This is the number one question travel agents are asked, and in the age we currently live in, it's a pretty valid one. The internet has shown us how much we can do for ourselves by putting so many resources at our fingertips. So, the answer is that you MAY need a travel agent - but it depends on what you are looking for.
If you just need to book airfare and/or a hotel room, and you know what you are looking for, it's easy to do on your own - and most travel agents prefer that you do. This aspect of travel planning uses the best of the internet's vast resources to meet your basic travel needs. And as there is not a lot of value we can add here (unless you need help with the air and hotel research), travel agents generally do not offer services in just booking hotel and air. That said, as much as the internet has opened travel possibilities to us all, it has also gotten to the point that it can be hard to find exactly what you want... there are a million options for any aspect of travel. The web is a great resource but it has the potential to be overwhelming and doesn't necessarily provide guidance, just options. If you need help in finding the flight or hotel that's the right fit for you, isn't it worth it to have a specialist provide that guidance?
Using the internet on your own to book your travel isn't always the best or the easiest option if you are looking for something more, like a vacation package or custom travel itinerary. Travel agents' value comes into play here and lies in a few areas: creating specialized itineraries, working with suppliers and vendors to get the best value, and saving time for clients by doing the research and bookings for them. This time-saving aspect may be the big one - we are all so busy these days that planning a vacation, which should be a fun task, just takes up too much time and can add stress onto an already full life. Letting a travel agent handle the weight of research, planning and booking for you just makes sense.
Even more than planning 'simple' travel, complicated travel can be difficult to do on your own. There are many moving parts to any vacation and utilizing the guidance of a professional can be an immense value. Your travel agent's job is to research all these aspects of your travel and streamline it for you, working closely with you to help you make the best possible decisions for your travel needs and budget. Our job is not just to find you the most affordable travel, but to ensure that you have the best travel options provided to you. We also have relationships with suppliers large and small that can help make your travel better and easier. Do you need a driver in the Amalfi Coast? I know a great one. Do you want to take a complex tour through Benelux? I know just the supplier that offers exciting and extensive tours we can customize just for you.
In addition to the planning and booking assistance travel agents provide, we also provide personal attention throughout the travel process - before you travel, during your trip, and when you get home. Your travel agent will be there to help anything that may arise on your trip (including but not limited to emergency air and hotel needs). We also utilize feedback from your travels to further tailor future travel opportunities.
It seems a renaissance is happening as people realize that travel agents have not gone away as everyone expected - rather, we have evolved along with the travel industry and we can still provide immeasurable value.
If you just need to book airfare and/or a hotel room, and you know what you are looking for, it's easy to do on your own - and most travel agents prefer that you do. This aspect of travel planning uses the best of the internet's vast resources to meet your basic travel needs. And as there is not a lot of value we can add here (unless you need help with the air and hotel research), travel agents generally do not offer services in just booking hotel and air. That said, as much as the internet has opened travel possibilities to us all, it has also gotten to the point that it can be hard to find exactly what you want... there are a million options for any aspect of travel. The web is a great resource but it has the potential to be overwhelming and doesn't necessarily provide guidance, just options. If you need help in finding the flight or hotel that's the right fit for you, isn't it worth it to have a specialist provide that guidance?
Using the internet on your own to book your travel isn't always the best or the easiest option if you are looking for something more, like a vacation package or custom travel itinerary. Travel agents' value comes into play here and lies in a few areas: creating specialized itineraries, working with suppliers and vendors to get the best value, and saving time for clients by doing the research and bookings for them. This time-saving aspect may be the big one - we are all so busy these days that planning a vacation, which should be a fun task, just takes up too much time and can add stress onto an already full life. Letting a travel agent handle the weight of research, planning and booking for you just makes sense.
Even more than planning 'simple' travel, complicated travel can be difficult to do on your own. There are many moving parts to any vacation and utilizing the guidance of a professional can be an immense value. Your travel agent's job is to research all these aspects of your travel and streamline it for you, working closely with you to help you make the best possible decisions for your travel needs and budget. Our job is not just to find you the most affordable travel, but to ensure that you have the best travel options provided to you. We also have relationships with suppliers large and small that can help make your travel better and easier. Do you need a driver in the Amalfi Coast? I know a great one. Do you want to take a complex tour through Benelux? I know just the supplier that offers exciting and extensive tours we can customize just for you.
In addition to the planning and booking assistance travel agents provide, we also provide personal attention throughout the travel process - before you travel, during your trip, and when you get home. Your travel agent will be there to help anything that may arise on your trip (including but not limited to emergency air and hotel needs). We also utilize feedback from your travels to further tailor future travel opportunities.
It seems a renaissance is happening as people realize that travel agents have not gone away as everyone expected - rather, we have evolved along with the travel industry and we can still provide immeasurable value.
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