1. Personal Service
Thinking about a vacation, what’s the first thing you do? You Google it, right? How many results do you get when you search, “vacation in Italy?” Or, “family trip to Caribbean” or “best cruise line?” Pages and pages and pages. Information overload.
And, you know what? That search goes one way. No one is on the other side asking you about, well, YOU. The “top search results” have absolutely nothing to do with you and your friends or family. They’re generic.
Example
On the other hand, you could call a Travel Agent. In a perfect world, maybe this is an agent you’ve worked with in the past. Like my longtime client who reached out to me the other day and said, “Whatever you think we would like, after all, you know us.” And, she’s right. I do know her. I have been planning their family trips for years now and have watched her daughter grow from a toddler to a young lady. I knew instantly that what she initially thought would be a good trip would probably not work for her and sent her something better suited to her family.
2. Save you Time
Back to those pages and pages and pages of search results. Who has time for that? Outsource your travel planning and, I promise, I can save you hours of time because I have trusted travel partners where I can go for the BEST information to plan your trip. As a travel agent, I don’t have to rely on reviews from who knows who on all of those review sites (that honestly seem a little scammy anyway).
Take a little time to talk to me, tell me your dreams for your trip, and I will create it for you. If what you’re thinking isn’t going to work, I will help you figure it out. I take pride in each and every client experience and save you countless hours trying to DIY it. Your trip is not from IKEA (thank goodness).
Example
My client is going to be in Rome for a few days before her cruise. She wants to tour the Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel. I got an email from her, “Which tour do I choose? There are SO MANY!” The photo above shows 385 million search results!!
Within a few minutes, I found the exact tour I recommend for the best experience and sent it to her to book. Solved. And she can move on with the million other things she needs to be doing today or just take a break.
3. Real, live person on the phone
When you call me, I answer. That’s it.
I don’t have hold music.
I don’t even have an extension.
It’s just me and I know who you are and what we have planned for your trip so you’re not on hold or explaining to a faceless customer service person. Try that with an online travel agency or big box, sell-it-all, do you want a case of toilet paper with that cruise, store.
It’s my sincere hope that you have no problems on your travels, but things happen. When you are traveling, I am available to solve any hiccups. Just a phone call (or email) away.
Example
My client had a 2 bedroom villa booked but there was a mechanical issue and the resort had to move them to a regular hotel room. She would have probably just accepted that because, what choice did she have. However, as her advocate, I got them to give her three rooms, all connecting PLUS a microwave in the room PLUS complimentary laundry service. This was only fair as the villa she had booked had a full kitchen. Trip saved!
4. Avoid common pitfalls
Listen, you’re busy. And, travel is not your job. It’s so easy to make a mistake. I have heard some crazy things in my time and, it’s understandable. We live in information overload. Why complicate your life further when you can reach out to a Travel Agent and ask all your questions and get professional advice and booking?
It’s so easy to make a mistake. Like, airlines suggesting 30 minute layovers when I know you will never make that connection. Or, forgetting to book a transfer from the airport to your resort. Or, not booking a super popular tour in advance and being shut out of seeing a top site. When you book with me, I keep the trip on task and make sure the details are handled.
Examples
So many misconceptions!
People thinking they don’t need a passport for the Bahamas (you do). S
omeone asking if they can fly to Mexico with a Passport Card. (No).
Folks who didn’t realize the COVID restrictions in Turks & Caicos.
Luckily, I was there to set them straight and save the trip.
5. I am a matchmaker
I often get calls from people who are interested in a resort or cruise that they saw advertised. So, I listen to what they think they want. It may be that what they saw on TV or scrolling Facebook suits them perfectly. But, more often than not, it truly doesn’t.
How do I know? Because I see beyond the marketing. With all of my resources, from other travel advisors, from personal experience, I just have access to a lot more information than you will ever see yourself. It’s that simple.
Example
I had a family reach out to me to plan a special family trip. They thought they wanted a certain destination and, on paper (or online) it seemed like a good fit. But, as I talked to the mom, I could tell within about 10 minutes that they would not be happy there. So I presented an alternative and, as soon as she saw it, she got so excited! Her husband agreed. The resort I suggested just ticked every box for adventure, fun and good food. They traveled last Fall and had a BLAST! If she hadn’t called me, they probably would have booked that first place and, I truly think it would have been a huge disappointment. So glad I was able to provide a fantastic alternative!
So, if you've even wondered why you should book a trip with a professional Travel Agent, I hope this has been helpful. I truly care about all of my clients. If you are not working with an agent already, I would love to help you make some amazing memories.
mary@tripsbymary.com
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