travel agent vs booking yourself

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Using a travel agent vs. booking yourself: what’s best?

Pros of using a travel agent.

• Connect you with trusted tour operators they’ve worked with before
• Find the perfect airfares, rental cars, and cruise ships/cruise lines to fit your itinerary
• Help you save money with exclusive upgrades, discounts, and perks that aren’t available to the general public
• Offer personalized service and peace of mind
• Help you organize a group trip or family trip that meets all travelers’ requirements, saving you time and effort
• Manage trip cancellations and changes, and find flexible fares that fall within your budget

Cons of using a travel agent

• Less convenient - Many travel agents only offer services during certain limited office hours. On the other hand, by booking online, you can make your bookings any time you want. Some travel booking sites also offer 24/7 customer support.
• Biased advice - Travel agents earn commissions from hotel operators and airlines, so they have an incentive to push you towards booking flights or hotels that they choose.
• Limited choice - Many travel agencies, especially small consumer-facing agencies, have limited inventories. Online, you’ll find a wide variety of different travel products and tour operators to choose from.
• More expensive - Travel agencies often charge large booking fees for their services.
• Lack of flexible payment options - Some types of travel agencies, such as business travel management companies, ask all their clients to sign a rigid one-year contract with complicated fine print.

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Should you book travel yourself vs use a travel agent

The world of travel planning is vast and can be overwhelming. As a traveler, you’re faced with a plethora of decisions before you even step foot on an airplane. One of the most significant decisions is whether to use a travel agent or plan your own trip. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on various factors. This comprehensive guide will delve into the details, comparing and contrasting the two methods to help you make an informed decision for your next journey.

Why Work With a Travel Advisor

Travel advisors serve as your personal travel consultants. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, ensuring that your trip is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. But what exactly does a travel agent do, and how can they benefit your travel planning process?

Expertise and Knowledge

Travel agents are professionals in the field. They have undergone training and gained experience in all aspects of travel planning, from booking flights and accommodations to arranging tours and activities. They understand the intricacies of the travel industry and have insider knowledge about destinations worldwide. Their expertise becomes particularly useful when planning complex trips involving multiple destinations or modes of transport. They can advise you on the best routes, the most convenient flight schedules, and the most suitable accommodation options, saving you from the daunting task of figuring it all out yourself. Your travel expert would also guide you on when is the best time to visit a destination, hidden gems around where you’d be staying and create a schedule based on your preferences. These key pieces of information and personalization are just a few of the many reasons you’d want to book a trip through a professional travel agent.

Access to Deals and Connections

One of the biggest advantages of using a travel agent is their access to exclusive deals and connections within the travel industry. They often have direct relationships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators, allowing them to secure attractive prices, availability, and perks that you may not find on your own. Whether it’s a room upgrade at a luxury hotel or a discounted rate on a popular tour, a travel agent can provide you with value-added benefits. In fact, some special offers on trips are only made available to travel agents. These offers are made by their travel suppliers, in an effort to grow their relationship. A good travel agent will go the extra mile and notify you of any deals that may come available after you’ve booked and adjust your price as needed.

Personalized Service and Research

A travel agent provides personalized service that you won’t get from an online booking platform. They take the time to understand your preferences and tailor your itinerary accordingly. They are there to answer any questions, address any concerns, and provide advice throughout your journey. Part of the service and research is keeping an eye out on the best flights, tour guides and hotel stays that come available. If you’re going somewhere that happens to be experiencing a high volume of travel. A good agent will keep an eye on a better flight time, hotel/resort room that becomes available or even if a s[pot on a local tour guide opens up. Your advisor keeps an eye on the best options that come available to curate your ideal trip. They work in your best interest to provide incredible travel tips and recommendations, that suit your style.  A good travel advisor will listed to your specific requests and build your trip based on how you like to travel.

Assistance with Rebooking and Cancellations

Travel advisors play a crucial role in providing a hassle-free travel experience, especially in the face of cancellations or disruptions. Unlike navigating the refund and rescheduling policies of airlines and hotels on your own, a travel agent can manage these complexities for you. They are well-versed in handling such scenarios and have established relationships with industry contacts, which often allows them to expedite the rebooking process. Whether it’s a last-minute flight cancellation or a sudden closure of a hotel, your travel advisor will swiftly step in to rebook your travel arrangements, minimizing stress and inconvenience. This ensures that, regardless of unexpected hiccups, your travel experience remains seamless and worry-free.

The Cost Factor

While travel agents offer numerous benefits, their services aren’t free. Most travel agencies charge a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the complexity of the trip. However, many travelers find that the convenience, expertise, and potential cost savings provided by a travel agent outweigh the cost of their service fee. Many believe in a myth that travel agents will charge an extra booking fee and that they have hidden fees built into their services. This is simply not true, the advisors are compensated by the travel supplier they book with.

Flexible Payment Options

Another compelling advantage of working with a travel agency is the flexibility they offer in terms of payment. Traditional self-booking travel websites methods typically require full payment upfront, which can be a significant financial commitment. Travel agencies, on the other hand, often provide payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of your trip over time. This means you can secure your bookings with an initial deposit and then make incremental payments leading up to your departure date. This flexibility can make travel more financially accessible and manageable, allowing you to budget for your trip in a way that best suits your personal financial circumstances. It’s important to note that terms and conditions may vary between different agencies, so it’s always wise to discuss payment options with your travel advisor during the planning stage.

The Appeal of DIY Travel Planning

In contrast to using a travel agent, planning your own trip gives you complete control over every aspect of your journey, from the flights you book to the hotels you choose and the activities you plan. This approach has its advantages, but it also requires more effort and time. Let’s break down what DIY travel planning entails.

Freedom and Flexibility

The most significant advantage of DIY travel planning is the freedom and flexibility it provides. You have the liberty to design your itinerary exactly how you want it, exploring options and choosing elements that align with your interests, budget, and travel style.

Cost Savings

Planning your trip can potentially save you money. Without the additional cost of a travel agent’s fee, you might be able to stretch your budget further. You have the flexibility to shop around for the best deals, wait for prices to drop, or take advantage of last-minute offers.

Personal Satisfaction

There’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from planning your own trip. The process of researching destinations, finding hidden gems, and creating your itinerary can be enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, when your well-planned trip goes smoothly, it’s a testament to your effort and planning skills.

The Challenges

However, DIY travel planning isn’t without its challenges. It requires a significant investment of time and effort. You’ll need to do extensive research, compare options, make bookings, and keep track of all the details.

Moreover, if something goes wrong during your trip, you’re on your own. Dealing with flight cancellations, booking errors, or other issues can be stressful and time-consuming without the support of a travel agent.

Travel Agent vs Do It Yourself: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Having explored the roles of travel agents and the ins and outs of DIY travel planning, it’s evident that both have their merits and drawbacks. Your choice between the two will largely depend on your personal preferences, your comfort level with planning, and the type of trip you’re undertaking. With your own vacation, you’ll need to make sure that all the boxes are checked for your trip. This means you’ll be responsible for booking car rentals, a hotel room and return flights. It’s up to you to decide if doing your own research and booking everything is going to bring you the best experience in your next trip.

Type of Trip

The complexity of your trip can significantly influence whether you should use a travel agent or plan it yourself. For simple trips, such as a weekend getaway or a direct flight to a single destination, planning yourself can be straightforward and cost-effective. However, for more complex trips involving multiple destinations, transfers, or special arrangements, a travel agent’s expertise can be invaluable. They can handle the logistics, ensure smooth transitions, and use their connections to enhance your travel experience.

Travel Agent Booking Your Hotels

A travel agent can leverage their direct relationships with hotels to secure you the best rates, ensure that your preferences are met, and even score you extra perks like complimentary upgrades or breakfast. They can also assist in reservation changes or cancellations, saving you time and effort.

Booking Your Own Hotels

When booking a hotel yourself, you’ll need to research different properties, compare prices, and read reviews to make an informed choice. You’ll also handle any changes, special requests, or issues that arise during your stay. 

Cruise Lines

Travel agent booking your cruise.

Travel agents often have excellent relationships with cruise lines, which can lead to discounted rates and exclusive packages. They can assist you in selecting the best cabin based on your preferences, help you understand the inclusions and exclusions in your package, and handle any changes or cancellations in your itinerary.

DIY Your Cruise

Booking a cruise on your own requires a good understanding of the various cabin categories, dining options, and onboard amenities. You’ll also need to closely monitor any changes in sailing dates or routes, and handle any issues or special requests directly with the cruise line.

Travel Agent Book Your Flight

Travel agents can save you hours of time by finding the best flight schedules, connections, and fares. They can also navigate the complex airline policies in case of cancellations or rescheduling. If you have a multi-destination itinerary, a travel agent can expertly piece together the flights for the most efficient and cost-effective route.

Booking Your Own Flight

Booking flights on your own involves researching different airlines, comparing fares, understanding baggage policies, and selecting suitable flight times. In the event of cancellations or delays, you’ll need to handle rescheduling or refunds yourself. If managing multiple flights and connections, you’ll need to ensure the timings line up, providing enough time for transfers.

Time and Effort

Your availability and willingness to invest time and effort into travel planning is another crucial factor. If you enjoy the process of researching and organizing your trip, the DIY approach might be for you. However, if you’re pressed for time or find the task daunting, a travel agent can take the burden off your shoulders. For day trips, scheduling your own travel arrangements would save you time and effort. This is especially true with weekend business trip that don’t require much effort or time.

Special Requests

If you have specific needs or requests, such as dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or unique experiences, a travel agent can ensure these are catered to. They can liaise with airlines, hotels, and tour operators to make the necessary arrangements, ensuring your needs are met.

Access to Deals and Upgrades

While you can find deals and discounts on your own, a travel agent’s industry connections can often lead to better offers. They may have access to exclusive rates, special packages, or value-added benefits like room upgrades or complimentary extras. When trying to find deals yourself, you’ll have to keep an eye out for a package deal, create notifications through Google flights and subscribe to various email lists. Just to get the lower price and cheap flight options that come available. 

Peace of Mind

Finally, using a travel agent offers peace of mind. They provide support and assistance throughout your journey, helping you navigate any issues that arise. For less experienced travelers or those who prefer having a safety net, this can be a significant advantage.

Making the Best Choice for Your Travel Needs

In conclusion, the decision between using a travel agent and planning your own trip isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, the nature of your trip, and your comfort level with travel planning. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to create a memorable travel experience that suits your needs and desires. By understanding the pros and cons of each approach, you can make an informed decision that leads to a rewarding and enjoyable adventure. Remember, travel is about exploration and enjoyment. Whether you choose to use a travel agent’s expertise or embrace the challenge of DIY planning, the journey is just as important as the destination. Happy travels!

Travel agents offer expertise, convenience, and support throughout your travel journey. They can handle complex itineraries, make special arrangements, provide access to exclusive deals, and offer assistance if any issues arise during your trip.

DIY travel planning gives you full control over your itinerary, allowing you to tailor your trip to your interests, budget, and travel style. It can also potentially save you money, as you’re not paying an agent’s fee, and can shop around for the best deals.

You might want to consider using a travel agent for complex trips involving multiple destinations or transfers, or if you have special requirements. They can also be beneficial if you’re short on time or find the task of travel planning daunting.

The decision depends on various factors, like your personal preferences, the type of trip, and your comfort level with travel planning. Consider the pros and cons of each approach to make an informed decision that suits your needs.

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Pros & cons of using a travel agent vs. booking online.

You’re planning a trip. You’ve chosen the dates, and you have an idea of where you want to go. Now, should you do the planning yourself or go through a travel agent?

There was once an expectation that travel agents would disappear with internet growth. Booking flights is easy to do online, as is searching for hotel deals, but travel agents have access to deals we may never see. Not every trip needs to be planned through an agent, but if you prefer not to sweat the details, it may be worth it to use a travel agent.

Experience Counts

A good travel agent has probably visited the location you want to see, or has a list of clients who who already went on that exact trip. A travel agent can share this experience and can anticipate the problems you may encounter.

Travel agents will use their expertise to get discounts you may not find online. If you don’t like the nuts and bolts of planning, using a travel agent will save you the headache of making sure you have worked out all the details of your trip. The agent will make sure your accommodations match up with your itinerary. If you're seeking a package deal, travel agents can take the stress out of comparing notes. Maybe you want to do something exotic. If you want to visit the Galapagos Islands, a travel agent can make that possible with little stress and much peace of mind.

Building Relationships

Travel agents have relationships with chefs, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators, which can net you some extras. Travel agents may score you spa time and credits for meals and drinks. If you're planning on a cruise, the travel agent may even have a deal that gets you an onboard credit.

You can use an online travel agent or a brick-and-mortar agent. Brick-and-mortar agents are making a comeback, but online travel agents often have reviews that are easy to compare. Individual travel agents may work with you to personalize your tour and make sure you have the experience you are seeking. Make sure your agent takes time with you. The American Society of Travel Agents or the International Association of Travel Agents Network are good resources for reliable, local agents.

Travel agents make sure you don’t have unpleasant surprises like unexpected resort or tourism fees. If there are cancellations due to weather or other cancellations, a travel agent can redo your itinerary with little stress and effort on your part. Also, if you have a theme vacation in mind but only have a vague idea of how to carry it out, a travel agent can help turn that vision into reality.

Going It Alone

If you’re willing to do all the planning and organizing, it can be cheaper to plan your own trip. Also, if you’re planning a short trip without a lot of details, you’re probably better off doing your own legwork. An agent may steer you to a hotel or resort that offers the agent the best commission. That doesn’t mean you’ll get the best deal or experience. Your itinerary may be less flexible if you use a travel agent. You probably won’t be able to stay an extra day at a location with which you fall in love.

Comparison Shop

When booking online, you can save more money, be flexible about what you see and do and make changes on the fly. It’s easy to comparison shop. You don’t have the pressure of someone trying to sell you something.

Designing your own itinerary may force you to do more research about your destination, which may give you insight on activities to do and landmarks to visit. You control what you do. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, which can be invaluable. Once you get some experience putting together your own trip, you may have a better idea of what to do and what not to do on your next trip.

Other Considerations

If you need to cancel, you’d better do it in advance if you’ve made the arrangements yourself. Changing flights and hotels can get expensive and time consuming. Be prepared to make changes. Make sure you have printouts of all your reservations so if you are questioned, you have proof.

If you’re doing the planning, it’s best to choose countries with good safety records. Conversely, if you're visiting a location where safety is a concern, using a reliable travel agent makes sense.

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Karen Gardner is a former feature editor and writer and is now a freelance writer. She looks forward to doing her family's taxes each year, and likes to write about home finances and money subjects for the rest of us.

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Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online: An Infographic

What would you say if I told you that travel agents aren’t in competition with online travel agency giants like Trip Advisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline, and others? Maybe you’re waiting for a punchline, but I’m honestly not telling a joke.

While starting a home-based travel agency in the shadow of internet giants like Expedia can feel like a David vs. Goliath scenario, I’m here to bring you glad tidings of the ways in which travel agents have an edge over OTAs.

Looking ahead to 2026, OTA market share is projected to dip one point to 21% while travel agencies are predicted to increase their market share 5 points to 26%.

Not only that, but travelers are beginning to recognize the value of an advisor. In 2023, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) reported 50% of travelers were more likely to use a travel advisor than in the past. 1 .

Want more good news? Phocuswright reported that in 2022 travel agencies comprised 21% of US travel market channel share, only one point behind online travel agencies (22%). Looking forward to 2026 however, OTA market share is projected to dip to 21% while travel agencies are predicted to increase their share 5 points to 26%.

So yes. Travelers are using advisors! And yes! Travel agencies compete with OTAs. So suspend your doubt and hear me out. We're going to chat on how travel agents save travelers TONS of time (and money) on their vacations!

No Seriously, Americans Spend So Much Time Online Planning Travel, It’s Ridiculous.  

Expedia Media Group's research documented that American travelers spent an aggregate of 8.7 capital-B-BILLION minutes of travel planning and booking time in 2015. It seems ludicrous, right? I know, I did a double-take. But that is the amount of time Americans spent consuming digital travel content in 2015, according to their white paper, “ The American Traveler’s Path to Purchase .” 2

In the 45 days prior to booking travel—from beginning research to final purchase— the traveling American visited a whopping 140 travel websites . No seriously, that is not a typo.

How much time does this add up to? Well, the report indicated that in the six weeks prior to booking, Americans consumed 22.95 hours of digital travel media .

Is your jaw on the floor yet? Well, it’s about to get even more slack: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in the U.S. as of Jan. 2021 registered at $29.96/hr 3 , which means that it costs American travelers roughly $687.58 of work time to plan and book vacations.

What does this mean for travelers?

A). A traveler can plan and book their vacation while they’re on company dime (preferably not one they own) and hope they don’t get fired for it. Or, better yet . . .

B.) Go with a travel agent, don’t get fired, and save over $700 of their time.

How OTAs Work, and Why They Don’t Save Travelers Money Anymore

The $700+ savings in work time really just scratches the surface. There are tons of other ways that using a travel agent vs. booking online saves clients money.

1. OTA Access to Inventory Is limited

When you were a kid and asked your parents for a snack, they probably didn’t open the fridge and cupboards and let you have at it (let alone take you to the grocery store to pick whatever you wanted). No, they probably pulled out a few choice items and said, “this is what you can choose from.”

OTAs operate in the same way. OTAs used to rely on ample off-peak inventory, and empty seats on planes and rooms in hotels to offer discounts, and it worked 4 . Vendors would dump their excess inventory on OTA sites for a premium commission to OTAs. Heck, at the end of the day, selling a hotel room for cheap is better than zippo, right? But the OTAs are no longer the land of milk and honey they used to be.

There was a huge rise in the number of OTAs and suppliers smartened up, doing things like having contracts where OTAs were not able to offer prices lower than what the traveler could find directly on the brand site. They stopped offering premium commissions, and some vendors (like Southwest) even refused to sell their inventory on OTAs. (Does this sound familiar? Airlines did the same thing, cut commissions to travel agents in the 90s).

In fact, it’s the vendors that price the products—not the OTAs themselves. So, like the stingy parents, OTAs will not offer the smorgasbord of travel products and discounts they used to. They can’t.

Now let's jump back to the travel agent vs. booking online thing. A travel agent will open all their cupboards and find the best value available. Heck, they’ll even take you to the grocery store and present a full range of available travel options. Travel agents not only have access to products and pricing, but they also have the savvy to know the nitty-gritty of things like which airlines offer more spacious seating or provide better beverage service for the same price.

2. Price Discrimination and “Steering”

According to the same Wired article above, the OTAs' pricing would shift constantly due to supply and demand. This means that customers could potentially be directed to sites that weren’t the best deals, depending on the quantity demanded while the traveler books their trip, trying to create a false sense of urgency for travelers to book with warnings like, “2 rooms left at this price?”

OTAs with their Big-Brother-like technology know when and how a traveler is booking. So if a traveler is attempting to book a hotel on a mobile phone the same evening of their desired reservation date, the OTA’s magic algorithm will smell their desperation and potentially steer the customer to a more expensive booking.

Price discrimination comes into play when they charge different consumers different prices for the same product (which is illegal). According to the Wired article, at one point, “Orbitz was steering Apple OSX users, for example, to more expensive hotels, since the algorithm assumed that an Apple user was more affluent than a PC user.”

Agents don’t, and can’t, do that. There is a level of price stability when purchasing from a travel agent—who can put holds on tickets and packages to preserve the price until the end of the day or for 24 hours.

3. Fine Print

Surprise! There are taxes and fees that might sneak up on the purchaser when they get to the checkout of an OTA. With travel agents, the full cost to clients is transparent at the time they are quoted the price. (Enough said!)

4. Group Bookings

Travel agents can especially save money for clients traveling in groups. According to SmartFlyer’s CEO Mike Holtz in a Travel Market Report's "Here's Why You Should Use a Travel Agent Instead of Booking Online" article , “travel websites will only show the lowest fare available for four tickets. But an advisor might be able to find three seats at a fare hundreds of dollars less, with savings into the thousands of dollars.”

Travel agents, who are not governed by algorithms, have the experience and ability to analyze the options in front of them, filtering through them quickly in order to build group packages that maximize value and save money for their clients. Yet another reason to use a travel agent vs. booking online.

I know, I’m probably preaching to the choir. But what does this mean, and what does this add up to? Well, according to ASTA’s 2016 study, “Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money," a travel agent saves the traveler, on average, $452 per trip. 5

So if you count money and time, that brings up our tally of savings to $1,170+. Dang. Good job, travel agents.

But how do you articulate that to clients? How can you tell them that you’ll save them a ton of time and a nice wad of cash by booking their trip for them? They might look at you like you’re bonkers. But that’s okay, we’re here to help you with talking points with a snazzy infographic explaining the differences between using a travel agent vs. booking online.

How to Talk to Clients About Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online

Don’t you get tired when people express alarm at the existence of travel agents? Does it take a little restraint and energy not to roll your eyes when people say they can just book online? I know it does for me.

So we made an infographic that walks you through the data. You can print it out and post it above your office desk to use as talking points when your clients call and ask why they should use a travel agent vs. booking online. Better yet, just send it directly to your client and save yourself a lot of talking. 

Do you want it for a keepsake? You can go ahead and sign in below to download the infographic! You can even print it and use it to wallpaper your office, or better yet, post it on your own travel agency website!

This Is to Mention Nothing of Customer Service and Client Satisfaction

Travel agents save clients money, but the benefits of booking with a travel agent go way beyond. Travel agents also create high-value travel over OTAs because (the living, breathing, talented humans that they are) are able to advocate for clients when things go awry.

Travel Market Report published an article, " What We Did for Love: Tales of Travel Agents Who Went the Extra Mile, " in May 2019. It recounts stories of travel agents like Linda Schreiber, who pulled her bride out of a hurricane-riddled Cancun to the safety of home and rebooked the 70 other guests for the following month. Or Valerie Gossett's warm fuzzy in our Travel Agent Chatter podcast who coordinated with her BDM to have her client's father, a 90-year-old retired colonel, celebrated and honored for his service on his last cruise with his family.

What can an OTA do for a traveler who is unhappy with a hotel room, let alone stuck in the middle of a natural disaster? The answer? Not much, if anything at all.

Travel agents are able to leverage their relationships with vendors in order to provide the best customer service possible to travelers. So not only will the traveler save money, but they can travel with the peace of mind that a travel agent can help them out in a bind if they transfer hotels, switch rooms, or re-book a flight.

In the same ASTA study referenced earlier, it was documented that “ 63% of consumers polled said using an agent makes their overall trip experience better.” So not only will travel agents save travelers time, money and stress during the planning and booking process—they’ll also help create a more satisfying and relaxing travel experience during the trip itself . . . and that, my friend, is the entire purpose of a vacation.

Now Go Tell Your Clients (and Friends, and Travel Agent Naysayers)

Nothing speaks louder than data, right? Go let those skeptics know. If you don’t want to go on a monologue about the value of travel agents, just direct them to the infographic, and save your breath (and sanity).

What are some other ways you help save clients time and money? How do you pitch your value to clients? I want to hear about it in the comment section below!

[This blog was originally published in Oct. 2017. We periodically update this article with new data as it becomes available.]

• Source: ASTA’s 2023 March Consumer Research Headlines ↩
• As of 2022, this study has not been republished with more current numbers. ↩
• Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics ↩
• Source: Wired article, "Why Bargain Travel Sites May No Longer Be Bargains" ↩
• Source: Travel Market Report, "Why Consumers Don't Use Travel Agents" ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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The Traveller Guru

7 Tips for Choosing Between a Travel Agent vs Online Booking

Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will look at my 7 tips for choosing between a travel agent vs online booking. As someone who likes to travel, there is always the question as to whether I should book my trip via online means or hire the services of a travel agency.

And to be honest, in recent times I have done both. I mean I tend to err on the side of self booking myself and on a recent family trip to the USA for Christmas, we booked every aspect of the trip online. However on a previous trip to Canada, we found that the use of a travel agent was better as they could access us better package deals at a time when travel costs were high.

Tips for Choosing Between a Travel Agent vs Online Booking

.Choosing between a travel agent and online booking involves weighing various factors to determine which option best suits your travel needs, preferences and style. I will elaborate on a lot of this below however for those looking to get moving – literally – here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Assess Your Travel Needs and Preferences

• Complexity of Your Trip: If your trip involves multiple destinations, flights and accommodations, or if you’re planning special activities, a travel agent can simplify the process. For straightforward trips, online booking might be more efficient.
• Personalization: Consider how customized you want your trip to be. Travel agents excel at personalizing travel experiences such as flying into one airport and out another for example, whilst online booking offers more flexibility price wise on more direct requirements.
• Support and Assistance: Evaluate the level of support you might need. Travel agents provide a safety net in case of issues, while online platforms may offer limited personal assistance.

2. Consider the Time and Effort You’re Willing to Invest

• Research and Planning: Online booking requires you to invest time in research and comparison. If you enjoy planning and have the time, this can be part of the fun – especially if you are my wife haha. If not, a travel agent can save you time and hassle.
• Decision-Making: With a travel agent, you’ll discuss your preferences and they’ll make recommendations, potentially simplifying decision-making. Online booking puts all decisions in your hands, which can be empowering but also overwhelming.

3. Evaluate the Cost Implications

• Budget: Online booking platforms often highlight the cheapest options and last-minute deals. However, travel agents might have access to exclusive offers or package deals that provide better value.
• Fees and Hidden Costs: Be aware of any service fees charged by travel agents and compare these to potential savings – including their addons for the service. Similarly, watch for hidden costs when booking online such as fees for changes or cancellations.

4. Research and Compare Options

• Read Reviews: Look for reviews of travel agents or agencies to ensure they are reputable and have expertise in the type of travel you’re planning. Similarly, read reviews for online booking platforms and the providers they list.
• Ask for Recommendations: Personal recommendations from friends or family can be invaluable in choosing a travel agent or deciding on an online booking platform.

5. Understand the Value of Your Time and Experience

• Convenience vs. Control: If the convenience of having someone else handle the details is more appealing than the control and flexibility of booking everything yourself, a travel agent is the way to go.
• Experience Level: If you’re an inexperienced traveler or venturing to a new and complex destination, the guidance of a travel agent can be invaluable. Seasoned travelers or those making simple trips might prefer online booking.

6. Consider the Level of Customization and Flexibility You Desire

• Last-Minute Changes: Think about how likely you are to change your plans. Online booking platforms often offer flexible booking options, while travel agents can provide personalized assistance to accommodate changes.
• Unique Experiences: If you’re seeking unique or bespoke experiences, a travel agent might have the insider knowledge and connections to arrange these.

7. Factor in Safety and Support

• Assistance During Travel: Consider who you will turn to if something goes wrong during your trip. Travel agents offer direct support, while online bookings might require dealing with customer service centers.
• Insurance and Guarantees: Check what kind of travel insurance or guarantees are offered by both options. Some travel agents offer comprehensive packages that include robust support and insurance.

Understanding Travel Agents

Noe that we have run through some quick tips, let’s delve deeper into what travel agents are, the services they offer, and the unique benefits they bring to your travel planning process.

What is a Travel Agent?

In simple terms, a travel agent is a professional skilled in planning and booking all aspects of travel. Unlike online booking platforms that offer a self-service model, travel agents offer a personalized interaction, taking into account your preferences, needs and budget to craft a travel experience tailored just for you.

They work within a network of travel providers, including airlines, hotels and tour operators to arrange travel plans that align with your expectations and desires.

Services Offered by Travel Agents

Travel agents offer a range of services that cover every aspect of planning a trip:

• Personalized Itinerary Planning: They listen to your travel dreams and preferences to create a customized itinerary. This can include everything from flights and accommodations to tours, dining reservations and special events.
• Expertise and Insider Knowledge: With extensive knowledge of destinations worldwide, travel agents can recommend the best places to visit, stay and dine. They often have insider information about hidden gems, the best times to visit attractions and tips that you won’t find in a guidebook.
• Travel Documentation Assistance: Navigating the requirements for travel documents can be daunting. Travel agents assist with obtaining necessary visas , travel insurance and ensuring that all documentation is in order for a hassle-free journey.
• Exclusive Access and Deals: Thanks to their relationships with travel suppliers, travel agents can access deals and amenities not available to the general public. This can include room upgrades, late checkouts and special dining experiences.
• Support Before, During, and After the Trip: Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of using a travel agent is the ongoing support they provide. They are there to assist with any issues that arise, offer advice and help with any changes to your travel plans. This support extends from the moment you start planning your trip until after you return home, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.

Pros of Using a Travel Agent

• Customized Travel Experiences: Every traveler is unique, and travel agents excel at creating trips tailored to individual tastes and preferences.
• Time Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming, especially if you’re looking to create a detailed itinerary. Travel agents take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than the stress of planning it.
• Expert Advice: Travel agents bring a wealth of knowledge not just about destinations, but also about the logistics of travel, including the best ways to navigate airports, travel advisories, and cultural norms.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a professional handling your travel arrangements provides a sense of security. If anything goes wrong, you have someone to turn to for immediate assistance.

Cons of Using a Travel Agent

• Service Fees: Some travel agents charge service fees for their time and expertise. These fees can vary widely and might add to the overall cost of your trip.
• Potentially Higher Prices: While travel agents have access to exclusive deals, they may also work with preferred suppliers and might not always present the cheapest options available on the market.
• Indirect Booking: When you use a travel agent, you’re entrusting them to make bookings on your behalf. This can result in less direct control over the selection of airlines, hotels and activities. A common issue here is booking a small window between connecting flights etc.
• Response Time: And perhaps the biggest problem I have ever encountered in that depending on the travel agent’s workload and office hours, there might be delays in communication. This can be frustrating for travelers who need quick answers or are working on tight planning timelines.

Understanding Online Booking

Let’s now check out the world of online booking, the services it offers and the advantages it brings to modern travelers.

What is an Online Booking Platform?

Online booking platforms are websites or apps that allow travelers to research, plan and book various travel services directly. These platforms aggregate data from numerous service providers, giving users the ability to compare prices, read reviews and make informed decisions without the need for an intermediary. T

he convenience and control offered by online booking have made it a preferred choice for many travelers as well as these platforms offer a wide array of options, from flights and accommodations to car rentals and activities, all accessible with the click of a button.

Services Available Through Online Booking

Online booking platforms provide a comprehensive suite of services that cater to all aspects of travel planning:

• Flight Reservations: Users can compare airlines, prices and flight times to find the best deals.
• Hotel Bookings: From luxury resorts to budget accommodations, online platforms offer a wide range of lodging options.
• Car Rentals: Travelers can reserve rental cars, often with the option to compare rates from different providers.
• Tours and Activities: Many sites allow users to book excursions, tours and tickets to attractions, often with the benefit of skip-the-line access or special discounts.
• Travel Insurance: Some platforms also offer the option to purchase travel insurance directly, providing peace of mind.

Pros of Online Booking

The rise of online booking platforms has brought several benefits to travelers, making it a popular method for arranging travel:

• Convenience: The most significant advantage is the ability to plan and book travel anytime, anywhere. All you need is internet access.
• Comparison Shopping: Online platforms make it easy to compare prices and options from different providers, ensuring you get the best deal.
• Instant Confirmation: When you book online, you receive immediate confirmation of your reservations, which helps with planning and peace of mind.
• Access to Reviews: Most booking sites feature customer reviews and ratings, providing valuable insights that can influence your decisions.
• Special Deals and Discounts: Online booking often comes with the opportunity to snag special deals, discounts, and loyalty points not available elsewhere.
• Book now, pay later: Some booking sites allow users to book options such as hotel rooms or rental cars without having to pay until they arrive.

Cons of Online Booking

• Paralysis by Analysis: With so many choices at your fingertips, you may find yourself spending excessive time comparing options, leading to decision fatigue.
• Generic Recommendations: Online platforms often provide recommendations based on algorithms rather than personal knowledge of your preferences, which can lead to less tailored travel experiences.
• No Expert Guidance: Without the personalized advice and insights from a travel professional, you might miss out on hidden gems or make choices that don’t align with your expectations.
• Inaccurate Photos and Descriptions: Hotels and attractions may present themselves in the best light online, with photos and descriptions that don’t always match reality.
• Unexpected Costs: Online bookings can come with hidden fees, such as taxes, service charges or cleaning fees for accommodations, which aren’t always clear upfront.
• Strict Cancellation Policies: Many online deals that appear attractive have strict non-refundable policies or hefty cancellation fees.
• Customer Service Challenges: If something goes wrong, getting help from an online booking platform can be frustrating, often involving long waits on customer service lines or navigating through automated help systems.

so… Which is Best?

Look, as I outlined at the very start or this posts, and hopefully what has come from the rest, is that both have their pros and cons and both can be very effective in different circumstances. But at the end of the day, the decision between a travel agent and online booking hinges on several key factors:

• Complexity of the Trip: For multi-destination journeys or special travel requirements, a travel agent can provide invaluable assistance. Simple trips might be more efficiently handled through online booking.
• Personal Involvement: If you prefer to have direct control over all aspects of your travel planning, online booking offers the tools and flexibility to do so. If you’d rather have an expert take care of the details, a travel agent is your go-to.
• Budget Considerations: Assess whether the potential savings from online booking outweigh the benefits of the personalized service and exclusive deals that a travel agent might offer.
• Support and Peace of Mind: Consider the level of support you expect during your travel. For hands-on assistance and peace of mind, especially in facing travel disruptions, a travel agent offers an advantage. Online booking requires a more self-reliant approach.

Ultimately, your choice may also depend on personal preferences and past experiences. Some travelers might opt for a hybrid approach, using a travel agent for the more complex aspects of their trip while taking advantage of online bookings for simpler reservations. Other however run on one method and one method only.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the option that best aligns with your travel goals, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

There you have it, my 7 tips for choosing between a travel agent vs online booking. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there is anywhere else that you think should be on the list!

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

My name is Paul and I love traveling with my wife Nic. We have been lucky enough in my life to be able to see a lot of the world. Oh, and not to mention all those tedious business trips that actually got me to places I would never have gone to as well.

But here’s the thing, we have made all of the mistakes that a traveler can make and have learned a lot along the way so we like to think we have a fairly good idea in regards to what it’s all about. So let's dive in.

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November 30, 2015

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Travel Agent vs. Booking Online: Why Travel Agents are Still Important

As technology continues to change our lives, specifically the way we travel , travel agents are pit against travel sites, such as Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz, in a battle of better travel. This travel agent vs. booking online struggle may seem like an impossible victory for travel agents—since many people attempt to plan their trips themselves—but the opposite is actually true.

Even though it appears cheaper and simpler to book travel on your own, it just isn’t the case. In fact, planning a trip is much more difficult than ever before because the people trying to do it all on their own don’t reallymuch about the travel industry. However, some travelers are recognizing their past mistakes and turning to the experts for guidance once again. As reported in 2014 by MMGY Global —a travel-marketing agency that researches travel patterns—wealthy and millennial travelers are starting to rely less on travel sites and more on travel agents.

Using a travel agent is the smarter option. It’s the best way to make sure that every trip you go on will run smoothly. Besides having someone else to bear the brunt of the travel planning process besides you, travel agents have access to inside information regular consumers just aren’t privy to.

Here are 9 reasons why using a travel agent vs. booking online isn’t much of a competition:

1. It saves you time

All you have to do is communicate to a travel agent what type of trip you want to go on and then sit back to hear what location, resort or cruise line would work best for you. There’s no need to sit on a computer for hours and visit countless travel sites when travel agents are paid to know everything about travel and arrange the best trips for their clients.

2. They love what they do

Travel agents are passionate about travel and helping customers bring out their inner travel enthusiast too. They’re not planning trips because no one else in their group of friends wanted to take the time to arrange everything, so they got stuck doing it. They love going to new places themselves and want all of their clients to feel the way they do when they travel.

3. They have first-hand experience

Most travel agents go to many destinations on their own, not only because they enjoy it, but because it allows them to get first-hand experience. They can take their newfound knowledge about a certain location, hotel, resort or cruise line, and relay that information back to their clients. For instance, InteleTravel is a host agency that allows people to become independent travel agents. We offer our agents education resources in which they can go to different locations and learn as much as they can about travel in order to become experts.

Though you can read customer reviews, the credibility of those reviews are always in question. It’s better to hear from a travel expert and his or her take on a travel destination than a stranger on the internet. Having access to this knowledge helps you get a good idea of what to expect, which allows you to avoid any surprises on a trip.

4. They know what they're doing

Although you might think you know what you’re doing when it comes to travel planning, you are most likely unaware of certain travel industry secrets. For example, most travel sites are actually owned by one or two companies. This means all that time you spent comparing prices wasn’t worth it because there’s a good chance you were comparing two sites that are owned by the same company. Using a travel agent allows you to skip over this obstacle.

Travel agents offer their clients valuable advice as well. They can recommend the best cruise lines for families or solo travelers. They know the best time of year to go somewhere and the most popular resorts that offer great amenities and that have must-see attractions. If you need a car rental on your trip, they’ve got you covered. If you’re not sure if travel insurance is necessary, they can point you in the right direction. If you’re required to bring any travel documents, they will inform you. Travel agents can even help you plan an itinerary for your trip and book any activities that you are interested in doing.

5. It's a real relationship

When you work with a travel agent, both of you get to know each other. You’re not conversing with a faceless website that doesn’t really care about your travel preferences, any further accommodations you need or what your budget is. Travel agents really care about their clients and the last thing they want to do is arrange a trip for someone who ends up unhappy with the end result. Think of it this way: If you knew someone who was a travel agent, or if you yourself were a travel agent, friends and family would rely on this person to book their trips rather than a stranger. Booking engines are strangers. There's no real relationship. Interacting with a travel agent—an actual person—who knows you and has your best interest at heart is a real relationship.

6. They have connections

7. It's like having your own travel encyclopedia

What if you know that you want to go on vacation with your family, but you have no idea where? Having a lot of personalities and preferences in a travel group can be overwhelming for anyone, especially when you know that if someone is unhappy with the destination or hotel, for instance, you’re going to have to hear about it for the rest of the trip—and probably afterwards.

A travel agent can listen to specific requests or ideas. If one person wants to go someplace tropical in order to relax on the beach every day while someone else wants to go someplace that has extreme sports, a travel agent can find a location that offers both. You may be set on going to the Bermuda, but realize you’re more interested in activities offered in the Bahamas. If you’re traveling with your children or grandchildren, finding a location that has kid-friendly activities will be high on your priority list as well. They know what locations, resorts, hotels and cruise lines can best suit your needs and make everyone happy. Sometimes you need more than generic advice from a website to guide you. That’s where travel agents come in.

8. You spend less money

You might assume that an agent is paid out of your pocket.The truth is that their payment comes from the supplier, never from the client. How does that benefit you? Suppliers offer discounts to travel agents to entice them to book their clients at their venues, so agents have access to steep savings that just aren't available to consumers who book themselves. For this reason, you save much more money on travel thanks to their help. So not only will you get to go on an incredible trip without having to do the work, but you’ll be able to go at a fraction of the cost. And as an InteleTravel agent, you actually earn a commission for booking that upcoming winter vacation, and basically get paid to travel .

9.You're never alone

A travel agent is just a phone call away, so if a problem arises at any point during a trip, you have someone to turn to. Providing customer support is what continues to set apart travel agents from booking engines. There will always be a real person on the other end of the phone. Booking all your travel arrangements online means that you’re on your own if you have any questions during your trip. For instance, let’s say there’s an issue regarding your hotel reservation. Having worked with a travel agent rather than a website, you just have to make a phone call and he or she will find out what is going on and fix the problem for you.

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Is It Better To Use a Travel Agent or Plan Your Own Vacation?

Depending on how you approach travel, putting together the pieces of a trip can be exciting, or exhausting. Some people love the thrill of finding the best deals on airfare, hotels and destinations, while others want nothing more than to hand it over to a travel agent to do it for them. The question is, do you save more money one way over the other?

In order to find out what might work best for you, we talked to experts about the pros and cons of booking a vacation by yourself or working with a travel agent to help you do it.

Here are some key points to help you make a decision about using a travel agent.

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Travel Agents Can Get You the Best Value for Your Buck

Travel agents have experience in shopping for the best value for your travel dollar, said Stephanie Turner of Brentwood Travel . “Just remember–the cheapest price is usually not the best deal. It’s just the cheapest price, and you may end up actually spending a lot more to get what you want.”

Travel Agents Can Save You Time

Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you’re researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel . A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you’re looking for, Harris said. “We also know seasonal trends, price fluctuations, popularity cycles, and… and how the booking websites’ algorithm models fare changes.”

Letting someone else book your trip for you frees you up to focus on packing and imagining the great time you’ll have.

Travel Agents Can Get You Perks/Amenities

Travel agents often have relationships with partners who provide them with pre-negotiated rates that are better than what you’d get on your own, said Diana Hechler, president of D Tours Travel . “These include amenities such as complimentary breakfast, upgrades when available, and early check-in/late check-out.”

Booking Yourself Puts Your Own Spin on It

While there are some benefits to using a travel agent, Kelli, owner of the travel blog, Vanabond Tales , said, “planning your own trip makes the trip more your own.”

“Easy ways to save money when planning your own trip is to be flexible on your days of travel, travel during the shoulder season, and use a flight aggregator to find the best deals on flights. These few tips will help you get the best deals when booking.”

She also recommends local coupon-based companies such as Groupon for discounts on things such as museum tickets and other activities. Many places also offer discounts when visited on certain days or at certain times which can be found on the specific company website.

Booking Yourself Saves You Money

Deanna Ford, owner of The Detailed Traveler website, points out that travel agents “are for convenience, not cost saving. They receive kick backs, commissions and perks from brands they are partnered with, so you won’t really be getting budget recommendations.”

Thanks to the ease of online booking and searching, Ruby Escalona, who authors the travel blogs, A Journey We Love and Voyage Florida , suggests that it is both easier and more affordable to plan your own vacation. You can use “travel hacks” such as credit card points and miles to save on hotels, flights and other attractions. Staying in Airbnbs can cut the cost of hotels, and you may be able to buy discounted gift cards or use referral credits to book your stay.

Booking Yourself Saves on Service Fees

Anh Le, owner of the travel blog, Luxury under Budget , also finds that booking trips yourself is more likely to save you money if you have the time to put in. “Travel agents have access to the same rates and they don’t get commissions on flights, so they often add an extra booking fee.” Le recommends setting up Google flight alerts to snatch up deals on flights when prices go down. “I have always been able to get flight deals even on big holidays…with this tactic.”

Emily Cuneo, of the travel blog Emily Embarks , agrees that by cutting out the travel agent, “you completely omit the hundreds of dollars in service fees.”

She recommends looking up accommodations through providers such as Expedia, then booking directly with the hotel once you’ve made your selection. “Second, using Skyscanner or Google Flights is a great way to compare prices based on airlines, dates, and layovers.”

Lastly, by avoiding expensive tour groups, travelers can save thousands of dollars by creating their very own walking tour of a city or a road trip around a country, she said.

While there is no right or wrong way to book a trip, knowing how much work you want to put in, and what your goals are, will help you decide.

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Travel Agent vs. Booking Online: What Is More Reliable?

Should You Book Online or Use a Travel Agent?

Are you planning a big trip soon? Before you start packing your bags, you need to figure out how to book your airfares and accommodation. Thanks to the internet and online booking technology, you no longer have to hire a travel agent, but does that mean you should always book online? In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of both options! 

Differences Between Booking Online and Travel Agents

Travel agents are brokers who help travelers find the best accommodation, airfares, transport, and activities. Travel agents can book everything for you, from flights and hotels to concert tickets and more! These travel experts can also advise on where to go, where to stay, sights you need to see, and more. They can use their skills and relationships with hotels and airlines to plan an incredible trip for you. 

In contrast to letting a travel agent handle all the logistics, you can hop online and book everything yourself. You can now go to a hotel or airline’s site and book directly with them, or you can use an online travel agent such as Booking.com or Expedia. Thanks to the internet and online booking technology, you can play the role of your agent, but before you start booking flights and hotels, check out the pros and cons of both options below!

Pros Of Using Travel Agent

Before you book that around-the-world trip all by yourself, consider using a travel agent. Here are the top reasons why millions of people prefer using travel agents!

• Exclusive deals  – Travel agents can often get you deals that you can’t find on the internet. They are especially skilled at finding you all-inclusive package options where your flights, hotels, and entertainment are combined for an amazing below-market price. Hiring travel agents can leverage their relationship with airlines and hotels to put together packages with unbeatable prices.
• Save efforts – It can be a massive headache jumping from one airline to another looking for a good flight. And then trying to book hotels can also be a nightmare; it is easy to lose hours of your life scrolling through Booking.com! Luckily, you can tell your travel agent exactly what you want; for example, you want to go to Rome and Paris on these dates, you want a mid-range hotel in the center of the city, and here is your budget. Then your agent will handle everything! 
• Provide expert advice – Travel agents don’t just help you book your dream trip; they can also offer advice and tips. They know where the best locations are, what the best hotels are, and which airlines to avoid. With a travel agent’s expert advice, you can discover places you never thought of visiting, stay at incredible hotels and have a once-in-a-lifetime trip! 

Cons Of Using Travel Agent

While travel agents do offer some unique advantages over booking online, they also have a few cons; check them out below:

• Not in complete control – While using a travel agent service may save you time, it also involves entrusting a 3rd party to book your trip. Using a travel agent may not be suitable if you like to be hands-on and are very particular about things. 
• Finding a trustworthy company is not always easy – While there are a lot of travel agents out there, many cannot provide significantly better deals than booking directly with hotels and airlines. Also, it is not uncommon for travel agents to make mistakes, such as booking the incorrect date or choosing the wrong hotel.
• Not suitable for quick trips – If you wake up one day and decide you want to go to London next week, then you are betting off booking online. Travel agents are often unable to accommodate spontaneous trips and need some time to sort out your travel logistics.

Pros Of Booking Online

Now you know the pros and cons of using a travel agent, it is time to check out the advantages of booking online:

• Faster – If you know exactly where you want to go and when it is typically faster to book online. You can hop an airline’s site and book your flight in a couple of minutes, and then do the same for a hotel. You don’t need to waste your time calling up travel agents, visiting physical offices, and chatting about different offers. Save time by just booking online!
• Lower cost – Sometimes, it is much cheaper to book online than use a travel agent. Travel agents usually can offer great deals on packaged holidays to touristy destinations such as the Maldives or Greece. However, if you are planning a week in New York and then a week in LA, they often can’t compete, and it makes sense to book online. 
• Book whenever you like – The beauty of the internet is that it is limitless! If you want to book your flight and hotel at 2 am, you can! You don’t have to wait for office hours from Monday to Friday to book your dream holiday.
• Complete control of your trip – When booking online, you don’t have to cede control of your travel logistics over to someone else. Whenever you add additional people to a task, it increases the risk of miscommunication. If you book everything yourself, you don’t have to worry about your travel agent booking the wrong hotel or airline or selecting an incorrect date! 

Cons Of Booking Online

Don’t go booking online just yet! Make sure you consider these disadvantages prior to whipping out your credit card and booking everything yourself:

• Easy to make mistakes – Booking hotels and tours in countries halfway across the world that you have never been to before is difficult. A few pictures and online reviews are often not enough to determine if a place is good or not. This is where travel agents can really shine by offering their expert advice!
• Customer service can be poor – Unfortunately, online travel agents are known for their horrendous customer service. It can be almost impossible to speak to someone if something goes wrong, and getting a timely refund can be a nightmare. 
• You need internet – If you are a little more old school and prefer to call your travel agent or go to a physical location, online booking is not for you!
• Too many options – It can be a little intimidating going online and seeing 30 different flights, hundreds of cities, and hotels. It is easy to develop decision paralysis and conclude it is all too difficult. Travel agents can simplify the process by coming up with 3 to 5 amazing options for you.

Final Thoughts

After cruising through this article, you should now have a pretty good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using travel agents to book online. We recommend you contact several travel agents and see what offers they have and then compare them with the online booking prices and choose the best!

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Travel Agents vs. Do-It-Yourself Online Travel Booking

Travelers find that travel agents can beat do-it-yourself online deals.

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Not long ago, travel advisors appeared to be sailing into the sunset as options for booking vacations online flourished. But business has been booming. The American Society of Travel Agents reports that about 27% of its members say that over half of their clients are working with a travel advisor for the first time. “Business is booming, and travel advisors continue to be a vital part of the travel industry" said Zane Kirby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors. 

With years of experience and knowledge about destinations, transportation options and vendors, an advisor can eliminate hours of online research time. Their knowledge and experience also gives them the foresight to prevent potential problems. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel advisors act as the traveler’s advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes 

The more complex or luxurious the trip, the more useful an agent can be. Agents have an inside track on deals and upgrades, and they can quickly solve problems or change plans while you're on a trip, says industry consultant Mark Murphy, at TravAlliancemedia. In some cases, travel agents don't charge their clients — for example, an agent who books a cruise may earn a 10% commission from the cruise line. Others impose booking fees — say, $30 for an airline ticket—or require a deposit that they'll keep if you cancel.

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Bottom line

Keeping up with the details of planning a trip is challenging enough. Travelers have faced pandemic-related restrictions and hassles with refunds and penalties for cancellations. Starting Next year, the EU will be requiring Americans traveling to Europe to pay a fee and you'll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) .Travel advisors have the skills to navigate the changing protocols and resources to take the stress out of travel planning.  

Related Content

• When to Hire a Travel Agent to Plan Your Trip
• Should You Use Credit Card Portals to Book Travel?
• How to Budget for a Vacation When Prices Keep Rising

Donna joined Kiplinger as a personal finance writer in 2023. She spent more than a decade as the contributing editor of J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax Guide and edited state specific legal treatises at ALM Media. She has shared her expertise as a guest on Bloomberg, CNN, Fox, NPR, CNBC and many other media outlets around the nation. 

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Booking With A Travel Agent vs Booking Online Yourself

Folks ask all the time why they need to book their family vacations with a travel agent. We could easily spout statistics like the fact that 51% of all U.S. travel is booked via travel agents but this doesn’t get to the crux of the situation. Let’s face it, it’s tempting to be able to book your own trips online. You can save a TON of money by comparison shopping and getting the lowest price online yourself. Besides using the services of a Travel Agent will cost more, Right? False. Here are a few benefits of booking with a travel agent.

Travel Agents are “All Inclusive”

Hotels, vacation package companies, and cruise lines include our commissions in their published prices. If you do all the work, they “pocket” the difference. Use a travel agent and you won’t be spending hours on the internet, hanging on phone hold for eternity or wasting any precious time wondering and worrying.

We Do Not Cost More

Vacationkids never charges services fees. Our services are free to our customers.  We earn our living but the sales commissions we earn from the hotels, cruises, sightseeing, and rental cars. The airlines haven’t paid commissions to travel agents since the mid-1990s.  This is why when we recommend infants should have their own airlines seats instead of flying free as a lap child, we’re not trying to part you from extra money. We’re trying to make sure your baby stays safe. If their parents want to use miles too book their flights or if there are cheaper rates online, Online Travel companies do charge service fees. They build them into the cost that you pay.

Travel Agents Are Pushy When it Comes to Booking a Trip

Any good travel agent knows it’s not about making the sale, it’s about creating happy clients. Happy clients become fans of your company, come back to you every year and recommend your company to others. We rejoice when we can save our clients money with a great deal. Our recommendations are based on the specific needs and requests of our clients & we don’t base our recommendations on industry sales incentives or bonus gifts. If we know of a better room or experience that will enhance our client’s family vacation, we’ll suggest it but that’s all. No pushing involved, we just do right by our families.

We Match Online Prices

We do our best to find you the best deals available. If you do find a cheaper price online, let us know. Nine times out of ten we can match or beat that price if you tell us about it. If we cannot beat it, we’ll tell you why it’s probably a scam and not a deal. You benefit by getting the best price and our great service.

Travel Agent Will Help You Save

Travel agents are privy to special flight prices, special hotel, and cruise cabin rates that consumers will never find online themselves. This feature alone will save you money. You must be a licensed travel agency or belong to a specific insider group. Beyond pricing, travel agents can often get special amenities like shipboard credits or insider tours that can enhance your family’s vacation.

We Save You Time

Busy parents recognize how valuable their time is to them. Parents can easily spend HOURS researching family vacation options online. With the amount of conflicting information available online, it’s easy to quickly get overwhelmed and confused. Many times, the questions perplexing many parents we agents can often answer right off the top of our heads thanks to our years of experience. If you have detailed questions or need to plan a complicated itinerary, we do all the work for you.  We can make the international phone calls to get your questions answered. We know who and how to reach out to in order to get the job done, saving you hours of frustration.

Travel Agents Understand The Fine Print

Most folks don’t bother reading the tiny, small print when they book trips themselves and this what usually “trips” them up. Even if folks do stop to read it, they may not be able to understand the implications. Travel Agents understand the rules, terms, and conditions. We can help navigate you to make sure you don’t make any costly mistakes that could cost you big time down the road.

We Protect You

Most DIY vacation planners don’t realize that medical insurance usually does not cover your family while on vacation out of the area or especially overseas. Many foreign countries will take your passport if you are admitted to a hospital and will expect payment in full for any treatment or surgery prior to discharge.  A good travel agent will make sure you have the proper peace of mind with the right travel insurance to keep your family safe and protected.

Travel Agents Have Contacts

You may notice from the pictures on Vacationkids, our staff visit most of the resorts we recommend.  You’ll see us pictured with staff members and management. There is a huge reason why we spend our own money to make these trips. Having these face to face meetings and knowing the right contacts truly benefits the vacation experience for our clients.  We know exactly who to speak to in order to make special requests for our families. This could mean things like adjoining rooms, welcome bottles of champaign or advanced restaurant reservations.

We Have Specialized Expertise

First-hand experience and expertise are what will change a typical vacation into a real memorable experience. Not every Travel Agent can humanly know every destination in the world. As travel agents, we too have favorite spots and types of family vacations that we’re passionate about selling.  This is why when you work with us here at Vacationkids, you’ll work with the family travel agent that can best serve your family. We have specific experts for Disney, family cruise, Caribbean/Mexico, Destination Weddings or even exotic trips like Thailand or Peru.

Travel Agents Have Priceless Advice

Visiting the resorts and places we recommend means we have the first-hand experience to pass along to our guests. We can help you choose the best rooms, eat at the best restaurants and find the best places to shop, all while saving you money. No two kids clubs are ever the same. Often you can’t tell from the website or brochure photos. We appreciate that this is very important for many parents. This is why we make it a point to inspect them for ourselves.  Our agents are available to you to help answer all of your questions directly from how to get your first passports to what you need to pack for your cruise.

We Prevent Hassles

DIY travel people don’t realize if the hotel they book does not live up to their expectations, they are left at the mercy of that hotel. Paying the cheapest rate for your room may mean you will be the first to have your room denied if the hotel over books.  There is a HUGE difference between great value and the cheapest price.  You may pay a low price for your family’s flight but that doesn’t mean you’ll make your connecting flight. This could result in an unexpected camp out at the airport terminal. A good travel agent knows certain airport require longer connection times to prevent problems.  A good agent utilizes the clout of a travel wholesaler to make sure you receive a low competitive price with a guaranteed room upon arrival.

Travel Agents Babysit Your Reservations

Many folks have commitment issues when it comes to pulling the trigger and confirming their reservations. They always think they will get a cheaper last-minute rate. Often they wait too long, forfeit availability and end up paying more for their vacation. Most people don’t realize that if their trip goes on sale, they can get a lower rate. A good travel agent will babysit your reservation and have any lower prices or sales applied to your reservation, even after you’ve made your initial deposit has been made. This is true for many cruises or Disney vacations. For Caribbean or Mexico resort vacations, our agents can direct you to price guarantee coverage that offers you the same option.

We Offer Affordable Payment Plans

Online booking websites normally require payment in full at the time you confirm your reservations. This means you could be paying huge credit card interest fees that will add to the total cost of your vacation in the long run. Many times, when you book with a travel agent you will only be required to pay a small deposit to confirm your family’s vacation reservations. Final payment for your trip will usually be required 45 to 60 days prior to your departure. In many cases, a travel agent can set up a monthly vacation layaway program that could save you hundreds on credit card interest.

Travel Agents Work As Your Troubleshooter

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected “stuff” happens while you’re on vacation.  When you book with a travel agent, they are with you every step of the way. We are your personal advocate. If you run into any issues, your travel agent can make calls and usually fix the situation. This means that you don’t have to waste valuable vacation time problem-solving. We usually know who to call and how to ask for the right solutions many times exceeding your expectations.

We Follow Thru

In the rare instance that you need to make a travel insurance claim or need to follow up on a complaint after you return home, your travel agent advocate continues to work on behalf of your family. We solve almost every problem to ensure your satisfaction.

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Using A Travel Agent vs Booking Yourself: Which Is Better?

The travel industry has changed in the last decade, with booking travel online becoming easier than ever. Thanks to advances in technology and improvements to online booking systems, you may be wondering if there is any point in using a travel agent to book trips. Booking travel for yourself can still take time as you scour the web for the best possible deals on flights, car hire, airport transfers and hotels. Using a travel agency can take a lot of the effort and stress away from you. However, there are also some perks to taking matters into your own hands too. 

Using a travel agent

Travel agents and travel management companies effectively help travellers to book trips and put together itineraries that meet the client’s needs. Using a travel agent can be convenient, especially for larger corporate trips which require a lot of coordination and planning. Many corporates prefer to take the travel agent route as they often do not have the resources within their organisations to take the time to plan business trips. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of using a travel agent. 

The benefits

Aside from increased convenience and time-saving, travel agents can offer customers some perks which are not necessarily accessible when you make online bookings yourself. These include the following. 

Travel expertise

If you’re planning a trip to a place you’ve never been before, a travel agent can provide you with some useful tips about the area such as the use of public transport or the quality of hospitality service. Travel agents will also have a better idea of the facilities in the area and about aspects such as social and cultural etiquette, which is especially useful for international travel.

Finding exclusive deals

In-person or online travel agencies often have access to special fares that are not always available to individual customers. They will also offer packages to corporate customers, the combined cost of which can sometimes end up being cheaper than if you were to book all aspects of the trip separately. 

Itinerary planning assistance 

Instead of you having to work out all the logistics surrounding your trip, travel agencies do that for you. Depending on your or your company’s requirements, travel agents will organise your flights, taxis, car rental and accommodation. In some cases, they can also help to book activities and meals, ensuring everything is taken care of. This aspect is particularly useful for larger groups of people who are travelling together. 

The drawbacks

As is the case with most things, there can be some drawbacks when you use a travel agency. These are largely due to the structure of their business models and the current agreements they have with airlines and hospitality businesses.

Limited to office hours

Travel agencies typically work according to standard office hours, which means they will only be available to answer any queries between 09:00 and 17:00. When you’re booking something yourself, you have the flexibility to make bookings and changes whenever is convenient for you.

They may advise based on their contracts and commission

Just because a travel agent suggests certain hotels or transport options, doesn't necessarily mean they have managed to find you the best deal. Many of the organisations that attach themselves to travel agencies set targets to ensure they meet sales projections and the required “feet through the door”.

Customers can incur large booking charges

When you opt to use a travel agency, there are often heft booking fees charged to you for using their services. It’s worth investigating whether or not you will still save money with any special fares when the booking charges are added to your final bill. Using a travel agency does not always save you money versus when you book everything by yourself.

Limited on options

Travel agencies have a portfolio of accommodation and activity options available to them. However, when you book a trip as an individual, you have more freedom to choose where you go and what you do, because you have all the travel options available to you. You’re also not limited to specific hotel chains or airlines associated with a given travel agency. 

There are sometimes hidden costs

Most travel agencies will do their best to take all aspects of your trip into account, however, there are some costs they may not include in the final bill such as visa charges or tourism charges. Although these are generally small amounts, hotels in some countries will only inform you of these charges once you have arrived. If you’re travelling with a large group of people this can become expensive and an unexpected cost is not what you want when you’ve put your faith in a travel agency. 

Why you should use a travel management company

If you’re not keen on using a travel agency because you want more control over your trip, you would consider using a travel management company . Management companies tend to take a far more collaborative approach when it comes to planning travel. Here are some of the benefits associated with using a travel management company. 

Collaborative booking process

A travel management company will take a look at the specific needs you’ve listed for your trip. They will make suggestions based on all the available options and ensure that flights, accommodations and activities align with what you have in mind. They will take your ideas on board and make informed suggestions based on what is available.

All requirements considered

There’s the perfect balance of your input and requirements combined with professional guidance. For example, if you know you need a boardroom or meeting rooms and areas to host larger groups of people, this is something that can be delivered by a travel management company. Trusted Stays is an example of a travel management company that takes all accommodation requirements into consideration to make sure professional travel needs are met. 

Improved organisation

The travel management company will be in charge of putting your itinerary together in a concise, comprehensible format that you can easily read and distribute to the rest of the people travelling with you. Their systems will give you an improved sense of organisation before you embark on your journey. 

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AAA Travel vs. Booking Online Yourself

One of the incredible benefits of the internet is the access it gives us to numerous websites where we can plan and book the vacation we want. But just because we can do something doesn't mean we know how to do it better than the professionals. Planning for travel requires expertise, which is why it's often more beneficial to book with a travel agent, rather than on your own online. So, what are the benefits of booking with a travel agent? We're glad you asked.

Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

There are undoubtedly benefits to booking your vacation online yourself, including convenience and cost savings. But what if we told you that you could save even more in the long run by relying on a travel agent? When it comes to using a travel agent vs. booking online, you may be surprised to learn travel agents have broader access to deals and discounts than you can find if you did DIY vacation planning. 

Check out the video below and learn more about the experience, expertise and team working to make your trip memorable when you choose AAA. 

Here are some other advantages of booking with a travel agent instead of online.

• Save time:  Research shows that people who book trips themselves using online booking sites tend to spend  upwards of 30 hours  researching before making a reservation. They also tend to spread this time over several weeks, often making the time spent looking into their vacation much longer than the getaway itself. That cuts into the free time you should spend relaxing instead of staring at a computer. Travel agents don't need to invest that much time on research, since finding deals and planning vacations is their job and they're pros at it. Whereas the average person takes weeks to arrange everything, a travel agent can do it in days or even hours, leaving you with only the job of enjoying the vacation.
• Get deals:  It's not difficult to compare prices on flights or hotels, and you may even score an excellent discount on a vacation package via an online booking site. But no matter how great the deal you find yourself is, a travel agent will likely be able to find you something better — mostly because travel agents get access to unique bargains that aren't available to the public. They can even find you discounts on tourist sites and other vacation activities.
• Save money:  Contrary to popular belief, using a travel agent doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to pay more for your vacation. Instead, you may find yourself spending less overall, since travel agents won't surprise you with hidden costs and will also provide insurance and advocacy to help you get your money back if you need to cancel your trip. On top of that, thanks to their insider knowledge and connections, travel agents can find you better deals on airfare,  saving you hundreds of dollars , which means the most cost-effective options and short or no layovers. Plus, if there's an emergency that forces you to cancel or postpone your trip, your travel agent can help you reschedule without charging you extra.
• Low stress:  Ensuring all your documents are up to date is one stressful part of travel that you can leave to a professional travel agent to handle. They'll alert you if you need to update your documentation — including if you need a visa for your destination — and will let you know of any religious or cultural regulations for your destination, which you may not find listed on online booking sites.
• Expert knowledge:  Aside from being professionals, travel agents are also often avid travelers themselves, so they can offer firsthand advice about your destination — such as personal recommendations for dining and shopping — and they might be able to set you up with connections in various cities, such as local tour guides. If you're planning a trip to a new city, you can forgo all the extensive research regarding the safest areas to visit, the best sites to see and even how long to stay to get the full experience because your travel agent will be able to answer all that and more for you in one go.

Still wondering, "Should I use a travel agent, or book it myself?" The primary reason to book online is if you're planning a short trip, especially to a place you've visited many times before, or if you're keen on experiencing a student backpacker's way of traveling. Alternately, if you have the time and energy and even enjoy the nitty-gritty of planning a big vacation, by all means, do it yourself. However, remember travel agents will have insider access to discounts and information that you, as an average person, will not, so it may still be smart to communicate with an agent and take advantage of their years of experience.

Benefits of AAA Travel Agents

While there are inherent benefits of travel agents, not all travel agencies are the same. For instance, many people don't know that AAA offers travel benefits for everyone and additional perks for AAA members.  AAA travel agents  have their finger on the pulse of the industry and provide professional experience, as well as unique benefits that are only available to AAA members.

• Passport photos:  Did you know both members and nonmembers can get passport photos at local AAA offices ? You can also pick up application forms there, making the passport renewal or application process a little less hectic for you.
• Discount hotels:  When searching for deals on hotel stays, you can enter your AAA member number to score discounts that won't be visible to nonmembers.
• Airfare costs:  Similarly, booking your flight with AAA travel agents allows you to save on paying to use third-party sites, while also taking advantage of discounts and upgrades not available to the public.
• Vacation planning:  The most significant perk of becoming a AAA member is getting access to professional travel agents who can take the stress out of planning a vacation, especially for large groups and families. Avoid sifting through hundreds of sites trying to find the best deal and let a pro do it for you in a fraction of the time — and provide better discounts than you'd find on your own. Plus, members get access to  exclusive maps and guidebooks  for a range of destinations to help you get the most out of your vacation.
• Travel emergencies:  One of the most significant benefits of travel agents, in general, is the fact that they'll advocate for you in the event of an emergency. Whether it's a flight cancellation, a natural disaster at your destination or a family emergency that forces you to cut your trip short, your travel agent will be able to support you throughout. They'll help guide you through the details to ensure you don't lose thousands of dollars over circumstances beyond your control.
• No cost:  The expertise and services of AAA travel agents are free for AAA members. So, there's no additional cost to take advantage of travel agents and the host of benefits and perks they can provide you, making it the wiser choice to book with a travel agent than by yourself.

On top of all that, AAA members continue to have access to AAA's signature roadside assistance , plus discounts on rental cars and admission to various theme parks.  

Book Your Next Vacation With AAA Travel

Spend less time planning your vacation and more time looking forward to it by taking advantage of AAA travel agents and the benefits of being a AAA member. Whether you're planning a family vacation to Disneyland or a weekend getaway, AAA Travel is available to help take the stress out of vacation planning, so you can truly enjoy your trip. Plus, with your existing AAA membership benefits, you'll have peace of mind no matter where you are.

Browse our  vacation packages  or talk to a travel agent to  start planning your holiday  today.

Life with insatiable wanderlust.

Using A Travel Agent vs Booking Yourself

I’ll start this off by saying I’m a big fan of researching and booking my own trips and I’ll definitely continue to do so.

I’ll also say that I used to be a travel agent. I wasn’t one in your traditional sense of sitting in an office waiting for people to walk in. I was a wholesale groups travel consultant. Basically I sat with an earpiece in all day starting at a computer screen with no contact with the actual clients. The traditional travel agents would call me looking for the best wholesale travel rates for their clients, and in my particular job, large groups. I did everything a traditional travel agent did, just on the wholesale side. So I do know the ins and outs of the travel industry having worked in it, having extensively traveled and now…dum dum dummmmm…using a travel agent recently.

***TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19***

My dad WAS getting remarried in June (they just did it over Zoom during lockdown instead, ha!) and they decided they wanted to do destination in Mexico. It basically came down to two options: everyone books the best flight/resort package they can find on their own through Expedia or whatever OR we all go through an agent.

I knew going into it a few things. 1. I knew that agents are typically more expensive than booking an online package 2. Agents will often price match whatever it is you find online 3. Going through an agent gives you the option to pay in installments

#3 was the main reason for all of us going through an agent because when dealing with a very large group like we have, everyone has different financial situations and the typical traveler just doesn’t have like $3000 to shell out all at once on Priceline. So after a laborious month of me endlessly searching and narrowing down locations and then finally a resort for these nuptials, we took the information to a travel agent.

Naturally, as expected, the agent was quite a bit more expensive than the online package I found. However, she said she’d price match. Price matching has to be a perfect apples to apples match of course for her to do it, so I spent quite a lot of time and effort screenshotting and timestamping every price and photo from three separate cities (people traveling from all over!) for her to price match for us. Naturally, agencies aren’t going to WANT to price match…and so she (they?) put up a fight. There was every reason ever given to me as to why they couldn’t price match and it came down to the fare class booking codes not matching. For example, every class of service (economy, first, etc) has a one-letter booking code for your ticket. The problem is, economy tickets have like 11 possible letters depending on how much you pay. And those fare letters are sometimes hard to find before you purchase anything. So the same exact ticket she was able to pull for us in her system didn’t match the fare class that I found online. No way of knowing this beforehand because I obviously can’t see her system. It also may not have been true, I dunno, but either way it was an uphill battle to attempt to get a price match and then not get it at all.

We now are left with the only reason we booked with her: paying in installments. Since all-inclusives and resort vacations aren’t my cup of tea, I personally wouldn’t save any money doing those flight + hotel deals. And we also don’t stay in hotels hardly ever, we like AirBnB. And because of that way of traveling, the most we usually fork out at once is like $600-700 MAX for two tickets somewhere (using points for some of it usually!) and then we save a little bit more and get our AirBnB at a later date, then save some more to take with us on the actual trip. So it’s like a weird Sam and Al version of installments? Either way, this wedding is falling under the lump sum kind of flight + hotel type of trip, so we needed a way to pay installments and this agent was the only way to to do that.

Now for the fun (not) part…because she couldn’t price match, we had to do the normal $200 per person deposit on this much-more-expensive-than-online package. Okay…fine…easy enough. BUT!!!!!! She found a cheaper priced package for us departing from Nashville flying with Southwest. Great! I love Southwest! But…wait…SOUTHWEST DOESN’T TAKE DEPOSITS. Okay, angry breathing. Now we are torn between having to pay the total cost of the flight portion up front ($$$$$) with the much cheaper overall Southwest package total, or do the $200 per person regular deposit using a different airline but end up paying way more in the long run. We ended up choosing the Southwest route to save money down the road…but LORDY LORD.

To me, working with an agent is  not fun.  If you aren’t too worried about the cost of your trip or think being able to pay in installments is worth the overall price hike in the end, then maybe an agent would be the way to go for you since you wouldn’t be back and forth over price matching or anything. But I’ve made it my life to find the absolute rock bottom travel costs on anything and saving money and traveling cheap are a big part of how Al and I even do it so often. So I’ll say no more agents for me. I just couldn’t personally get over the fact that it was so much more expensive. But if you can turn a blind eye to that, are happy with the price an agent gives you, are going on a common flight+hotel trip and need installments…then an agent would be fine.

So let’s break down the pros and cons:

In the end, it comes down to you, how you like to travel and how much you want to spend. To me, cost is the biggest factor so no more agents.

If you want to know how I do it all myself, it’s all right HERE!

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Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Join CHOICE

Travel agent vs do it yourself

With so many websites offering discount holiday bookings, do you even need a travel agent.

We wanted to compare travel agents with DIY travel bookings to see which option saved the most money and uncovered the best holiday deals. 

So we set up three hypothetical trips to one of the most popular holiday destinations for Australians – Bali – and approached travel agents as would-be travellers looking for prices.

Our three types of hypothetical holiday-maker are: 

• a couple wanting a luxury romantic escape
• a solo traveller seeking adventure
• parents with young children needing some time out.

As well as reaching our own verdict, we also checked in with the travel agents to get their take on people arranging their own trips.

On this page:

Our verdict

Scenario 1: luxury romantic escape, scenario 2: solo traveller, scenario 3: family holiday, what the travel agents say, your rights and travel agents.

It may take more time to DIY your holiday, depending on how computer savvy you are, but it can lead to huge savings.

Doing it yourself

Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios. The DIY booking for the luxury holiday saved a massive $2451, more than a third less than the agent's price. 

In most cases it was pretty quick and easy to make bookings online, although this was because we knew exactly what we were looking for and the itineraries were fairly simple. 

Using a travel agent

If you didn't know what to look for, travel agents' suggestions and advice could save hours of research by quickly narrowing down the endless options of hotels and tour packages available in Bali. 

Each agent was knowledgeable about the destination and happy to tweak the itinerary according to our preferences.

Booking holidays ourselves worked out cheaper than using an agent in all three scenarios

Booking through an agent also came with a comforting certainty that all the details were correct, whereas when booking online we had to keep double checking that dates and details all lined up. This would become even more laborious with more complex itineraries.

Combined approach

If you want the best of both worlds, you can always get an itinerary and quote from an agent, do your own search for the cheapest prices online, and then ask the agent to match or beat the prices you've found (although not all offer a 'price beat' guarantee). At the very least, it's worthwhile quickly checking the hotel's and airline's own websites in case they're offering a significantly lower price than the agent. 

It's also worth looking at flights with other airlines. Although this introduces many more variables, changing airlines can result in big savings. But make sure you're aware of the airline's safety record and track record for delays and cancellations. 

What about hotel comparison sites?

We checked at least one hotel price comparison website for each itinerary, but their price always came in higher than both the agent's quote and the hotel's own website.

Booking a romantic luxury escape ourselves rather than through an agent saved us the most out of the three scenarios. Credit: themulia.com

7 nights' accommodation at The Mulia in a Baron Garden View Suite, including breakfast, flights and airport transfers.

We presented as a couple wanting to stay somewhere luxurious on a total budget of $7000. 

Travel agent

The travel agent responded to our online enquiry within a couple of hours, suggesting two resorts: Anantara Uluwatu and The Mulia. 

We chose The Mulia in Nusa Dua and the agent quickly sent through a package quote just under budget at $6887. 

The package included seven nights' accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers and return Qantas flights, as well as an add-on product ($49 per person) giving extra benefits and services such as price-drop protection. 

We asked for the add-on product to be removed and for a price breakdown. The agent sent through a revised quote for $6789, but said a price breakdown wasn't possible.

• Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast, airport transfers and Qantas flights 
• Total: $6789

The Mulia's own website offers hotel and flight packages, so we checked this option first. 

A package including the same room (with breakfast, but no airport transfers) and return flights with Garuda Indonesia airline cost $6113 – significantly less than the agent's quote. We emailed the hotel about adding transfers to this package and were told it would cost $84 return (800,000 in Indonesian rupiah, or IDR), taking the total price of the package to $6197.

We then looked at booking the room and flights separately. The Mulia website offered seven nights' accommodation in the Baron Garden View Suite including breakfast and transfers for $3045 (IDR 29,148,000).

We then found the same return Qantas flights for $1293 using a price comparison site. Combined with the accommodation and transfers booked directly through The Mulia website, the flights took the total DIY package cost to just $4338, saving a whopping $2451 on the travel agent's quote. 

• Seven nights in The Baron Garden View Suite at The Mulia including breakfast and transfers – $3045
• Qantas flights – $1293
• Total: $4338

Result: DIY is $2451 (36%) cheaper

Booking a solo trip with adventure activities was straightforward without the help of a travel agent.

9-day Intro Travel Bali Intro tour with activities, accommodation and flights, plus one extra night's stay in Bali and airport transfer.

The second enquiry was for a solo traveller who had a budget of $3000. We asked for adventure activities and the chance to meet other solo travellers.

The agent asked some questions about what kind of activities and experiences we were looking for before talking us through three different tour packages. 

We chose the Bali Intro tour and the agent sent through a quote several hours later for $2204, which included the tour (eight nights' accommodation, one-way airport transfer, eight meals and activities), return flights with Virgin, two nights' stay in a hotel before the tour and one night after it. 

After some discussion about the extra accommodation, we decided to remove the two-night stay before the tour but keep the post-tour stay, as the agent recommended allowing plenty of time to return to the main island for the flight the next day. 

The revised quote was well under budget at $1984. A $2 charity donation was added to the bill, which the agent hadn't mentioned.

• Bali Intro tour – $1099
• Flights – $797
• Departure transfer – $35
• Post-tour hotel – $51
• Charity donation – $2
• Total: $1984

Booking the same holiday online was straightforward. We booked the Bali Intro tour directly through the company's website for the same price ($1099). Using Virgin's own site, we found the same flights for $777. The Virgin flights were also available on a flight comparison site for $723. Flying with Jetstar on the same dates would have cost $629, including 20kg of luggage, entertainment and meals.

The post-tour hotel (with breakfast) was available on Agoda for $54, $3 more than quoted by the agent. We emailed the hotel and were told an airport transfer would cost $21 (IDR 200,000).

Overall, it cost $181 more to book through the agent. And although some people use agents for the perceived convenience, all the emails back and forth actually ended up taking up more time than the DIY option.

• Flights – $629 (Jetstar)
• Departure transfer – $21
• Post-tour hotel – $54 
• Total: $1803

Result: DIY is $181 (9%) cheaper

We saved $585 by booking a Bali family holiday ourselves. Credit: booking.com

9 nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers.

The third enquiry was for a family of four (two adults, a five year-old and a three year-old) with a budget of $7000. We said we wanted a family-friendly resort that had child-minding or kids' club facilities.

The travel agent responded to our online enquiry with two flight options and detailed information on three resorts, along with pricing for each package. 

We chose the Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa and flights on Malindo Air, which the agent said was $350 cheaper than flying with Garuda. 

The agent sent through a package including return Malindo Air flights (with 20kg baggage per person but no meals), nine nights at the Bali Mandira in a Superior Room with breakfast, and two-way airport transfers – all for a total of $6570. 

The accommodation came with a number of extras or 'value adds', including a 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, a half-price kids' meal at a buffet and theme dinner, free meals for kids when dining with their parents from the à la carte menu at the main restaurant, and  $11 spa credit for each adult. The agent said they weren't able to break down the package pricing.

• Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including breakfast, flights and transfers
• Total $6570

We found the same room on the hotel's website including breakfast and return airport transfers for $3349. This room also came with some value adds: 10% discount at an on-site restaurant, 15% discount at the main restaurant, 10% spa discount for one treatment, and 20% discount for pre-booked signature spa treatments. 

The flights on Malindo Air's website cost $3481, which, combined with the accommodation found on the Bali Mandira's website, would take the total package to $6830 – higher than the agent's quote. But flights on the same dates with Jetstar (with 20kgs luggage, no meals) cost $2636, although the outbound flight arrived in Bali at 9pm rather than 4.50pm, which might be less convenient for people with young children. The total for the DIY package with Jetstar flights was $5985.

• Nine nights at Bali Mandira Beach Resort and Spa including buffet breakfast and transfers – $3349
• Return flights – $2636 (Jetstar)
• Total: $5985

Result: DIY is $585 (9%) cheaper

A professional travel agent can make your entire experience hassle free.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) says booking with an ATAS (AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme) accredited travel agent has many benefits.

Professional and personal travel specialists  

A professional travel agent is trained to make your entire experience – from start to end – hassle free. They also tailor the itinerary to suit specific requests and find packages and products that suit your unique wants and needs. 

Customer advocacy 

If you experience a problem while travelling, your agent will act on your behalf, and is there to rectify any travel-related issues you encounter. 

Expert guidance  

Agents are trained destination and product experts and know how to sort through the myriad of travel information available. Their knowledge and network means they also have access to the best deals. 

Time saving

An agent has a world of travel information at their fingertips, saving you countless hours of online searching and frustration. 

Convenience

Travel agents are a 'one-stop shop' that can handle every aspect of your travel – from booking airline tickets, ground transfers, tours and activities to arranging travel insurance. 

A personal touch 

A travel agent will ensure the accuracy of your booking details, advise with visa applications, assist with travel documentation, and provide valuable travel hints and tips.

In 2014 the Australian travel industry became deregulated as the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) was abolished, backed by industry and government. 

The TFC had ensured consumers were compensated when travel agents went broke, but under new rules travel agents no longer have to be licensed. It means you could be left stranded and out of pocket if a travel agent goes bust (although if you act fast, you can ask your bank for a credit card chargeback .) 

There's now only the voluntary Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), run by the peak body Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), which vets travel agents to make sure they meet certain standards such as being reliable and properly trained. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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12 Big Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Thursday, July 18th, 2019

Tags: travel agents , travel planning , World Travel

By Shawn Hornaday

When airlines and hotels introduced online booking, travel agents were expected to go the way of the milkman. However, as technology and the global economy makes the world smaller and smaller, the role of the travel agent has never been more robust.

We’ll touch on many of the ways a travel agent can provide you with value and humanity in an age of digital overload and artificial intelligence. Let go of the DIY ethos, trust a team of travel experts, and you could discover travel beyond your wildest dreams. 

Here are 12 reasons to use a travel agent vs do it yourself (DIY) for your next vacation:

1. Convenience and Peace of Mind

You’re busy. Do you really have time, between work and other responsibilities, to orchestrate all the moving parts that go into the perfect DIY vacation? Vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fulfilling… not overbearing.

Not only can the planning be stressful, but anxiety over the execution can ruin the fun of the vacation. Get out of the hot seat and put the work and pressure into the hands of a professional. Your travel agent is your personal concierge through the vacation of a lifetime – for a lifetime.

2. A Relationship of Trust    

As your travel agent gets to know you, he or she will discover how you like to travel and what makes for a winning experience. This personalized service allows the agent to better tailor your travels and future vacations to your tastes and desires. Your travel agent can become as trusted as your insurance agent or doctor… the difference being that the conversation and the service is a lot more fun!

3. Not a Robot or Heartless Tech Giant

Agents listen to your vacation wants and needs and use that passion to craft and deliver packages and experiences that fit like Cinderella in her slipper. Through the magic of interpersonal connections, you will find that agents can outperform any online travel platform. Travel professionals are committed to your happiness and motivated by the potential for repeat and referral business.

Who needs AI when you have everything you need from real people with a heart for helping people enjoy travel and with a mind for value and service?      

4. So Many Options

The options available to a global tourist are unlimited. Brand new regional airlines, fleets of cruise ships, dining options, attractions, assortments of boutique hotels, niche tours, and digital platforms like Expedia or Kayak.com… information overload can freeze your travel plans in their tracks. A travel agent can cut through the noise, balance out the pro’s and con’s, effectively budget your time, and recommend the essential experiences and best vendors in any destination.

5. Save Money

Bet you didn’t see this coming. Travel agents’ relationships with vendors like hotels, airlines, and tour guides can give you access to group discounts. Agents have access to systems where they can bundle your entire package at discounted prices that you can’t see online.

Goofed up and missed a flight or connection? Travel agents can help you rebook flights and lodging often with tangible savings than if you rebooked solo.

6. Your Travel Advocate and “Roadside Assistant”

Good travel agents are much like your group’s personalized mission command. We’re there to prepare you for your specific experience and see you through to your happy return home.

If something does go wrong on the road, having a travel agent is like having a champion to get your vacation back on track. From lost luggage to overbooked hotels to missed flights to canceled tours… agents can help with just about anything that can go wrong on the road. Regardless of whose fault it is, your travel agent will fight for corrections and quickly source well-informed backup plans that make the most of the situation.

7. Added Value and Exclusive Access

It’s important to realize that many hotels and tours view agents as preferred partners that bring business to their establishments. It’s fairly common, therefore, that guests booked through agents tend to get VIP treatment. 

Agents often have access to perks like room or cabin upgrades, tour extras, complimentary items and exclusive extras that may not be accessible for the same money on a DIY vacation.

Interested in velvet rope access to an art exhibition, a bottle service at the hottest nightclub, an off-market seat on a private jet, or a passage on the maiden voyage of a new cruise ship? Your travel agent could be your backstage pass.

8. Group Travel is Booming    

With travel being more affordable than ever, it is increasingly popular to see extended families, groups of friends and colleagues book vacations together. Whether we’re talking about a family reunion or a corporate retreat there’s a lot to juggle and many people to please.

The logistical challenges mount even further when we need to accommodate party members traveling from different points of origin. Whoever stepped up to be the lucky person to plan all of this travel might just be a wee bit scared things won’t pull off!

Managing complicated travel logistics are a travel agent’s bread and butter. Your travel experts are likely to  have access to bulk discounts on airfare, lodging, catering, ground transit, and group tours. Agents can take significant pressure off a travel group’s organizer and appease the revelers with the smooth execution of a tailored experience.

9. Multi-Leg Travel Made Easy

Traveling to multiple cities, regions, and countries over a single vacation is an amazing opportunity. Yet, getting all of the logistics and planning right so that all of your connections and accommodations dovetail is pretty tricky. This is another area where agents skills and value shine.

10. A Window into a Changing World

Travel agents are connected to world news but with a trained perspective and focus. They know when a destination is to be avoided and can propose equally breathtaking alternatives. Good agents get you the most accurate information on travel advisories, vaccination recommendations, security issues, and visa requirements. They are your eyes and ears on the ground and will make sure you don’t put yourself in a situation you will regret later.

11. Better Destinations at the Best Times

Want to catch an up-and-coming destination before it becomes overrun with tourists and prices skyrocket? Your travel agent will have the inside scoop. Travel experts can also tell you if a marquee destination will be dead, overcrowded or overpriced during your target dates.

12. You Don’t Get a Do-Over on a Bad Vacation

You probably requested time off, spent hard-earned money, and planned your vacation months, or even years, in advance. Don’t leave it to chance or a DIY travel miscalculation. Personalized service from travel experts can shift the odds in your favor. It’s your best chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that doesn’t get derailed by solvable problems. Travel agents make accessible the destinations, experiences, and travel support that only come with a personal, professional touch.

For more related content read our post Top 6 reasons to use a travel agent in a Covid 19 World for more information on the merits of using a travel agent vs do it yourself vacation planning.

READY TO DISCOVER

At Central America Journeys, we make dream vacations a reality. This world is full of beauty, magic and adventure just waiting for you to explore. Let us help you craft an itinerary that encompasses your interests and passions, and quenches your wanderlust. Tell us what most intrigues you or let us make a recommendation and design an unforgettable travel experience. We are here to take the stress out of travel planning and ensure that your time abroad is spent fully enjoying your vacation, worry-free.

If your wanderlust is calling, why not start by filling in our travel enquiry form or give us a call at (877) 509-6033. We take the stress out of planning and deliver highly personalized travel packages and concierge service for individuals, families, and groups.

We are proud members of Sustainable Travel International, and ALTOUR/Travel Square One LLC.

With an adventurous spirit,

Your friends at Central America Journeys

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