I guess from my point of view the question really is, “Why WOULDN’T you use a travel agent?” Someone to take care of all the details of a vacation and help you maximize your time, money, and effort? It seems like a no-brainer to me. Sure, it’s also my job, but one that I believe in and do everything I can to be the best agent I can be. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of someone else’s expertise especially if it were at no extra cost?

Earlier today I had a random FB poster viscously attack my profession and my personal objectives. Attack me for loving my job, being proud of building a company, and feeling satisfied when my clients come back happy from their vacations. Oh yeah, and TOTALLY offended that I was actually getting paid to (gasp) WORK!

Hmmmmm…..

Well. Here is the reality:

I book all vacations like they’re my own. I agonize over helping clients make the right decisions over just about everything. I spend hours on the phone and making everything perfect. I check the details over and over up until they leave for their vacation. Then I hope while they are on the vacation they arrived safely and without incident, they like their room, they are happy with the pool, the food, and they are following the itinerary and doing everything they wanted to do. I also do not make one cent until said clients return from their vacations.

So yes, I am proud and happy when my clients come home and tell me they have a wonderful time. Yes, I tear up when clients send me pictures and videos from their vacations. Yes, I am excited about the agency that I have helped build from the ground up. And yes, I am paid from the suppliers directly to DO MY JOB.

I am not going to apologize for #1 loving what I do, #2 being good at it, and #3 earning a living from it.

Life is about being happy. Take the trip. And use your friendly travel agent 😉

Here is another article I wrote on why you should use a travel agent even if you love planning: http://www.travelingmadesimple.com/2017/05/18/you-may-like-planning-your-disney-vacation-but-this-is-why-you-still-need-me-to-be-your-travel-agent/

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel