3 Reasons Not to Use a Travel Advisor (or so you think)

1. You’re a Control Freak
​Look, no judgement, it takes one to know one! I am a control freak, that is why I chose this work! I love planning and controlling all the details. If you are someone who enjoys researching every minute detail and handling all the reservations and components: that is great and understandable. That may have swayed you from using a travel agent in the first place. But hear me out: it STILL may be a great value to book the main part of the trip with a professional (the pre-planned group tour or cruise) because we usually get perks that you won’t get by booking direct. You can still plan the rest of the trip and I will hand off the duties to you! 

​2. You Want the Cheapest Thing
Again no judgement, being frugal is not a bad thing! I have plenty of budget conscious clients. But what I offer is not cheap. I hate to break it to you but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Thems the breaks! You can often get a great early booking discount, promotion or last minute deal on a cruise or tour, but in general, for premium and luxury travel brands, they don’t like to heavily discount close to departure if a date is not sold out. This devalues the product and de-incentivizes folks who book early (like a year out) who may end up paying a lot more than someone who booked 3 weeks prior for a last minute deal. They know you all will end up talking on the trip because for some reason people love to brag how they got such a great price! How do you think that makes the person who paid double feel? Pissed! And the cruise line and travel advisor will surely hear about it when the clients return home. While the service and options that I offer will almost never be the cheapest, I ensure you’re getting the best VALUE and EXPERIENCE. This is why my clients return to me trip after trip, year after year. They don’t want the cheapest thing, they want the best. We all know that the lowest price is not the same thing as the most valuable. Now, if you’re booking a short domestic trip or something basic/bare bones like flights and an Airbnb in Paris, I can book your flights and travel insurance for a small fee, giving you peace of mind (see sister blog, link below). 

3. You are Good with the Same, Status quo Travel Experience 
I know some people who book their trip with the same cruise line or tour operator year after year and are satisfied with the experience. They know how it works and they are comfortable with the booking process and travel experience. They simply aren’t pulled by the desire to try something new or different. I definitely understand this, it’s the same reason I don’t change my home & auto insurance provider! It seems like too much work to switch and there is also the loyalty factor. However, you could be leaving upgrades, perks and elevated services on the table (in which don’t cost extra). If you have credits with a tour operator or cruise line, usually travel agents can utilize them, you don’t have to book direct. Contact me to learn more. 

Thanks for reading! If you missed it, here is the sister blog: 5 Reasons to Book Your Trip with a Professional Travel Advisor

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