My way into the travel industry and the difference between online booking sites and me..

Do you remember the times when you were little and your family asked you what you want to become when you are older? My answer was “I want to be a travel agent so I can be on vacation forever.” Well, that didn’t quite work out. Yes, I am a travel agent but no, I am not on a never-ending vacation. I am still very happy about my career choice though. Do you know why? Because I get to help other people go on vacation and create memories.

When I got older though and it was almost time to actually choose a profession, I doubted if becoming a travel agent was a smart choice (especially since I knew by then that being a travel agent does not mean being on vacation forever).

It seems like everyone used online booking sites to book their vacation. No need for travel agents, right? NO! I was wrong.

I know…online booking sites give you options on flights, lodging, etc. as well; but there is a big difference in using an online booking site and booking through a real person.

Let me give you some examples:

• you save time. A LOT of time. Why? We do the research for you…where the best snow is, which hotel meets your needs (yes, we listen to your needs), what the best access is from YOUR preferred airport, etc. Instead of giving you 500 options from which only 3 meet your expectations, I give you these 3 options directly. There is no need for you to look through all 500 options.
•   We know the business. Do you know what this means for you? We know where to get you the best service and the best price from PERSONAL experience.
•  Our sessions don’t expire! What does that mean? Well, I’m sure you experienced this before: you finally went through all 500 lodging options and it’s time for dinner. You leave the computer on so of course when you come back you see the page with the hotel you chose…but wait now it says, “session expired”. Which page was my hotel on? There are 180 pages! Well, this will not happen when you book through us. Remember? We are real people, our sessions don’t expire.
• There are NO hidden costs. We give you the total amount you have to pay directly. No extra credit card charges, taxes or service fees as a bad surprise. Yay!

 These are just a few examples but I think you get the point.

So, I guess becoming a travel agent was still a very good choice. Now it’s time for you to make a choice.  Are you ready to book your next vacation and create memories?

Have a great week,

Janine