Photo: Courtesy of LightFieldStudios 

The Benefits of a Travel Agent 

If you are thinking about booking a vacation, you likely feel that you need more time and less stress in your life. However, the process of researching flights, hotels, rental cars, excursions, activities, sights, etc., can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. Soliciting the help of a travel agent can alleviate the time and stress that is inevitably involved in vacation planning. As Amanda Foshee, an agent at Brownell Travel, explains, "Travel advisors take the overwhelming amount of information out there and distill it into the key points that apply to you—the best hotel/destination/tour for your interests, your budget, and your time frame. A client shared that going through all the information online to plan a trip would be a second full-time job for her, and I told her that's why it's my full-time job instead!" (forbes.com).  

What is a travel agent? "A travel agent is an individual who both provides and arranges travel or tourism-related services to the general public. Travel agents simplify the travel planning process by booking flights, cruises, rental cars, and hotels, as well as resort stays and events. They offer vacation and accommodation suggestions based on their experience and research as well as work within a set monetary budget if desired" (travelwithaplan.com).   

Many people avoid using a travel agent because they assume doing so will be costly. However, this is not true. While some travel agents charge a service fee "varying from $25 to $100 depending on factors such as your desired itinerary and budget" (travel.usnews.com), many do not charge anything for their services. Instead, they get finder's fees and commissions from the hotels, cruise lines, tours, etc., with whom they frequently book.  

Advantages of Booking with an Agent 

Expertise—Travel agents are experts in their field. Many specialize in a specific travel genre such as families, honeymoons, ski vacations, beach getaways, etc. They have countless hours of research and knowledge, and as a result, they understand the inner workings of travel and have an intimate understanding of a multitude of destinations.  

Experience—A good travel agent travels a lot, which gains him or her firsthand encounters and a private foundation from which he or she can give unique, experiential advice. A seasoned travel agent also has years of experience booking various trips for clients, which creates a wealth of information from which he or she can draw.    

Connections—Through an agent's travel and booking experience, he or she is constantly building relationships with people around the globe. These personal connections are what a travel agent leans on to garner extras for a client, such as perks, upgrades, and VIP treatment. Also, through their network, travel agents are connected to flights, hotel stays, and activities that are not available online.  

Trouble Shooting—Travel agents are excellent problem solvers (thetravelteam.com). They are adept at working out complicated itineraries, flight connections, full activity schedules, etc.  

Assistance—Agents not only assist their clients before their trip, but they provide service during their vacation as well. For example, if your flight is canceled, they will often know before you do and will quickly work to book a new flight. Their initiative saves you the tremendous hassle of standing in long help desk lines at the airport. Furthermore, travel agents are on call throughout your trip to resolve any issues that may come up with your room, excursions, etc.  

Savings—Travel agents are privy to deals that you cannot find yourself online. Besides saving on bookings such as airfare and hotels, the perks and upgrades an agent can procure are cost-free for you.  

Personalized—Travel agents listen to their clients’ budget and vision for their trip and work to stay within those parameters. However, agents want their clients not just to be happy and satisfied; they want to wow them. To do this, travel agents build a relationship with their clients. When they know their clients' interests, they can use their connections to sprinkle special surprises throughout the trip tailored to their clients’ personality.  

Planning a vacation does not have to be a time-consuming, stressful experience. Leave the planning to an expert and focus solely on enjoying yourself while you are away. 

Sources: 

bluegraygal.com 

forbes.com 

thetravelteam.com 

travel.usnews.com 

travelwithaplan.com