The Internet has opened up a literal world of opportunity for those aspiring to travel. Years ago, using a travel agency for international or even domestic travel was the normal course of business; now travelers can do most of the legwork themselves. Travel agents still manage to stay busy, however, and there are some times that it’s more prudent to use an agency rather than go it alone. Here are some times when it’s better to utilize the services of an agent:
When You’re Traveling Internationally for the First Time
There’s a lot to know when you’re traveling to a foreign country. From figuring out visa requirements to remembering to apply for a passport, if you don’t have the right paperwork, you’re not going to be going anywhere. Travel agents know the ins and outs of traveling to different countries, and can advise you accordingly. They can also help you decide where to stay, where and how to convert your money into the local currency, which tours to sign up for (and perhaps more importantly, which to avoid), and whether trip cancellation insurance makes sense. If you’ve never been outside the continental USA, a trip to Europe, South America or Asia might go more smoothly if you ask a professional to oversee your plans.
When You’re Low on Time
It’s been said that people need a vacation in order to recuperate from their vacations! When you’re getting ready to travel, all of the lists of hotels, airlines, car rental agencies and tour operators to call might be overwhelming. When you use a travel agent, we take care of all of that for you! They will arrange all the details, handing (or emailing) you your itinerary and telling you to have a nice trip. At least you won’t start your vacation in high-stress mode!
When You’re Headed to an Uncommon Vacation Destination
It’s easy enough to book a trip to Disney World, Paris or Quebec: Chances are good that you know people who have gone to these touristy areas, and can ask them for advice. If you’re planning a trip somewhere off the beaten path, though, a travel agent might have more expertise than you could otherwise find. You might need to fly into a European hub, such as Heathrow or Frankfurt, then fly on to your destination. An agent can arrange this with far less trouble than you can. Galapagos, Africa, Israel – there are all regions that you would benefit from speaking to someone who has been there and can give you the best times to travel and other pertinent advice.
When Your Plans are Complicated
Are you planning to visit several countries in geographically diverse locations on a single trip? Do you want to do a round-the-world trip, stopping on each continent? Your travel agent can make it happen with minimal effort on your end. Is your heart set on staying in a hotel that’s been booked out for months? Because agents have an “in” with hotel managers and others in the hospitality industry, they might be able to pull a few strings and make your dreams come true.
In general, using a travel agency should cost you the same as if you’d booked the trip yourself; the good deals that your agent can get you often covers her fees, if you’re being charged extra. In some cases, you might even save money! While booking a simple trip that you’ve done before is easy to do on your own, trusting a travel professional can save you a lot of stress, which is the point of a vacation to begin with.
