Why you should book a Southern African holiday with an independent travel agency

With it being so easy to access information and make bookings online these days, is it really beneficial to still use a travel agent?
The answer is YES! Especially when travelling within Africa and the more remote areas.
Travel agents are often perceived as ‘old school’, however todays travel agents are different. They are more than just a travel agent, they are travel advisors, destination specialists, logistics coordinators, problem solvers, crisis managers and so much more.
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In brief, here are the top 5 reasons why you should use an independent travel agent.

1. Saves you time
2. Saves you money and gets you the best deals.
3. First hand destination knowledge and experience.
4. Safety for you whilst travelling
5. Start of a great relationship
   
   

Saves you time – Our lives are so busy these days surely any way to save time is a bonus?!
Planning a trip is a time consuming and complicated process, there are often lots of logistics involved. Travel agents simplify the process for you, booking most, if not all of the ground arrangements on your behalf. Instead of you spending hours trolling through one well written website to the next trying to decipher why one establishment is better than the last and how to get from A to B in the middle of nowhere, leave it to the experts. Let them do the research and recommend a trip perfectly tailored to your wants and needs’

Saves you money and getting you the best deals - Travel agents have many contacts and connections. They have preferred rates that they have negotiated on your behalf, access to specials, benefits and upgrades, allowing them to quote you at very competitive prices, often less than you would be able to do if you booked yourself and making you aware of the incredible special offers and benefits.
The average European and American spend over 10% of their annual income on holidays every year, this is a huge chunk of money, it is vital that is it spent wisely and that you are left with no regrets.

First hand destinations knowledge and experience - Independent travel agents are not contracted, giving them more freedom as to how and with whom they do business. They will be honest with you and advise on destinations and establishments that they believe in and are passionate about and not just the ones that have been included in a brochure that they were given.
Although independent travel agents can ultimately sell you anywhere in the world, you will find that the majority specialise in specific destinations and regions within these larger areas. They are passionate about what they do and they personally visit this places, familiarising themselves, when you ask questions, you are not receiving an answer from a google search result you are receiving genuine advise from personal experience.  

Safety for you whilst travelling - Often travelling can be very daunting especially if problems occur. However, booking through an independent travel agent does not end when you pay your final invoice. This person will be dedicated to you throughout the planning of your trip and are on call for you whilst you are travelling. They are available to fix any problems that may crop up, whether it be reuniting you with lost luggage, rearranging a missed transfer or flight or arranging medical assistance in an emergency. They have the know how and the connections on the ground to very quickly and seamlessly arrange and fix everything for you.

Start of a great relationship - A good travel agent is like a pair of your favourite underwear. Once you realise how good they are and how easy they made your life you will want to continue to use them over and over again. You will also recommend them to your relatives and friends. By using an independent travel agent you are gaining essentially a new long distance friend.