How to Effectively Utilize Travel Agent Services....For First Timers.

One of the best relationships you will ever have in life, is with your travel agent. A certified, professional travel agent is like having a best friend that works for the airline, or at your favorite hotel and has an endless supply of travel tips and news you can use. That's a win/win situation. It's no different than having a conversation with your bartender, before placing your drink order. (Am I the only one that does that?) Anyway, I like to let my bartender know what flavors I like, what I absolutely do not like and how I want to feel once I have consumed the tasty wine & spirits mixture. That relationship also applies to the client/travel agent dynamic. Let's talk about what a travel agent does and how they can save you not only money, but save you the time and frustration of self booking. Click "Read More".

Photo Credit: Airplane from Unplash.com

Now, I am sure we all know that one person that is quick to say, "What do I need a travel agent for? I can research on my own!" I love those types, they usually end up becoming one of my most loyal clients after a failed attempt at being their own "travel agent". For those that may not be familiar with what a travel agent or travel consultant really does, here's a few things to think about.
When you've decided to explore a new destination, what are the first few things you consider? Budget? Location? Weather? Or maybe the hotel or resort aesthetics? Well, those are things we travel agents consider as well, but it gets much deeper than that. There is so much behind the scenes work that a GOOD travel agent does to ensure an amazing experience is had by all. Let's take the budget for example. Often times when I meet with a new or potential client, they have no problem telling me which beautiful island they've recently heard about or may have seen on television. They may even go as far as telling me how many rooms they will need for their party and what kind of food they like. But as soon as I ask that age old question, "What's your budget?" the conversation often times comes to a screeching halt or an awkward silence. Sometimes the new client will say, "Money is not a concern."
That let's me know that the client may have some funds available for a great vacation, but they have no idea what a trip like what they are requesting may cost, because MONEY IS ALWAYS A CONCERN!

Let's just be transparent here; budget is primary and should be discussed at your first consultation with any travel agent. Imagine telling a travel consultant that you want to spend 14 days in Bali, at the finest resort, with an infinity pool outside your bedroom door and a Butler that brings you the best gourmet food ever made, then realizing that the client only has a weekend in Miami kind of budget. Both the client and the travel agent have wasted valuable time and energy, looking for a vacation that does not suit the clients' budget or needs. This is why it is extremely important to talk to your travel agent openly and honestly about your budget and what type of vacation you (the client) really want and can expect. I have worked with very tight budgets and those where the client can splurge on whatever they like. Either budget can still yield a great vacation, with proper planning. Be upfront about your budget and what you can afford. There's no shame in working within a budget. That's how the rich, stay rich!

Photo credit: Carnival.com, Funjet.com, Applevacations.com

Travel Agents have  business relationships with all the major travel vendors, like Funjet Vacations, Apple Vacations and Carnival Cruise Lines, just to name a few. That means these vendors and others like them, want the travel agent to be knowledgeable about their products and services. Every vendor wants to be the one a travel agent presents to their clients. In most cases, the vendor will share the latest news and incentives to pass on to the client, encouraging the client to book with them. These may be deals, discounts and other offerings the average consumer will not find online. Certain sales are not published for the public, but your travel agent already knows about the offering and looks for ways to apply it towards a fabulous, economically friendly vacation for you. Travel consultants or travel agents know that their success is dependant upon return business. We are NOT an online conveyor belt of options. We are here to customize a unique experience for the client that will keep them coming back and creating new memories.

Photo Credit: Sandals.com

In the end, a travel agent is the key to vacation bliss. Can you book a great vacation on your own? Sure, it's possible. But why shop online when you're a unique individual with distinct needs and requests? The next time you want to book a beautiful Caribbean beach hotel, consult with a travel agent first. Consultations are often free with many travel consultants or some may charge a small fee for the consult and if you book with that travel agent, the fee can be applied towards your vacation total. Having a professional, well informed travel agent can take your vacation from good to amazing!

For more information on how to book your next fabulous vacation, contact Keisha Crumb at www.kcrumbtravel.com