ROAM Travel Company are a great resource for travelers. They can help with everything from finding flights to arranging tours. They are also familiar with a variety of destinations and can offer tips on best times to visit.
Despite the rise of online booking tools, travel agents remain relevant and offer a valuable service to travelers. This article will discuss why using a travel agency beats booking online.
1. They’re Local
Travel agents have access to a variety of deals and specials that you won’t find online. Plus, they’re often the first to know about price increases and decreases — and they can use their connections and knowledge of local customs to get you a great deal on your trip.
Travel agency employees have extensive training and experience, so they can find the best deals and perks for your specific needs and budget. They can also recommend reputable tour operators, hotels, and other service providers in your destination area. If you have a specific goal in mind, like celebrating a birthday or anniversary, they can even pull some strings to make your trip extra special.
In addition to sourcing deals, travel agents can save you money by booking airfare through their preferred partners. They can also provide you with a breakdown of all the fees and taxes so you’re aware of what you’re paying for. Plus, many public OTAs (online travel agencies) are accessible through shopping portals, which means you can earn points or cash back when you book flights and hotels with them.
Online booking sites have their perks, but they can be limited in what they can do for you and are unable to offer 24/7 support. A seasoned travel agent can handle any issue you encounter while travelling, from a sudden weather event to a flight cancellation.
Traveling employees might love the convenience of consumer booking sites, but they can be confusing and rely on outdated technology. With a corporate travel management platform like Perk, employees can have the autonomy and fare options of consumer booking sites plus the cost-saving deals and personal service of a travel agency, all in one place.
2. They’re More Knowledgeable
Travel agents, also known as travel advisors, offer a curated travel experience. They can help you find the right accommodation, transportation, activities and other vacation essentials to meet your needs without spending hours comparing options online. They also have relationships with hotels, airlines and tour operators that allow them to access unpublished rates and perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, late checkout privileges and more. These exclusive benefits often offset any planning fees and provide significant value for your money.
Since travel agents are immersed in travel full time, they know what to look out for and how to prevent problems before they occur. They are experienced problem solvers and can handle situations like flight cancellations, weather issues, natural disasters and unexpected closures. Travel agents can also provide recommendations and alternatives to keep your trip on track so that you don’t miss out on any planned activities.
Having a dedicated advocate on your side can save you a lot of headache and stress. Travel agents will communicate with suppliers if necessary and make sure that all aspects of your trip are arranged properly. They can even take care of last-minute changes if they arise.
Whether you are booking for personal or business travel, a local travel agent can offer cost-saving deals and expert guidance while also supporting your local economy and community. They are skilled at their craft, passionate about the destinations they specialize in and committed to creating unforgettable experiences for their clients. The service they provide is worth the added fee compared to the cost of a costly mistake. And if you’re using points to book your trip, be sure to ask your agent about their contracts with Air Miles, WestJet miles and other rewards programs.
3. They’re More Convenient
Travel agents can save you a lot of time and hassle by handling all aspects of your trip planning. From booking flights to arranging tours, these travel pros will make sure that your trips align with your preferences and budgets. This way, you can focus on enjoying your vacation instead of spending hours researching and making decisions.
In addition to booking and reservation services, travel agencies can also provide a range of other benefits to their clients. They can assist in obtaining visas and other documentation, as well as offer advice on popular attractions and tours. They can even help you plan the best time to visit your preferred destinations based on seasonality and other factors.
Depending on your business travel needs, you can choose between a traditional travel agency and a travel management company (TMC). Travel agencies focus on providing booking and reservation services while TMCs offer more comprehensive corporate travel solutions, including policy creation and travel expense management. If your organization has a high volume of travelers, a TMC might be a better option for you.
TMCs can offer a variety of additional benefits, including a dedicated team that is in charge of efficient, cost-effective business travel. They are also seasoned negotiators, and can secure discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. In addition, they can leverage their bulk buying power to cut costs and ensure VIP treatment for your travelers.
Another benefit of TMCs is that they can offer 24-hour customer support. Unlike online booking systems, they can ensure that customers receive prompt and effective assistance in case of emergencies or other issues. This is especially important in the event of an unexpected situation, such as weather delays or other unavoidable problems.
4. They’re More Flexible
Travel agents, also known as travel consultants or travel experts, offer a curated, hands-on service that is difficult to replicate online. In addition to booking logistics, they also provide a variety of additional services to meet their clients’ needs and budgets.
These services include travel consultations to assist with destination selection, itinerary planning, and cost efficiency. They can also create customizable travel packages to bundle airfare, hotels, car rentals, and tours. In addition, they can provide guidance for visa and documentation requirements. For businesses, they serve as a 24/7 help desk for travelers and can handle all aspects of trip management, including compliance reporting.
Even the most carefully planned trips can face unexpected challenges. Travel agents are experienced in managing these situations and can quickly rework itineraries. They can rebook flights, secure hotel alternatives, and get refunds for unused tickets. They can also use their connections to provide clients with perks like room upgrades or preferred seating.
Despite the reputation of being expensive, many travel agencies offer competitive rates. However, it’s important to compare prices and consider all costs, including additional services, when evaluating the value of an agency.
Additionally, online booking sites may not be transparent about their fees. Many have hidden markups, or inflated commissions that can add up quickly. A quality travel agency will be open and upfront about their pricing, with clear, itemized fees. While this can be an advantage for businesses that want to manage costs, it can be confusing for consumers who are not familiar with the industry. This is why travel management platforms (TMCs) like Perk combine the autonomy and fare options of consumer booking sites with the expertise, personalized service, and cost-saving deals typical of travel agencies.
5. They’re More Affordable
The idea that travel agents are more expensive is based on outdated perceptions of how they operate. While there are some travel agencies that charge planning fees, the majority are compensated by earning commissions from hotels, airlines, and tour operators when they book your travel services. That means that professional assistance often costs you nothing extra, and when planning fees do apply they are typically minimal compared to the value, exclusive access, and peace of mind that travel agents provide.
Plus, travel agents have access to fares that aren’t available online. This includes discounted or upgraded fares that aren’t advertised, as well as discounts and promotions that can be found only by booking directly with the airline or hotel. Travel agents are also able to negotiate with tour and hotel providers, allowing them to offer better prices than you’d find on your own.
In addition, many travel agents have contracts with points companies that allow them to book with rewards, making it easier for you to redeem miles or points on your trip. This is especially true when using a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which gives you 1.5 cents in value for every dollar spent on airfare and hotel bookings booked through the Chase travel portal. This is a much higher rate than you can get on your own when searching through public online OTAs or airline sites.