Today, there’s much debate over whether or not it’s worth working with a travel agency when planning a trip.  

When asked whether or not a client plans to use a travel agent to book their vacation, the answer usually depends on what type of vacation they’re looking to go on.  It is more typical for clients to book their once in a lifetime vacations using an agent, then it is for them to book the little weekend getaway.  

When chiming in on the debate, there are quite a few myths out there:  People just aren't educated about how travel agents operate, and most people believe that the customized service costs more, “I think you’re more apt to find better prices when you don’t use a travel agency,” one client I questioned told me.  The Truth couldn't be more contrary.  Travel agents are able to find better price structures because they have the ability to search multiple providers, while the average consumer can't look as globally.   Agents are also able to get the upgrades that vacationers are looking for, because of their long standing relationships with the vendors.  

Another thing to remember is that Agents can almost always price match something that you find online.  This gives you the ability to research a vacation yourself, but still have the support and guidance of an Agent.  

Still even with that being said, the challenge for agencies in today’s economy, is when consumers are looking for vacations primarily on a price point, how can they be convinced to drop their self proclaimed expert status and use a travel agent?
There are plenty of reasons consumers should use A Travel Agent.

It is easy to plan your vacation on the internet, but do you want to?  will you get what you expect, do you have the time to shop around?  and most importantly, for the planner,  are you getting the lowest price?  The Answer to all of those questions is likely no, and here is why:

Agents can find consumers a better deal on their vacation because of their access to vendors and discounted prices offered exclusively through travel agencies.  In addition, relationships built with providers over the years give the agents the upper hand when it comes to getting amenities and upgrades, in other words the VIP treatment for their clients.  

Working with vendors also lets the travel agent find better values for customers.  What makes travel agencies’ services so unique is the customer service that they offer.  A Trip tailored to the needs of a client, and based on experience in the location.  Most agents take advantage of familiarization tours and specialist classed to become intimate with destinations, this gives Agents the ability to offer insights and advice that a consumer might not find on their own.

For example, lets say you are going to Thailand, if you book the ticket on line, the cheapest available flight lands at midnight local time.  having just been there, I can tell you the the latest public transportation from the airport is 11:30pm,  you likely wouldn't think to look up the public transportion schedule, or the price of a taxi, and it wouldn't be until you were already in a cab that you would realize you quadrupled the cost of your ticket, by paying for a cab at that time of the night.  Advice like that you just don't find on your own. 

If all of those reasons were not enough, The one last reason I have to use a Travel Agent is that they take care of  you.  If you need to change a flight or book a tour, or if you get stuck in an airport over night, a good travel agent will have a 24 hour access number for you to call.    They can book you a hotel, change your reservation or hopefully get you on the next flight out a cleveland, all without you dong a thing.  Its part of the Agent's Service to you as a customer, and the biggest reason consumers should use an agency to help plan a vacation.  

The truth is this is a great selling point for the good and the bad of vacations.   When the client does have a problem with their trip, the first person that they blame is often the Travel Agent.  While the agency technically sold the package, they are not responsible for the service that you received on the trip.  For that reason, Agents are typically the first to jump in and help, not only out of jam on the road, but if something really goes wrong with your trip and you need to make a complaint, the relationships an agent has with a vendor, will better the chances of your end result.  

So in the end the answer to the question "should I use a travel agent" is a simple YES, because if you don't like i said you are on your own.  

I thought everyone could use some travel humor today.   I recently found this list of questions that cruise passengers have asked.  It was published by Jenny Reed in march of 2010, but I smiled and I thought you might too!

These real questions have been collected by Cruise Directors various ships: 

Q. Does the crew sleep on board?
A. Of course not, late at night a water taxi picks them up and takes them home.

Q. Do these stairs go up OR down?
A. Yes! 

Q. Does the ship make it’s own electricity?
A. No, don’t you see the long extension cord trailing behind the ship?

Q. Which is the sunny side of the ship?
A. The captain spins the ship around daily so everyone gets an even tan.

Q. Which elevator takes me to the front of the ship?
A. Ask the elevator operator when you get on, he will take you anywhere you want to go.

Q. What do you do with the ice carvings after they melt?
A. We re-freeze the water and use it for frozen drinks.

Q. What time is the midnight buffet?
A. Usually around 11 PM or so. We tried doing it right after breakfast but most people weren’t real hungry.

Q. Is this island totally surrounded by water?
A. No, part of it is surrounded by sand, but it’s all clearly marked.

Happy Tuesday!  

I’m trying to settle the long standing debate with people who enjoy cruises.  Which is better the Port days or the Sea Days???

Some people say that they enjoy the time in ports exploring, I do, but I don’t think the days are long enough to really experience all that the islands have to offer.   Which is why I have to cast my vote for the Sea Days!

The ship offers so much to its passengers, and the sea day is really the only time you have to take advantage of the fabulous programming.  Still other people disagree and say that the sea days are boring and offer nothing  to do, I beg to differ, If your sea day Is boring you, you may be on the wrong cruise line, or perhaps a cruise vacation just isn’t for you.  

Rock Climbing wall:

Rock walls have become increasingly popular, and all of the royal Caribbean Ships are now outfitted with a wall on the backside of their funnel, where Guests are welcome to work on their climbing skills with an experienced instructor.  First timer or experienced climber, all of the equipment is included, and there are challenges for every level.  If you prefer a one on one beginners lesson, those are also available, free of charge, by appointment.  

Dance Lessons:

I am not sure this is on my list of things to do so much as I wanted to tell everyone it is available.  Royal Caribbean, offers a variety of dance classes where Guests have the opportunity to take salsa, swing and hip-hop lessons, line dancing, as well as elegant waltz and tango lessons. The lessons are designed for all experience levels, so anyone can participate. Once you have the moves down, every bar and lounge offers different nightly themed entertainment where you can practice.  

The Casino:

I have to admit I have a new found love for casinos, I recently learned to play Blackjack and have so much fun doing it now, so while I was never interested in the casino on a ship before, I am excite to sit down and play this time.  Its also nice to know there are instructors on board to help me learn a new game or review the rules with me.   Tournaments are scheduled though out each cruise, so if you have an interest, check the cruise compass for details. 

Cooking Classes and Tastings

I love cooking and eating and tasting, and I love to know why wines are pair with food and the logic behind those pairings.  The recent Addition of Chef’s table dinners and wine tastings to the Royal Caribbean Programming line up has me really excited to cruise as well as to learn about new dishes and wines. 

BINGO!

It’s self explanatory, and everyone wants to play – so it’s definitely on my list.  As a Bonus, they gave out some great prizes last time I cruised, including another cruise! 

Fitness Programs:


With so much food and so many food related activities, I also am very excited to take advantage of the new ship shape gym and spa onboard. 

A cruise ship is just the kind of place where a body can pile on the pounds – Fortunately, Voyager, is equipped with fully functional state of the art gym.   There are even personal trainers on board so I might be able to pick up a few tips while on board. Voyager also has a running circuits marked out around the upper deck. Through out the day there are also several fitness classes, with an instructor, such as Pilates,  yoga and spin, that you can participate in. 

With so much to do on the ship, I know I will be overwhelmed, but I have the feeling, I’m just going to dive right in, and when I get tired there is always the stand by, cocktail at the pool to relax.

So which is... Port Day, or Sea Day?  And What is your favorite thing to do on the ship?  We'd love to know!