How to Find a Travel Agent that will Save You Valuable Time

The argument goes something like this: Isn’t it cheaper if I just book travel for myself?

“I can do it faster, easier, cheaper on my own time, my own dime without having to pick up a phone and talk to someone.” 

​Answer: Some times that can be true. But there can be risks you might not be aware of such as how reliable is the company you are booking with? You’d have to end up putting in more time to figure out the answers to questions you might not even think to ask. Wouldn’t it be easier to let someone research it for you? Someone who can offer you experienced advice and knowledge. Someone who has your back in case things go wrong?

Customer: Wait, what? What can go wrong? 

Answer: Lots of things. From a tour company going out of business after you have paid them, to the airline changing your flights causing you a long layover, to not getting the right room at the hotel, to needing to make changes, to you or someone traveling with you getting sick.

​Customer: Well, I understand, but I can also fix those things as they arise even if it’s a hassle and stresses me out. 

​Answer: A travel agent can prevent some of that from happening and fix it when or if it does all the while you can lounge, rest, or continue doing something you’d rather enjoy. Save yourself the stress, let a pro take care of it for you.

​Customer: That sounds good. But…I’m not sure how to find the right travel agent that fits my needs. I don’t want to hear some old-fogey lady who loves love boat cruises try to sell me something that fits her idea of adventure travel. I want something modern that fits my active lifestyle.

Answer: That’s a stereotype about travel agents. They’re not all old-fogey ladies, haha! But I get it. You have this perceived notion they’re old-fashioned, out-of-touch with 2019 and beyond.
But the fact is many travel agents stay current and relevant through their training on products and services. It’s an evolving industry and the best ones can offer you something current that fits your ideas and tastes. ​

​Customer: I just don’t see how a travel agent is going to figure out my specific likes and dislikes?

Answer: A travel agent should first qualify your interests and ideas about your travel experiences, what you liked and disliked, where you went and stayed. How you like to travel. Many travel agents provide this service free of charge in the first phone call. Some even have you fill out a form like THIS that you conveniently send off to her or him so that the ball is already rolling.

​Customer: I am really busy with work, my family, my life it seems like I have to get on the phone to give all this information to a stranger whom I don’t even know, if it will be a good fit for my type of travel. How do I match myself to the right travel agent?

Answer: Good question! I would feel the same way when searching out for a lawyer, doctor, or plumber. I don’t want to waste my time either. So start with reading through their website, does it sound like they could offer what you need or want? Since you already know the type of travel you are looking for, search for someone who fits your criteria. Don’t pick a designated cruise specialist if what you really want is an independent travel adventure tour specialist who can tell you about the country you want to visit where you can hike and see the sights on your own. ​

​Customer: What will it cost me? 

​Answer: Travalerie gives you a free 30-minute consultation phone call to start especially after you have filled out the Your Travel Interests form. Many travel agents charge a trip planning fee or “plan-to-go” fee similar to how professionals in other industries charge a consultation fee. Nobody wants their time wasted including the travel agent. If you are serious about making your travel life easy, with results that make you satisfied for service well delivered then paying a small fee upfront will save you in the long run. 

​Does any of this sound like you? Have you ever wondered if it’s really worth it to book with a travel agent?

​I’m here to tell you YES, IT IS WORTH IT!
Because travel agents can save you time, money, offer you tips and tricks, insight and advice, shop for you while you sleep, work, play, whatever it is that makes your time important to you, your friendly, helpful, knowledgeable IDEAL travel agent will give back to you ten-times over.

It’s no secret either. Travel Agents have supplier relationships that you might not otherwise know about, that can fit you to the right tour or trip of your dreams. But you need to make that first connection and schedule a call, send an email, make that initial inquiry to see how they sound to you and learn the benefits of making a lasting, valuable partnership. 

​Why not pick up the phone and call Travalerie today? You are reading this on her website blog after all, something got you interested to know more.
Where do you want to go next? 

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