Planning a trip can be daunting and stressful. But, luckily, there are people who can help make the process easier.
Travel agents can help you plan your trip and book your accommodations and tours. Plus, they have many benefits that can make your vacation more enjoyable. Read on to learn more about how a travel agent can help you.
They Can Help You Find the Right Destination
Travel agencies can take care of all your trip planning needs — from selecting destinations to booking accommodations. They can also help you create a budget and coordinate complex itineraries.
They can even provide advice on local recommendations that you might not be able to find online. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Poland, your travel agent may know about restaurants and activities that are off the beaten path and not advertised online.
Plus, travel agents are immersed in travel full-time so they’re aware of issues that could arise during your trip. They can anticipate problems and handle them before they occur, saving you time, money, and headaches. They can also get you deals and discounts that aren’t available to the public. This is especially important for budget travelers.
They Can Help You Save Money
Travel agencies have access to a variety of deals and packages that can save you money on your trip. They can also help you find cheap accommodation options and transportation solutions that fit your budget.
Plus, travel agents can recommend local restaurants and attractions that are often cheaper than tourist traps. They can also help you plan your itinerary so that you spend less time in transit and more time enjoying your destination.
Finally, travel agents can provide you with a more comprehensive package that covers unexpected events like weather or flight delays. This can be a great way to save you money in case something goes wrong during your trip. And if you’re traveling with a group, they can help you find the best deals on group accommodations and activities. They can even take care of the details for you so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
They Can Help You Find the Right Accommodations
Travel agents can save you time by researching and booking accommodations, tours, and activities that suit your preferences. They can also help you find discounts and money-saving packages that may not be available online.
Travel agencies typically have a contract or partnership with hotels that allows them to secure rooms for their clients. They can also negotiate rates and commissions with airlines, car rental companies, and tour operators.
For business travelers, travel agencies can provide access to mobile software that lets employees book flights, hotel rooms, and other travel arrangements from their smartphones. This can save companies time and money and minimize the risk of employee misbooking or travel disruptions. In addition, business travel agencies can provide round-the-clock support to assist with any emergencies or issues that arise during a trip. This helps businesses meet their duty of care responsibilities to their employees.
They Can Help You Find the Right Tours
Travel agents know where to find the best tours, activities and vacations. They’re often immersed in travel full-time and can provide insight on local culture, safety information and other important details that aren’t easily found online.
Plus, they can help you get your reservations made and tie it all together on a trip itinerary. That means that you can rest easy knowing that your hotel rooms, meals and tour tickets are all set.
In this time of COVID, having a travel agent is even more essential to a worry-free vacation. They’re the ones who can handle any hiccups that may arise during your trip, and let’s face it: even the best-planned trips can have some unexpected challenges.
They Can Help You Find the Right Flights
Before online booking websites, travel agencies were the go-to source for planning trips and finding deals. They were the experts that scoured the market for deals on airfare, cruises and luxury resort stays, and they often had access to discounts that regular travelers didn’t. See more on Newsbreak to learn what Super Travel provides when availing of their travel services.
They know how to find the right flights and are aware of all the hidden fees like baggage charges and extra leg room. They also pay attention to pricing trends and can spot great deal alerts that aren’t available on airline sites.
In addition, they can book complex itineraries with multiple stops and connections (like connecting flights through a codeshare agreement) that you may not be able to do on your own. And if something goes wrong during the trip, travel agents are on hand to solve any issues that might arise.
They Can Help You Find the Right Activities
For example, many travel agents will work with local attractions and tour operators to negotiate deals for their clients. This can help travelers save money and enjoy a more unique experience on their vacation.
Travel agencies also have a deep understanding of the destinations they serve, so they can recommend the right activities for each client’s needs. This can make a big difference in how much fun a trip is, and it can also help travelers avoid activities that don’t meet their expectations.
Travel agents are often highly organized and have a knack for problem-solving. This is especially important when working with clients during an emergency or natural disaster. For example, Elizabeth Guy was able to help her clients get back home during the pandemic by finding alternate flights that met their medical needs. She was even able to secure full refunds for her clients’ unused air tickets and rental car.
They Can Help You Find the Right Restaurants
Gastronomy tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of travel. According to the World Food Travel Association, gastronomy travelers seek out unique culinary experiences and want to support local businesses. Travel agents can help their clients find the best restaurants for their trip.
They can also help with reservations and provide a list of popular attractions in the area. They may even have exclusive deals and discounts that aren’t available online.
With online booking platforms and self-booking options, travel agencies must find creative ways to attract and retain customers. By providing expert advice and establishing partnerships with local businesses, travel agencies can boost their visibility and credibility. They can also use text marketing tools like Podium to streamline communication with their customers and ensure all questions are addressed promptly. This is essential to delivering an excellent experience and building trust.
They Can Help You Find the Right Tour Guides
Travel agents often have connections with local tour guides. They can help you find the right guides for your trip based on your interests and travel style. They can also recommend additional activities or sights that you might not have considered.
In addition, if any hiccups arise during your trip (and they always do), a travel agent can take care of them. They will rework your itinerary, rebook your flights and accommodations, and handle any other unexpected problems.
When choosing a local travel agency, look for one with values and vision that align with your tour brand’s. This will ensure effective collaboration and a strong partnership. For example, Rezgo works with agents that are passionate about travel and share our commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. Find out more about working with us.
They Can Help You Find the Right Tour Operators
The more your agent gets to know your travel style and interests, the better they can customize trips for you. For example, if you’re a vegetarian traveling in a country where chicken is the main dish, they can find you tour operators that serve vegetarian options or that offer food substitutions.
Travel agents also have access to deals that regular travelers don’t. They can often negotiate with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies for perks like free room upgrades or discounted excursions.
Travel agents are a valuable resource and should be supported by those who want a hassle-free vacation. If you’re looking for a travel agent, check out their reviews online and choose one who specializes in the destination you’re interested in visiting. This will help ensure they’re knowledgeable about the local scene and have experience booking trips to that destination.
They Can Help You Find the Right Insurance
In addition to planning your trip, travel agents can also help you find the right insurance coverage for it. They can advise you on whether a comprehensive policy that includes trip cancellation, medical and accident coverage and other benefits is appropriate for your particular needs. They can also help you choose a plan that offers a refundable premium or a supplemental cancel for any reason (CFAR) rider.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, working with a travel agent may be more convenient and less stressful than trying to navigate changing airline rules and delays on your own. In addition, travel agencies can typically rebook flights more quickly than you can and can connect you with assistance services when needed. They also keep up with changes in travel rules and recommend policies accordingly. They can also offer you policy upgrades that you may not be aware of.