Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online – What’s the BIG Difference?
This is a question we get all the time, “Why would I work with a travel agent when I can find the same resorts, airlines, and travel online?”. Well… what would you say if I told you that travel agents, such as Paradise Bliss, aren’t in competition with online travel agency giants like Trip Advisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline, and others? Maybe you’re waiting for a punchline, but we aren’t telling a joke.
It's true. We serve you in a completely different manner. We have the ability to save you TONS of time (and ultimately money) on your romantic vacations, destination wedding, honeymoon, vow renewal, etc.
In the US alone, travelers, just like you, spent an average of 22.95 HOURS of research leading up to booking their vacation. In the 45 days prior to booking travel—from beginning research to final purchase—the average American visited a whopping 140 travel websites. Seriously, these are not typos.
If you’ve done the math, you know how much these “research” hours are costing you. If not, let me tell you. Using the average 2021 wage of $29.96/hr., means this time is costing you approximately $687.58!
The $687.58+ savings really just scratches the surface. There are tons of other ways that we save you money vs booking online. Let me explain.
Expertise. More than half of our clients have no particular destination in mind when they start planning a trip. We schedule a free consultation call to get to know you and what you are looking for. Then we dive in deep, using our industry and first-hand knowledge of which destinations and resorts to recommend.
No hidden fees. We will always provide you with the total cost of your travel (service charges, taxes, fees, etc.) all upfront. No hidden costs here! Online booking sites, on the other hand, “trick” the traveler by providing a lower cost then when you are ready to check out you will realize the total went up!
We care. Seriously, this should go without saying – but the online booking agents don’t know you, your family, your wants & needs. Do they care if you have a long layover (or even worse, a short layover) or that you like your hotel rooms on the first floor away from any elevators? Nope, but we do!
Constant Service. Our number one goal is to make sure you are well-taken care of throughout the travel process. This means during research, booking, traveling, and after-travel service. Have an issue before, during, or after your travels? We are here for you and we mean it. Try to reach out to any of the online booking services to see if they will help you in a pickle? I bet you won’t even get a response back within 48 hours.
Online booking sites may be convenient, but do they really save you any money?
The next time you are ready to travel set up a quick completely FREE consultation with one of our travel advisors. Then make your decision. We bet you’ll be lifetime customers after that!