IN a world where we can book almost anything with a few clicks, it is tempting to believe that booking your next cruise or tour holiday directly online must be the cheapest and easiest option.
But when thousands of dollars and a much-anticipated holiday are involved, price is only part of the equation.
A good travel agent provides something an online booking engine simply cannot – personal service, experience and someone in your corner when things go wrong.
Think about the last time you tried to contact a major travel company. You may have spent 20, 30 or even 60 minutes listening to hold music, only to explain your problem to someone who knows little about your booking.
Your local travel agent is different. You can walk through the door, pick up the phone or speak directly with the person who knows your holiday.
That personalised service can be invaluable. A good agent learns what you like, the cabin location you prefer, the type of hotel you enjoy, whether you want a balcony, how much time you like between connections and the sort of experiences you value.
They can also spot potential problems before you do. And contrary to popular belief, using an agent does not automatically mean paying more.
Travel agents can sometimes access special fares, package pricing, group rates, added value offers and supplier incentives that aren’t always obvious when searching online.
Their experience can also help you compare the total value of a holiday rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised price.
Of course, sometimes booking direct really is cheaper. A good agent should tell you that.
The point is to compare the whole deal, not simply the biggest number flashing on your screen.
We also need to become more sceptical of online urgency. We’ve all seen the messages: “Only one room left!”
“Last cabin!” “Book in the next 15 minutes!” Sometimes scarcity is genuine, but consumers should not assume every countdown or “last one” message represents a unique bargain.
These tactics are designed to create urgency and get us to book before we have time to compare our options.
So, before you click “book now”, speak to someone who knows travel. Visit your local Helloworld Travel Carindale or Helloworld Travel Capalaba.
You might discover that the best holiday deal isn’t simply the cheapest price on a screen, it’s the right holiday, at the right value, with a real person there to help you before, during and after your trip.
See your local travel agent. You may be surprised at what they can do for you.
