacts to offer an in-room welcome. Especially if you’re using an independent travel planner – your business is literally what keeps them going. - They are there for an emergency or to help you while you’re on your trip
If we learned anything from 2020 it’s that the unexpected can (and often does) happen. And it can happen when you’re in another country, far from home, where you may not speak the language or have reliable internet access. Travel planners are here to help you while you’re on your trip if something comes up.
Why You Should Book Travel With Me
As an independent travel planner, helping clients bring their travel dreams to life is something I love to do. Researching travel, putting plans together, and saving clients time and stress is what I’m here for! I’m also an avid traveller and well connected to help get local perspectives, experiences and provide clients with honest feedback and suggestions tailored to them.
Check out my travel planning services, or get in touch with me today to help make your next trip a reality.
8 Reasons to use a Travel Agent Summary
Travel isn’t just a dream, it’s an investment. It’s an experience that can go extremely well, or terribly wrong, depending on how you research, plan, and book it. Don’t take a risk with your hard earned money! Engage a travel planning professional to help you get the most out of your travel budget and experience.
