It’s a question we often are asked – Should I use a travel agent to book my honeymoon or destination wedding? So many of us today jump up the internet as our first stop when planning a vacation. It’s true that you can book your flights, accommodations, tours, and transfers online, but is it a good idea?
To be honest, before I got into the travel industry I would have done the same thing! But now I know better – I’ve seen what can and will go wrong! I’m going to share 4 top situations when it’s in your best interest to use a travel agent, saving you time, money, stress and drama. But I’m also going to show you 4 times when you really don’t need a travel agent, and it’s better to do it yourself. Take a deep breath and repeat after me … The internet is not ALWAYS my best option when booking a trip! 
1. Use a travel agent when it’s special occasion travel.
Now I know, you want every trip you take for pleasure to be memorable and special, but I’m talking about those trips that are connected with a significant event or milestone in your life. This might be your honeymoon, an anniversary trip, your destination wedding, or a vowel renewal. Each of these requires a significant investment of time in planning and money to carry it out. When so much is on the line, and you feel the pressure to make the trip “perfect,” it’s a great time to employ the services of a travel agent. Many travel agents, including Adventures Planned Honeymoons, provide travel planning and booking services at no cost to you. The resorts and destinations train and compensate us for our services, so I’m never passing on any fees to our clients.
2. Use a travel agent when you’re traveling with a group.
Think about how much planning it takes to organize a trip for just yourself or your family, and then multiply that my 5, 10, or even 50 when you’re in charge of planning a group trip. By working with a travel agent, you’ll leave the planning, organization, communication, and tracking down of those deposits to a professional. I specialize in destination weddings, and am able to work with wedding parties of any size. We’ll talk to determine the perfect destination and travel dates, and then we’ll invite the group members to contact me so that I can individually customize each traveler’s itinerary. As the bride and groom, you’ll often score free extra nights or added bonuses for your wedding based on the number of travelers that book as a group.
3. Use a travel agent when you’re not familiar with the destination.
If you’ve started researching destination possibilities for your honeymoon you’ll soon realize how many different locations there are, and how many conflicting reviews of each there may be. Instead of spending hours online researching the locales, if you’ll connect with an agent early in the travel planning process, one of the first things we can do is help you zero in on the perfect destination. Think all of the Caribbean islands are the same? Think again! Some have all-inclusive resorts, others are more focused on private villas, some feature casinos and nightlife, while others are eco-tourism based. One of my favorite parts of working with honeymooners, is listening to the bride and groom’s preferences and interests, and then suggesting perfect locations.
4. Use a travel agent when you need someone to have your back!
Let’s face it, somethings things go wrong when traveling. Your flight is delayed, the room you requested isn’t as promised, or the tour operator goes under. By booking with a travel agent you have a professional advisor there for you 24/7 ready to “have your back” if your trip isn’t going as planned. As a professional in the travel industry my main goal is to make sure you have the trip of your lifetime! If something isn’t right, I’ll be working my hardest to make sure it is fixed, while you go on enjoying your vacation, instead of worrying about what to do. My clients all have my personal cell phone and are welcome to contact me before, during, or after their trip for help with any issue.
4 Times you Don’t Need a Travel Agent (go ahead and DIY!)
1. You’re using a timeshare. In general timeshares are managed by their own companies and travel agents are not allowed to help in this regard. I am however happy to help you book private villas or home rentals in locations that offer that option.
2. You are only booking a flight. If all you need is the flight transportation you’ll normally find the same price that we can on an online booking site and it’s a fairly simple process to take care of.
3. You want to use your miles. Unfortunately airlines and credit card companies will not allow travel agents to redeem your reward miles for you. If you’re interested in booking a honeymoon package including accommodations, ground transportation, and excursions, I can easily help you with that, as well as advising you on flight schedules. You can then use that information to book your own flights with your miles.
4. You’re interested in a super cheap deal like Groupon or Living Social. If you see a deal that you can’t pass up on one of these sites, go ahead and jump on it. I’d caution you to read the fine print however. Does it include food, transfers from the airport, are there blackout dates, etc.? Be careful when a deal seems too good to be true.
If you’re not sure if a travel agent can help you for your upcoming honeymoon or destination wedding I’d love to chat with you about it! Fill out our Trip Design Request form if you’re ready to start planning your getaway, or send me a quick email to ask a few more questions. Need a little more information on how it all works? Check out our How It Works page to find out the 6 steps in working with us. Remember, there is never any cost to you. I’d love to hear from you!
The post 4 Top Times to use a Travel Agent (and when not to bother!) appeared first on Adventures Planned Honeymoons.