Why You Should Be Using a Travel Agent

Support your local economy: When you book on the Internet or directly with a travel supplier you are not supporting your local economy. Think of it like out-sourcing, that revenue is supporting another community, and it's is most likely in another state or country! Many travel agents do not charge a service fee for cruise or vacation packages.

One call does it all: Let a Travel Agent plan a complete vacation itinerary for you. You often save on your total vacation when you book more than one component together, so that discount coupon you have on that Rental Car that you plan to book yourself may end up costing you more on your Airline Ticket or Hotel stay. Not to mention the travel agent can most likely accept the rental car coupon.

Time is money: You won't wait on hold until your next birthday with a Travel Agent. Have you tried to call the airlines lately? Or wonder if your reservation was actually confirmed while waiting for an email confirmation from a travel supplier? A Travel Agent can research and compare many travel companies to find the best fit for your travel needs, similar to an Independent Insurance Agent. After all Sears is not going to tell you that Macys has the same dress for less. And is doing it yourself on your company's time really worth risking your job for?

Increase you options: Many of the industry's most respected Travel Suppliers only accept bookings from Travel Agents. And many discounts and promotions are only available through a Travel Agent.

Professional Knowledge: They will automatically compare the destinations, events, and services that will best service your travel needs. No need to go from one online website to the next to find out that company dose not even travel to your chosen destination, the travel agent will already have that knowledge.

Practical knowledge: Travel Agents Travel! Travel agents are constantly updated on products and destinations by attending both national and local conventions and seminars, as well as first had knowledge of destination from their own travels!

Explain the fine print: Can explain cancellation and change fees, explain and recommend the right insurance for your needs to protect you from them. And will research, advise, and explain entry requirements for foreign countries and help obtain visa and passports and currency exchanges.

Resolution Liaison: In the event that you have any vendor related problems along the way i.e. tour company, hotel, rental car companies your travel agents has an established relationships with their assigned sales representatives and can act as your liaison to archive a resolution.

As ASTA - American Society of Travel Agents always says
Without A Travel Agent, You're On Your Own