There are many benefits to using a travel agent or advisor! First let's clear up some confusion about the terminology. What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor? The answer - there really isn't a difference. The industry has moved towards the term travel advisor because it is a more accurate description of what we are about. Travel advisors are here to use our expertise to provide you with advice, so you have any amazing trip, no matter where you are going.
What are the benefits of working with a travel advisor?
There are many advantages. A lot of the benefits result around expertise. Some of this expertise comes from training, much from
experience, and even more from being able to communicate and relate with people. Even more has to do with having someone in your corner to help with problems or find answers to questions. If your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic to have it repaired, you are relying on their expertise. Travel is no different. If you are travelling for pleasure, having an advisor take a lot of work, stress and worry out of the booking and preparations; if business is the reason, your time is probably better spent on your work while we handle the details, and maybe find you somewhere to unwind after a long day of work!
- Training - At our agency, we train extensively on the travel products we sell the most. Most of these travel suppliers offer great training programs about what you can expect from their offerings and who is the best fit to get maximum enjoyment. We spend hundreds of hours learning about all the different offerings so when you reach out, we can find out what is important to you, and match you with a great experience!
- Convenience and Preferences - The more you travel with us, the more we learn your preferences. Prefer a direct flight? Like to unwind for a few days at the home port after your cruise? Passionate about history or nature? We will learn what you enjoy about traveling and make suggestions and offer reservations that fit what is most important to you when you travel. Don't forget reminders about important dates for final payments or checking to make sure your passport is not expired! Communication about these important parts of you trip help make sure you don't forget anything in the excitement and busy times leading up to your trip.
- Tips and Tricks - When you book with us, we always send helpful advice. Things like suggested packing lists for the type of trip you are taking, or helpful advice about things to do (or not do) at your destinations. We also always try to remind you about where to look to determine what documents you may need (think passports or visas) and how to make sure you know how to check for any advisories in place at your destination(s).
- Research - You travel is a big investment, and one that should result in amazing memories! We are here to answer any questions you have, and if we don't know the answer right away, we will find out for you, no problem! Thats more time for you to plan the fun while we take care of the legwork.
- Specific Needs - We can help get you information on available accommodations for any specific needs or concerns you have. Whether you have dietary concerns, require accessibility accommodations, or anything of the sort, we will work with you and the travel supplier to work out the details and provide you with the information you need. Great vacations are for everyone, and many suppliers do a great job making accommodations to ensure no one misses out on the fun!
- Customer Service - As your travel advisor, we will always search to find deals that meet your preferences and provide you with great value! We may know that we can book hotels or airfare separate from a cruise or resort stay and provide you with savings, or better accommodations, or it may be better to bundle everything with the same supplier. We will always strive to provide the best experience at the greatest value. For some, price isn't the primary driver, maybe for you its speed, luxury or sustainability. Whatever it is, we are here to help!
What does it cost me?
In many cases, the answer is nothing. Travel advisors are paid by the travel suppliers for booking customers with them. To the
supplier, it is like having a team of experts, offering and providing information about your products that they don't have to pay unless something is sold. So, the supplier has a travel advisor answering their client's questions and working out all the details, and the client has a partner whose only interest is providing them the best experience possible, to earn their repeat business!
There are some exceptions, some advisors charge to book certain travel, like airfare only trips or for new clients, that maybe window shopping or using the advisor for information and then booking online. These are somewhat rare, but it can happen, the advisor should always tell you upfront if they charge any planning or booking fees.
Can I travel cheaper by booking directly with the supplier?
Generally, the answer to this is no. It is much more likely your travel advisor will have access to a lower rate, group booking, or extra perks like onboard credit. Sometimes, we may just have access to other suppliers that we can price your trip with and end up with a better rate. If the price goes down online, especially in the case of cruises, many will offer an upgrade, on board credit, or future cruise credit for the difference until a certain number of days before your travel. Sometimes the price is the same, you just have the benefit of great service, extra reminders about important dates, and tips for your trip all included at no extra cost to you!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has helped highlight the benefits of booking travel with a travel advisor! We are here to help you book an amazing trip that will be filled with great memories! Please contact us at this link, call, or e-mail today to book your next adventure!