Why Use a Travel Agent?

The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Why Use a Travel Agent?

Published 18.02.2022

Hello!

In March 2020 we experienced something that hadn’t happened pretty much in living memory, a Global Pandemic, that literally stopped the world from travelling.

And no matter what your personal thoughts or views. The freedom of movement in the year 2020 was something none of us could have anticipated.

The Impact on Independent Travellers

With little notice, flights began to be withdrawn.

Travel Agents had thousands of travellers overseas enjoying the winter sun. But, those passengers booked with a Travel Agent on an ATOL protected package were quickly notified and flights were engaged to bring them home.

Most Travel Agents worked tirelessly within their Tour Operator partners to locate and bring home their travellers. With many sadly having to cut short long planned and saved for and return on the next available flight secured on their behalf. Sometimes into a different airport and then transported back to where they should have been.

But for many, and I stress not all, independent travellers also faced the race to get home and sometimes long calls with an Airline.

With Travel Agents supporting their travellers to rebook. Many independent travellers faced lengthy telephone calls trying to find spare seats. With hotels not always cancelled and non-refundable. Or they closed before flights home could be secured. And some faced lengthy airport waits whilst they waited for flights to become available.

And as the pandemic went on they experienced future hotel bookings refusing to refund. Because the hotel was non-refundable. Or the hotel was still open and the flights were cancelled so they couldn’t get there.

Well known independent accommodation booking tools faced criticism as they refused refunds. And don’t get me started on a well know low cost carrier…!

And very few companies had terms in place that told them how to navigate a Global Pandemic. They have never needed it before. And no-one foresaw something like this happening.

The Advantages of a Package

Travel has changed significantly in the past 30-years since I first joined WH Smith Travel as a fresh faced 17-year old.

Packages holidays back then meant choosing a hotel in a brochure. Which told you which airports you could fly from. Which duration. Most only went for 7 or 14 nights. 10 nights if you were lucky. And then longer stays in the winter to cater for the “over 55’s” market.

Yet now you can book a “package” which comes with full ATOL protection and offers you almost complete flexibility. Choose an Airport, Regional or National. An Airline, Scheduled or Low Cost. Any Duration, anything from 2 nights up. Accomodation, choose from a hotel, apartment, villa, even camping. Transfers, Shared or Private or remove them and get a taxi in some cases.

Even companies that offer more traditional style packages now have much more flexibility.

Why not consider multi centres, island hopping, cruising. We can tailor a package just for you. Even have days under your own arrangements, maybe to stay with family or friends.

Does it cost more?

Or why does it cost more? It is a question I am often asked.

It is often the same price whether you book online or with a Travel Agent. But if it does cost a little more. Then you are buying the personal service you get from working with a Travel Professional.

Working with a Travel Professional that takes time to get to know you and know your family. Where you like to travel. What you look for in a Hotel. Will offer you suggestions and recommendations based on personal knowledge and experience. And not what is being promoted to be at the top of the page.

Can a computer offer you reassurance? Help you navigate ever changing rules. Support you with special requests. Liaise with the Hotel if needed. Work with you for resolutions. And not pass you from department to department.

How much time do you spend doing this yourself?

This is what you pay for when you engage with a Professional and most Importantly Experienced Travel Consultant.

Are All Travel Agents the Same?

Travel Agents are as different as snowflakes. And finding the Travel Agent that is right for you is like finding the pot of gold.

Every Travel Agent has their own personality. Skill. And area of expertise.

What you should look for is someone you can engage with. And build a trusting relationship with. Someone that is reliable. Someone willing to get to know you. What is important to you for your holiday.

They will ask you questions. They will listen to you. They will work with you to find the very best holiday for you. And they will make suggestions and recommendations.

What are the Advantages of Using the Same Travel Agent?

If you use the same Travel Agent time and time again. They get to know you. They remember what they have booked for you before. And why you chose it. What was the key factor? They know what you liked. Maybe what you didn’t. It happens.

The best piece of advice I can give you, is to always be honest and upfront with your Agent. They are there to help you find the best deal for you in terms of holiday and budget.

Budget is key. And knowing where you are willing to compromise. My Blog “Choosing the Right Holiday” is a good read to understand this.

What to Look Out for From a Travel Agent or Company

ABTA or Trust Bonding
ATOL Protection
Financially Secure
Experience
Not connected to Pyramid Selling

To start planning your next holiday Email me on jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time to talk on https://bit.ly/TaylorMadeTravelPlans.

Until next time…

Hello!