Why use a travel agent?

Are you a busy mom or dad? An overworked professional? An active retiree? Do you get overwhelmed by all the various choices of cruise companies and tour lines. Perhaps everything looks exciting and fun, or some things may not interest you at all. One sure fire way to narrow down the never ending of searching for your next trip ideas is to talk with a travel agent. By using a travel agent when booking a cruise or land adventure, you can save a lot of time and hassle. Travel agents have the expertise and knowledge to help you plan your trip and find the best deals. They can also help you navigate the complex world of travel insurance, visas, and other important details that can make or break your trip. Plus, with a travel agent, you can sit back and relax while they take care of all the details, ensuring that your trip is stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish.

5 top reason to try a travel agent

1. Pricing and bonuses:

   As a frequent cruiser, I get the best deals with an agent. Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals and perks that you might not be able to find on your own. Or they might have a promotional group blocked off for the sailing you are looking for or if you have flexible dates, could move into, and then you get in at a group rate without being a group. Or, they might be like Odysseyfox and give back some of the commission earned to their clients on certain bookings. This can be either checks sent to you as cash back rewards or on board credit to spend on your vacation.

2. Re- Pricing if booked in advance:

   Some of the best prices on trips is when you book 1-2 years out. It's not always the case and the wait can be annoying. However, you don't need to constantly go online and check the pricing of your trip. A good travel agent will price check regularly on your cruise, or land adventure. They have good relationships built up with the companies you book your trips with and will be emailed in advance of any special promotions about to launch to the public. If your pricing drops, they will call you up and explain how to re-book, while keeping your original booking number but getting you the better price. I say a good agent will do this. One, because they would love to have your return business, and two, because they know this takes a load off your plate.

3. Complex Requirements:

   Confused about various countries travel requirements? I get that way too. But nothing is worse then showing up in a strange land and being sent home in the same day because you over looked something, or the laws changed with out you being aware. Not to mention the added costs. Let a professional stay on top of that. They get all the updates in a timely manner and will let you know ASAP is anything changes.

4. General Advice:

   If you aren't really sure what you want to do on your next adventure away from the home or office, you can reach out to someone that knows and has experience for advice. If you enjoy gambling but are also looking for a fun family trip with young kids. An agent might steer you away from that Disney cruise you thought would be great for everyone. Or find you a itinerary that has plenty of stops in gambling islands along the way. You can reach out with your interest and age group and they can help pick lines and companies that will suite you best.

5. Insight:

   Have you ever been to Europe or Italy? Have you been to Yellowstone or Alaska before? Some travel agents are lucky enough to have already traveled to the places we only dream of. They will have the best insight and tips on what to pack, where to eat and what to avoid while you're there.

BONUS: For the most part, travel agents make their money on commissions paid by the company and not by you. Meaning, their services are free. Just make sure that if you are really considering booking a trip and use a travel agent for the reasons above, to actually book with them and not side line over and directly book. You wont save any money that way, and you caused a lot of work for some that didn't even charge you a dime.

Image from the 2022 Floriade, International Horticoltural Expo, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening that is held every 10 years in the Netherlands*. Photo by Chad H.