Who needs a travel agent when you can do it all yourself on the internet?
I get it. You absolutely can book your own travel – but at what expense? And do you really know what you’re booking?
Here, #TC.i## look at the key reasons why using a travel agent is so beneficial and, in some instances, crucial.
1. Saving you time and stress
Looking at glossy pictures in holiday brochures, travel magazines and on social media might be fun, but how about 53 hours of it? That’s the average amount of time a person invests in holiday planning each year. That’s 53 hours of being overwhelmed by choice and having to make crucial decisions that could make or break a holiday. The whole process can leave you mentally exhausted.
Imagine having someone do all that research for you, saving you precious time and stress? Rather than being faced with thousands of choices, imagine being presented with just a handful of options that all suit your requirements down to a tee?
Booking a holiday via me is simple and fun – just sit down with me to discuss your dream trip and I'll go away and do all the hard work for you while you get on with your busy schedule.
2. It won’t cost you a penny
Despite the fact that I might spend hours researching your trip, you will not be charged for my service. It’s completely free! I make money from the commission I earn from the tour operator, hotelier, airline etc.
3. Value for money
In most cases, for an identical holiday that you could buy online, you’ll be paying me the exact same price – without having had to invest any of your own time researching and booking it!
But, in most cases, you won’t be comparing like-for-like. Highly likely you’ll be buying a far more superior holiday when you book via me.
I might have secured you a better room, a more convenient flight, included transfers or thrown in airport lounge access.
Many tour operators and resorts are happy that I send people their way. This means I can access discounts, perks or be made aware of something that gives you more value.
4. I'll help spread the cost of your holiday
Whether it’s a dream honeymoon, last-minute break or family getaway, paying for a high-value holiday can sometimes be daunting. But when booking with me, you’ll get access to a hassle-free option.
Once you’ve got your heart set on a holiday or trip of a lifetime, a direct debit scheme will take care of the rest: being able to spread the cost of a trip in low monthly instalments can make all the difference.
There will be an amount agreed to go out on the same date each month, which means you don’t need to worry about missed payments and can look forward to your holiday instead.
Bonus reason: Instead of a remaining balance 14-16 weeks before your holiday, the final payment isn’t due until 6 weeks before you travel when you pay via direct debit.
5. I have the knowledge
Ever felt FOBO? That’s ‘Fear of Better Options’. Is there another hotel out there that might suit you better? Is there another destination that you’d enjoy more? Is there a more convenient direct flight? Would it be cheaper to do a stop over?
With so many scenarios to consider and investigate, booking a holiday can trigger immense anxiety.
I have the knowledge, the inside track and all the options at my fingertips. In fact, I have far more options than you’ll ever have access to independently. I work with many operators that only deal with the trade and not the general public.
Like any professional, I know my sector best. If you had a broken tap you’d call a plumber to fix it. It’s no different in the world of holidays.
Like most industries out there, the world of travel is an ever-moving target, it never sits still. The options available, the destinations for certain types of travel, the go-to hotels never stay the same for long. I will know it all.
I might even suggest an option you’ve never considered. What’s more, I can be privy to new hotel openings; special offers; airline routes and no end of options to ensure FOBO plays no part in your holiday.
6. One stop shop
Don’t just think of your me as being the person who books your flights and hotels. I all know there’s so much more that needs to be arranged when it comes to going on holiday.
Transfers, airport car parking, airport lounge access, car hire, travel insurance – these are just a handful of the basics that I can tick off of your to-do list.
All these things can be handled by just one person – me, your personal Not Just Travel consultant. There’s no need to have a list of contacts for various aspects of your holiday. You just need my number on speed dial and I can handle the rest.
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7. Expert access
I have a ‘little black book’ of contacts. If possible I'lll pull a few strings and make things happen that you just wouldn’t be able to do yourself.
There are perks from working in the trade and I will always try (cannot always guarantee) to get you what you want using my VIP connections.
Whether you’re looking for a ticket to a sold-out show in New York, you want to secure the best table in a restaurant or you want to privately hire a boat to celebrate an anniversary – just get me on the case.
8. The devil’s in the detail
Ever get to the airport to discover you haven’t got the correct paperwork? And have you had the necessary jabs to travel off the beaten track?
I'll ensure you’re up to speed with all the requirements - many of which can change even after you’ve made your booking.
9. Personal service
The service you get from your me will be personal to you. I'll get to know your likes and dislikes, what your bucket-list experiences are, whether you like sitting in the aisle or window seat etc. you won’t need to tell me again.
It’s then my job to make sure all your trips are tailor-made to you. This saves you not only time, as you won’t have to repeat yourself, but means I can always marry my knowledge of travel with your specific preferences and needs.
Even before you jet off, I'll be there to help you prepare. Perhaps you need help checking in? Perhaps you need airport assistance? Struggling filling in the visa forms? No stress, I can help.
And, if you’re travelling to celebrate a special occasion, just let me know and I can arrange for a few surprises along the way.
10. Peace of mind should things go wrong
I all know that sometimes not everything goes to plan. What if your flight is cancelled and you need to extend your hotel stay or rearrange your flight? What if your hotel has misplaced your booking? No worries – I can put it all right.
And if you happen to be away and get caught up in an unexpected natural disaster, just having me on the end of the line to help you navigate your way home safely is hugely valuable and reassuring. I can keep you up to date on how the situation is unfurling and potentially relocate you.
