A Travel Agent is a Better Value than DIY Online
by LISA RAYMOND on FEBRUARY 17, 2011
Fiction: It costs money to use a travel agent.
Fact: Travel agents are free.
Most people take less than 20 international trips in their lifetime. That’s 20 weeks set aside for relaxation and adventure. There is a perceived notion that booking your international trip on-line is cheaper than using a travel agent, but a lot of hidden costs, both financially and experientially, don’t add up to savings and often lead to a disappointing vacation.
You may find deals online, but on-line booking sites are more expensive in regards to your budget’s bottom line. Why? Sites are designed to offer trip planning from an a la carte menu - when you book online you piece together different elements of a trip instead of bargaining for a package deal that offers many pieces together (such as roundtrip air fair, lodgings, taxes, transfers, meals, etc.) for a lesser total cost.
So how do you find package deals and get the most bang for your buck? This is the opportune time to use a travel agent. Today, travel agents are more streamlined. They're vertical travel specialists with expertise in specific areas and activities. Their specialty is customizing a trip to your specifications, taking into consideration your budget, time restraints and desired experience - as well as the unique logistics of the location.
Using a travel agent is usually free for a trip with many components. Travel agents are paid by the vendors/wholesalers they recommend, not the client. They're sent every year to the locations they represent so they have intimate knowledge about the places they recommend and how to navigate the area. This relationship allows the travel agent to select the property or activity that fits the client. In addition, it allows the agent to resolve problems that may arise while you're on vacation – where you're often at the mercy of the moment.
There is also a huge difference in customer service when you compare the personal assistance you get with a travel agent to an on-line company’s customer care. Online support can be frustrating, and if you do get beyond the automated phone system, the operator usually doesn’t have the knowledge or power to help.
On the other hand, a travel agent is personally invested in making sure you have the best vacation possible. They handle the details, offer tips, look for the best value for your budget, and advocate for you when something goes wrong. When plans change or something unexpected occurs, the agent is easily reachable and will work on resolving the problem so you don’t have to.
All you have to do is make one simple phone call to your agent and they will take care of everything. Your agent has the potential to send these companies either hundreds of guests, or no guests at all, and travel suppliers understand that.
A travel agency maximizes the comfort, affordability, and fun of your adventure. That’s why working with a travel agent is the smart way to go!
