Years ago if you wanted to book a flight, or a cruise, you had to use a Travel Agent. That was the ONLY way to do it. I hate to admit that I am old enough to remember those days.
And then the Internet happened! Savvy money saving travelers who were also computer smart could use the mysterious world wide web to book direct with the Cruise Line or Airline. We can cut out the middle man and save hundreds of dollars!!! Right????
Fast forward to the reality of TODAY. USE A TRAVEL AGENT. You will pay EXACTLY the same for your flight, or cruise, or hotel stay, as if you booked it online. So... if it costs the same... if your Travel Agent can't get you a "better deal", then why bother? The answer is simple: "Why NOT use a Travel Agent."When you use a Travel Agent you get all the benefits of a full-time EXPERT for FREE! Say that again, "FREE!!" Do you not like free? I like free. If I can have someone else taking care of phone calls and paperwork, and it doesn't cost me not one cent more, why not take advantage of free? If I can have another set of eyes watching over my trip at no additional cost to me, why not do so? For absolutely no additional cost, I have someone whose business is "Travel / Vacations" looking after my journey.
Some think that a Travel Agent is good for making recommendations, and they would be correct. Travel Agents can and will make very beneficial suggestions. However, I have found that I am most appreciative of not where an Agent might suggest that I go, but rather, where I should NOT go. Let's be honest; Internet reviews cannot always be relied upon. "Bonjour." But... your local Travel Agent?? Here is someone who, if they make a bad recommendation, they have to face you when you get back. They are accountable to you and it costs you nothing. Their business depends upon you. Their future success depends upon you recommending them to your friends.
Your Travel Agent has their finger on the pulse of the Travel Industry. They will likely be aware of "specials" and "discounts" even before you are. Even if you are signed up for email alerts, your Agent will be watching as well and can notify you of special deals specific to your needs and desires.
And lastly, and perhaps most importantly... In the event that something goes wrong while you are on your trip, and you need Stateside support, your Travel Agent is prepared and capable of providing you with a ton of information and logistical support. In an emergency, the help provided by your Agent can be priceless.
All of this is to say that one of your very best opportunities to have a great vacation may very well begin with your local Travel Agent.
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