I cannot count how many times I've seen that travel agents are "dinosaurs" or that the "Internet" put us all out of business". Hogwash!. It is true that after airline commission cuts and 9/11 that many agencies did indeed close their storefronts. However, many of us worked harder and smarter and are still around in full force today.
Travel agents are your best option when planning your vacation. Talking to a human being who's been there and done that is a much smarter option then handing over your hard saved dollars to a faceless website. A website, I might add, that will not be there to help you when things go wrong. Your agent acts as your saving grace when bad weather, delays, or any problem arises before, during and after your trip.
I recently wrote an article for a travel agent only resource site TRO that says just this. Telling agents to once again prove to consumers your worth. We are here to make your life easier. Why sit and surf the internet for countless hours trying to find the resort/air/hotel/package .. whatever your wanting. A true travel professional can do that for you in half the time and for better value. Your time should be better spent with your family's, friends, work..whatever else it is you enjoy.
One last note...
Please make sure your agent is a true travel professional. Do not fall prey to the "travel agents in a box" or "MLM/Pyramid Schemes". There are many of scams out there (we'll delve into that subject on another post) and alot of people calling themselves travel agents simply because they paid $500 for a cookie cutter website and a ID card. Ask friends & family for recommendations, or you can check at asta.org for a list of agents in your area.
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