Travel Agents Aren’t Extinct
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Ever found the “dream vacation” on the internet, only to read the fine print? Discount travel deals pop up all the time and can appear to be too good to be true. After all, meeting with a travel agent is costly, time-consuming, and a “thing of the past,” right? Think again! Travel agents aren’t extinct. In fact, they can save you time, stress, and money. Let’s go through some of the common misconceptions of working with a travel agent.
Misconception #1: It’s Easier to Book Something Online Yourself
While it may seem easier to book a vacation online yourself, truth is the average person can spend more than 42 hours doing online research before choosing their destination. Discount websites can often look appealing, but certain dates and times may not be available, there could be limitations on flight times, and many times there are no refunds or cancellations.
A travel agent can provide knowledge and expertise about certain hotels, cruises, and resorts to save you time, and help you break free of your comfort zone.
Misconception #2: Travel Agents are Costly
Another common misconception about working with a travel agent is that they are costly. The truth is, working with a travel agent won’t cost you a dime! Travel agents are typically paid by cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies. Airlines are the only suppliers who don’t usually pay the travel agents, but if air travel is part of the package that you book, it doesn’t typically cost you any extra.
Travel agents also have early access to deals and promotions and can compare offerings to get you the best rate. Working with a travel agent may actually save you money!
Misconception #3: I’ll be Pushed to Travel Somewhere I Don’t Want to Go
A travel agent will take the time to get to know you, asking questions to learn about your particular taste and vacation wants and needs. While you may be presented with some options that are outside of your comfort zone, your travel agent will always consider your preferences to choose these options.
When working with an agent, you can also travel with purpose. Agents can offer itinerary that are built to your destination, including shore trips while cruising or land tours around the world.
Misconception #4: Working with a Travel Agent is Old-Fashioned
Travel options exist out there that are completely online with no “human touch,” but in the travel agent world, that personal interaction is coming around again. More than 32 percent of people turn to travel agents to help them book vacations, according to MMGY Global’s 2016 Portrait of American Travelers survey. Out of those surveyed, 28 percent of Millennials said they had used a travel agent in the last 12 months.
Working with a Travel Agent is Unique
When you work with a travel agent, you can find your dream vacation along with free service, advice, and access to deals and promotions. You can explore options for cruises, tours, vacation resorts, and vacations with custom itinerary all in the same place.
It’s really a no-brainer that a travel agent can help you find the vacation of your dreams and your budget- without adding any gray hairs to your head in the process.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aiste Foreman owns Trabeona Travels LLC, an independent agency in the Avoya Travel Network, based in Millsboro, Delaware. Aiste is passionate about travel and helping others step out of their comfort zone by immersing in different cultures.Her drive to help others experience the many benefits of travel is the reason why Aiste decided to turn her passion into a lifestyle.
Aiste is also a member of Leadership Delaware, a program focused on developing leaders and impacting communities in the first state.
To learn more about Trabeona Travels and to contact Aiste about finding your dream vacation, visit https://www.trabeonatravels.com/ or call 302-648-5050.