Four years ago, the travel industry toppled into utter chaos. Travelers felt confused, scared and anxious. They spent hours on the phone, postponing trips, rebooking and canceling. When you’re already sad about putting the kibosh on a dream trip, you can only endure so many loops of “Kenny G’s Greatest Hits” on a customer service line before absolutely losing it.
Fast-forward to today and the unexpected is still unfortunately a big part of the travel planning process. Airlines still run into trouble and cancel flights at the last minute, hotel bookings can disappear into the abyss and rental cars can become unavailable on the day of your pickup. Not to mention, health and safety restrictions can also throw a wrench in your plans. As rewarding and refreshing travel is, unexpected issues are an unfortunate side effect on any meticulously planned adventure.
Thankfully, when you use a travel agent, you have someone on your side throughout and during your entire vacation.
Why Use a Travel Agent Instead of Booking Online
You can certainly do your own research and dig deep to find deals, recommendations and online booking specials. But if you are looking to save time and money, a travel agent may be a better option for you.
Travel agents stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety restrictions, and will support you both before and even during your trip. Yes, that means if the you-know-what hits the fan, you’ve got a teammate working to make sure you get where you need to be — whether it’s a Caribbean isle, a ship on the Danube or back home, safe and sound.
A good travel agent is a magician, with the ability create the impossible– a vacation that fits needs, wants and budgets. While you could spend hours scouring the Internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent’s hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip. Not only that, they receive special access to deals that you can’t find online. In addition to exclusive pricing, this could mean upgrades for a hotel room, a free spa visit, breakfast included or any number of amenities that will be passed down to you, at no extra cost.
How to Use a Travel Agent
As a AAA member, you receive free access to working with a AAA Travel Advisor. Yes, that little card that gives you roadside assistance also means planning your next trip is easier than ever.
Simply call or visit your local AAA branch and ask to be connected with a full-service travel agent. There are no gimmicks or hidden fees here - the AAA Travel Advisor works on behalf members of AAA members. The travel agents pride themselves on existing relationships they have in each of these travel destinations and would not be recommending lodging, activities or restaurants if they were not fully confident in their quality. When you are working with a AAA Travel Advisor, you are not just booking a trip, you are unlocking a world of tailored experiences and insider knowledge.
So whether you are embarking on a solo travel adventure, a honeymoon or dream family vacation, there is a travel agent out there that be your trusted companion every step of the way.
Start Your Next Vacation with AAA
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel — before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership including exclusive benefits, map routing, savings with the AAA Discounts & Rewards® program as well as recommendations for AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Let AAA provide the rest of your travel needs with AAA Travel Guides, AAA Digital TourBooks®, access to travel agents and counselors and travel insurance. Your next vacation starts with AAA — your complete travel solution.