How Helpful is a Travel Agent in the Modern Day?
Decades ago it may have been hard to book everything for a foreign trip. Without the internet, travel agents offered the best help in these situations. They could often be counted on as a one-stop shop for travel needs.
With the influx of travel information on the internet that provide you all the information for travel destinations, you might think that you don’t need a travel agent to book your trip.
But, despite the boom of online booking services, travel agencies can still help with some travel needs. Yes, it may sometimes be easier to book a trip on your own. Although, there are still some instances where a travel agency can help schedule a foreign trip.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) reported that over half of all travel agents saw an increase of 8 percent in 2013. By 2015, the travel agency business grew by 12 percent, and those numbers are still growing.
Some of the routine tasks that agents have done in the past like writing travel tickets have been replaced by travel websites. As a result, the travel agents today have more in depth knowledge and expertise. Experienced travel agents generally know the ins and outs of travel, and as such, they can make sure your trip is a smooth and pleasurable one.
For example, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, you need to hire an agent who knows the lay of the land, as well the different European countries, including the details of where to dine, museums, art galleries, and other activities. Much like a concierge at a hotel, and travel agent can help guide you through the ins and outs of your travel experience.
The following are several reasons why you should hire an agent for your next vacation:
1. They can help you save money.
A good travel agent can help stretch your dollars, yet still give the ability to experience everything your vacation should offer.
The right travel agent can ensure that your hard-earned dollars go a long way, making sure you won’t miss any amazing restaurants or special events, or exciting venues.
2. They’re accountable and knowledgeable.
Whether they must answer to a boss or themselves, travel agents are accountable for their actions. Instead of having to resolve issues or answer questions via the Internet or a recorded message, you can speak to a live person who books trips for a living.
3. Itineraries can make all the difference.
Not only can an agent create a clear-cut itinerary, he or she can also keep clear records of everything needed for the trip.
4. Budgeting
A travel agent can help map out exactly how much a trip will cost with details that you normally don’t consider. For example, travel agents can help you figure out whether your cruise pays for food and drinks, or whether your chartered trip pays for any excursions in advance.
5. Insurance
Need insurance? Travel agents can help you guarantee that the place where you stay is safe and that you don’t run the risk of losing money or any of your possessions.
6. They have all the resources.
Your travel agent should have all the necessary resources for a safe and eventful trip at the touch of his or her fingertips.
7. Exclusivity
Most travel agents are familiar with new destinations, and they know how to get you into those places without any problems. They also know how to get you free drinks or free admission to an exclusive event.
8. Time Savings
Since you want to leave for your trip ASAP, travel agents spend little time familiarizing themselves with their clients and what they are looking for. This allows for maximum time to put the perfect vacation package together.
9. Leverage
Since travel agents work with all the major hotels and resorts, these people are more likely to get what you want as a consumer.
Though you’ve probably considered booking a trip on your own, keep in mind that travel agents spend years developing long-term relationships, and travel companies understand how important it is to satisfy their customers.
Now, even considering all the fun hotel and event planning, documentation is also key for a trip abroad. For most countries, that means a valid and correct travel visa. For every country, that also means having a valid passport with the necessary empty pages.
Passport Health can help with all travel document needs. If you need to renew a passport or get a tourist visa, we can help with the entire process. Give us a call at or take a look at all our other Passport and Visa services.
Written for Passport Health by Jerry Olsen. He has over 15 years of combined experience as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City. Jerry’s writing topics range from health care, travel, life science to medical technology and technical writing.
