Vacation Planning with a Travel Agent

So you know you need a vacation, but you also know that you don’t have time to plan one yourself. Those vacation days are just sitting there, unused… just waiting for you to decide that you need to whisk yourself away for a much deserved break.  This, my friends, is what I’m here for! However, you might be uncertain about what exactly the Fun Travel Chick brings to the table. Well, let me shed some light! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.  

First, we answer the ever popular “Why do I need a travel agent?”

Travel agents have access to suppliers and vendors that the general public does not have. These partnerships allow us special pricing, amenities, and extras. We are also your advocate from the first phone call or meeting to the moment you walk back in your door from your trip. An experienced travel agent handles every detail necessary to make your special vacation perfect.

I like to use this analogy: Let’s say that I have a plumbing problem at home – My husband may be able to fix it, it could require multiple trips to the hardware store, and many hours of his time. He could be successful or he could go through all of that and we might still need to call in a professional plumber. Or, we could just call a plumber right from the start, knowing that it will be taken care of quickly, professionally, and painlessly.

Travel is very similar, you can muddle through it and sometimes be successful, or sometimes not. You don’t know what you don’t know and you don’t have access to the same contacts that a trained professional does.

How far in advance should I begin working with a travel agent?

It’s really never too soon to begin working with a travel agent. I have trips that I am working on for clients that are planned a year in advance. I am always willing to work within the client’s timeline but prefer as much notice as possible. This allows us to take advantage of possible early booking deals, etc. I can also put together a fabulous trip at the last minute too. I am currently working on a Corporate Incentive trip to Mexico that in a perfect world would take 9-12 months to plan and am putting it together in about 30 days.

How quickly are my arrangements made?

Things in the travel industry are constantly moving and changing, especially airfares. I move very quickly to always get the very best options for my clients.

What/how do I pay a travel agent?

Most travel agents have nominal fees for their services. Oftentimes, the cost of the fee is more than made up for in the savings on the trip. The airlines stopped paying travel agents a commission many years ago so there are almost always research and ticketing fees for flights unless they are part of a package that includes a hotel or car rental.

What about if I have points I want to use?

Most clients using points tend to want to make their own reservations, however we are more than happy to offer advise with most of our consultation fees.

I’m on a budget. Can I still work with you?

Absolutely, as a matter of fact, we might be able to save you some money.  I work within all budgets and do my best to plan the best trip possible for what the client can afford.

If I’m traveling internationally, can you help me with my paperwork?

We are happy to provide guidance regarding what is necessary to travel abroad – Passports, Visas, etc.

Don’t you feel more knowledgeable already? Ha! I sure hope these answers have helped you see that working with a professional for your travel needs is easy peasy! Working with me is fun too! If you need some inspiration on WHERE to go… check out last week’s “Destination” post!  

NOW are you ready to take that vacation of a lifetime? I’m ready to help you plan it!

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This blog post was written on Dec 14, 2015 by one of our previous Travel Agents, Pam Taylor, who has now moved on from our company. We can help you plan a similar trip as we have Hawaii, Destination Wedding and Disney Travel Experts on our staff. Contact us to get started!