Why Not Just Buy My Trip Online?
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
I am amazed at the number of folks who think they can plan travel better than we can.
“Oh, I’ll save money and everything I need to make a decision is on the internet”—this is some variation of the responses I have heard.
Another—“I didn’t realize travel agents still exist—don’t they cost more money to use?”
So, let me defend my thoughts—why you should not buy online and use us?
The 2 Factors Trip Planning
There are two factors that will help you get the right trip in my mind. They are: trip satisfaction and convenience.
Every time we plan our own travel, and I see how complex it is to get the trip right, I just can’t understand why some folks believe they can achieve trip satisfaction by doing their own planning. Maybe they get satisfaction from extensive research—I’m just not sure.
Time value experts often ask this question when evaluating convenience and satisfaction—what would you be willing to pay someone to do the work for you?
This is a great question in my mind, and my answer is even better—it usually costs you nothing extra to use us, as the vendors pay us—the price of our services is already factored in to the vacation price. Contrary to a common belief, most travel prices remain the same whether you use a travel agent or not—the only difference is that the vendor pockets the extra money.
Why would they do this? The reason is simple—the vendors alone can’t reach enough folks to sell their products by themselves, so they use travel professionals like us, to find customers for them. It is a huge win-win—you are hiring us as your travel expert for free in most cases.
As Anne likes to say, “Free is good!”
2 Convenience Reasons to Not Buy Online
Research About Trip Booking
It will be less stressful.
When you are planning a trip, do you have a checklist to make sure each detail is taken care of?
Do you have a way to make sure each detail is taken care of?
Can you create a detailed itinerary of your day-to-day activities?
Do you know where to find each answer to your questions about what is available?
Do you see your stress level going up?—I do!
Just remember— what would you be willing to pay someone to do the work for you?
We are generally free to use!
We will make it an enjoyable buying experience.
Do you like getting a great trip but hate the buying process? Most folks do. It always seems there is an added price, a resort fee or something else that is not clearly explained in some advertised prices. We cut through the clutter—real prices; reliable information and clear, precise information—you can trust us.
Just remember— what would you be willing to pay someone to do the work for you?
Perhaps, most importantly, you will have a real human being to help you—we can answer your questions and understand your needs.
2 Trip Satisfaction Reasons to Not Buy Online
We will get you a good value for your money (often matching or even less than you found).
Value in travel is perhaps the most important reason to use us.
Do you know what a fair price is for your trip?
Is this sale a good deal?
What will I get for the money I’m spending?
Is this upgrade right for me?
To me, this is where you really need us-- you will have a real human being to help you—we can answer your questions and understand your needs.
Just remember— what would you be willing to pay someone to do the work for you?
And, as I have said before, we generally are free to use!
We will make your lives better through our knowledge of the right travel products for your trip.
If there is one area we shine in as travel advisors, it is our detailed knowledge of the travel products available for your trip. Regardless of how well traveled you are, it is impossible to know everything about your upcoming trip. Often, with the many challenges in our lives, we defer to experts to advise us. Yet, for some reason, some believe they do not need help or advice when it comes to travel planning.
Just remember— what would you be willing to pay someone to do the work for you?
My Final Thoughts
For me, the best reason to use us, is that you will have a real human being to help you—we can answer your questions and understand your needs. The internet just can’t do that and sometimes the information is not vetted, especially on travel review sites.
Trip planning is not easy. Time and money issues are complex—we all want the best at the least possible price. We help you solve those complex issues, saving you hassles, time and worry.
Why do it yourself when we can solve it usually for free?
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
Hank Schrader
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
