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Wilde Child Travel: Do We Still Need Travel Agents??


Years ago my friends and I booked a flight from Columbus, Ohio to Dublin, Ireland with a layover in Philadelphia, PA from one of the many online booking sites. Once we reached Philadelphia our international flight was delayed, and then delayed again, and eventually downsized. We were reassigned to a new flight in the morning. The airline gave us vouchers for a airport hotel and $20 for food the next day. This was not how I wanted my vacation to begin! The delays made me afraid that the hotel in Ireland would cancel our reservation and give away our rooms. We had no way out since there were no more flights that day with that airline. We had to call the hotel to tell them what happened and that we were still on our way. It was the beginning of our trip and it had already hit an unforeseeable rough patch.

Sharing this memory with Elizabeth Blount Mccormick, president and co-owner of Uniglobe Travel Designers, she assured me that if I had booked with one of her travel experts I would've had an client-focused advocate fighting in my corner with the airport. “People are coming back to personal service and relationships,” Elizabeth said. “Web services are fast and easy, but travel agents offer clients the best value with time and money. If there is an issue, we can help navigate you safely with an alternate route our clients wouldn't know about.” Travel agents have the inside information on airlines, hotels, and resorts to find the best route for you. Elizabeth explained that instead of being forced to stay overnight and ending up with vouchers, a Uniglobe Travel Designer could have found a new flight to get me and my friends on our way to enjoying our vacation.

Uniglobe Travel Designers provides a personal touch with their 24/7 rescue line (You'll talk to a person and not an automated recording), travel insurance, global Wi-fi, and first hand knowledge of destinations. “FAM trips” allow the Uniglobe Travel Designers to become familiar with the resorts, destinations, and activities they offer to their clients. I think this is a great factor when deciding what agency to use. I had to go to a travel agency in Athens, Greece and the woman working there didn't seem to know very much about my next destination. I wanted to be confident when booking my ferry ticket with her, yet she wasn't able to give me any kind of reassurance. Most people traveling are going to places they've never visited and are unfamiliar with that place. It's really comforting to walk in to the Uniglobe office and know that your travel expert has been to that destination and has done those activities! Another element I really appreciate about this specific travel agency is the extremely user-friendly website. The site allows you to check-in online, access your itinerary (in case you misplace it!), and stay informed about travel news and alerts. It's everything you need in one place.

Whether it's a solo, family, or business trip, Uniglobe Travel Designers can help you. Elizabeth said that travel agents aren't just for the older generation. There is no concentrated age group that uses agencies more than others, her clientele ranges from 18 and up. Wedding destinations and honeymoons are a specialty. After all of the work planning a wedding, couples want to give all the work of planning their relaxing getaway to a qualified and knowledgeable travel expert.

Giving back to the community is important to Uniglobe Travel Designers and that is why they made the Vitamin D Vacation Giveback program.

“Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community and the necessity for people to take a break, we have created the Vitamin D Vacation Giveback™ Program.

The Vitamin D Vacation Giveback™ Program will provide companies, nonprofits and organizations the ability to offer their employees, members, or volunteers free vacation planning services through Uniglobe Travel Designers. These services will include expertise in destination selection, cost savings through negotiated relationships with suppliers, access to travel deals, time savings, a trusted advocate and much more.”

Working with corporations and non-profit organizations, such as Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, they provide employees with a dream vacation. The donations they give to these organizations aren't just monetary, the experts volunteer their time as well.

The number of self service travel websites is growing every year making it fast and super cheap to find flights and hotels on your own. However, searching through the various options can be confusing and frustrating. Trying to find the lowest price isn't always the best decision, especially when you settle for a 9 hour layover and two days of travel. We all know you get exactly what you pay for when traveling. The answer to the question "Do we still need travel agents?" is yes! The adventurers of the world need travel agents, and it's clear they're here to stay. Use your money wisely. Uniglobe Travel Designers serves their customers and community well with tailor-made services to provide a truly unique travel experience.


UNIGLOBE Travel Designers

480 South Third Street
First Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Local: (614) 237 4488
Toll Free: 800 966 6512






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