Stress Less, Travel More: Why You Should Use a Travel Agent for Your Next Getaway!

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Planning your next big adventure? Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, there’s one game-changer you might be missing—using a travel agent! Sure, you can book on your own, but why deal with the stress when an expert can handle all the details for you? From scoring the best deals to making sure everything runs smoothly, here’s why you should use a travel agent for your next getaway!

Trust me, I used to struggle with itineraries, endless hold times, and trying to figure out the best places to visit—until I discovered the magic of travel agents. And by the magic of travel agents, I mean, I became one. A pretty cool twist of fate and one that I am grateful to be embarking on.

It’s truly an amazing thing when you start using a well-trained travel agent. Of course, this is an opportunity I never would have if it wasn’t for the help of my amazing new partners, 58 Stars Travel & Honeymoon Always. I love being prepared, and I want to help other travelers feel like they are ready to have the time of their lives.

Shoreline Journeys participates in affiliate marketing programs. I may receive a small commission from any purchases you make through links on this blog. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why You Should Use A Travel Agent

My Planning Services Are Free For Sandals & Beaches Resorts Vacations

When you work with me to book a trip, I don’t charge you for planning & booking your next great adventure when we are looking at Sandals or Beaches Resorts. Which means, you get the benefit of my professional and personal expertise and not pay a penny more. Why wouldn’t you use me a travel agent?

There are some vacation experiences that I will charge a planning fee, and when you contact me for a consultation, I will let you know what they are. You may wonder why I do that, and the answer is this: I want to do the absolute best for my clients, and if I am not familiar with something, then I have to spend time researching. It can take a quite of bit of time if it is not a destination I am familiar with, so the planning fee is for my time spent.

When You Use A Travel Agent You Get Expert Advice from Seasoned Travelers

Wouldn’t it be nice to get recommendations from someone who’s been there, done that? A travel agent can offer you insights and tips that you’d never find in a guidebook. They’ve got the inside scoop on everything, from the best hidden gems to avoid-the-tourist-trap spots.

As a Sandals & Beaches Elite Advisor, you know that means I have taken extensive training. But training doesn’t take the place of actually being a guest on the resorts. My husband and I have been to Sandals Resorts over a dozen times already, and have many more trips booked.

Nothing beats real-life experience, and I am making it a goal of mine to visit every single resort as a paying guest so I can provide you with the best possible guidance. After all, if I wouldn’t vacation there, why would I send clients? However, at the same time, everyone has different tastes so what one person might enjoy, another will not. I always advise people to try a resort at least one time. Make your own decision about it before ruling it out.

Use A Travel Agent And Someone Else Does All the Work

Imagine having someone else handle all the nitty-gritty details of your trip. Booking flights, hotels, excursions, and even dinner reservations can be a breeze when you have a travel agent. All you need to do is pack your bags and show up at the airport.

Unsure of entry requirements? Ask your agent. Do you need any immunizations? Your advisor can help walk you through the steps. A great advisor will also make sure your passport is current before booking your trip so that there are no last minute surprises.

A good travel agent will also know that you need to have your REAL ID done by May 2025, that certain islands have digital immigration forms that must be filled out before you can check-in for your flight, or that there are certain countries that still only have paper forms to fill out on the plane and that you should always have a pen with you. If you read my client reviews, you will see that I have helped many of my clients navigate these little things.

Skip the Hold Music When You Use A Travel Agent

We’ve all been there—waiting on hold for what feels like an eternity, only to get bounced from one department to another. A travel agent takes care of all that for you, dealing with the airlines and hotels so you don’t have to.

We also have access to different customer service numbers that we can use to get through in the quickest and most efficient manner so that you can continue to plan (or enjoy your trip if you are already there).

There are limitations to what a travel agent can do. If you book your own flights, we can’t make any calls for you. And while that may seem like a bad thing, it allows you to directly talk with an agent without going through a third person. Prior to your trip, I provide you will all the contact information that you will need. Even if I don’t book your flights for you, I will still monitor them for delays and let you know so that you are prepared.

Flights are always the most unpredictable aspect of any trip, and a seasoned traveler, I prefer to handle of that myself because I have all the information at my fingertips and not have to wait on anyone else.

Honest Advice About Resorts And Experiences

A good travel agent will be straight with you about your options. They won’t push unnecessary services or upsell you on things you don’t need. Instead, they’ll focus on making sure you have the best possible experience within your budget.

Believe it or not, all agents aren’t in it just to make commission. We love to recommend our favorite travel locations or excursions we have taken, and we take pride in helping others experience those same joys.

Sometimes it best to use a travel agent when you are planning because we can help you to know when you are overbooking yourself on vacation. I have found that I often have big plans until I actually get to the resort, and then I don’t want to leave once I am there.

Depending on the experience you want to have, waiting until you get to the resort to decide may be the best option for you. That way you haven’t prepaid for something and then lose out because you are too tired to enjoy it. And if there is a popular excursion you know that you don’t want to miss, we can absolutely prebook it for!

All of these places are near and dear to me. I have been there. Experienced them. Enjoyed the food and the activities. And I am brutally honest about things I don’t like. And if I don’t like them, I would not send a client to experience them.

When You Use A Travel Agent They Have A Network of Professionals

Travel agents often collaborate with other travel experts to provide you with comprehensive details about your destination. They can connect you with local guides, drivers, and even chefs to ensure a well-rounded experience.

I also work closely with other travel professionals that have more experience then me. As someone that has never been to Europe, I would be more comfortable connecting you with one of our fantastic advisors that is more experienced with those destinations. Yes, I might not get the commission, but you will get the best possible experience.

Travel Agents Can Provide A Well-Rounded Experience

Speaking of well-rounded experiences, a travel agent works to ensure that every aspect of your trip is enjoyable. From transportation and accommodations to activities and dining, they’ve got it all planned out. First time to a new destination? I can recommend things like airport fast track or arrange for private transportation service.

Hotels are only a small part of the vacation experience, let me help you with door to door service for a truly relaxing experience.

Vetted Services: Know That You Are In Professional Hands

You won’t be rolling the dice on subpar hotels or sketchy tour operators when you use a travel agent. They’ve already vetted these services to ensure they meet high standards of quality and reliability. And if something does go wrong, they’ll be there to handle it for you.

I have several providers that I have personally used and feel confident recommending when you need private transfers. In St. Lucia, one of the most fun things is to use the ferry service instead of taking the resort transportation. There is an added cost, but it’s like having an excursion before you ever set foot on resort.

You Get Budget-Friendly Options When You Use A Travel Agent

Sticking to a budget can be tough, especially when you’re tempted by all the bells and whistles. A travel agent helps you maximize your budget without sacrificing the quality of your experience. I can advise you when an experience is worth the splurge, or if you should skip it.

At the same time, I have been working to try different room categories that are above my normal price point to see how they are. The first time we tried butler service at Sandals Resorts, I found that it was an experience I truly enjoyed. Now I am doing scrimping and saving so that I can continue enjoying it through different resorts.

But if that isn’t in your price range, don’t be discouraged. I can work with your budget to get you the best possible experience for the money you are spending. However, you have to also understand that sometimes I just can’t get what you are looking for at the price you want. It’s an unfortunate part of travel but it is a reality. Please know it isn’t because I didn’t try.

No Unneeded Services When You Use Me As A Travel Agent

Ever felt like you were paying for things you didn’t need? A travel agent ensures you only pay for what you actually want and need, cutting out the fluff and focusing on what’s important. If you feel confident in your navigation skills at an airport, then I would advise against fast track service.

Not comfortable driving in a foreign country? No worries, as a car rental would not be something I would offer for you. I pride myself on listening to client’s and their needs, rather than pushing services on them just to make a commission.

Use A Travel Agent To Talk About Travel Insurance

Let’s face it, travel can be unpredictable. A good travel agent will discuss the benefits of travel insurance, ensuring you’re covered in case of emergencies or unexpected changes to your itinerary. One bad experience with a return flight will have you thankful that you took the time to purchase it.

There are several options out there, and I can help you decide which is best for your vacation and your budget. When we travel to Sandals or Beaches Resorts, we always buy their plan. For other trips, I will get the insurance through my flights. It’s better to have it and never need it, then to need it and not have it. I have more about travel insurance here as well.

Using a travel agent can turn a stressful planning process into a smooth, enjoyable experience. From free planning services and expert advice to personalized itineraries and vetted recommendations, they make sure your trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

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Time To Book Your Vacation With Shoreline Journeys

Are you convinced? Ready to experience this for yourself? As a travel agent, I would love to help you plan your next vacation. Simply fill out this contact form or send me an email and I will be in touch with you shortly!

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