After being asked this question a few times or having people who think they know it all....
1.Agents by definition courtesy of miriam dictionary: one that acts or exerts power 2: something that produces or is capable of producing an effect: an active or efficient cause
2. they are familiar with the industry
3. they have relationships with vendors/cruiselines/ hotels
4. they have area specific knowledge
5. they have first hand experience
6. they are continually updating themselves on properties, new policies & procedures
7. they are your one stop for vacations
8. they are wonders with groups…. I mean do you want to organize the group with rooms, flights and transfers and then get everyones full legal names and birthdates, payment information for the deposit, the final payments and keep everyone updated?? didn't think so
9. they know about the sales (sometimes they are a bit confusing...)
10. they will work on your behalf before, during and after
11. they come to understand your travel style so while such and such a resort may be raved about by others, they now why you might not like it.
12. they know the ins' and outs of travel
13. they are continually searching travel so they know when your cruise rate has dropped in price
14. they know what locations to ask for on cruise ships, planes, trains and hotels
15. you get all of these added benefits with no additional cost
16. they get paid on commission and that is a small percent, and often host agency's take up to 75% of that so really they aren't rolling in the money. They are in this job because they love travel
17. they really do know what they are talking about
18. they realize that sometimes the extra money to move up a category is worth it. "but I am never in my room, why would I want to get a balcony on my cruise to Alaska?". If I had a cupboard for an inside room I wouldn't ever be in there either, but with my own private balcony I can have my morning breakfast out there and keep an eye out for whales or watch the beautiful landscape.
19. they know what tour company's fit your style. When they suggest you may like this other option it isn't to upsell but because they know you like hotels with easy access to the city and the tour company you are looking at costs less because they use hotels outside the city.
20. they usually know the why's behind "last minute sales" on the internet. the cruise room you are about to book for super cheap is right by the elevator and under the 24hr bar & dance hall… are you sure you want that?
21. they know what resorts and cruise lines have better food/more options, so while your choice may cost less, since you are a food conscious person they know you won't have a great time with the food.
22. whats more worth it in the long run, a great deal but with less options, bad location, or so so food OR paying a bit more and having additional options, a great location and good food choices?
23. they are more reputable then trip advisor with its thousands of stranger reviews, do those people even care about the same stuff you do, or have the same personality/temperament as you?
24. They don't always have the "lowest price" but they do have the "best price" since they have taken into consideration all the little details you may not think about that will make or break your trip.
25. crap you booked with some online booking site and now that you are on your trip something has happened, chances are customer service will tell you "sorry, but there isn't anything we can do" they don't know you so they can just brush you off. Your agent however has worked with you to build this trip, has heard how this is your once in a lifetime dream trip so they want to make sure things get worked out and will do what ever it takes.
26. they know when dining reservations are realized to book for cruise, disney and resorts
27. they keep track of payments, changes and other deadlines so you don't have to
28. they know the Not to miss places & the lesser known not to miss places
29. they continually receive feedback from other clients, vendors, and agents about travel
30. they can help guide you thru airports. i.e. puerto vallarta has its gatlant of time share owners who are very good at making you believe they can take you to your transfer.. a travel agent knows you should ignore these guys and keep walking
31. know the right trips to fit your energy/age level
32. they know local laws
33. best times to travel for sightseeing and best times to travel to save money
34.what to bring or wear
35. what additional charges you may incur on your trip
(a few bonus ones.. cause that's what agents do, throw in some extras)
36. they know what you should purchase now and what you can purchase later
37. they can work with your budget and set up payment plans as needed
38. they can advise and reconfirm special travel needs
39. what activities to book before hand
40. they have done research to find the best price, saving you time and money
41. not sure where you want to go, a travel agent can give you pro's and cons for each place based on your travel style
42. back up copies of all travel information and documents
43. they are great people to know!
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