5 Reasons You Need to Use a Travel Advisor Now More Than Ever
Here are five essential ways that travel advisors help travelers get the most out of their vacation time.
1. Saves you precious time
For most people, time is their most precious resource, and we save travelers time – by qualifying the customer to present a short list of options that fit their needs rather than having to sort through and get overwhelmed by all the options. For example, making sure it’s the right kind of hotel for the client type – especially important in all-inclusive beach destinations where the clients will spend a lot of their time.
2. You’re given objective information
In a world where it seems there’s a corporate sponsor for everything, travel advisors are the consumer's last line of objectivity. Meaning that when a client looks at a website or speaks to a reservation agent directly ... let's say a cruise line, the consumer may not be aware that the cruise line may not be a good fit for them (for whatever reason, i.e., itinerary, value, style, etc.). Obviously, it goes without saying that the cruise line will not offer or suggest a competing product even if it is better for them. “Thus, there is no objectivity when a consumer is in direct contact with a supplier. Ultimately, a good travel advisor will guide them to the cruise line or product that best fits their travel style, experience, and budget.
3. You have access to unadvertised discounts and special pricing
Because travel advisors have long-standing relationships with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies, they can get discounts and special pricing for their clients that are not available to the general public, even online.
Many times, people unfamiliar with using the travel agent think they will pay more when engaging a travel advisor to help them plan an adventure. In fact, travel advisors have access to unpublished rates, which help save clients' money … Many times, we have exclusive benefits and perks to add - like a resort credit that would otherwise be forfeited.
4. Their first-hand experience gives you insider information
Travel advisors love to travel, giving them first-hand experiences and knowledge of destinations, airlines, hotels, and attractions around the world. It’s always better to connect with someone who has been there, done that.
If you hire a professional to do your taxes, remodel your kitchen, change your oil, and cut your hair, why wouldn’t you do the same for travel?
5. Travel advisors are your advocate
Let’s be honest, sometimes when we travel, things go awry. A travel advisor is a real live person in your corner to arrange all of the important details of traveling, in addition to where you’ll go, where you’ll stay, and what you’ll do once there (passports, visas, entry requirements, travel insurance, deposits, special requests, schedule changes). Plus, they will handle anything unexpected that comes up on your behalf.
Remember, there is no substitute for personal connections.
