Have you ever asked yourself this question?
"Why should I use a travel agent?"
Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.
Recently, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent.
The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.
- Distilling the product information: Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a professional travel expert.
- Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing supplier. Travel Agents will give you a wide variety of options and quotes from competing companies.
- Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their local sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.
- Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best.
- Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save the client money, and headaches.
- Simplifying the research and the reservation process: Like a personal shopper, travel agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier. They can also advise on the quality of a particular product.
- Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the client's experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.
- Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.
- Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumer's advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.
- Expert guidance: We're experts in understanding and deciphering the intricacies of the travel industry and in helping you take full advantage of them. We also provide you with a variety of vaacation options.
- Personalized service: We are avid travelers who take joy in providing one-on-one service. We're not some impersonal voice thousands of miles away. We're your neighbor. We know you and what you value in your travel experience.
- Professional advice: Our job is to make sure you get where you need to go, at the best price, and in the most pleasant way possible.
- Time savings: We have all the information at our fingertips and can pull up all your travel options within seconds. You know how to reach us when you need us.
- Unbiased information: We work for you, not the travel supplier. Our only objective is to get you the best value and satisfy you completely. That way you'll come back and see us again and again.
- Meet your Travel Agent: Now you can see who it is that you are dealing with not just a voice.
The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn't questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional travel agent.
