Why use a travel agent, anyway? If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone! In this digital age of DIY-everything, it seems old-school to use a travel agent for bookings when you can do it yourself on the internet. But wait. There is a reason that travel agents still exist!
Here are four great reasons to use a travel agent to do your bookings instead of doing it yourself: I can save you money, get you VIP treatment at amazing luxury properties around the world, and make your life easier. Plus, you get to support my small business, so it’s a win-win for everyone!
1. I Can Actually Save You Money (Really!)
Booking direct can cost the same, but without added benefits that can be worth hundreds of dollars.
There’s a misconception out there that hiring a travel agent is like throwing away money — because why not just “book direct” and save on a travel agent fee? But guess what?! I don’t charge a fee for most booking services, so booking a cruise, tour, or hotel through a travel agent like me will often cost exactly the same as booking direct.
When you book direct instead of through an agent, you may miss out on certain amenities like free breakfast and free room upgrades or special treatment that are often available when you book through an agent. There is no VIP list for “clients who booked on the website” or “clients who booked via online supplier or big box warehouse chain.”
2. I Can VIP-You at Some of the World’s Best Properties
You like special amenities and being treated like a VIP
As a Virtuoso® travel advisor and a Marriott Stars and Marriott Luminous affiliate, I can secure you VIP treatment — including upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and resort or shipboard credits — at some of the world’s best hotels, cruise lines, and tours.
In other words, you can get extra perks just for booking through me — and it won’t cost you extra. In fact, booking through a Virtuoso® advisor can even save you hundreds of dollars.
It totally depends on the individual property and sailing, but TRAVELHAPPY clients are eligible for special amenities like champagne, free breakfast, resort credits, or private airport transfers at distinctive properties and on select river and cruise sailings all around the world. Not sure if your hotel or sailing qualifies? We can find out!
3. Booking Through Me Helps to Support a Small, Female-Owned Business
Just booking with me alone helps to support my small business.
When I book a hotel, cruise, or tour, the “supplier” (e.g., Hyatt, Crystal Cruises, Abercrombie & Kent, etc.) pays me a commission: typically a percentage of the total cost. When you buy through an online travel company (like Ex****a or Orb**z), those companies keep their negotiated commission.
Who gets that commission when you book direct? In essence, the supplier keeps it, while giving you none of the advantages of booking through an agent. No planning help (i.e., assistance with airfare, itinerary planning, pre- and post- cruise tour accommodations, airport transfers, etc.), and no VIP service even at a Virtuoso® or Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous property.
Plus — because I don’t charge a fee to book hotels, cruises, or tours, you won’t pay more than booking direct. I do charge a fee for itinerary planning ($500 and up for a custom itinerary) and for booking flights ($125 per person) because of the time-consuming and non-commissionable nature of those activities. I spend a LOT of time researching — both online and in real life — checking out hotels, establishing relationships with suppliers, and finding the best restaurants and things to do in every city I visit.
Bottom line: booking with travelhappy is a win-win for you and me. And double bonus if you you get the warm and fuzzies when supporting a small, female-preneur business — because that’s what travelhappy is!
4. I Can Make Your Life Easier
You want the trip planning process to be less stressful and more enjoyable – especially if your trip is long or complicated.
Long security lines, bad airport food, crying children . . . getting to the relaxing part of a “vacation” can often be more stressful than enjoyable.
Letting me do all the research and booking can save you thousands of clicks and hours in time. I have a wealth of travel resources at my fingertips, and I can help you narrow down your options so that the whole trip planning process is less confusing and stressful.
And – simply put, you have better things to do in your spare time (or when you should be working…) than research cruise fares, airfares, or hotels on tacky online travel sites. You’d rather be hiking, doing yoga, or relaxing with your loved ones. Totally. Me too!
Contact Me
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, just drop me a line! Inquiries are free, and there’s never any obligation or pressure to book.
Learn about Marriott’s new STARS and Marriott Luminous programs and book with travelhappy to get exclusive amenities and upgrades! Through the STARS and Luminous programs, select Marriott hotels around the world are offering clients of selected travel advisors VIP amenities like free daily breakfast for two and room credits.
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