“Without a Travel Agent You’re on Your Own” – this is one of the travel industry’s favourite quotes and is the current slogan for our industry body, AFTA. It’s also a quote which has been proven time and time again.
So here are my top 10 reasons as to why I believe you should always use a reputable travel agent, when booking your holidays!
- We’re a ‘One Stop Travel Shop’ – Travel Agents can handle all aspects of your trip, flights, accommodation, tours, car hire, cruises and more….
- Save Time – Travel Agents are experts and will do the time consuming work of planning your itinerary, no matter how complex. You will be given a variety of options to choose from without having to spend hours researching all the options
- Expert Travel Advice – Travel Agents are experts in their field. Not only will we give you travel suggestions, we will give advice on passports, visa requirements, travel insurance, currency options, customs/immigration, duty free etc.
- Up to Date Information – Agents are constantly updated on airline information, hotel options and travel advices on any ‘situations’ that may be occurring and also on numerous ‘specials’ that come into the market place. Use the knowledge that we have
- Best Value for Money Spent – Make your dollar stretch further by taking advantage of current travel offers, but also prices will be all-inclusive with no hidden extras (which can often by the case on internet bookings)
- Amendments/Cancellation Assistance – When changes need to be made, this is when things can get tricky, but not if handled by your travel agent
- Discounts – You may be eligible for senior, students of children’s discounts, and travel agents will advise on this. There are also a number of ‘stay/pay’ deals, and added bonuses or credits that may be on offer and you may not be aware of
- Documentation – Comprehensive information, details and documents will be given for all items booked, ensuring you have everything you need before you go
- Exotic/Unique Experiences – Recommendations can be given for once in a lifetime experiences and unique options that you might not be able to source yourself
- It Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent – take advantage of their knowledge, expertise and first hand travelling experiences
When you’ve found a travel agent you can trust, you’ve made a friend for life!
Happy travelling!
I couldn’t agree with you more. In the past my husband and I traveled frequently and our travel agent made the difference between a perfectly organised holiday or business travel experience. I remember one time getting off a plane in Kiev and turning on my phone to get a call from her saying she had found out our next flight had been cancelled and we were already rebooked and where to go. Unless I was headed from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney, I would always use a travel agent.
I’ve had the same thing happen to me a few times where we have been notified before the client so they don’t have any hassle as we’ve already resolved for them. It’s always when things don’t quite go to plan that things can turn into a nightmare. Thanks for the feedback Maureen, really appreciate it and love hearing people’s stories!