If you’re looking to make the most out of your travel experience but don’t know where to start, it’s time to find a travel specialist! Working with a Travel Agent (or Travel Advisor) is an easy and stress-free way to get the dream vacation you’ve always wanted. A great travel advisor will be a dedicated partner throughout the planning process, listening to your needs, respecting your budget, and helping you get the best possible vacation experience.
Understanding the Role of a Travel Agent
A Travel Agent is someone that specializes in planning and booking travel services. Sure, you could do it yourself online, but the goal of the travel specialist is to make sure your vacation is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Travel Agents also save you a ton of money and time by helping you book flights, activities, accommodations, transportation, and more. A good Travel Advisor will have extensive knowledge about your destination and will be able to recommend the best places to stay, eat, sightsee, and have fun.
Finding the Right Travel Specialist for You
Since you’re here, you’re already considering it and started the process, which is great! To find the right Travel Agent, start by doing some research. You can look online for reviews, see their social media presence, and look for blogs and other information about their expertise and how long they’ve been doing it. Once you’ve narrowed your search, be sure to inquire about their experience in the area you plan to visit, as well as any specialties they may have.
For example, Rebecca with Wanderland Escapes has extensive knowledge about Hawaii because she used to live there and travels often to Hawaii. She also travels extensively to other places she specializes in such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and around the US. She’s lived in many states and has made her way around many resorts doing inspections. She also participates in special events, webinars, and trade-shows in locations of her specification. She is constantly keeping her education current with her specialities.
With an intense focus on tropical destinations, Rebecca is a sun lover and will always find a warm place to enjoy the best the tropics can offer. From the Hawaiian islands to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, Rebecca has extensive and personal experience in these destinations. And personal experience is something you definitely want to look for in an advisor.
Preparing to Work with Your Travel Agent
Once you’ve chosen a Travel Agent, schedule a consultation to discuss your wants and needs for the trip you want to take. You should also prepare some information about your destination, whether it’s for a special occasion and if there are any specific things you want to experience. Discussing your personal preferences, such as the type of resorts you prefer or adventures you enjoy will also help your advisor create the best possible vacation for you.
What to Expect When Working With a Travel Agent
Your Travel Agent should be responsive and work with you every step of the way. That includes everything from pre-trip planning to post-trip follow-up. During the planning stages, your Travel Advisor will discuss your dates, your budget amount, and will quote your options accordingly.
After the flights, hotel and other logistical items are booked, your Travel Agent will give you plenty of activities (according to your interests) for you to choose from. Your agent should also give helpful tips for getting the most out of your trip, such as any discounts or promos available, and activities that are a must do. Rebecca also goes above and beyond and gives restaurant recommendations and lets you know about some hidden gems in your destination. She is always available and ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Benefits of Working With a Professional Travel Advisor
The best part about working with a travel advisor are the intangibles such as these below:
Personal Experience and Destination Knowledge
When an agent visits a destination they get first hand experience that can’t be replaced by online research. Plus, while they’re in destination, they speak with the hospitality managers, tour resorts, and connect with local businesses that offer fun activities. While in destination they also learn about great places to eat, relax, and where the hidden gems are. The knowledge a Travel Agent gets while in destination is extremely valuable.
Emergency Protections
When something goes wrong during or before your travel, it’s easy to panic. But when you book your trip with a Travel Agent, they can help you navigate the contributing factors. For example, a Travel Advisor will always recommend travel insurance because it will protect you from unexpected delays or cancellations and other emergencies.
To add, when you’re dealing with a medical emergency during travel, your Travel Agent can help you by doing all of the leg work to get the right information and contact people set up so you can focus on you or your loved one with the medical emergency. A good agent will help you get everything with your disrupted trip sorted out so you don’t have to stress about it.
Reassurance Throughout the Process
If something happens along your trip that causes delays, rescheduling, cancellations, etc., your advisor will be with you throughout the entire process. They have likely dealt with these similar circumstances before and can help you keep calm while the options are explored. This is where someone with experience is invaluable. When you book your trip yourself you don’t have this person in your corner helping you – You’re on your own.
Specialized Resources
One of the most extraordinary things about Travel Agents is that they often hold specialist certifications. This means that they take extra time to get additional education and knowledge about specific destinations or types of travel. Working with a Travel Agent with certifications in your destination or type of travel you are wanting is your best bet. They will know all of the ins and outs to help you.
For example, Rebecca is a certified Disney specialist, a destination wedding and honeymoon specialist, and has advanced training with tourism in Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica and many places in the Caribbean and US.
Tips for the Best Travel Agent Experience
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to ask what you think maybe a stupid question well before you are on your way to your destination. Your Travel Agent is there to answer any and all questions, no matter how big or small. Therefore, ask away! If your Travel Advisor is dismissive or doesn’t respond in a timely manner, you may want to consider using a different agent.
Next, listen to the advice shared with you by your Travel Agent. They have learned this advice from personal experiences and lessons learned from either past clients or other Travel Advisors. They also know when photos look nice online, but it doesn’t look like the photos in person. Trust their expertise. Your vacation is an investment. They are the travel professional and truly have your best interests in mind. A good Travel Agent wants to make sure you have the right products picked out to give you the best experience.
Lastly, keep in contact with your Travel Agent even if you’re not quite ready to book a trip, and after you return home from a trip. They’ll be able to let you know about unique or upcoming opportunities, promos, and will share fun adventures they think you might enjoy for future trips.
Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?
Working with a Travel Agent is a no brainer. Stop wasting your time researching and trying to figure out the best options. Let your Travel Agent do the work for you and take that added stress off your plate. You’ll thank yourself later.
Contact Rebecca today to discuss your dream vacation. She’s eager to help you have a memorable vacation anytime and anywhere. Don’t wait. The earlier you can get started with the planning, the better the pricing and availability will be, as well as better options for payment plans.
