With the ease and accessibility of smart phones and online bookings, we come across one main question regarding travel agencies – are they really necessary?
We think so!
As a wise man once said –
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”.
When it comes to planning a trip, Forrest Gump’s truth can be re-worded a little differently - “Booking travel online is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”.
Am I finding the best price? What is the hotel and area really like? Are there any catches to this place? What is actually included? How do I prepare?
When booking on the Internet, it’s often difficult to gauge exactly what you’re getting. It can leave you with added stress and questions, and results that are less desirable.
Here’s the truth behind travel agencies and why we think they’re so important
1. We are client-focused.
At Big Adventures, our aim is to provide tailored travel experiences for clients who seek to not only see the world, but to live it. We pride ourselves on assisting our clients in any way possible to have a meaningful travel experience.
The biggest difference between using a travel agency and booking your next trip online is connection. While booking online requires a WiFi connection, it misses out on the greatest connection of all – the human connection. Our team of dedicated and creative travel professionals pride themselves on the ability to provide clients with hassle free, personalized service. When you book your trip online, you aren’t guaranteed the experience you may hope to get from your trip. By connecting with one of our travel specialist, you are able to receive the service and guidance online booking is unable to give.
To us, you are not just a booking number. With our personal approach, you can rest assured that our Travel Designers will work to give you the itinerary that works for you.
2. We save you time and stress.
Between flights, car rentals, lodging, excursions and itineraries, planning a trip can be very stressful and take hours of research. Time is valuable, and stress can keep you from fully enjoying your travels. That’s why we’re here. Travel Designers love to take on the planning and managing of your itinerary, dedicated to helping you have the best experience possible. We are available to book airfare, car rentals, and lodging, and design guided or independent adventure excursions for you to enjoy in a number of countries abroad and within the United States. With the assistance of our travel experts, you can be at ease with your travel plans and have confidence that your trip will be both exciting and memorable.
3. We have personal experience in 90+ countries.
Big Adventures was founded by a serious group of world travellers, each bringing their own unique travel experiences. Because of those travel experiences, our experts are able to render their insight in order to plan the most fulfilling trip. With our focus being on “off the beaten path” expeditions, our heart is to offer our clients a sense of old world charm and culture by personally recommending unique and rewarding travel experiences to wake up the adventurer in you. Each itinerary is planned with careful detail and tailored to the traveler’s desires. Our experts are also able to guide you through the processes of travelling internationally to ensure you have the best experience possible.
4. We handle the hiccups.
If you run into any snags on your trip, working out the issues can seem daunting. Big Adventures provides a 24 hour emergency number for our clients for this very reason. You can be secure in knowing you have someone only a phone call away to lend assistance if anything should arise.
Plus, our experts can handle making any changes to your itinerary as a result, a process that can be extremely frustrating if left on your own.
5. We prepare you for international travel.
Preparing for travel overseas is more than just booking a flight and packing your bags. Most destinations abroad have specific requirements regarding passport and visas – requirements that may not be plainly communicated in your online booking process. Our Travel Designers can work with you to confirm any necessary travel requirements. We are available to walk you through the process of securing a passport, and act as your consultant to obtain any necessary visas with through the respective country’s consulate. In addition, our staff can provide necessary medical information, such as required vaccines, or give a cultural introduction for your destination of choice.
6. We provide the best rates and payment plans.
Accredited travel agents have unique access to booking platforms that often offer discounted rates, so you’ll know you’re getting the best available pricing.
Certain travel options, like some cruises, tours or hotels, also include payment plans. Typically, online bookings often require you to pay in full when securing your reservation. With a travel agent and in booking one of these travel options, you may be able to pay a small deposit at the time of booking, and the remaining balance 30 to 60 days out from your departure.
Next time you start to plan a trip, consider consulting with a travel agent who can assist you through the process from start to finish. Our Travel Designers at Big Adventure Travel Company would be honored to work with you!