Video may have killed the radio star, but the online travel agencies such as Orbitz have definitely NOT killed the travel agent.
Apologies for me being a bit MIA on my blog as of late. I've just reemerged after finishing an intensive training called the NEXT Program at Protravel International- America's leading luxury travel agency. Now that I'm done. Here I am, at your service and officially certified as an agent to book your dream trip.
Why should you book through me instead of online?
Here are my top reasons:
1. Travel agents know whom to contact.
They are well-connected in the hotel and tour world and can get you things that you can't get on your own because of the personal relationships they have with their partners.
Upgrades, free breakfast, free wifi, $100 spa credits... What the travel agent can get you (for a similar price that you can get for booking it yourself online) can be worth hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Plus, you'll be treated like a VIP.
That's the kind of VALUE that a good travel agent can ADD to your trip.
2. We are your 911...
Imagine you're stuck at an airport because of delayed flights… you quickly call me and I'll get you on the next flight. Go sit at Starbucks and get yourself a latte while I handle the airlines. Your time at the airport is better spent drinking a chai tea latte and relaxing. Meanwhile, all the other agent-less people are scrambling for seats, pulling their hair out.
3. And maybe even your psychologist?
You don't want to travel to Morocco anymore because it brings back bad memories of your ex… But you already have your flights booked… and you LOVE Moroccan food. Your professional travel planner, aka MYSELF, who takes the time to know you quite well, can tell you what alternative places in Morocco that you can travel solo and help you quickly forget your ex, and help you create brand new memories.
And this brings me to the MOST important thing about booking through a professional travel planner...
4. Because of our first hand knowledge and wealth of resources, we are able to help you take your unique personalized VACATION OF YOUR DREAMS and make it come true.
What is your DREAM VACATION?
Although I love traveling and sharing it on my blog, I live for making other people's travel dreams a reality.
And that's the very reason I decided to join the NEXT Training program at ProTravel International - To become equipped with all the best resources and knowledge to also make all those travel dreams come true for YOU.
For the past few months, I, along with my 3 fabulous colleagues (pictured below) , have been learning the ropes of the Sabre GDS - which is the back end of online booking sites such as Orbitz and Expedia.
Back row: L to R - Nick Dragone & Rani Cheema; Front row: L to R - Me, Marisa Costa (the Director of the NEXT program) and Nicole Teitler - the first graduating class of the NEXT Travel Agent Training Program at a Young Travel Professionals networking event.
We’re getting a crash course in all the newest and best products that the travel industry has to offer so that we can craft your next dream trip.
Because we believe YOU deserve only the best travel memories that this planet has to offer.
So next time you think of taking your that awesome trip - even if it's only for a few days... think of me. And I'll be more than happy to walk you through all your options... and you know, make your life a little easier and take all the hassle out of your vacation.
You can get in touch with me regarding all things travel booking related at my new work address Patricia.Serrano@Protravelinc.com
