How much does a Travel Agent cost?
Your Travel Agent is paid for if you use one or not.
Why should I use a Travel Agent?
The internet has brought all kinds of fantastic information right to our fingertips, and for the most part, that can be an awesome thing… but sometimes you still need a professional!
It may sound crazy to say, but I feel like the internet is part of the reason why travel professionals are not only still relevant, but can make the difference between a plain vanilla vacation and a swoon-worthy dream vacation.
It’s easy to fall into information overwhelm or to discover too late that the information you relied on when planning your trip is hopelessly outdated and just plain wrong. Travel professionals know better!
We have a saying among travel experts… the internet is for looking, but travel agents are for booking.
Doing some homework online is a great place to start but working with a travel professional to plan all of the details and get your vacation booked is the best of both worlds. It will save you hours and hours spent sorting through info online and will make sure that you are getting the best value for your vacation dollars.
It’s sort of like the difference between using Web MD or going to visit your doctor. The information online is a good start, but you need a professional to truly get the best advice.
When Does it make sense to use a travel professional?
All trips are not created equal and yes, there are times where it may make sense to do-it-yourself.
Are you planning to go to your cousin’s wedding in Dallas and all you need is a hotel room near the ceremony and reception (no activities, dining recommendations, other travel arrangements required)? That sounds like the perfect time to turn to the internet!
Planning to spend two weeks touring London and Paris this summer and you’ve never been there before? That calls for a professional! Someone who can direct you to the best places to stay, the “can’t miss” dining locations the locals love, arrange private tours without the long lines and crowds to the must-see attractions, and make sure that your time (and money!) are spent experiencing the “best of the best” while you are there.
Think of it this way… when you are planning a Saturday spent running errands and maybe seeing a movie at the local cinema, you do your hair and makeup yourself. But if you are invited to a black-tie event or special occasion, you’ll plan on having your hairdresser do something special for you and may even book an appointment with a makeup artist to be sure you are looking your best, right?
It’s the same with travel plans. When all you need are the basics, going the do-it-yourself route is fine, but for something special… you’ll have a better experience working with a professional!
You may even find that you enjoy the extra attention to detail and service you receive from a trusted travel expert so much that you allow him or her to take care of all of your travel planning, no matter how simple it seems!