9 Myths About Travel Agents

1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. Depending on what type of trip you are looking to take, one travel agent will suit you better than another. That is why it's so important when planning a vacation to find a travel agent that specialized in where you want to go.
2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore Fact: Travel Agents still sell 50% of all airline tickets, 85% of all cruises, 70% of all tours and packages, 25% of all car rentals and about 30% of all hotels.*
3. Myth: Travel agents are just glorified sellers of airline tickets and their time has comeand gone. Fact: Travel Agents are professionals who provide value by helping consumers cut through the clutter and save time and money.
4. Myth: The internet will/has replaced the need for Travel Agents. Fact: When it comes to booking travel, Travel Agents are experienced professionals. There are some things technology cannot replicate and personal touch is one of them. The internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent.
5. Myth: Travel Agents are trying to cheat me if they don't quote me the cheapest price Fact: Travel Agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that exact itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches that you unknow. For example; longer waits at the airport, or even more than 2 connecting flights. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for the money you spent which should include the most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. (Unless you have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan).
6. Myth: Travel Agents are a Waste of time Fact: A Travel Agent can save you hours of painful research and headaches trying to compare everything. They have up-to-date information. Their prior knowledge and experience gives Travel Agents thumbs up in trip/vacation plannign.
7. Myth: Travel Agents don't have information as updated as the internet Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sourses you are. They also receive emails and information with the latest specials that have not yet been published on the internet.
8. Myth: I can easily book the "same" trip on my own without using a Travel Agent Fact: Travel Agents have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are mostly not available to the public. A Travel Agent also has more leverage helping out in situations that may arise like: hotel claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are hold for travel agent reservations.
9. Myth: It's more expensive to use a Travel Agent Fact: Not every Travel Agent charges fees, this will depend upon the agent. Good Travel Agents will notify their clients of any additional fees including service fees, up front. Besides, it's important for you to remember that most online booking sites such as Orbiz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well.

A travel agent will be there for their clients before, during and after their trip, and when the unexpected happens. Working with a Travel Agent will give you peace of mind. If you haven't work with one, give me the chance to help you plan your next Family Vacation.

*Source: 2008 PhoCusWright Travel Agency Distribution Landscape Report

Leila Reyes
Family Travel Specialist
817-554-3346
lrtravel@live.com

Why to choose a Travel Agent?

People always come with the questions, Why to choose a Travel Agent? There are so many myths out there about Travel Agents that concerns me you may still wrongfully informed. I couldn’t agree more with my colleague’s blog: Educated Consumer Vs. Ignorant Cheapskate. One of the things Cricket mention and quote:

There have been any number of discussions on the “travel agent vs. direct booking” topic, and I can usually read them without completely blowing up. I think that people should know the differences in the two, especially because there are many who are new to cruising or think that booking direct with the cruise line is always the best course of action, and it’s good to see how others will choose to express their preferences in that particular debate.

It’s true some Travel Agents have different ways to do business. As a consumer you must be thankful of Travel Agents work and time, we all have a goal and that is making your vacation as easy as possible. We provide a service from the planning stages until you return home, we are on your corner.

In other hand, as travel becomes more and more difficult, unpredictable, and arduous, travelers who moved away from travel agents in favor of self-service internet booking, or never have use one,  are rediscovering the true value of a good travel agent, and returning in droves.

Here are some benefits:

·        Save you time – A Travel Agent can avoid you headaches, they will be the ones calling around and doing all the time consuming search like looking for prices, activities, and flights for your complex itinerary. By now you may know what it is being online searching and comparing prices…can take you forever!

·        Travel Advocate – A Travel Agent can help when things go wrong, a good one is available 24/7 and has the expertise to resolve the problems quickly lifting the burden from the traveler. It’s your vacation isn’t it? You deserve relaxing even during the planning process.

·        Less stress – Even I mentioned in my previous benefit, I can’t stress enough the importance of “distress” you as you plan your vacation. Let the Travel Agent ease that burden and help you while they can, on your behalf.

·        Knowledge and Experience – A Travel Agent are informed on what’s new, good or bad in the market. That is why we are constantly taking seminars, classes, doing physical inspections (hotel, cruises, etc). The more complicated the travel plans, the more probability you’ll be experiencing difficulty to achieve it by yourself.

·        What to wear –Not only a Travel Agent can inform you of the dress code in the different dinning places you’re about to visit, but the weather, the customs in that country as well.

·        What to do and not do - Have you any idea of the social customs are on the place you want to visit?

·        Personal Customer Service – Travel agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience, offering help and advice that a website can’t provide. What can be better than call the same Travel Agent over and over and not having a different one every time you have a question about your trip; that could happen on big Agencies, but not with L R Travel.

Why then having a hard time, or spending many hours trying to find the best vacation for you and your family. I heard once a great quote: 



Give the chance to a Travel Agent to take care of everything while you rest. If you are ready to plan your next family vacation, schedule an appointment here,  I will be more than happy to help you.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com