Here’s Why You Should Use A Travel Consultant Instead Of Booking Online
They save you money…
Travel professionals have access to special discount codes and promotions through suppliers. They often can save an additional amount or provide clients with a dining or spa credit. Often the travel packages sold through self book websites are very stripped down package a lot of hidden costs not budgeted for once on vacation.
…and time.
Nearly one-third of travelers spent in excess of four hours, over multiple days, planning their own vacations. Travel Consultants create a custom itinerary, pulling together flights, transfers, accommodation, tours, visits, meals and exclusive visits based on your preferences—so you can spend your time on other things.
They don’t charge hidden fees.
In a column for Business Insider, Avery Hartmans described her experience using the Hotels Tonight app for a staycation in New York City – and noted that the prices listed did not include taxes and fees. Hartmans said she was charged an additional $121 in fees for the weekend, an expense she wasn’t expecting; “the extra fees were a bad surprise, and they put us well over budget for the trip,” she said.
Travel Consultants don’t charge fees for arranging your travel, they are paid the suppliers, and those who do are up-front about the cost.
They provide personalised attention.
Booking websites provide a one-size-fits-all service, not taking into account the numerous variables that are in play. Travel Consultants tailor their services to their clients’ individual needs. Have concerns? They’ll talk you through them. Need a hotel that can cater to your allergies? A travel consultants can speak to hotel managers to make sure it’s taken care of.
They offer insurance.
From guaranteeing your hotel is available to knowing if the excursion company is legitimate, booking through a travel agent ensures travelers will not get duped. And they provide insurance for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
They’re there 24/7.
Travel agents are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re there with you throughout the booking process and follow up afterward. On the other hand, contacting an on-line booking website customer service line often means wading through a chain of people. Parson said she spent six and a half hours over three days speaking with a online DIY booking websites customer service department.
They’re specialists.
Consultants have a personal understanding and experience insight into a specific destinations and segments of travel, like Safari, Cruising or destination weddings. Ask your consultant what their specialist areas area.
Travel consultants make travel less stressful.
When booking a vacation, destination wedding or honeymoon, the last thing a traveler should have to do is worry.
It is a special memory in your lifetime and big financial purchase that should only result in a pleasant experience all the way through. A travel consultant is vital in planning these special memories as they take the worry off of you and let you focus solely on the exciting events to come and what you shall pack.
