Why you should use a travel agent
The internet has changed how we research, plan, and make purchases.
It’s changed the way we communicate with one another. It’s changed how we order our groceries and how we buy our necessities. It’s even revolutionized the way we manage our personal finances. However, there is one area that has been changed the most by the Internet Age: how we plan and book our vacations.
In the age of the internet, the idea of visiting a travel agent to book your next vacation seems almost quaint and antiquated. However, it’s actually a sensible step if you’re looking to ensure that you’re able to enjoy the best vacation possible. Here’s why…
Travel Agents Know Destinations like the Back of their Hand
If you are booking a holiday for yourself, you have to accept a lot on trust or your gut feeling; or even worse, reviews from anonymous strangers. You have to hope that the online reviews of the hotel are genuine, and that the images haven’t been altered in Photoshop. Travel agents, however, don’t need to rely on trust. They know the destinations, the local ins and outs, and the facilities perfectly. They will have received feedback from former customers to help expand their knowledge. As a result, they have genuine insider information, of which you can take full advantage. That’s far preferable to just clicking and hoping for the best. Even better is when you find an agent that just specializes in one country or region, such as Asia, Botswana, Belize, Colorado, etc. They have often travelled there many times and know the best times of the year to go there based on the weather or other cultural events. They also know know the best ways getting you from point A to B saving you more time and enjoyment. An agent who specializes in a particular location can help you get the most out of your stay and connect you to specific excursions or tour operators whom they have worked with personally and can guarantee you a special experience. That might include backdoor access to amusements and special access to activities not necessarily available to the general public.
Travel Agents Know Which Destinations to Avoid
That insider information is useful when it comes to finding the best destinations and hotels. It’s especially useful, though, when it comes to knowing where you should avoid. If you’re booking for yourself, it’s easy to be swayed by idyllic pictures of white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. We convince ourselves that the bad reviews can’t be that pervasive. Travel agents, however, will know when the bad reviews are legitimate, and that there’s no way you should consider that destination or hotel. What’s more, they won’t be shy from saying so. As a result, they can help you avoid an expensive mistake, or being miserable, as they will simply filter the worst destinations out of consideration. What’s more, they will get to know your interests and preferences for lodging, dining, travel and sites, and then tailor their recommendations for you.
Travel Agents may have Access to Deals and Special Offers that you Can’t Obtain
It is often best for your finances if you book with a travel agent. Travel agents have access to a range of professional-level special offers, discounts, and deals. They also know when deals are too good to be true or contain hidden fees for exclusions. If you are booking as a layperson, you won’t be able to access these deals. This means you could end up paying far more than you have to for the exact same holiday. A travel agent will have relationships with airlines, hotels, and a variety of other services. They will know exactly how to obtain the very best deal available. If you’re trying to book a holiday on a budget, booking with a travel agent is an absolute essential. Many travel agents also get perks and add-ons that you won’t be able to get if you book on your own via the web.
Give it a Try
Travel agents may seem like figures from the distant past, but they still very much have a role to play in the modern travel industry. If you want to ensure that you’re able to find the best destination, at the best price, with the best insider knowledge on your side, then booking your next vacation with a travel agent is an absolute must.