A common question on the topic of travel agency is something along the lines, “Oh, is that still a thing?” I get it. With the world of Google and online bookings, it can be easy to go the route of solo travel booking. I recently decided to blaze the travel trail without a travel agent. The experience taught me three reasons why someone should not work with a travel agent.

IF YOU ENJOY BEING ON HOLD FOREVER. I had a number of issues surface during the vacation planning phase. The process required I get on the phone to sort things out. I was bounced between different departments and different companies, each one trying to deflect responsibility. If you enjoy the hold music and repeating the same conversation for days in a row without having a go to point person on your side, travel without an agent is right for you.
THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY WASTING MONEY. Online searching presents us with an endless and overwhelming level of travel options. Each one promising the “best deal”, “last minute special” and “the price that can’t be beat!”. I quickly learned that the industry is not actually out there to save me money. Surprisingly, they want to take my money. The process included spending money on unexpected costs and small print fees. All of which would have been caught and addressed by a travel agent.
THE ADRENALINE RUSH OF FEELING STRANDED. If you love the rush that comes over you when travel details don’t go as planned, travel without an agent is the route for you. After working out the issues on the front end and spending unnecessary money, I assumed we were in the clear. I did not expect to show up to our hotel and be given the wrong room without the promised amenities. Without someone to call on the homefront, I was left to unsuccessfully work out the details in the hotel lobby after a red-eye flight. If the adrenaline rush of travel upsets is up your alley, travel without an agent is right for you.

The greatest gift Time to Travel Tours provides clients is the role of travel advocate. You have an expert in the field, willing to go to bat on your behalf. We value a long-term relationship with you over a one time sale. And, we can be the one and only phone call you have to make in the travel planning process.