It’s a common question we get asked. “Why should I book with you” or “Why should I use a travel agent”? Mostly, I think people ask that because they assume they can just do it themselves cheaper. In some instances, that may be true. But more often a good travel agent will save you money and time!
I would like to share some reasons why I recommend using an experienced travel agent. Some agents specialize in selling only one type of trip, or they simply book travel in order to travel themselves. Additionally, there are some agents who work through multi-level marketing schemes. However, there are also professionals like myself who have made a career out of being a travel agent for over 28 years. While I have experience in both leisure and corporate travel, I personally enjoy working with leisure travelers because I value the personal connections I make with people rather than working in a call center.
Whoever you choose, just make sure they know what they are doing. The best advice is to get a referral. Ask your friends who they use.
Why should you use an experienced travel agent?
Experience. I have 28 years of it. My experience doesn’t usually cost extra. If you are taking a 3-week multi-city vacation through Europe you might pay a little more than if you did it yourself, but not too many people can book that type of trip on their own.
We choose experienced professionals in just about everything we do. Why not a travel agent? An experienced agent is going to be able to offer suggestions and guide you through the process as well as make sure all components of your trip are booked correctly.
And your travel agent should love what they do!
What you are paying for.
Usually, the commission paid to us by the vendor covers everything we do. However, there may be some exceptions that vary depending on your agent. I make sure to inform my clients upfront if there are any fees associated with their trip. Typically, these fees are for rail tickets or event tickets that we don’t get paid for. Think of it as having your own personal assistant.
Some agents do charge upfront deposits for more time-intensive planning. I have considered it and it would be mostly for overseas trips that require a lot of hours and pieces to make it work. Pro tip: your travel agent doesn’t get paid until you travel.
We know about extras at hotels or on cruise ships that may not be public knowledge. Some agents even have access to specials other agents don’t. Sometimes it depends on volume and other times it’s just connections.
Relationships are key.
I have formed friendships with clients over the years and have even traveled with some of them. The clients might be my favorite part of my job. A good travel agent is like having a good banker, investor, or real estate agent. They usually know what you want, and how you like to travel (adventure, relaxation, with a group or on your own), and it just makes the whole process easier.
Time and money better spent.
I understand that your time is valuable to you. That’s why using a travel agent can be a great option to save you time. I am here to do all the legwork for you, leaving you with only the final decision to make. However, I am also here to help you with that decision-making process. When you request a quote from me, I will first ask you several questions to better understand your preferences. These questions may include your budget, the age of any traveling children, your interests, and places you prefer to avoid. By getting to know your preferences, I can narrow down your options and provide you with the best possible choices.
I’m not going to recommend something to you I wouldn’t be willing to stay at myself. And then there’s always the risk of booking a hotel on your own that doesn’t meet your lifestyle. Adult-only hotels have multiple categories, there are kid-friendly hotels with water parks and teen clubs, and hotels in Europe near a coffee shop we know about.
I will prove my worth to you.
I guess everyone in sales will go through this at some point – proving their worth to a client. When Covid-19 hit, we were the ones our clients counted on to make changes, cancel trips, get refunds, and future travel credits, or just answer their questions. Not everything goes perfectly, it never does. But, our clients weren’t alone. Some online agencies closed overnight leaving their clients stranded.
I can laugh at this now.
If you are interested in traveling, I’d love to earn your business. You can reach me at Lake Pointe Travel at sarah@lakepointetravel.net or 469-698-4071. This is my personal lifestyle blog but I’m a travel agent by day. Check out my travel page to see some of the places we’ve been!
Some days I spend all day pricing and booking vacations and some days I just dream of places to go!
What’s your favorite place to vacation?
You can follow my dedicated travel Instagram page here – How My World Travels
Private Facebook group for travel-related posts, specials, and general travel advice. You can request to join here – How My World Travels with Sarah
