Why Use a Travel Agent
Benefits of Using a Travel Agent
Planning a trip can be confusing and time consuming. A travel agent not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but also may be able to save you money with early-booking discounts, special fares, accommodation details, and travel advisories.
Save Money
Strong working relationships with travel suppliers and the latest in computer reservations technology enable travel agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Traveler Advocates
Your best interest is your travel agent’s priority. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has a longstanding record of fighting for consumer rights, and ASTA member travel agents are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.
Convenience
The ASTA membership includes travel agents across the country and throughout the world, most of which offer one-stop shopping for all travel arrangements.
Service
ASTA member travel agents are knowledgeable and active in the industry. The Society provides education, training, and resource materials to its members to equip them with the tools to offer the highest quality of service.
Agents Will Go the Extra Mile
Agents work for you and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs.
Happy Returns for Travel Agents – As Seen in the NY Times
According to a New York Times article, travelers who once sought bargains by booking their own travel online are now returning to their travel agents, who can offer great deals and help when the trip doesn’t go as planned.
Warning to Internet Surfers
In an effort to provide advice to travelers, we would like to advise you that what you may see or book directly on the Internet is not necessarily a product with the standard of quality you expect. It may not be an appropriate tour or lodging for you and your family, or the best product available in the country you plan to visit.
For example, a particular hotel is not likely to publish on its website the complaints it receives, the disadvantages of its location, the run-down condition of its rooms, or information about a decline in the quality of its services, and so on.
The local incoming tour operators will not tell you their buses are beaten down, old, and noisy; that their tour guides lack knowledge or speak broken English; or that their itineraries are poorly designed and do not fulfill the expectation of their clients.
Not even a country’s Government Tourist Office can give you this information.
We recommend that you put your trust in a reputable travel agency that specializes in your chosen destination, with a staff that consistently seeks property updates and hotel inspection information. Such an agency can tell you pros and cons about the hotel you are considering. Look for a travel agency that frequently sends clients to given destinations and receives feedback and comments from its clients about their trips; that allows travel agencies to know how their suppliers are performing.
We also recommend working with a travel agency that you can reach by phone. After all, this is your vacation. The quality of all suppliers involved—from your travel agent, to the management of the hotel or resort where you’ll stay—will make a difference in creating your vacation experience.
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