The Answer is a Resounding YES!!!

By PAUL STALBAUM

First, let me state that if you simply want to buy an airline ticket or stay in a gay B&B, you may not need the services of a travel agent.

Gay travel agents, however, have been one of the cornerstone small businesses in many gay neighborhoods. We depend on the sales of travel to earn our income. We provide specialized and personalized service not often found otherwise. Travel agents are important because we act as your advocate and offer objective advice about destinations, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators.
I often hear the question, “Why should I book with a travel agent when I can book online or direct?” The answers really are quite simple. I will break this down into three basic components – personalized attention, unbiased information and ongoing relationships.

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION: A good travel agent will take the time to get to know you on a personal level. We try very hard to match you up with the best destination, hotel or cruise to satisfy your own personal interests. While websites make everything sound glamorous and charming, I too often hear someone say that the “dreamy” hotel they booked online turned out to be a nightmare. “Charming” turned out to be tiny rooms, no elevator or off the beaten track. Do you think that the people at Travelocity or Expedia really care about you? How many times do you see horror stories in newspapers about online booking engines like Travelocity? It is very commonplace.

UNBIASED INFORMATION: RSVP and Atlantis are fantastic travel options for the right client, but I never understand why one would prefer to book directly rather than go through a local travel agent. The same applies to regular cruises. When you book direct, that company only has the one product to sell, whether it’s Atlantis or Princess or any other company. Travel agents will offer an impartial critique of the product and possibly offer alternatives. We know where not to place you on a ship or what location in a city or resort may be best for you.

One myth that needs to be dispelled is that you pay more by booking through a travel agency or get a better deal by booking direct. So not true. We derive our income from a commissions paid by the supplier. So that $1500 balcony on RSVP is still $1500 through a travel agency. Similarly, if it is a non-gay trip or cruise, the rate remains the same if booked with a local travel agency. Reserving through your local travel agency does not cost you any more for tours and cruises. In fact, many agencies have blocked group rates on several cruise line sailings which could actually offer you lower rates and some onboard perks.

ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS: Our first allegiance is to the client. After all, we want to please you so that you will keep coming back to us for your other vacations and refer your friends and family to us. The best form of advertising is by word of mouth. If you are happy with our recommendations and service, more than likely we will see you and your friends again.

I/we pride ourselves on trying to paint a vivid picture of what to expect from a city, hotel or cruise line. The more informed you are, the less surprises along the way. This kind of service does not exist on impersonal websites or by booking direct. Besides, isn’t it somewhat important to support your local gay businesses? Most of us use a gay Realtor®, a gay lawyer and support gay merchants, so why not try to keep your travel dollars local, too?

In an era where personalized service is disappearing, and in an economy that has seen many gay owned businesses close, your gay travel agent is a throw back to times past. Think about it: If you value your time, if you value getting the best possible service, then you will want to use the services of a travel agent.

So, on behalf of me and all other gay travel agents in South Florida, we look forward to being of service and make your vacations memorable and special. We thank you for your support.

Paul Stalbaum, owner of Cruise Designs Travel, lives in Wilton Manors, and is affiliated with
Boca Raton Travel & Tours, which  is a Virtuoso travel agency. Paul may be reached at 954-566-3377 or paul@cruisedesignstravel.com