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Travel Agent or do it yourself?
06/12/2009 - By Steve Arthur I can do ths--that looks easy--how hard could it be, questions we all ask ourselves.
Let's examine the value of using a travel agent or doing it yourself.We all love the internet, you are reading this because you are on the net right now!
We all feel empowered because of the net and can find/research/learn/explore any topic. We can purchase any number of products or services and are doing so at a frantic pace. The question is: should we try to do everything ourself online or should we rely on the services of a professional for certain products?
Travel planning is a complex and sometime trying experience. Type "Cancun" in a search block and you will find 96,000,000 listings!!! Want to sort that mess?
Think the pictures of a property look really great? Do you know when they were taken or if they are really at that property? Does that "special" price include things like transfers, tax, government fees, misc charges?
There are many reasons that you should consider using a professional travel agent-let's examine a few:
Time spent- how much time do you have to spend on this project. A good agent can do in 30 minutes what it would take you 5-6 hours to accomplish.
Destination Knowledge- How much do you really know about that popular destination? An experienced agent has probably visited you dream destination, maybe several times. This insider info is invaluable.
Cost- will I save money by doing it myself? A good agent has more resourses that you will ever find. The truth is that most agents will save you money, find better properties and provide service that you will appreciate. Top agencies may have special offers or discounts available that the general public never sees.
Problem solving- things don't always go like you planned. You are a major cruise line or resort chain. Mr. Jones (who booked a trip by himself) has a complaint about his vacation--Mr. Smith's travel agent contacts you about his similar complaint. Mr. Smith's agent books hundreds of your rooms/cabins and is dealing with his dedicated rep. Guess who's complaint goes to the top of the list and gets resolved to the client's satisfaction?
Professional service- I want to be waited on. There are many things that you could do for yourself. Only a few years ago, most men changed the oil on their cars-why are there so many Jiffy Lube locations now? You could bake your own bread and raise your own chickens, not many people do. We rely on the service of accountants, lawyers, investment advisors, and numerous other professionals to make life easier and less complicated. Travel agents plan vacations, honeymoons, cruises and all other aspects of travel every day--trust these professionals to insure a worry free vacation experience.
Steve Arthur is owner of Carlson Wagonlit Travel-Travel Lovers located on Forest Road. He can be reached at 434-385-5192 or at steve@travellovers.com .