How to Choose a Travel Agent in Gilbert, AZ?
Published Tuesday, October 24th 2017 - Updated Monday, July 15th 2019
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Yes, there are still travel agents around serving the traveling community. We get asked this question often. Many people don't realize that there are travel agents in Gilbert, AZ because they don't see the storefronts like they did in the "good ol' days". But, we're still around and better than ever.
Here are some tips and things to consider when selecting the right travel agent in Gilbert, AZ or your town. If you can't find one in your area that meets your needs we can certainly help you no matter where you're located.
- Home-Based or Physical Location - The main reason you may not realize travel agents are around anymore is because most have transitioned to being home-based travel agents. Now, there is nothing wrong with being a home-based agent but just realize that your service will be less personable, less private (if you'd like to meet with your travel agent), and maybe less available. Many of our clients like the fact that we have a centralized location that they can come to, and visit with us to discuss their special vacation. There are no distractions, it's private, all our tools are there to assist without working off of a small laptop. Many people just don't want to sit in a Starbucks, discussing their 25th Anniversary trip to Cancun amidst the noise, looking at a small laptop at possible locations, then being asked for a credit card to make the deposit for the trip. This is a recipe for dissatisfaction
Tip: Consider using a travel agent that has invested in a physical location. They have rent and utilities to pay so they're motivated to help you find the best travel experience and value. Also, they most likely have regular office hours and are ready to assist. There is nothing wrong with a home-based travel agent but the savings they receive by not having overhead doesn't get passed to the consumer.
- Website and Social Media Presence - When choosing a travel agent in Gilbert, AZ can you find them online? Are they visible? Are others recommending them? Do they have a website? Is the website current? Can you search for a cruise or airfare or car rental directly on their site? Can you chat with them while you're on their website if you have questions? Look for a travel agent that has invested in a solid website that is functional and can serve you when you want to be served. Our website is state of the art. You can search for and book cruises, book airfare, and more right from our website. Check it out. www.arizonacruiseandtravel.com.
Tip: Consider using a travel agent that is active on Facebook with a business page, not just their personal profile. Also, a travel agent website should have a Virtual Brochure Rack that has many of the current brochures online and accessible to you. You should be able to, at a minimum, search for a cruise on their website. The website should be full of travel resources, from passport and visa assistance to destination information, and travel advisories. A great travel agent in Gilbert, AZ will have all the tools to help you with your travel planning.
- Knowledgeable with Attention to Details - Most experienced travel agents have a vast expanse of knowledge about travel but we live on a great big planet and it's impossible to know everything about every place. The key to a great travel agent is having access to the knowledge they need when you need it for your next trip. Our full-service travel agency is part of the largest, privately owned franchise in the travel industry in the US. The resources we have at our fingertips is immense. But, attention to detail is where the local travel agent has the advantage over online travel agencies like Expedia and even Costco. Your local travel agent works for you and is focused on you, not meeting some sales quota. We want every aspect of your trip to go smoothly, from your transportation at the airport to the excursions you take, to the experience on the cruise or tour or hotel stay. Every detail of your trip is the focus of your local, accessible travel agency.
Tip: Look for a travel agent with access to tools to develop detailed itineraries and is focused on the details of your trip. Ask to see samples of past itineraries, visit with them at their office to get a sense for their level of detail. If your travel is more complex (multiple stops, different travel arrangements such as hotels, different modes of travel required along the way, etc) ask for referrals of past clients you can briefly call or email that will give you some insight into how the travel agent pays attention to the details.
- Online Reviews and Testimonials - Be sure to look online for reviews of the travel agency you're considering using for your next vacation. Look them up online and read their Google Reviews, look at Yelp to support your decision, and even the travel agency Facebook business page has reviews. Check them all out! Ask the travel agent for testimonials they may have received in writing from past travelers.
Tip: Checking out their reviews will give you a glimpse into the tips listed above. You'll have an idea of their web and social media presence, you'll get an indication as to their knowledge and attention to details, and how easy your travel agent is to work with during the full spectrum of your travel experience from start to return.
We would love to be your chosen travel agent in Gilbert, AZ or across the US. We have clients in many states and can assist you no matter where you live. Give us call at 602-626-3740 or check us out online at www.arizonacruiseandtravel.com. Our website is very robust so that you can search for cruises when you want and even book if you find the exact one you're looking for. If you're in the Gilbert, AZ area or surrounding communities such as Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale or even Phoenix stop in and see us.
We look forward to assisting you with your next big adventure.
We would love to be your chosen travel agent in Gilbert, AZ or across the US. We have clients in many states and can assist you no matter where you live. Give us call at 602-626-3740 or check us out online at www.arizonacruiseandtravel.com. Our website is very robust so that you can search for cruises when you want and even book if you find the exact one you're looking for. If you're in the Gilbert, AZ area or surrounding communities such as Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale or even Phoenix stop in and see us.
We look forward to assisting you with your next big adventure.
Kristin and Richard Morris are the owners of Arizona Cruise and Travel in Gilbert, AZ, a Cruise Planners® franchise. They want to travel more and help others do the same. ACT on your travel dreams today! Call us at (602) 626-3740 or toll free at (888) 419-6640. You can visit our website at www.arizonacruiseandtravel.com and play around. Heck, you might as well search for your next cruise because you know you want to.
Richard and Kristin also own Southwest Premier Insurance Agency, LLC, a full service, independent insurance agency in Gilbert, AZ.
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