•  Travel agents maximize travel planning

The information age is here. Thanks to the Internet, we have a vast amount of travel information at our fingertips. The thing is, we don’t always have the tools to interpret that information—or the time.

This is all too true for those of you who have spent countless hours surfing the Internet for travel deals. Navigating this maze of options can be not only frustrating but  time-consuming. Why overload yourself with travel booking tasks when there are experts to perform them for you? Those experts are travel agents.

• Value versus cheap deals

Much of the focus of travel-based web sites is offering to the consumer the lowest prices on fares.  The problem is, different search engines have different ideas about which is the cheapest flight. Even if you think you have landed a great deal, chances are, by the time you pack in your research for the night, that deal has already disappeared and it’s back to square one.

A travel agent can meet your individual travel requirements. Rather than focus on lowest price, a  travel agent looks at value. What is the best price for your particular needs and travel preferences? For example, is it worth saving $50 on a flight to arrive in the middle of the night?  What if your “cheap” hotel is located miles from the airport and doesn’t include pick-up? Travel agents are there to coordinate all aspects of your trip—from flight to car rental to hotel room—to make it as cost- and time-efficient as possible.

• A reliable, personal resource

The Internet offers many choices. But remember, this is not something new—those deals and options have always been there, at the fingertips of working travel agents. Just because you are now able to view flight options and prices yourself, does not mean that you are required to coordinate every aspect of your trip without assistance. Travel professionals are experts in deciphering the complex network of travel options and helping you to benefit from the best that suppliers have to offer.

A travel agent works for you, not a supplier. He or she can provide travel options from a number of competing travel suppliers and help you to interpret their advantages and disadvantages. Not only that, your travel agent lives in your community. You can talk to him or her on the phone or drop by the agency for a consultation.  He or she also has direct knowledge of travel options originating from your particular city and country.

• Changes to the travel industry

The travel industry has changed. In the last few years, airlines have reduced or altogether eliminated agent commissions on flight bookings, causing travel agencies to introduce fees for professional services. Consumers are adjusting to this change and understand that, more than ever, the professional services of a travel agent are excellent value. Be sure that when you engage an agent you understand what fees may be charged. Remember, also, that the value of using an agent is that he or she works to tailor your individual travel needs to suit your travel budget and find information that you can’t.

• Being there for the customer

Not only can a travel agent‘s expertise find you good value for your trip, a travel agent can also be a valuable back-up in case something goes wrong.

What happens if you, say, lose your luggage? As an individual in a bad situation, you have less bargaining power with large airlines and hotel chains. Booking through a travel agent may allow you to benefit from services such as lost luggage control and a 24-hour emergency line. Most agencies have a 1-800 number to call.

From trip planning to destination, your travel agent is a reliable resource to turn to for travel solutions that meet your distinct needs.