You may not realize some of the benefits of using a travel agent. But talk to anyone who does, and they will tell you why they love us! We save you stress, time, money, and give you peace of mind.
The most common misconception is that you will pay more to use an agent. But it’s just not the case. While some agencies may charge a service fee, at Five Star Travel Group, we do not. Plus we have access to specials and promotions that never appear to the general public.
Let’s say Jane books a trip for her family on Travelocity for $3000. She spent hours of research online, reading reviews, searching for promo codes, etc., until she finally just enters her credit card and books it to be done with the planning and start with the anticipation of going! That’s great for Jane, right? It’s just that Jane is now on her own.
She’s not prepared for the what-ifs. She may not even be entirely confident in her choice. Are the reviews reliable? When were the pictures taken? What is the resort like TODAY? What if something happens before or during our trip that affects her plans? How does she get to the resort from the airport? Jane wants to go to the spa, but doesn’t know how much each service will cost. Will they have gluten-free choices at the restaurants? Is there a kids program with counselors who have been trained on autism? A travel agent figures out all your concerns and is a resource to answer all your questions.
Your vacation is an investment. Don’t throw $3000 to the little Travelocity gnome and hope for the best. You know that little gnome keeps some of that $3000 for himself and doesn’t offer you any service. Seek help from a professional where the money that comes from your pocket goes straight towards your vacation. If Jane booked with an agent, Jane may have saved more, plus the agent’s commission doesn’t come from Jane, it comes from the supplier through which the agent would book her vacation.
That’s how travel agents work. We don’t get paid by points and we don’t earn money by the hour. We get paid by the supplier, who we have determined has the best value to offer our clients. We work for you. So we spend hours searching for the best vacation for you. We want you to have the best vacation ever, at the best price, so you will come back to us and book again! And hopefully you will send your friends and families!
Back to Jane’s $3000 trip. Jane didn’t know that if you compare her choice of resort to a car, she is booked at a “Yugo” class resort. With an agent and a discount, she could be staying at a “Lincoln” resort, or for just $200 more she could be at a “Lexus” type resort. Cheapest isn’t always the way to go. But how is Jane to know? It isn’t her job to keep up with all the popular vacation destinations. Of course she wouldn’t know which resorts are new, or which have the best beaches, or the best food. She has a job outside the travel industry. But a travel agent’s job IS to know all of that information. It’s our line of work.
No one wants to see Jane experience any disappointment. No one wants to see Jane not get her money’s worth. We want Jane to love her vacation, enjoying the time with family, at a place that she will remember fondly forever. We want Jane to join others who already know that using a travel agent is the best way to go!!
Contact me or your favorite Five Star Travel Group agent when you are ready to travel! Let us work for you, without costing you a penny. And join our many other happy clients!
Happy Travels,
~Laurie
Laurie@fivestg.net 215.435.4151
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 