To put it simply, when it comes to everything, my generation thinks that they know everything and the travel industry is no exception. With the resources that are available online, many of my friends scoff at the idea of using a travel agent to book vacations. "Why would we pay someone to book our trips when we can just do it ourselves?" they ask.
Well, I have to admit that I used to ask myself the same thing. Websites like Travel & Leisure and TripAdvisor make it easy to research the best properties and restaurants in a given location. In addition, hotel companies have revamped their websites, making booking a room as simple as clicking a button. Four Seasons launched its new website this year and Ritz-Carlton released a mobile app providing guests with reviews, photos and the capability to make a reservation on a smartphone.
So with all of these outlets available why would we pay someone to book our trips when we can just do it ourselves? Here's why:
1. First of all, you're not actually paying the travel agent to book your vacation. The agent is making his or her money off of commission from the hotel or airline, so the belief that using a using a travel agent will cost extra is completely false. In fact, you're getting more for your money, especially if you use a Virtuoso travel agent.
2. Virtuoso is a by-invitation-only collection of over 300 standout travel agencies around the world. In addition to having an incredible amount of experience, Virtuoso travel advisors also have personal relationships with hotels and resorts, cruise lines and airlines. These relationships allow agents to provide their clients with special perks, which often include free daily breakfast, a spa or hotel credit and a complementary upgrade upon availability, all at no extra cost.
3. Let's be honest. Choosing where to stay is not always easy, especially when you're making a choice between say a Viceroy property and a Rosewood Hotel. Both will most likely be beautiful, but the food at one may be significantly better than the food at the other, or one may be better suited to families. How do you decide between two five star resorts when they both seem to fit the bill? A Virtuoso agent knows the ins and outs of the best hotels, so you can be sure that you're getting the best option for you.
4. Traveling is great, but often times trips do not go according to plan. Flights are delayed or cancelled, baggage is lost, severe weather makes an unwelcome visit. These are stresses that no vacationer wants to deal with, so let your agent take care of the unexpected for you. It's her job, and it will save you the trouble of having to scream at the United Airlines employees.
5. The personal relationships that your agent has with hoteliers and restaurateurs can score you special privileges, such as reservations at a fully-booked restaurant or the removal of a minimum length-of-stay policy. Need a last minute reservation at The French Laundry? No problem. Your agent has a personal contact at the restaurant and she just scored you a table for two.
