It may seem funny if you’re reading this, but probably one of the biggest reactions we get when we tell people we own a travel agency is, “Travel agent? Do they still do that?
Since the Internet exploded in the 90s and on into the 21st century, many of the things we would go PHYSICALLY to a professional to get done are now done almost exclusively online. The first company we started for example we did online where before you’d have to go pay a TON of money to a lawyer…once you could get in to see them. The same goes for financial planning, business planning, banking, etc. When was the last time you physically went into a bank for something other than cash at a cash machine? Remember when you had to physically talk to an insurance agent to purchase auto, homeowner, or life insurance?
Times have changed and the travel industry has changed with the times as well. In my last job we had a full-time travel specialist who booked air and hotels for employees…at least for the first six months, I worked there. At some point, our upper management decided it was more advantageous for each employee to do it themselves. All well and good until you ran into problems in a foreign country. Needless to say, we had quite a few “glitches”.
If you’ve ever jumped online and priced a flight, hotels, etc. you see it’s pretty easy…it is, as long as nothing goes wrong. But what could go wrong when you travel? How about a worldwide pandemic?
It’s easy to forget when countries began closing down their borders two years ago due to the COVID 19 virus many, many travelers were stranded. Canceled flights, hotels shut down, restaurants close…what do you do when you’re in the middle of a foreign country and the online company that got you such a great travel deal won’t answer the phone? Worse yet, what happens when they won’t reimburse you for lost travel?
KEY POINT: Always purchase travel insurance!
Travelers who had booked through legitimate travel agents, you know the ones I’m talking about. These are the folks who live in your hometown or you’ve known and done business with. These are the mom & pop operations, or single moms whose livelihood depends on CUSTOMER SERVICE not cheap bulk sales with low profit margins.
KEY POINT: Did you know that domestic airlines no longer pay commissions to travel agents?
When you work with a travel agent, a GOOD travel agent, they are your partner for your vacation and adventure planning, booking, and monitoring. Yes, a good travel agent is there for you during your trip to help you in case of unforeseen events. We may not be able to help you directly, but we’ll move heaven and Earth to find someone who can. It’s our superpower.
Till next time…now GO ON VACATION!
