Top 5 Reasons to Use an Expert Travel Planner
As a travel professional working in the business for over 25 years, I think it’s important to talk about why it’s so important to have an expert plan for your travel. Here are my top 5 reasons.
1. One Point of Contact
When working with a travel expert, you only deal with them. There are no calls to hotels, airlines, tour companies, etc. Everything is directed through the travel expert and they deal with all of it. When you have delays or cancelations at an airport, your travel professional can handle that directly so you never have to wait in line.
2. Industry Contacts
Travel professionals like myself who have been working in the business for many years and who are established have front-line access to top-level airline and hotel contacts. This means priority, attention, recognition, and favors that you would never receive from any online booking.
3. Hotel Cost Savings
Most people believe cutting costs saves them money. However, sometimes spending a bit more actually saves you money because of all you get for it. In the hotel world, there are amenities that can come with your rate if you’re lucky enough to have a good travel expert who has contacts. That means instead of booking a room-only rate, you can book a rate that can include breakfast, food, and beverage credit at the hotel from $100 or more, transfers, spa credit, upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, etc. All of this lowers the rate when you’re not paying additionally out of pocket for any of it and it will enhance your stay.
4. Airline Deals
When booking with an expert you get no hidden costs or have to question if it’s the best fare. Travel professionals can have access to tools that will allow them to see all airline costs and find hidden deals in seconds that most people will never find. We also have access to preferred seating on airlines, contracts for upgrades, and fare reductions. We can eliminate change fees at lower costs. Finally, we have hidden ways of cutting costs and holding fares that you can’t do online.
5. Expertise
Your travel expert should be someone who understands what you like, can ma your trips stress-free and easy, and excel beyond your dream vacation. You should trust their knowledge and experience. They can suggest and plan things for you that you may not think about. Your travel agent is a one-stop shop!
When finding the right travel agent for you, make sure they come recommended. Ask them how well-traveled they are and if they travel often. A good travel agent is out there seeing new hotels, checking out cities, and has first-hand experience. I always tell people you can do your own taxes and hope you get the most back, or you can use an accountant. Well, the same rule applies to a travel professional.
Contact 127 Travel to talk about your next vacation and how they can help.
