You already know how to use Expedia, Travelocity, and TripAdvisor. You’re not an online travel novice. Perhaps you’re using more advanced tools like Kayak, Hipmunk, and TripIt to plan your vacations. But are you neglecting to use the #1 travel resource in the world? If you’re not using a professional travel agent, then you’re putting your time, money, and experience at risk. Travel agents are travel EXPERTS. They’ve been there, done that, and donated the t-shirt.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a Forbes.com post on why you need a travel agent:
There are many, many good reasons, which I will explain. But the bottom line is that they know more than you do, they are better connected than you, they have access to benefits you can’t get otherwise, they can often beat any other prices available (even online, yes), and after you have planned everything, they provide a safety net during your trip that you simply won’t get by booking yourself or buying insurance. Having a top travel agent can also make you an instant VIP – free room upgrades, hard to get restaurant reservations, cutting lines, access to otherwise closed stores and exhibits, private guides, and cheaper – often much cheaper – premium airfares. Here’s the best part: even though most top agents charge fees, in almost every firsthand experience I or my friends, family, and acquaintances have had, travel agents have saved money, often a lot of money, thousands of dollars, and in every case, more than paid for themselves.