10 Reasons to use an Independent Travel Agent
An independent travel agent offers so much more than any online booking site or a high street travel brand selling only their own, off-the-peg packages. As a member of the Inteletravel group, I offer all the backing and protection of a highly successful, global travel company plus access to the sort of resources that the big boys cannot match.
So, why should an independent agent always be your first choice?
1 We often work out cheaper
We have access to hundreds of suppliers, many of which are trade only, that the general public can’t access. We have access to special rates & can often price match to offers you might find elsewhere. We are not tied to any brand or to rigid schedules or packages, meaning we can find what you want – not what they want to sell you.
2 We are free to use
We are paid a commission by hotels & suppliers. Just like the big travel booking sites & agents, we are completely free to use.
3 We are convenient
We will save you the time & hassle of researching & finding the right holiday. We also save you the stress of making sure that you have done everything right.
4 We are knowledgeable & experienced
Travel suppliers & hotel brands offer excellent, ongoing training to Independent Travel Agents so that we can identify the best they have to offer. We know the best time of year to visit places, what extras the best hotels can offer their guests and what visas or vaccinations may be required. We can suggest things to do, places to visit & so much more than an online booking site can provide.
5 We provide a personalised service
We can build an entire itinerary for you and your holiday. The airport parking, airport lounges, flights, transfers or car hire, accommodation, excursions, tours & days out. We can even organise your restaurant reservations.
6 We are your friendly advocate & point of contact
Should you have any issues while you are away, we will be at the other end of the phone to assist you. You won’t get stuck on an automated telephone system, on hold for ages trying to get through to a human. If you have any issues or concerns, you get straight through to your own personal agent who will help get your holiday back on track.
7 We are resourceful
We have access to special tours & excursions that the general public cannot access. We have built relationships with hotels & suppliers, to get you the best rooms, best seats or let you know if the hotels offer any extras that you’re entitled to. We are also part of a global industry network, so we have inside info – from the ‘It’ place to stay to the companies you should avoid.
8 We provide all that plus extra & added value
We can request free transfers to your hotel, that you otherwise may have paid for. We can request room upgrades & are much more likely to get them for you, than if you asked yourself. We can push for a free bottle of champagne or gift on arrival. These are the things that make a holiday extra special.
9 You are better protected at every step
You’ll be surprised to hear that many of the big booking sites do not have all the protection available (or that they find sneaky ways of avoiding it). ATOL gives you, the customer, financial & legal protection when booking a package holiday. ABTA means that the travel agent is bound by a code of conduct as per the ABTA guidelines. We only use ABTA and ATOL registered suppliers so you are always protected. All payments are made directly to our suppliers, never to individual agents personally.
10 You are supporting a UK small business
To the big booking sites, you are just another number. They don’t have to rely on your repeat business. An independent travel agent will rely on forming a great relationship with their clients. We work hard to provide the best service possible so that you will come back to us & recommend us to friends. And we pay taxes within the UK.
