The Benefits of Using a Professional Travel Agent

Years ago, amid the rise of platforms such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz, many predicted the demise of travel agents.

The reality is, however, that far from disappearing, travel agents are thriving in this new high-tech era. With the proliferation of information available online (to the point of it being overwhelming) the expertise a travel agent brings to the table is more important than ever.

And, as any experienced globetrotter knows, when you're stranded as a result of bad weather or have a travel emergency, the Internet cannot help you. But a trusted travel agent can.

In honor of Travel Agent Appreciation Day, which is May 1, here's a look at some of the benefits of using a professional travel advisor.

They Save You Time and Money

It's easy to spend hours upon hours researching destinations, including looking for the best deals, most memorable hotels, and unforgettable sightseeing excursions, not to mention checking out Instagram posts about said destination and chatting with friends who may have already visited.

The good news that it takes a professional a fraction of that time to learn about your needs and interests and then recommend suitable destinations.

"We also know seasonal trends, price fluctuations, popularity cycles, and are fully aware of the aggregated airfare data and how many of the booking websites' algorithm models fare changes," said Avery Harris, of Viking Travel.

More importantly, travel agents also know when there are exceptions to all of these rules, because unlike an online booking platform, travel agents are human, and have practical experience, making them better decision makers.

"I can make a judgment for a client and advise them of the ideal time to buy their ticket at the best fare, but without risking that it will go up even more," continued Harris. "Managing risk is part of what we do. In short, a human with specific expertise is going to make a better judgment than a computer."

They Know the Cheapest Price Isn't Necessarily the Best Deal

While anyone can look online for a hotel or airfare bargain, a travel agent can help you find true value for your dollar, says Stephanie Turner of Brentwood Travel.

"Just remember - the cheapest price is usually not the best deal. It's just the cheapest price and you may end up actually spending a lot more to get what you want," said Turner. "We know where to get the best value for your travel dollar and most clients tell us how surprised they were to have saved money when using a professional travel advisor."

They Have Access

A good travel advisor has existing relationships with key people in destinations around the world. Those relationships often mean rare or unique access, for you the traveler, to places you might not have otherwise been aware of or even able to visit.

"One thing a travel advisor can offer that you don't really have the ability to do yourself is their relationship with locally based experts who are knowledgeable about the hottest new restaurants, off the beaten path sites, and unique cultural opportunities," said Lauren Doyle, of The Travel Mechanic. "This could even translate to having a local, private guide for part of your trip or the whole thing."

Stephanie Turner of Brentwood Travel, agrees, adding that those relationships can also result in countless perks for clients.

"We know the right people who can do amazing things for you at a hotel," said Turner. "Because we have longstanding relationships with hotels around the world, we can often arrange for a free breakfast, upgrade or at least ensuring you are in one of the best rooms in the category you paid for."

They Provide 24/7 Emergency Service

There are many factors beyond a traveler's control that can make a dream vacation go sour. Here too, a trusted travel agent can be invaluable.

"That is one of the things that really distinguishes a travel professional from the internet," says David Harris, the newly appointed CEO of Ensemble Travel Group, who was previously a second generation travel agent owner. "Whether it's a flight cancellation, problems at a hotel, unexpected illness, a travel professional can quickly jump in and assess the situation and then navigate all the roadblocks to find a solution."

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