Travel agents do much more than just find transportation and lodgings or make reservations. For example, a Winston-Salem travel agency might have inside information about local events or destinations that are off the beaten path. Even in this do it yourself Internet age, where we use Google to find everything we want to know, the assistance of an experienced travel agent can save you time and money, whether you’re planning a weekend business trip or an extended tour of Europe.

 

Here are five reasons why a travel agent is an indispensable part of your travel planning.

1. Independence

A travel agent isn’t necessarily bound to one airline, hotel chain or cruise line. This independence allows them to assist their clients in choosing the best packages and rates, regardless of the provider.

2. Relationship Building

Your travel agent works for you. A professional will take the time to learn their clients’ tastes, travel budget and preferences. That means that you get customized assistance and someone you can rely on to be honest, make recommendations or alert you when a fabulous deal that’s suitable for your needs becomes available. Travel agents also build relationships over time with tour companies, restaurants, hotels and others in the tourism and hospitality industries. When a travel agent has a good reputation and industry contacts, they’re privy to information that the general public, and even some other agents, have little or no access to.

3. Savings

A good agent knows that cheap isn’t necessarily good and that half-price airfare you found on a discount website may have many hidden disadvantages and fees that negate whatever money you saved on the ticket. Travel agents also save you time by handling transfers, customs issues, connections, overland travel and many more travel details that nonprofessionals may not even consider.

4. Cutting Through Red Tape

A professional agent has knowledge that can help you avoid travel penalties due to unforeseen cancellations and travel restrictions, and can provide up-to-date safety and security information that isn’t available to the general public and industry outsiders.

5. Convenience

Most of us don’t have the time, knowledge or resources necessary to plan a seamless, hassle-free excursion. A professional travel agent who knows his or her clients can have all of your details, documents and arrangements set up and ready, so all you have to do is grab your bags and go.

The Internet may give us options, but it doesn’t have the experience, knowledge and industry contacts that an experienced travel planner can offer. Studies even show, that a travel agent can make your overall experience better. Before you plan your next getaway, it pays to get personalized, professional assistance from someone who can help you get to your destination with a minimum of hassle.