5 reasons Why you should have a Travel Agent?

Traveling can be sometimes exhaustive and overwhelming, planning a new trip and dealing with work, and home errands sometimes can become chaotic.

In 1758, Cox & Kings became the first travel agency in modern history, and in 1840, the Abreu Agency was established in Porto by Bernardo Abreu, becoming the world’s first agency to open its services to the public.  The necessity of having free stress time before and during planning a vacation pushes so many to cancel or postpone their vacation plans. For others technology, policies, hidden fees, and high prices are the reason for canceling their dream vacation.

So, why you should consider a Travel Agent?

1-Supporting local Busnisses:  In general travel agents are certified, trained, and able to assist you with any requirement. Travel agents always get the information first before the public and they are ready to inform all their guests about trends in travel and more. Most travel agents work from home, so if you use travel agents in your community or even your city in some way you will be supporting local businesses.

2- Knowledge: Every travel agent needs to complete courses and get certified on each product that they are selling, from cruises to rental cars, and even airfare. A travel agent will be the best person to ask about everything that the companies don’t tell you. The reason for this is that the travel agent will work for you and not for the company, for example, cruise lines, resorts, or airlines. So if you are worried about hidden fees, extra charges, policies on your contract or even just to decide if you need travel insurance or not, the travel agent will be able to let you know the good, the bad, and the ugly.

3- Saving Time: If you are always busy and you don’t know how to start planning a trip,  you can save time by emailing, texting, or calling your travel agent, just tell the travel agent what would you like to do,  what’s your budget, any specific details like prefer time of the year or even dietary restrictions and the travel agent will be able to create a unique and dedicated itinerary that will usually overpass your expectations. In general, when you have a travel agent you can also save time when something when wrong or you need to change something, travel agents can sit on hold for you on the phone with cruise lines, airlines, and other services. In addition, you just don’t get a travel agent you get a concierge who will be there to assist you until the end of your trip.

4- Saving Money:  Budget is a big priority in planning a trip, you can save money with a travel agent, who will always advise you on the best rates, options, and promotions available for your trip. For example, booking a cruise with a Travel agent can give you additional incentives like onboard credit, this extra money can be used for spa treatments, beverage packages, excursions, and more. Sometimes these incentives are available only if you book with a travel agent.

5- Convenience: Travel agents will take away the stress of planning a trip. They will be ready and prepared for the unexpected and in addition, you have the convenience of having a tool just a phone call or email away. Most of the travel agents traveled to at least 1 or 2 destinations required by their clients, or they probably cruised the itinerary that you are interested in. So you would have the convenience of also having a local guide who will show you the big picture even before you leave your home.

So if you were considering hiring a travel agent, you definitely should try it, and make sure that all your needs, questions, and doubts were transmitted to the travel agent.

I love going on cruises every year and I always take advantage of extra perks from my agent at Ocean & River Sailings so what are you waiting for? start planning your trip and even if you decide not to hire an agent they will be happy to assist you.