Why use a travel agent?
So you found my page and are thinking about using me as your travel agent to plan your trip. Maybe you’re one who has never used a travel agent before and are considering it because of all the requirements COVID-19 threw into the mix the past few years. Or maybe your time has recently become more valuable to you (new job, new spouse, new kid(s), etc.) and you want to give the planning to someone else. Maybe you’re ready to travel to a more remote location that has less internet resources to make you feel comfortable with planning it yourself. Or maybe you’ve never traveled much before, and want a professional to help you on your first trip! Whatever the reason, I think you’re making a great decision to use a travel agent. Check out the top 5 reasons I think you should use me to plan your next trip below.
Top 5 Reasons to use Experience Culture Travel to plan your vacation
5. COVID-19 was just one tricky travel hurdle
Despite it being several years since COVID-19 started wreaking havoc on the world, the memory of all the burdensome travel requirements remain (do I need a test? which kind, PCR or a rapid one? how close to departure?). While most countries have dropped COVID-19 related specifications, these requirements are just one example of tricky travel hurdles. What about visas, other required vaccinations, or even forms that must be filled out to enter a country? Add in a trip visiting multiple countries and you’ve got yourself a recipe for trepidation and travel anxiety. But with an expert at the wheel, you can rest assured that you’re getting the most up-to-date information and can look forward to your vacation without stressing about it!
4. Your time = money, so let me save both of them!
Planning out a perfect trip takes time, and sometimes, lots of it! Instead of using up all your free time to research, read blogs, ask friends, or ask the random people in the Facebook groups you may be in, you can have an expert (me!) who has a vast network of other experts as well as personal destination knowledge and specialized training so that I am perfectly suited to craft the perfect trip for you. Estimate how much time you’d spend planning out that trip and apply your hourly wage to it. I can almost guarantee I’m a less expensive route, even despite my planning fee!
3. Expertise and Knowledge
So I just mentioned how I have knowledge and training, let’s talk a bit more about that. I make it a point to experience as many destinations as I can fit into my schedule. The firsthand knowledge is so valuable, as nothing can help me prepare you better for your trip than my own personal experience in the location. As I am only one person, of course I can’t make it to every destination. So to account for that unavoidable gap, I ensure that I take trainings held by tourism boards and suppliers, as well as network with local tour operators and companies (and even other travel agent colleagues!) to ensure that I have as close to the boots on the ground information as I possibly can.
2. Concierge service before & during your trip
Another key benefit to using a travel agent is the availability to talk to a REAL PERSON if you need any help before AND during your trip. Before a trip, I answer emails received within about 8 hours of receipt - even if that means telling you that I need to check on the answers. If you are on a trip, I provide my number and keep my phone on and nearby so I can respond as soon as possible, to ensure that I am taking care of your needs as a VIP client. I’d like to see Expedia or Costco do the same for you (spoiler alert: they don’t).
1. Relationships with local suppliers, providing authentic experiences
I mentioned it above under Expertise and Knowledge, but I have personal relationships with local suppliers who utilize sustainable tourism practices, using people from the destination for their guides, porters, and other staff. This allows them (and me) to incorporate more immersive activities than you might be able to get in a group conducted tour—things like home-stays and engaging with the residents to learn more about how they live on a day-to-day basis. Utilizing the more local companies is also part of a sustainable tourism ideology, ensuring that larger corporations are not taking jobs and livelihoods from the locals.
So there you have it!
If any of these reasons resonates with you and you have a trip you’d like planned, let’s schedule a consultation today!
Click the button below to find an available time slot that works for you.
Blog post updated January 4, 2024.