If you’ve found your way here, you are likely a client who already understands the value of a Travel Agent. Up until COVID-19, unfortunately, you were one of the minority. The Industry is full of misconceptions about what it is and what it means to be a Travel Agent. COVID revealed our true value but let’s first explore how we got here.
MYTH: Travel Agents Make Massive Commissions
TRUTH: We Make Decent Commissions from Hoteliers/Suppliers but none of that is passed along to you, the traveler.
MYTH: It’s more expensive to use a Travel Agent
TRUTH: Travel Agents charge a small fee for our service, no different than a delivery driver, ticket reseller, or salesperson. The fee often amounts to less than 3% of clients total fees and are even sometimes waived depending on the booking.
MYTH: Insurance isn’t necessary.
TRUTH: Insurance is protecting yourself for unforeseen circumstances (like a pandemic). Yes, it can feel expensive… until you need to use it. Then you will forever understand it’s value. In these times, booking travel without insurance is not advisable.
MYTH Expedia and other online booking agencies can support me in an emergency.
TRUTH: Ask anyone who was stranded during the pandemic, how much Expedia was able to help them. The truth is, it’s an online booking service run primarily by algorithms and machines… not people. When a crisis happens do you want to pick up your phone and speak directly with a Travel Agent that can help or be on hold for hours hoping a customer service agent can support you? That’s what we are here for.
MYTH: Expedia is faster, easier and cheaper.
TRUTH: Sure, it can be… some of the time. But often, Expedia doesn’t see the fare deals, tickets or options a skilled Travel Agent knows to look for. In addition, a Travel Agent has the expertise to tell you what hotels are in good locations and what the hidden costs are in the airplane fare you’re looking to purchase. While the process can take a little longer with a Travel Agent, often the wait is well worth it and saves you stress in the long run. COVID left millions of people stranded across the world and it was Travel Agents (like us!) who stepped up, swept in and supported getting travelers home, getting credits in order and answering important questions around the clock.
Here are just a few of the testimonials from our clients:
“Aga is amazing and prompt with her responses and assistance. She is easy to talk with and provides updated information and answer questions regarding our travel plans and provide recommendations. During this time (COVID19 Pandemic), we had to cancel our cruise and travel plans, she worked with us continuously until we got our refunds. Would definitely recommend Empire Travel, our Travel Agent.” – Syndra
“Aga assisted us in booking a family vacation, which was cancelled/postponed as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. Despite this disappointment, we experienced a truly professional and timely response to all of our many enquiries. She is very well informed, very knowledgeable and helpful. I will not hesitate to recommend and use her caring and professional services again for all of our future travel needs.” - Bill
“Big shout out to Aga Tempelaars Goik at Empire Travel for helping our family of 6 arrange a trip for March Break. Having waited too long to book a trip, I knew we needed help to find a resort at the last minute. Aga was so patient with us, searching, sending options, and more options, when I kept changing our parameters. Us and many others weren't able to go on our vacations due to the virus. During that hectic, unparalleled time, she helped us navigate our cancelled vacation. She was so calm and called us a few times to provide updates, didn't just email. When we re-book, I will definitely call Aga.”
We look forward to welcoming travelers both experienced and new to using a Travel Agent. We can’t wait to see the world… together.
