A Look Into What A Travel Consultant Actually Does!

When you sit down and really think about it, do you really know what a Travel Consultant/Agent does??  Do you have an image in your head of someone in an office sitting behind a desk all day printing airline tickets?  Yes, some Consultants work in an office.  Yes, some consultants print off airline tickets all day.  BUT, in this day and age, a Travel Consultant does, and is, so much more.  Let's split the two words apart.  TRAVEL.  What does this word mean?  Webster's Dictionary states "to go on a trip or journey : to go to a place and especially one that is far away."  According to Webster, the word CONSULTANT means "one who gives professional advice or services."  Now put the two together.  TRAVEL CONSULTANT= "one who gives professional advice or services regarding trips and/or journeys."  A title you may be more familiar with is Travel Agent. Webster defines this as "
a person whose job is to help people who want to travel by buying plane tickets, making hotel reservations, etc."  So, basically the terms are interchangeable.  I simply decided to market myself as a Consultant. 

So now that you know what I am, just what do I do all day and how can I help you?  It may help by dispelling some myths about Travel Consultants.

     Myth #1: All Travel Consultants and Agencies are the Same      
     Every Travel Consultant is different and has an area in which they specialize.  So depending on the type of trip you are planning, you need to find the right Consultant to suit your needs. It is important to find a Consultant who specializes in where you want to go to ensure you get exactly what you want.  I am a Specialist in the Caribbean region and focus on Cruises.  However, I have the resources to be able to plan any type of trip for you. 

     Myth #2: No One Uses Travel Consultants Anymore
     Travel Consultants still sell 51% of all airline tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of all tours and packages, 45% of all car rentals and about 47% of all hotels.*

     Myth#3: It is Expensive to use a Travel Consultant
     While some Consultants and agencies do charge a fee for their services, I do not.  All online booking engines such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia add a booking fee.  The only fee associated with booking travel with me is a fee for booking an airline ticket.  Again, every booking engine adds this.  How do I make money?  Once you have completed your travel, I receive a commission from the supplier.  For example, you have booked a 7-day cruise on Royal Caribbean.  You go on your cruise and have a blast!  I get paid from Royal Caribbean after you travel! 

     Myth #4: I can Easily Book the Same Trip on my Own Without Using a Travel Consultant
     Travel consultants have access to all outlets you would use when looking to book travel.  However, they also have access to special pricing and packages that are not normally available to the public.  Your consultant also has more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels or cruises claiming to be sold out, when in fact they may still have rooms/cabins available that are on hold for Travel Consultant reservations.  So, with my help, I can turn that "No" into a "Yes"!

     Myth #5: Travel Consultants are a Waste of Time
     Although you can find much of the same information that the Travel Consultant provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of your valuable time doing so. A Travel Consultant can save you hours of time-consuming research and price shopping. They have up-to-date prices, hotel conditions, cruises itineraries and interesting new activities at exciting destinations.  Their knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning.

     Myth #6: The Need For Travel Consultants is Being Replaced by the Internet 
     There are some things the Internet cannot replace, a personal touch is one of them.  The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a Travel Consultant.  Travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, work and family obligations.  Why not let a Travel Consultant, who has all the needed information at her fingertips, save you valuable hours of surfing on the web.  Consultants can also offer you insider tips, usually based on personal experience.  Does the online booking engine hand-deliver your travel documents?  Do they include a personal gift in your cabin when you "sail away into the sunset"? Do they call to see how your trip went?  I wouldn't count on it!

     Myth #7: Travel Consultants Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel 
     Travel Consultants can arrange transfers to and from the airport, personalized tours, shore excursions, travel insurance and more in addition to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also an excellent source concerning good restaurants, popular sights to see (or the best secluded beach!) and even tips on packing.


So, you can see that there is more to a Travel Consultant than meets the eye.  Not only do I have copious amounts of resources and knowledge at my disposal, I am a real person that you can call and actually make an appointment to see!  I will provide you with personal, consistent and competent service.  Visit www.escapetravelandcruises.com or call 980-533-1167 today to start planning your dream vacation!

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

Article was provided by: www.tripology.com