In the age of Travelocity and Expedia, travel has become DIY territory for most vacationers. The Internet has an overwhelming amount of material available free of charge for just about any flight, hotel or destination a jet-setter can imagine. With all of this data at your fingertips, why would anyone elect to use a travel agent instead of just clicking online?
Travel agents are like popular kids
Long before the Real Housewives invaded Cabo, travel agents knew this south-of-the-border locale was the place to be for trendy travellers. Agents know which places will be the next hot escape and which are relegated to the ranks of the Jersey Shore long before average travellers are aware of these trends. This is especially helpful in booking trips a year or two in advance, when you want a place that will be at its popularity peak during your visit.
Travel agents are like coupon clippers
Your online search results might tell you a given flight is $20 below the average cost, but an experienced agent knows that everything is up for negotiation. These travel experts know exactly which airlines and hotels offer the best bang for your buck to maximize your trip’s value. Having the insider advantage to scrimp on some things allows you to splurge in other areas like hotel upgrades or excursions that are well worth the investment.
Travel agents are like personal assistants
Trying to organize a family reunion with relatives flying in from five different states? Having an agent deal with logistical craziness allows you to spend time prepping your house for a mother-in-law visit and leave travel details to good hands. Travel agents are perfect for making complex arrangements that would otherwise fry your computer and your brain. An agent can also give you friendly reminders of any paperwork or identification that you’ll need along a journey, avoiding international situations at the security check.
Travel agents are like Mob Bosses
Not only do travel agents have your money to offer airlines and hotels, but they also have the buying power of hundreds or thousands of future travellers. Local vendors know that cutting a deal for an agent can mean a steady source of travellers down the road, so they are much likelier to offer additional discounts when a professional calls.
Travel agents are like day traders
The vast resources available to travel agents mean they know about sales, specials and discounts before they are even published. An agent can also tell you whether it’s best to book your trip months in advance or wait for last-minute specials to stretch your budget. Should rates change, agents have the power to go back and edit or alter travel arrangements.
Travel agents are like emergency responders
Lost, delayed, confused, late? A good agent is available to help you through just about any situation. Delayed flights might leave other travellers stranded in an airport, but your agent will be able to find you a hotel nearby with an open room. Some travel agents will even go above and beyond, writing letters of complaint to airlines or hotels on your behalf for poor service.
Travel agents are like personal attorneys
Don’t get caught in an “all-inclusive” vacation package that doesn’t actually include anything. Travel agents are familiar with fine-print jargon and can make sure you get the deal you are anticipating. The same thing goes for translating airline or hotel policies to avoid extra fees along your way.
This article is brought to you by the experts at JW Surety, a nationwide surety company who writes travel bonds. Image by Ambernectar 13
