Travel Agent Planning: Why do you need one?

When planning a vacation, it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself route and book everything online rather than working with a travel agent. With so much information available on the internet, it’s easy to feel like you can plan your own vacation. However, did you know that using a travel agent can make the whole process much more enjoyable and stress-free? In this blog post, we will explore the many advantages of working with a travel agent and why you should consider using one for your next vacation. 

Transforming My Passion for Travel Planning into a Business

“Can we really travel to Hong Kong without using a travel agent?” my mom asked. And I confidently replied, “Yes!” with all the necessary maps and notes in my hands. I researched, planned, organized, and booked the whole trip myself. Thanks to the internet! It was indeed an organized trip. But it was time-consuming. I spent several hours or probably weeks lurking online to plan everything. We have experienced exploring the city like a local. But we waited in long lines while we saw other groups with tour guide and agents that seem to have an express lane, my parents were irritated, my sister was tired.

It was still fun, at least for me and my husband, because we can endure the long walks, waiting time, etc. When we get back home, I realized that do-it-yourself tours are not for everyone. Not everyone has the luxury of time to research, some may prefer spending their free time on their hobbies or passion, with families and friends, or just take a rest.

That was my story before I ventured into the travel industry (Tengonciang, 2020). It was 2014, and I remember it as a period when online travel booking websites and travel blogs were gaining more and more popularity. Even if I faced some discouragement at the beginning, I still pursue it. I just couldn’t resist the allure of helping people plan their dream vacations.

I understand that every traveler has unique needs and preferences, and not everyone is comfortable planning their own trips. Some people might prefer to plan their own trips, and that’s great, but for those who may need a little extra help, it’s good to know that there is another option available to them.

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While it may be easy to book a flight and hotel online, creating a truly memorable vacation can be challenging. The vast resources accessible through the internet can make it overwhelming to select the perfect destination, lodging, and activities that suit your preferences. Coordinating travel itineraries, making reservations, and sticking to a budget can also add stress to the planning process. But don’t worry, using the help of a travel agent can make the planning process so much easier! Here are five reasons why working with a travel agent can be beneficial when planning a vacation.

1. They save you time.

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This might be the most significant benefit. Instead of spending hours browsing the internet for the best deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, and tours, a travel agent can do the legwork for you. Yes, it is possible to plan on your own but it can also be daunting especially when you have a job, young children, and daily responsibilities. However, that is what travel agents are trained to do. With just a few questions, they can put together an amazing itinerary. It can save you a significant amount of time and stress, allowing you to spend it on what is more important to you.

2. They have connections.

It is impossible for any one person to have complete knowledge about all aspects of travel, regardless of how much experience they have. A smart way to navigate this limitation is by contacting experts in a particular destination or activity. While even the best travel agent may also not have all the answers, a reputable travel agency often have connections and relationships with specialized teams, such as experts in safaris, adventure travel, cruises, honeymoons, and corporate travel, who collaborate to ensure a seamless experience. 

3. They have access to deals.

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel agents is that they are more expensive than booking directly with airlines, hotels, and other travel providers. But, this is not always the case. Since travel agents book multiple clients, they are able to negotiate better rates and deals that are not available to the general public. And they often pass those savings to you rather than marking up the price.

4. They are real people.

Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

According to a survey, one of the reasons for not using online travel agencies is that they prefer to use the services of a traditional (offline) travel agency (Statista, 2022). One of the main differences is human interaction, which is not the case when booking through an online platform. The travel agent will work with you one-on-one to create a customized travel itinerary that meets your budget, interests, and any special requests. They take the time to understand your needs and preferences, rather than just seeing you as a faceless IP address.

5. They care.

Imagine having someone who got your back during any unexpected travel mishaps. Even the most seasoned traveler can encounter issues during their trip, regardless of how well-planned it may be. Having a travel agent by your side means you don’t have to worry about the tedious task of waiting on hold for hours to rebook a flight. It’s them who will go back and forth, sending emails to arrange alternative options. Your travel agent will assist you with any issues or concerns that may come up during your trip, giving you added peace of mind and support.

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Wrapping Up

Overall, using a travel agent can make the vacation planning process easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful. They offer exclusive deals, expert planning, and insider knowledge. Plus, they’ll take care of all the details, so you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your vacation. They can help ensure that your trip is a success from start to finish.

Have you ever had the pleasure of working with a travel agent before? How was your experience? Would you recommend it to others?

References:

Statista. (2022, November 11). Reasons for not using online travel agencies for booking in South Korea as of November 2020 [Graph]. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1203257/south-korea-reasons-for-not-using-online-travel-agencies-for-booking/

Tengonciang, S. (2020). Our Story. Copyright 2020 – Ten-GO Travel and Tours. https://tengotravel.com/about/