When You Should Work with a Travel Agent
If you’re wondering, yes, travel agents do still exist (I’m one of them)! Your next question may be, “When should I work with a travel agent?” That is a very good question because not every trip is worth booking with a travel agent. For example, if you are only booking domestic flights, it’s best to book those on your own. (For tips on basic economy versus economy plane tickets, click here.)
But if you are looking to take one of the following types of vacations, you should work with a travel agent!
1. International Travel
Traveling internationally can get complicated quickly. It can be hard to keep track of passport information, currency, transportation, time zones, customs, and more. With all the factors that go into international travel, it’s a good idea to work with a travel expert. Travel agents know the in’s and out’s of international travel. I know tricks for getting through customs quicker, the most efficient way to travel throughout Italy, which countries you need to exchange currency versus countries that accept the USD, and so much more. Working with a travel agent for international travel can ease stress and let you focus on enjoying your trip!
2. Family Vacations
It is hard enough to remember to pack all the things for the kids and yourself, you shouldn’t have to also worry about planning your entire family vacation. Working with a travel agent for your next family vacation gives you the change to actually enjoy the vacation! Travel agents know which destinations are family friendly. I know the destinations that will keep kids entertained the entire time, that welcome kids while allowing parents alone adult time, and will keep your kids talking about the family vacation for years to come. Family vacations shouldn’t be stressful, they should be enjoyable, and working with a travel agent can help guarantee that.
3. Destination Wedding
You may not think about working with a travel agent for your destination wedding, but you should! Travel agents work with couples to find the best destination location. We take into consideration your wedding wishes, group size, and more to find the best destination. With so many locations to choose from, it’s a good idea to ask an expert for help. Once you book a location, the couple works with the onsite wedding coordinator to plan the big day and the travel agent works with the couple’s guests for travel and accommodations. That way, the couple is not inundated with questions from all their guests on travel arrangements. The travel agent is there to coordinate all the travel so the couple gets to focus on the joy of their big day. Make sure to consult with a travel agent when booking your destination wedding!
4. Honeymoon
Your honeymoon is arguably one of your biggest and most anticipated vacations. Whether you go big and go on your biggest trip yet or go small, I cannot stress enough that you should work with a travel agent on your honeymoon. Your honeymoon should be your dream vacation with your new spouse. With how much effort and time it takes to plan a wedding, sometimes the honeymoon can get pushed to the back burner. Don’t let that happen! As a travel agent, your honeymoon is my top priority. Making sure you have nothing to worry about but focusing on relaxing or adventuring with your new spouse is what I’m here for! You will not regret working with a travel agent for your honeymoon!
5. Group Travel
Trying to wrangle a large group of friends, a family for a reunion, or employees for a sales incentive trip or retreat can seem impossible when tackling it on your own. That is where travel agents come into play. I know which companies and destinations have great deals on travel groups. As a travel agent, I work with each individual traveler to make sure their travel accommodations are taken care of. When one traveler’s flight is delayed, I take care of figuring out a new route. Group travel is successful when there is one point person in charge. The travel agent can take on that responsibility to make sure no one has to worry about their travel. Enjoy your vacation!
6. Theme Park Vacations
Have you ever tried to book a trip to Disney World and given up by the high prices and amount of options to choose from? How do you know if what you’re buying is going to be worth the price? A trip to Disney is not a cheap vacation, so you want to know you are getting your money’s worth!
That is just one example of when to work with a travel agent for theme park vacations. Theme parks have many ticket options to choose from. When going to Disney, you also have options for dining plans, specialty dining you need to book in advance, hotels on resort and off resort, transportation, special photography, and so much more. It can get incredibly overwhelming. The great thing, though, is travel agents live in this world day to day. We know the ins and outs of theme parks. I get daily updates on what’s going on at Disney from new resorts opening to construction to special deals. It’s not your job to know every detail about these theme parks, it’s my job! Do yourself a favor and consult with a travel agent the next time you want to go somewhere like Disney. You will know for sure you are getting exactly what you want!
7. Cruises
There are so many different types of cruises from river cruises to ocean cruises to around-the-world cruises. There are different types of cruise rates, room types, and inclusions. Different cruise itineraries cater to different age groups and interests. It is very hard to keep it all straight and truly know what you are getting into when booking online. Working with a travel agent for your next cruise will help you know exactly the type of vacation you are walking into. I have taken trainings on different types of cruise lines, cruise itineraries, and all that is included. If I don’t know off hand the answer to your cruise question, I know exactly who to ask or where to find the answer. Save the headache the next time you want to cruise and contact a travel agent to help!
If you are interested in taking any of the vacations above, please reach out to me at hello@thekeystotravel.com. As a travel agent, I am here to help you travel more and stress less!
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