07/21/2018
Why on earth would I use a travel agent in today’s day and age when I can just go online, do a Google Search and book everything myself without paying a travel agent?
I am glad you asked ;)
• Let’s start by explaining that you never “pay” a travel agent. The agent is always paid by the supplier. The cruise line, airline, All-Inclusive, touring company or hotel either pay a travel agent a small percentage for bringing them the sale or if you book directly with them, they simply keep the commission for themselves. Either way, the price to you is exactly the same. You pay nothing extra, either directly or indirectly by using the services of a travel agent.
• Did you know there are 57 different cruise lines sailing to every corner of the world? Do you have the time to research out a large number of those to determine which option is the right fit for you or your family? Cruise lines offer such a variety of offerings that today, you can enjoy anything from a sail boat with just a few people island hopping through the Caribbean, a River Cruise sailing up the Rhine River and visiting the European Capitals of the World, or choose to sail on the World’s largest Cruise ship with 5500 of your closest friends, zip-lining, rock-climbing, ice-skating and watching Broadway Productions at Sea.
• Travel agents are in the business of researching; researching the best value for your vacation, helping you determine the best fit for your family, having knowledge about destinations to match with your desires. They spend their time learning the details of the offerings, knowing the details of each Cruise Line or Resort. The right travel agent for you will spend time getting to know what YOU want, understanding YOUR budget, getting you the most value for YOUR hard earned money. They also know details that you might miss. For example, the passport rules for everywhere you will visit. Some countries will allow you to visit as long as your passport is valid throughout your stay, others require your visit plus 3 months, others require valid for your stay plus 6 months. Can you imagine anything more frustrating than showing up for your departure on your trip and finding that your passport, although valid will not afford you entry on the plane or ship due to the destination requirements and the fact that you missed that tidbit when booking your dream trip on Expedia? This alone, could torpedo your vacation.
• Did you know that an agent can help you become a “Group Leader” for a cruise and that by sharing the opportunity for others to join you, that you can obtain discounted passage, additional amenities at no charge, or even have your cruise be fully paid for? How perfect if you set up a Family Reunion Cruise, or Company Cruise or Church Cruise, became the Group Leader and had your entire trip be free?
• Did you know that by offering Insurance from a 3rd party, that for a few hundred dollars, your entire vacation can be reimbursable if anything happens and you are not able to complete your vacation as planned? Even if you book a trip this month for a trip 18 months in the future and there is a family illness between booking day and your trip completion that you can walk away with no money at risk other than for the price paid for the insurance itself?
• Did you know that you can book sometimes years in advance? Almost always at least 18 months in advance and you lock in today’s prices for a cruise several years from now. You pay a small deposit today, get to look forward to your trip for months if not years, guarantee yourself the very best price, choosing from the best stateroom selection and simply set your countdown clock for the dream trip that gets you through all of those dreary Mondays between now and trip day.
I am sure there are many more reasons to use an agent. An agent who has the time to be constantly updated on the specials that each cruise line or tour company is running. Someone who has your best interest in mind. Someone who will be there to answer the phone when you have questions, someone who has a vested interest in you enjoying your time so that you become a lifetime customer, tell others about your wonderful experience and will share your feedback to the agent in order to make the process better and better.
We at QuinSea Travel hope you will text, call, email or post any questions, comments, or experiences you have. We stand by waiting to help you plan your vacation, whether it is a quick trip to the West, to Hawaii, the California Coast, to Florida or an Around the World Dream trip. Contact us to request any more information about anything you are considering and I will do everything I can to help you find the perfect trip for your needs within your budget.
Talk to you soon!!
Jerry Quincy