AAA Travel Advisors May Save You Time and Money
By Samantha Brown, Host of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love”
It’s never been easier to book travel online. A few clicks and you could be on your way to Orlando or a Sedona spa. However, what feels like a time and money saver might actually create the exact opposite experience. Travel is really complicated right now. My head swirls when it comes to keeping track of travel restrictions, changing regulations from place to place, cancellations and more. In this time of uncertainty, wouldn’t it be nice to have an expert in your corner?
A year ago, the travel industry toppled into utter chaos. Travelers felt confused, scared and anxious. They spent hours on the phone, postponing trips, rebooking, and canceling. When you’re already sad about putting the kibosh on a dream trip, you can only endure so many loops of “Kenny G’s Greatest Hits” on a customer service line before absolutely losing it.
AAA Travel does sponsor my show, “Places to Love,” but regardless of that, I am so impressed at their dedication during COVID-19. They made it a point to have a travel advisor reach out personally — whether by phone or email — to each and every person who booked with them. They handled all the details, from rebooking vacations to figuring out refunds, and saved customers so much time, money and frustration. And all that awful hold music. These travel professionals stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety restrictions and will support you both before and DURING your trip. Yes, that means if the you-know-what hits the fan, you’ve got a teammate with a modern-day Rolodex working to make sure you get where you need to be—whether it’s a Caribbean isle, a ship on the Danube, or back home, safe and sound.
Even during normal times (whatever that means!), a travel agent provides value by helping consumers cut through the clutter. A good agent is a magician, with the ability to create the impossible– a vacation that fits needs, wants, and budgets. While you could spend hours scouring the internet, reading questionable reviews, and looking for deals, a AAA agent’s hardwon relationships could be benefitting you.
Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip. Not only that, they receive special access to deals that you can’t find online. In addition to exclusive pricing, this could mean upgrades for a hotel room, a free spa visit, breakfast included or any number of amenities that will be passed down to you, at no extra cost. It’s also worth mentioning that the travel industry has taken a colossal hit due to coronavirus. Airlines, hotels, cruises and tour companies want us travelers back. If you’re looking to get the most for your time and money, a AAA travel agent will make it happen.
And did you know that working with a AAA travel advisor is free for AAA members? That’s right: that little card that gives you roadside assistance also means planning your next trip is easier than ever. No matter the destination that catches your eye, allow a AAA Travel advisor to help you plan the getaway you deserve, today. Be sure to ask for the AAA Triple Check.
AAA Triple Check Certified Agents review itineraries and ensure that travelers are ready for their journey and understand the road ahead. Agents compare travel plans against the AAA COVID-19 impact map, which highlights areas under restrictions for travel across the United States. Here, agents will inform members on how their plans could possibly be impacted by travel regulations.
But the review doesn’t end with COVID-19 navigations. Triple Check Agents will also assure members are aware of AAA Diamond-rated experiences along their journey. This includes rated and reviewed hotels, rental cars, and preferred partners who are available to make your vacation even more memorable. In addition, the review will dive deep into savings and add-ons, checking for AAA member exclusive pricing, rebates, future travel credits, and more. Your AAA membership entitles you to these perks and benefits, and AAA Travel is dedicated to finding you every opportunity to utilize these features and benefits.