Travel Agent Myths

There are many myths surrounding the travel business & travel agents. I'd like to debunk a few of them for you below.

MYTH 1

I can use a travel agent to gather the information I need and then book it myself.

• • True, you can. However, the agent only gets paid if you book through them. If you find a lower price with the exact arrangements we can often match the price. Your travel agent should have your best interests in mind and getting you the best value is what we want to provide you.
  • If you are speaking with a travel agent just for information for your trip, what else don't you know? Did you know that:
    • cruise lines have restrictions on sailing while pregnant
    • some countries require you to have a visa to visit
    • traveling with a passport with less three to six months beyond your departure date may get you denied boarding a plane
    • chances are the box store or online travel site you go to will not do anything to help you should your trip be delayed or canceled.

I am a licensed, trained & certified travel specialist. It is my job to know the conditions and restrictions of the travel I book. I am available 24/7 should you need me and I will be your advocate if/when problems arise.

MYTH 2

I can't afford to travel and hire a travel agent too.

• • Did you know that when you book your travel at a brick & mortor store or online you are already paying for a travel agent? WHAT?! Yes really. Every time you make the decision book travel yourself, even if it's just a hotel room, your price already includes the cost of a travel agent.  The only one making a profit is the vendor because a travel agent's compensation does not come from the traveler but from the vendor.

I do not charge any services fees, you will not pay one dime extra to use my services. In most cases, I can save you money and/or add extra value to your travel.

MYTH 3

I can plan & book my trip way faster than a travel agent can.

• • You got me there, but you already know all the answers! So while that might be true for a destination you frequent, how about a destination you have never been to?
    • When is the best time to go?
    • Where do you stay?
    • What is the best way to get there?
    • What is the best price to pay?
    • Once you find the answers, will you know they are correct or the best answers?

In a 2017 Travel Market Reports survey of 12,000 consumers, nearly one-third spent in excess of four hours, over multiple days, planning their own vacations. As a travel specialist:

• I work with suppliers that aren't available to the public.
• I know of special promotions and options before the general public because I receive notice before anything is released to the public.
• I already know the answers to your questions, I don't have to spend time trying to find them. For those questions I may not know the answer to, I know where to find them. 
• I create custom itineraries, pull together flights, transfers, accommodation, tours, visits, meals based on your style, taste & budget.
• I consult with my clients in whatever way is best for them,
  • one on one visit
  • Zoom
  • text
  • email
  • phone

MYTH 4

Travel agents aren't safe, they want me to give them my personal information and credit card number.

• • When you book online you are a "one and done" customer. Unless you go to the same place & travel with the same vendors every trip, you will have to enter that information every time you book.

Yes, there are times you do have to give me your personal information. I am one person; how many people do you think you give it to when you book on a travel site? I have a questionnaire for the information I will need to plan & book your travel. I have a credit card authorization form so I can make payments on your behalf. Payments are made per your request. You will receive a quote before I make a payment and an updated quote showing payment has been made.

It is in my best interest to have your best interest in mind, I would like to hope you will be a return customer for many years to come.