Do you know that...

• Airfare prices sometimes change daily or even hourly?
  
• That great deal you found on your own today may not be available tomorrow?
  
• A difference of one day in departing or arriving dates can save you hundreds of dollars?
  
• Certified travel agencies will often work very hard for you for a fee or somtimes free?
  
• Travel agencies often have first-hand experience with the places they recommend?
  
• Certified travel agencies have a lot more leverage than individuals when settling disputes with airlines,travel suppliers and Cruise lines?

Why should I use a travel agent?

With the overwhelming number of sources for information (the internet, cable TV, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused, overwhelmed and frustrated. That's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.

The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant gets to know their clients to learn their interests and needs, as well as their likes and dislikes.

Need more convincing?

Here are 10 good reasons to use a travel professional:

• Distilling the product information: Through an ongoing process of familiarization trips and resort and cruise course certifications one becomes a travel professional.
• Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or fare is available on a competing carrier.
• Staying abreast of promotions/deals/specials: daily e-mails and other social media such as twitter or facebook. Agent-only e-mail transmissions and relationships with their district Sales Managers or Business Development Managers, agents have the most current promotional sales information. Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best for you and your family.
  
• Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save a traveler money and headaches.
• Making recommendations for travel-related options: Travel agents accumulate knowledge about a variety of travel topics such travel insurance, what to pack, etc.
• Simplifying the research: Agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations, hotel stays & Tarvel Insurance- with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.
• Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the clients' experience by arranging for romantic dinner on the beach, land and water excursions tours and more.
• Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.
• Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumers' advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.
  
• If you are prefer to check things out for yourself to determine what you want to do and where you want to stay - travel agents can still work for you for all the reasons mentioned above. I personally like my clients to do their homework then call me to book it for them, so they have the backing of a travel consultant.