In Part I of Why Use A Travel Agent? we talked about how travel agents get paid and how travel agents get good deals. In Part II, we'll talk about how to work with a travel agent . . .
How To Work With A Travel Agent (Hopefully Me!)
All of my business comes from word-of-mouth advertising. It’s music to my ears when someone says it’s the easiest trip they’ve ever taken.
So how do we get you from sitting at home to on the road?
First, I’ll need to know who will be traveling and when and where you'd like to go. Then, information on your travel budget, expectations, and flexibility helps to narrow down the choices.
I take that information and find a number of options for you to consider. Based on your comments, we proceed to booking or continue looking. Once we’ve found THE trip, I'll get payment and personal information.
Just before you leave, I’ll check in with you to make sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable journey. And if you have questions or problems any time along the way, I’m just a phone call away.
My Request To You
But in return I have a request . . .
When you go online to compare your quote, please let me know if you find a better deal. Many websites advertise lead-in prices (with small print saying starting at . . .) and add on fees/taxes many pages into the booking process just before you push the BUY button.
We need to compare apples and apples, not apples and oranges. To get you the best deal, we need to compare your find and my quote for the same level of hotel/room, amenities, flights, etc. Chances are, I can get the same pricing if we’re comparing apples and apples.
And if you’ve truly found a better deal, I’ll congratulate you and then request a price match from one of the companies I represent. You just have to provide a printout with the details and pricing.
Working with a travel agent should be fun and can save you time and money. In your quest to find the perfect trip at the best price, ask questions and use all of the resources at your disposal. Just remember, travel agents don’t get paid for doing free research; we only get paid if we book your trip.
Who You Gonna Call?
Next time you're in the market for travel please let me know. Whether it’s a get-away to Vegas, a visit with Mickey Mouse, a cruise to paradise, or just a hotel room for a road trip, together we can get you moving on the easiest trip you’ve ever taken!
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