I find it interesting being a travel agent these days. Many people, when they ask me what I do for a living, look at me in disbelief when I tell them. Their usual responses are "Those still exist?" and "Oh, I have never used one." At the end of the day, my strong opinion is that response one only exists because of response two. Let me break it down:
Once upon a time it was just a guy or gal on the corner of Main St. USA selling your vacations. Then came the 1990's and online booking started becoming more and more popular. There was good reason for that: it was easy and quick. As popularity grew, many people decided this way was for them and stopped using the Travel Agent altogether.
Fast forward to now and while you could only book flights and hotels online in the 1990's, now one can do just about anything given the time to search for it. So why in the world would a person go to a traditional travel agent? To answer this, let me use my personal experience and argue the points most online bookers make and then add some color at the end:
1. Booking Online is cheaper. You are correct, people who book online spend less money than those with travel agents. But that is misleading in many ways. They also do not book the same trip. Many times I have to talk my clients into spending a small amount more than they would have online because I understand what resorts, etc they will be happy with. Too many times people come back from their online trip having stayed at the wrong type of resort or having stayed at a not so nice resort because they wanted to spend a little less. Not to mention, those online booking engines that touted the less expensive number; they did not include transportation to and from the airport and they didn't include tours to must-see attractions that you will end up spending money on anyway. But then you're stuck with un-trustworthy suppliers at the last second when you're scrambling to find someone to take you to your hotel from the airport upon arrival. I am sure there's nothing wrong with that Mexican taxi....right? and you know those people selling tours outside of the Coliseum? Good luck with that.
2. I can find all the reviews and information I need if I just google it: You know what, you might be correct. You also might not be. Let me explain. It has taken me four years to start using and trusting certain service providers and hotels after personally experiencing them. I am not sure what google search could get me there quicker, but if someone could let me know the term I use to find and be able to trust these companies after a few days research, please tell me that now because I have been doing it all wrong.
The hotels and service providers we use are ones we now use regularly and get nothing but rave reviews from our clients about. They are people we can reach by email and phone to check on how you are doing and request things from. They are personal relationships that make our clients even more important to them than someone booking once online who they know most likely will never be back.
3. I really just enjoy planning my trip: Great! We do, too. That's why we got into this business. That being said, we offer our clients multiple choices of hotels and resorts, different tours and other services at multiple price-points that allows you to weigh quality and cost. The great thing about it is that we, again, trust all of these hotels at the multiple price-points. We also give you direct links to online rating agencies and the resort websites themselves to jump-start your own personal research. You can say no to whatever we suggest if you don't like it and we will find the right trip for you!
There is also so much more to consider when planning a trip. First off, do I get insurance? Why would I get insurance? A professional can discuss those things with you. Certainly, those people caught in hurricanes this last summer or those that were stuck in Europe when the volcano in Iceland blew would argue for insurance. There are also those other coverable situations such as layoffs, illness or death in the family and lost luggage.
Most importantly and what adds the most value in our mind is having someone to call in case you need anything while on your trip. We have been able to fix small problems and snafus while our travelers are abroad. This is worth its weight in gold when you're standing in line waiting at the desk because of a flight cancellation. The line isn't moving, but guess who is on the phone talking to your airline as soon as you call us. Oh, and by the way, you won't wait on hold to reach us and we do speak your language!
Finally, as a small business, we give you personalized service. We learn more and more about you every time you come to us. You're supporting us and you're not just another online booking to us. We'd like to get to know you! Oh and that online price you found: we can match it! Why not get all of this service from us at the price you find online?
So do yourself a favor, try a travel agent next time you're planning a trip. And definitely go to an experienced agent that has a good presence in the community as well as online. And remember, everyone has an opinion, but who has experienced most everywhere and most resorts everywhere as well? A good travel agent has. You haven't experienced a full, turn-key trip with no worries until you have used a good travel agent.
Brian Podvia
Owner, JetSetPilot Travel
215-272-3221
bmp@jetsetpilot.com
Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment