Your family is all set for a beach vacation this summer.
You had a balcony room booked with views of crystal clear water, an all you can drink package, fancy new luggage tags, and the tiny bikini you worked so hard to fit into since Christmas. You found an amazing deal online: 5 day, 6 nights in the Bahamas, and everything is looking great.
Then 2020 happens. Plans have changed.
This year has shown us how things can change in an instant. You realize that trip you planned on your own can’t happen and you want to get your money back. The website you booked it on isn’t issuing refunds and if they are you spent 5-6 hours on hold for days at a time to finally speak to someone to get it refunded. Insert, the Travel Agent you should have used.
The minute plans changed for my clients I spent my days and hours on hold on their behalf to get their refunds and change their dates, they spent time with their families and I took care of everything on their behalf.
In a world where we are all trying to support small/local businesses, you are giving business to a hard working small business owner instead of big corporate America. Travel agents have access to the best deals, are able to use reputable companies, and work directly with vendors to make sure you have great service.
Here are 6 benefits to using a travel agent!
- It’s FREE to use an agent. There are no hidden fees in the cost of a trip. Typically travel agents do not charge clients anything for handling the booking for them.
- Agents are the first to know of any upcoming sales and last minute deals that pop up. We usually have about 24 hours before the public is told about an upcoming vendor sale, so we can be on the lookout for clients that have a specific type of vacation they are looking for.
- We can apply discounts for you after the time of booking and are always trying to save our guests money and get you the best deal, even after you book your trip with us.
- We are experts in the field. Agents have to complete hours of training, and be kept up to date on all types of vacations from cruise lines, to theme parks. We know the ins and outs of how the travel industry works.
- Agents take care of all the little details. Celebrating a birthday? Anniversary? Inside jokes? As your agent, I can put these extra touches throughout your trip.
- We are an advocate for you. If anything goes wrong during your stay, if you booked through a big box agency they won’t help you out in the evening or on a weekend, but I will! I am always here and I always have your back! I am the one that will go to bat for you, wait on those long hold times, rearrange your flights and be there for you in a time of need.
As I like to say, “the internet is for looking, a Travel Agent is for booking”. Call me and let me help you find the perfect vacation.
I will listen to exactly what you are looking for and match you with the best price and destination so you can just sit back and enjoy making memories with your family which is what vacation is all about!
Christi Walsh is a travel planner with Exclusive Travel Partners and can be reached at christi@exclusivetravelpartners.com or 440.665.1767
