One bad guess and you could be staying in a “hole”!

Unfortunately, many people assume that the Travel Agent has gone the way of the dinosaurs, but that is most certainly NOT the truth!  While it IS true that the sagging economy and changes in the way that travel suppliers compensate agents have forced many “brick and mortar” agencies out of business, what the general public doesn’t realize is that we have re-grouped and re-defined ourselves as a productive and successful home-based network of travel entrepreneurs.  We no longer sit at a desk with a headset waiting for local customers to come walking into the office and book their vacation.  We have to be all-things now….we have the responsibilities of being a business owner, sales manager, marketing director, accountant and sometimes a boss and trainer to sub-agents, as well as booking travel.  Business doesn’t just walk in our front door…we have to go out and find it!
While there are certainly times when it makes sense to book yourself on a travel internet site (you need a flight to visit Grandma in Toledo and want to stay 2 nights at the Holiday inn around the corner from her house), all the so-called “deals” that are abundant on the big booking engines are usually not really that great at all.  The lead-in prices usually don’t include taxes, fees, transfers, resort fees, etc which can really add to the actual cost of the trip.  Also…you really don’t know if the “deal” is in a decent or safe location, the quality of the accommodations, or even if the Dominican Republic is the best destination for you to spend your hard-earned vacation dollars.  And, God forbid, if something happens on your trip like a flight cancellation, weather delay, missed connection, lost luggage or you get to the front desk of your hotel and they have mysteriously “lost” your reservation.  Do you think you are going to be able to get Travelocity or Expedia on the phone to help you?
You may not fully understand what a travel consultant does.  Here’s why my clients like working with me and come back again and again (and refer their friends & family):

1. First, I protect their precious vacation dollars and hours spent on research.  I’ve been there, seen the resorts, know the locations and I take time to get to know my clients as well as possible.  So I do a great job at matching them with the right experience.  I’d hate to see them wasting money on the wrong vacation…even it if looks like a great “deal”.
2. Second, I save them a lot of time and hassle.  There is so much information on the internet these days and it is hard to know what’s accurate and what’s not.  Thanks to my expertise and resources, I know the options far better than most and am able to zero-in on the best options very quickly.  In addition, I’m the one that sits on hold, checks fares, prices, etc..saving them hours and hours of mindless time in from of the computer.
3. Third, I can get them special treatment they can’t get on their own.  Thanks to my relationships with travel suppliers, I can often get amenities, upgrades and other special VIP touches that my clients don’t have access to.  So even though many “do-it-yourselfers” may pat themselves on the back for savings $75, I often get my clients special amenities worth way more than that.
4. Fourth, my job doesn’t stop when they book their travel.  I go the extra mile to find great restaurants I know they will love, book extra special activities, golf tee times, shore excursions, and I love adding my6 own surprise touches.  I also prepare my clients for travel so there are no surprises.  I check if their passports are current, help them with packing advice and even tipping guidelines.
5. Finally, I’m always one phone call away.  If my clients experience any unexpected surprises during their travel like a missed-connection or flight cancellation, they know they have just 1 phone call to make and I will take care of the rest.  Just try getting help from one of the online mega-agencies!

So stop guessing and give Signature Escapes a call for your next travel needs.