Travel is what makes me tick and if you’re like me, researching the vacation is almost as fun as the actual vacation itself. I discovered the Phoenix hotel with water park and I am so excited to book an accommodation right away. While the internet has made researching destinations and booking a trip is easier and more accessible than ever, the abundance of options can overwhelm even the savviest of travelers. So why would you use a a travel agent? After all, travel agents are dead right? Actually wrong. Very wrong.
Large online travel agencies like Expedia and Costco travel have hurt the personalized travel agent business, but in many aspects it’s also help travel advisors really shine. It’s no secret that I am now a full time travel concierge (ask for Rocky!) and that’s why I am here to tell you why you should being using a personal travel advisor vs a large online travel agency. Think hold times, expertise, travel restrictions due to Coronavirus, etc. Now more than ever, travel agents are your key to a successful and smooth vacation.
Zero Costs
First, know that using a travel advisor has no associated costs. A good travel concierge is actually going to save you money and provide you with a great experience. Travel agents work off of commissions. Hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators pay commission to agents for bringing them business. The rates you will find online are often the same rate, or higher than the rate a travel advisor can secure for you. Many companies will also do travel advisors only sales. Offering them a lower rate than the general public. A thank you for bringing them business, but a way for the vendor and agency to build a relationship.
Complimentary Extras via a Travel Advisor
Want to get more for the same price? That’s where a travel advisor really shines. There are hotel programs which only are available to travel agent. Hyatt Prive provides complimentary upgrades and full breakfast. This is not available online, but only through an authorized travel agent. Marriott has the Marriott Star & Luminous program. Hilton, Four Seasons, they all have similar programs. But you have to use a travel agent.
The cruise industry is a perfect example of where using a travel advisor is necessary. Cruises have very large inventories that fluctuate in supply and demand. There are many people who are repeat customers who cruise again and again for years always going back to the same cruise line. No different than how people chose the same hotel brand or airline.
Cruises do not want to lose the loyalty of customers and travel advisors who provide them with business. So when there are upgrades available who do you think these go to? It costs the cruise line nothing to upgrade a guest from an ocean view room to a balcony room if the balcony stateroom is empty and not sold. So, the cruise lines works with their agents who specialize in cruises to provide clients with complementary extras. These include items such as a one or two class stateroom upgrades, free shore excursions, onboard credits and more.
Just last week, I was able to offer four different bookings complimentary upgrades on our Seabourn expedition to Antarctica. Despite reserving the lowest category v1 rooms, I was able to upgrade two couples to a category 4 room and another two to a category 3. Saving my guests between $2,400 and $3,600 per person! Not only did my guests get the best possible deal by booking via me, but they now received a complimentary upgrade! I would never recommend booking a cruise without using a travel advisor – it’s just foolish.
But it’s not just cruises. The added extras are available on tours, hotels, resorts and more. Travel agents are often part of a consortium. These include Affluent Travelers and virtuoso. By booking via a travel consortium you can enjoy addition perks at select locations. These include complimentary daily breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in and/or late check-out, spa credits and more. Benefits vary by hotel and destination.
I even can provide promotional Onboard Credit with Seabourn Cruises and many other cruise lines. Something you do not get when booking direct.
Save Time & Reduce Your Stress
A Travel Agent Can Help You Navigate Changing Travel Conditions
Enjoy a Better Vacation
The entire purpose of vacation is to reset and recharge. Some vacations are learning experiences, others are for relaxation at the beach. It doesn’t matter if it’s Luxurious African Safari, or an Expedition to remote parts of the world you’re going to have a better vacation when you work with a travel advisor. Travel advisors live, breath, and think travel 24/7. Travel concierges are better connected and have access to benefits you can’t get yourself. Best yet, they cost you nothing and can match and often beat any prices you find. They plan a better trip and then provide a safety net. Don’t worry about long hold times with Expedia, because when you work with a travel advisor you know, they are easily reachable and quick to help.
Remember, having a top travel agent can make you an instant VIP, save you time, and likely money. A travel advisor is going to curate a trip base on your desires to see the world and make options manageable to choose from. So I invite you to take the stress out of travel planning. Let me book your next vacation or make suggestions. Shoot me an email, and we can get your vacation planning started!