Why do you need a travel agent?  Let’s talk about that.  That’s a question many people ask and there isn’t just one answer to that question.  However, there are some answers that everyone has in common.  I think a discussion of this is in order, so here goes.

Love of Travel:

As a consumer, you want someone who enjoys their job and wants you to enjoy your trip.  They say if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.  I believe that’s especially true with travel agents.  I love to travel.  But, more importantly, I love to experience travel through my clients’ adventures.  Travel with family and friends creates memories that are more important than the trip itself.  A love of travel leads me to my next reason to hire a travel agent:

Knowledge and Experience:

The fact is that with every trip I book for clients and every trip I take myself I gain a little more knowledge.   It might be experiencing a new restaurant, learning a new phrase in a foreign language or seeing a site for the first time.  While no one has been everywhere, my experiences and those of my clients enrich my ability to help my clients.

Stewards of your money:

You can be assured that I will do everything to get you the best “Bang for their Buck”, while also giving you the best experience possible.  Whether it’s finding just the right cruise, giving you suggestions on the best tour and tour guides to enhance your experience or any of the other small details involved in taking a trip.   My job is to see that you do get the experience you want.

In short, as a travel agent, I will treat your money as if it’s my own.

Contacts:

How many times have you heard the saying IT’S WHO YOU KNOW.  In the case of your travel agent, it’s especially important.  Want tickets to a concert?  I can help with that.  Need to set up a special surprise for someone?  Consider it done.  Over time I have built up a working relationship with all manner of professionals such as hotel managers, cruise representatives and tour managers.  Not to mention the concierge at a great many hotels, who are a great asset.  These contacts help me provide that extra service that sets your trip apart.  It gives you the inside track.

Money-Saving: (Time is Money)

You don’t want to spend your spare time researching your trips when you can have me as your travel agent do the research for you.  For a small fee, I will provide you with the best options and information which saves you money in the long run by avoiding costly errors.

Security:

Social media is alive with horror stories about travel scams.   You have seen or heard them about people who have booked accommodations and when they get there to find out they are non-existent or the rooms they end up with don’t look anything like the pictures on the websites.  With me as your advisor, you can be assured you get exactly what you have booked.   I deal with reputable suppliers, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Taking care of the details:

When you plan a trip, whether a cruise, tour, or just flights and hotels, there are deadlines to be met.  Missing them can mean you lose not only your space but the funds you have put down for your deposit.  When you have a travel agent looking out for your booking(s) you can relax knowing everything will be taken care of at the appropriate time.

Keeping up With Current Conditions:

Not only do travel agents keep up with current weather and other trends, but in these days of Covid-19, they keep up to date on the requirements put out by the CDC..  They have a great website and we can help you navigate the regulations for each destination.  These vary from country to country and even on a daily basis.  I can make sure you have the information needed to make your travel run smoothly.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Advocacy:

Lastly, no one wants to think that anything will go wrong on their trip, but at some point, there are going to be circumstances that will create a problem.  No one can control or fix everything, but once a problem arises, your travel agent is your best friend.  I will intercede on your behalf and get the best resolution possible for you.

While there are some things a travel agent can’t fix: weather, strikes, health issues, we are there to help you in the event you need assistance with a problem.

Your trip represents your dreams for a great time with your friends and family.  It may be something you are planning for the future.  Everyone has a bucket list.  Once we have established a relationship and know what your future plans are, I can help you with your long-range planning.

WHEN YOU HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT YOU HAVE A TRUSTED COMPANION.

We are in a different world today than we have ever been and for this reason, it is more important than ever to depend on the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent.  I am committed to making sure you have the most up-to-date information available to make your vacation what you have dreamed it would be.

We have all waited to be able to travel and now is the time to savor the joy of travel with friends and family.  To that end, I have created several articles with tips to help you with the decision-making process.  Being prepared for long flights will save you time and energy when you arrive at your destination https://unique-journeys.com/biggest-mistakes-to-avoid-when-flying-long-haul/.

 

 

 

“I just wanted to thank you for your hard work and dedication for booking my family’s trips year after year. You make sure that we get the air flights that we want and the times that work best for us, thank you. You search for our lodging until we are satisfied, and they have been beautiful, thank you. Thanks again for all your hard work. We look forward to booking more trip with you.”

Anthony, Gena and Chance