It Starts with a Square

Is the Need for a Travel Agent Increasing?

BY Regan Hewitt

COVID-19 has impacted businesses across the board, from restaurants to movie theaters to traveling. Slowly things are starting to bounce back, but how is travel changing? 

DIY vacation planning during this time can be a challenge. Images of passengers stranded in airports around the world without flights or hotels justifiably creates travel concerns. If you’re planning a trip — either for business or for pleasure — it can be difficult to navigate a world in which the rules are in flux and the situation varies depending on where you’re going.  

Restrictions involved with travel to one destination may be different from another, such as whether travelers need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or whether they’re only allowed to venture to certain areas within their destination. This research can be daunting. 

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping travel to a minimum, especially if you or a loved one fall into a high-risk category. However, traveling may be necessary during the holiday season if you live far apart from family, and it helps everyone to be prepared. 

This could be a time when the use of a travel professional is more necessary than ever before. Travel advisors are uniquely qualified to deal with rapidly changing circumstances. From the start of the pandemic, travel advisors have assisted clients with cancellations, rescheduling and refunds. Now, they are helping them make travel arrangements for the upcoming holiday season. 

As a traveler, you need to know what to expect. You may have to get your temperature taken at the airport or be asked virus-related health questions. Once you arrive at your destination, you may find that restaurants are closed, or that a curfew has been imposed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In many cases, a travel advisor may have the most up-to-date information to help you plan your trip and navigate these rules while traveling. 

Despite all the changes that the pandemic has caused, there is some good news on the horizon. According to a recent survey by Allianz, a financial services and insurance agency, people are eagerly awaiting the day that they can resume traveling to their favorite destinations.  While many plan to enjoy domestic trips now and in the near future, international trips are on many people’s holiday wish lists for 2021. 

If holiday travel is on your mind, you probably have a lot of questions. A travel advisor or travel agency could be exactly what you need to give you the information, guidance and peace of mind you need for safe travel. 

Travel Leaders has been in the travel industry for over 34 years and the agency is specialized in all types of travel! Contact Travel Leaders at 901-853-6200 or 901-377-6600 to make an appointment at either the Collierville or Memphis office locations.

Barbara May

Owner of Travel Leaders

gotravelleaders.com

901.853.6200

September/October 2021 Tour Collierville Magazine