7 crucial reasons why you should book with a travel agent

My full time job is working on a weekly travel trade magazine, based in London. The magazine is distributed to travel agencies across the UK, those who work from home – known as homeworkers in the industry – and the bigwigs (heads of companies in the travel industry) including operators, hoteliers, cruise lines, tourist offices and airlines.

In my many years of working in the industry I’ve finally come to realise just how much hard work travel agents put into their jobs.

I’m not just talking about the different reservations systems they have to learn and the incredible lengths they go to ensure their clients’ holidays are perfect.

There are also the external factors affecting their jobs – keeping an eye on the FCO advice and knowing which destinations are no-go areas, dealing with emergencies (and not just the every day kind) and of course the product knowledge that travel agents go out of their way to acquire – all in the name of providing a better service to consumers.

Travel agents provide a personalised, customised holiday and help eliminate all the hassle and stress of planning every detail.

This is particularly important if you’ve got certain requirements or want to put together a tailor-made itinerary – or even if you’re looking to venture off-the-beaten-track.

Agents have contacts – and we all know that knowledge is power – the power to help you achieve your travel goals.

I’m also aware of the many frustrations travel agents feel – being undercut by operators who sell direct to consumers at a cheaper price, or by consumers themselves who use agents to gather knowledge about a destination (or scoop up brochures) and then go online to book – with someone else!

So, when it comes to agents, I’m all up for promoting the fabulous job that they do. Fortunately, I’m not alone.

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) recently highlighted the top seven reasons to use a travel agent when booking a cruise.

Note that most of the reasons below don’t just apply to cruise bookings, but are applicable across all sectors of the travel industry.

1. An Encyclopedia of Cruising
Travel agents are trained and certificated in general cruising as well as the products and destinations, which benefits clients immensely.

Travel agents have answers on everything from, “Which type of cruise ship is best for my family of four?” to “Will the chef know to prepare gluten-free meals?” Travel agents are experts at the ready and can help plan the most customised holiday for each client, while also answering questions along the way.

2. The Real Deal

Cruise travel agents plan and execute multiple cruise holidays every week so they typically have a finger on the pulse of the industry and are aware of the best deals and discounts. Some may even have access to cruise line discounts that aren’t available to consumers. More importantly, there is no cost to the traveller to use a travel agent.

3. Saving More Than Just Money

In addition to finding the best rates, a travel agent can save clients another valuable resource – time. There is no need to spend hours researching the best deals or destinations. Travel agents are extremely knowledgeable, have the most up-to-date offers and information and do the legwork whether it’s finding the perfect cabin or planning excursions.

4. A Step Ahead

With a travel agent, travellers can often plan out their trip’s most miniscule details prior to boarding the ship. Instead of waiting in line at the surf-simulator or having to rush to the ship spa to book an appointment, travellers with a travel agent can enjoy a nearly hands-free experience where the booking and details have been taken care of in advance.

5. The Right Resource

Travel agents are the best resource when it comes to trouble shooting unforeseen travel glitches, which can save personal time and a holiday due to lost luggage, cancelled excursions, travel delays and more. For example, if a flight is missed or an excursion is cancelled, an agent has the knowledge and tools to efficiently handle refunds and re-booking logistics, leaving travellers stress free and off to enjoy their vacation in no time.

6. A Trip Tailored to YOU

Travel agents not only handle booking travel, but can help find the best cruise for every type of traveller.  A travel agent can create a perfect travel experience based on preferences, tastes and travel hopes. Keep in mind, a travel agent is always armed with the most current information on how to find the right ship, right itinerary, right cabin and right cabin location to guide cruisers in the right direction.

7. Up-to-Date Update

Travel agents are privy to a cruise line’s updates in real time and know the fastest ways to get up-to-date information. This can range from anything from new spa offerings to changes in the ship’s itinerary. This ensures that cruisers can take advantage of the latest onboard offerings or onshore excursions or plan for any last-minute concerns.