Consumers are more inundated than ever with seemingly too-good-to-be-true vacation prices, especially on-line. How can even the most seasoned travelers be expected to cut through the clutter and make the right decision? 

 

Part personal shopper and part matchmaker, a professional travel agent can match up options from hundreds of travel deals with your personal preferences, and take the stress out of the vacation planning process. Consider the following:

 

 

 

o          First-Hand Experience- Chances are good that your travel agent has experienced the resort first-hand or has received personal feedback from clients who have. With so many websites containing outdated or misleading information, the expert advice and personal recommendation of a travel professional can be far more reliable and less biased than a travel brochure or web posting.

 

o          Interpreting the Fine Print- Professional travel agents are familiar with the disclaimers and hidden fees that could cost you far more than you bargained for. They’ll provide expert advice on everything from optional resort excursions to the real value of travel insurance.

 

o          Convenience, Cost and Value Recognition- By sifting through the web or making countless phone calls to hotels and airlines, you may be able to find a lower price on your own. But more likely, a travel agent will find you the best value in far less time, and you can avoid making a decision that may cost you dearly. Knowledgeable travel agents can discern the difference between a low price and a good value. When you book a vacation, you’re investing not only hard-earned dollars but also valuable vacation time. It pays to get it right.

 

 

o          Clout- With a travel agent, you have someone who will go to bat for you should the unexpected happen. Experienced travel agents have long-standing relationships with travel suppliers. They have the right contacts and know how to get things done in the most efficient and timely manner.

 

Apple Vacations, one of the nation’s leading wholesale vacation companies, recommends booking through a professional, retail travel agent for the right advice and best price.

So why use an agent when you can go online and book yourself? Perhaps the question should be, why not?

 

reprinted with permission

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