Why Use a Travel Agent?

Maybe you are already a seasoned traveler and enjoy doing the planning and research yourself. Maybe you think you’ll pay more if you use a travel agent. A travel agent is there to advise you based on your vacation goals, their experience and extensive training. Rest assured, agents want you to have an incredible experience on your trip and are there to help facilitate that in whatever way works for you.

Don’t DIY Your Vacation

There is a lot in life that you can do yourself. But should you? In theory, we know how to cut hair. I’m willing to guess though that 99% of us book an appointment with a professional stylist. What about a large home improvement project? Even if you have the knowledge and ability, is it always best to do it yourself?

Instead, we rely on professionals who are experts in their fields – with experience and training – often for the convenience of not having to do it ourselves. Vacations are large investments where we ultimately want our return to be – happiness. And while what makes people happy on vacation is subjective, a travel agent has the knowledge and training to assist you in finding your happiness every step of the way.

When Booking with a Travel Agent, You Will:

Support a small business

We do not hesitate to shop local or shop small when it comes to clothing boutiques, restaurants or even breweries. We often go out of our way to support small businesses in our communities. Working with a travel agent is no different.

Travel agents work completely on commission and only get paid about a month after clients travel. Most people do not realize that large resorts, hotel chains, tour companies, etc. actually build commission into the pricing you see online…regardless of whether you use a travel agent. So if you are booking a vacation directly with a hotel or through an online booking engine, that built-in commission stays with the large corporation instead of benefiting a small business.

Receive concierge-level support and services

Vacations are luxuries. And in a way, travel agents like to spoil you with personalized support, services, and recommendations. You won’t receive this level of service if you book a trip on your own.

I can’t speak for the specific services other travel agents offer, but I provide my clients with:

• two or three quotes based on the information we’ve discussed,
• pre-departure information about their destination,
• packing lists,
• important travel information (including current testing policies and travel restrictions),
• electronic copies of all confirmations (print outs can be provided upon request),
• access to their own client portal to view trip details and payments,
• a detailed itinerary that can be accessed online, through an app or saved as a .pdf,
• restaurant recommendations,
• exciting tour and entertainment options,
• other unique in-destination tips

I am dedicated to making sure your trip is memorable. Simply pick up the phone or send me an email and I will answer your questions or help you if problems arise. No hold times, chatbots, or automated answering services like you find when using online booking engines.

Have a safety net in place if you need it

Flights get canceled. Pandemics happen. Mother Nature gets angry. No one wants to consider the ‘what ifs’, but unfortunately, things can go wrong on vacation. Whether the problem happens in destination or getting home, having additional support can make all the difference. Do you want to risk navigating travel emergencies by yourself?

Since early 2020, the travel landscape has been in constant flux with revisions to testing policies and procedures, restrictions or bans, and illness before or during trips. Travel agents are constantly receiving and seeking out the latest information to share with our clients. We provide unparalleled support when you need us.

How Can I Help?

I am an expert at what I do and want to provide you the best value for your hard-earned money. I often have exclusive access to special pricing through my network of partners and suppliers, including charter flights that can save you considerable money. Let me sift through the overwhelming amount of travel information out there.

While in the short term it may seem more convenient to do it yourself, in the long run using a trusted travel agent will provide more value, support, and personalization than any online booking engine.