Hi, my name is Jenny Young and I’m just one
of the agents with Travel Time Travel. In this blog I wanted to take some time
and talk about some of the myths out there that surround us travel agents.
Things that you might believe, and that are keeping you from using an agent
like me and colleagues. Now, while yes some of these may have a
little truth to them, the clarification could have you thinking very
differently about using an agent on your next vacation. So let’s discuss 10
common myths that follow us travel agents.
1st: Travel agents are expensive
or change extra fees for using them.
False: I can’t tell you how many people ask me
what my fees are for helping them book and planning their vacations. Travel
agents are compensated by commission through the companies they work with and
should cost you nothing extra in fees. While there may be some agencies out
there that change extra for their services, here at Travel Time we do not. In
reality having a travel agent can actually save you money on your vacation. By
using a travel agent you have someone that is constantly receiving information
on deals and special pricing that can save you money and time on your vacation.
2nd: All travel agents and agencies are the same.
False: We defiantly are not! Picking an agent to work with is like
picking a doctor. They need to be the right fit for you and your family.
Different agents and agencies can specialize in many different destinations and
may only be able to book those destinations depending on their travel
credentials. Finding the right agency and agent will play a key part in the
planning of your vacation. Here at Travel Time we have more the 40 agents
working together as a team that specialize in a variety of destinations both
domestic and international. What does
this mean for you? Well, by working with an agent from Travel Time this means
that while you may be in contact with just one agent, that one agent is in
contact with 40 others on your behalf. Just think of all the possibilities this
opens up for you and your vacation!
3rd: A travel agent will cut me
out of the planning process.
False: This is defiantly not what we want to do. We’re here to take the
hassle out of your trip not the enjoyment of planning it. An agent will let you
be as involved as you want to be. After all it’s your vacation not ours. Agents
have a vast amount of knowledge and training and can often recommend
alternatives you might not have thought of. We also know when your payments are
due and how much. When you can book extra events, like dining, shows, or
excursions. Were like little personal organizers helping you through the entire
steps not just before your trip, but even during and after. The choices are
still always yours to make.
4th: No one uses travel agents anymore, they are
a waste of time:
False: The travel agency industry
has increased more than 10 percent in the past few years. Tripology.com reports
that travel agents sell 51% of all airline tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of
all tours and packages, 45% car rentals, and 47% of all hotels. More travelers are
choosing to opt out on spend hours on a computer researching destinations and
looking for the best prices. How much
time do you spend looking up information? Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone
do all that for you?
5th: I could book online myself
and get cheaper prices.
True: Yes you *might* possibly get a better or cheaper price online, but
remember you get what you pay for. What is that extra $40 savings really doing
for you? Most online companies have extra policies you must adhere by in order
to save that extra money. Like no refunds, or changes to your vacation without
a fee. Or you can’t pick you airline or even flight time. Is it really worth
the savings? Wouldn’t you rather have peace of mind know everything will be ok
and taken care? And that no matter the problems that come up, you’ll have
someone there to help you understand your options? I know I would feel better. Also know, most travel agents can find the same if not better pricing than you can.
6th: Travel agents show you only
trips that pay them a higher commission rate.
False: If all travel agents did this we would have no clients. The
playing field has evened out in the commission areas these days now. Companies
are offering the same percentage rates making no one company better than the
other in commission areas. The truth is while agents may recommend the same
companies often it’s just because they’re use to working with them and have
generated a good relationship with them. They know the ins and outs of the area
and are able to make a more magical experience for you, but as always the
choice is yours on where and who you want to go through.
7th: My vacation is too small for
an agent to want to take care of.
False: Travel agents don’t discriminate on any vacation, no matter how
big or small. We’re here to make even
your mini-vacation an awesome experience.
8th: Using a Travel agent isn’t
convenient.
False: Maybe back in the days when you had to rush into an office in
between your lunch break to talk to some yes, but now in the days of home based
and independent agents no. Now agents are more convenient to work with thanks
to new high tech technology, social media, e-mail, and video chat.
9th: A travel agent will pressure
me to buy.
False: Travel agents business
relies on the loyalty of their clients and the referrals they get from them. If
you at any time feel uncomfortable or pressured, you are less likely to use us
again or tell your friends of our services. Yes many agents are trained in the
business art of closing a deal but it is not used to pressure you into anything
you’re not sure of. Things we may stress
to you at time of booking are usually time sensitive matters, like special
prices that may need to be booked sooner than later to save you money.
10th: A home-based agent is less
professional or not a real agent.
False: An agent that may work from home or a home based office is just
as professional as someone who has an agency office you can walk into. Agents
that work from home work very hard because they have no office you’re just
walking into off the street. They have to be creative in how they present
themselves and market their business. They have the same training opportunities
as office based agents and the room to grow professionally, with connivance of open
business hours that are better to fit your flexible schedule. And I am proud to
call myself one of these types of agents.
I
hope some of the information in this blog today has helped clear up some miss
information that any of you may have had about travel agents. The reason all of
us do what we do is because we love the art of planning a vacation. And love
taking care of our clients and their families. And love putting that giant
smile on your faces when you reach your destination. When you have a travel
agent from Travel Time you don’t just have an agent working for you, you have a
friend. And you’re a part of a great and always growing community.
Let us make your vacation even easier! We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations. We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE! Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!