why use a travel consultant?

"Why use a travel consultant," many people wonder. In this age of internet booking, aren't all the best deals online? If you are an upscale traveler, used to staying in five star hotels, you might be surprised at the value a travel consultant can provide.

A client emailed me last evening from National Airport in Washington, DC. He had been stuck at DCA for five hours, three of which were spent on the runway. Storms in the New York area prevented his flight from departing. He planned to take the train back early the next morning but needed a place to spend the night. He gave me a price range and asked what I could find for him.

8:45 pm. I did a quick search and emailed him three choices. He chose a room at the Mandarin Oriental for $295. Granted, anyone with a cell phone could have booked that room for $295 while standing in the terminal at DCA. They might not have known to ask for the Summer Breaks rate (same price but with a $50 hotel credit), and the reservations agent might not have volunteered information about that promotion. That being said, I got him a far better deal — the Virtuoso amenities — which included a complimentary Continental breakfast for two, a $50 Food & Beverage credit, a $35 Spa credit, and an upgrade subject to availability.

As my client was climbing into a cab, I emailed him the confirmation number and hotel's address. Then, I did what I always do after making a reservation; I contacted the hotel directly. As it was now 9 pm, I spoke to the agent at the front desk to make sure his reservation was in order — and I asked if he could upgrade my client.

9:24 p.m. My client emailed me again. "They've put me in a very nice suite. So glad to be here and no longer sitting on the runway!"

Why use a travel consultant in this age of the internet? Because we actually provide expertise, added value, convenience, and service.


travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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