10 Good Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

What are the benefits of booking through an independent travel agent?

Why is this even more important during uncertain times?

That’s what I discuss in this article. You may also find my next article ‘Travelling in a Covid and post-Brexit World‘ helpful too. 

Independent travel with benefits

Independent travel is my number one passion yet over the years the way I travel has changed.

From backpacking around the world in the nineties to enjoying more luxurious trips, and leading groups of women on impact trips. The way I travel may have changed but what I love is a sense of freedom and adventure. 

This was one of the reasons I used to book each individual aspect of my trips separately. Until I discovered the many benefits of booking through a travel agent. 

That’s why I’m delighted to announce I’ve teamed up with my personal travel consultant, Rock My World Travel–so you can enjoy the same benefits when booking your next holiday or trip. 

10 good reasons to use an independent travel agent

1. Save money

One of the most common misconceptions about travel agents is that they are more expensive than booking trips yourself. While most travel agents don’t compete on price, I’ve often saved money when booking through a travel agent. They have secured me good deals on flights, saved me money on adventure travel trips, and got better hotel deals than I could get through booking.com. 

2. Save time

Sourcing great deals on flights, accommodation, and experiences for your perfect trip can be fun but it can also take days! There’s nothing to stop you from doing your research, but I like the experts to do some of the leg work for me too. If you go through a knowledgeable travel agent, they can often source great solutions more quickly. 

3. Benefit from extra protection 

In the UK, if you book two elements of your holiday with a registered travel agent, you create a ‘package’. This means that you will get a full refund should there be a problem with flights or if the UK FCO advises not travelling to your destination (e.g. because of Covid). 

A package holiday has both financial and legal protection.

Legal protection means your travel company is responsible for making sure that you get the holiday you paid for. If something isn’t provided or isn’t as expected, and your travel company or its suppliers is at fault, they will need to sort this out for you – either resolving the issue, offering an alternative, or providing a full or partial refund. In some instances, you may be able to claim compensation.

Financial protection means that if the company you have booked with goes out of business, you will receive a refund if you are yet to travel or be brought home if you are already on holiday and your package includes return transport.

Make sure your package is ATOL protected. All good travel agents will be. ABTA bonded – means that the Travel Agent is bound by a code of conduct as per ABTA guidelines.

4. Secure fully flexible holiday options 

This one of the most important things to consider during a time of uncertainty as we’re experiencing worth the Covid pandemic. Many airlines and accommodation suppliers are offering fully flexible options to encourage us to book. Travel agents know what the new norm is and can secure good flexible options. 

5. Get help securing refunds

A good travel agent will help you get refunds where they are legally due. This is one of the benefits I’ve experienced a couple of times when trips/flights were cancelled or aspects of my trip were not as expected. 

6. Enjoy assistance in sorting out delays and challenges 

Another huge benefit of booking through a travel agent is the support you’ll get sorting out problems. E.g. if you miss a connection, if one of your flights is cancelled, if there is a disruption to your journey e.g. due to a volcano or a driver not turning up. 

7. Benefit from their expertise

Most independent travel consultants travelled a lot themselves and can share their personal experiences with you. Plus they are often part of a global network of reputable local suppliers. Through their connections, they will often hear of rumblings e.g. of a potential civil war before it becomes general knowledge.

8. Access opportunities you’ll never find 

Only 60% of travel opportunities are available to the public. Travel agents have access to trade deals you will never be able to see or hear about unless you speak to a travel agent.

9. Benefit from advance bookings

Travel agents tend to know about travel deals before or as they become available. No need to constantly be checking yourself. If your travel agent knows what you’re looking for in the future, they can keep an eye on things and let you know as soon as something comes up. 

10. Enjoy a personal service 

I see a travel agent as someone I want to connect with and have in my life for the long-term. You after all trusting them to advise you on how to invest a lot of your time and money over the years.

Like every other profession, there are good and poor travel agents. Fortunately, I’ve only worked with excellent agents, known to me before I’ve used them. So it’s definitely worth getting a recommendation.

I’ve also found it helpful working with a travel agent who enjoys a similar style of travel, as they’re more likely to make suggestions aligned to the type of trip and activities you’ll enjoy. 

I would thoroughly recommend my travel partner Isobel McCardie from Rock My World travel. You can check them out <HERE>. If you do get in touch with them, remember to mention my name–you may get a little bonus. 

Summary

There are many benefits of using a travel agent, especially with all the travel uncertainties thanks to Covid. 

With the potential of increased risk and hassles, using a travel agent for me is a no-brainer.

Given booking through a travel agent gives you all the benefits I’ve shared above, why would you ever do anything otherwise? Even when you go to stay with friends overseas, there are ways a travel agent can create a ‘package’ to give you extra protection. 

The nature of travel has changed forever as I discuss in my next blog ‘Travelling in a post-Covid and post-Brexit World.’

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you lots of wonderful holidays and trips in the future! 

With love,

 
 
P.S.  Contact me if you’d like to explore how I can help you cope better during these challenging times and create a more joyful and meaningful life. 
 
 
 

Often described as one of the most authentic and inspiring souls you can meet, Alisoun is on a mission to improve the lives of 100,000 people–by making it easier for women over forty to thrive, enjoy a meaningful life, and have more impact in the world.

Alisoun’s personal support, online group programs, mentoring, talks, and best-selling books Heartatude: The 9 Principles of Heart-Centered Success and Give-to-Profit: How to Grow Your Business by Supporting Charities and Social Causes have favorably changed the good fortune of thousands of people worldwide. She loves travelling, exploring, and living by the beach in Scotland.

Alisoun is has written the following free resources:

  • Ebook: 101+ Ways to Create a Joyful Life of Meaning, Vitality, and Impact – click here
  • Ebook: 52 Ways to Raise Funds for Charities and Social Causes Through Your Business – click here
  • Ebook: 101 Ways To Attract Great Clients, With Heart, Integrity & Social Impact – click here

You can connect with Alisoun here:

  • Alisoun Mackenzie Facebook Fanpage – click HERE
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