Does anybody here remember the days before online booking? If you’re old enough, you might remember having to call a travel agent on the phone to book your vacation. Some of us even used to have to go into an office and talk to someone face-to-face!
Nowadays, of course, in the internet age, we can simply log onto our computers or pull out our phones and book our own travels. So, with this technology at our fingertips, are travel agents worth it anymore?
What do travel agents do?
The first question to answer is: what do travel agents even do? If you can find your own travel deals, why would you need someone else to do it for you?
Well, a travel agent’s job is to make the booking process easier for you. They will work with you to figure out what kind of trip you want to take and then they will find the best deals on flights, adventurous activities that you’ll enjoy, and of course, help you find the best hotels at your destination.
They can also help you plan your itinerary so that you make the most of your trip. And, if something goes wrong while you’re traveling, they can often help you fix the problem or at least point you in the right direction.
Travel planning can be a time-consuming and stressful process, so having someone else do it for you can be a huge relief.
How much do travel agents cost?
Usually, travel agents don’t charge you anything for their services. Instead, they make money by getting a commission from the hotel rooms, airlines, and other companies that they book for you.
So, if you are booking trips on your own, you might be able to find some cheaper rates and spend less money. But, if you value your time and appreciate not having to deal with the hassle of planning your trip, then a travel advisor might be worth the cost.
When should you get a travel agent?
Generally speaking, you should use a travel advisor if you’re planning a new trip or a trip to an unfamiliar destination.
A travel agent can help you plan a difficult trip because they have the knowledge and experience to know what works and what doesn’t. They can also save you a lot of time and sometimes save money by doing the research for you.
And, if you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before, using a travel agent can be a valuable resource. They can tell you about different places to stay, things trip to do, and how to get around. Doesn’t that sound a lot better than trying to figure it all out on your own?
People also use travel agents when they’re planning a trip for a large group. If you’re trying to coordinate travel for a family reunion or a wedding, for example, it can be difficult to do everything yourself. A travel agent can help make sure that everyone gets where they need to go and that you don’t miss any important details.
Are there drawbacks?
As with any service, there are some potential drawbacks to using a travel agent.
First of all, as we mentioned before, travel agents do have the potential to add some cost to your trip. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest rates, you might be able to find the best deal by booking your own trips.
Additionally, a travel agency usually works with a limited number of hotels, airlines, and other companies. So, if you have a specific hotel or airline that you want to use, you might not be able to book through a travel agent.
Sometimes, people also feel like they lose some control when they use a travel agent. If you’re the type of person who likes to be in charge of every aspect of your trip, you might not want to hand over the reins to someone else.
Finally, it’s important to remember that travel agents are human beings, just like the rest of us. They make mistakes sometimes and they might not always have your best interests at heart.
That’s why it’s important to do your own research and to choose a travel agent that you can trust.
How to pick a good travel agent
Believe it or not, there are some bad agents out there. You might get scammed or you might end up with a trip that’s not quite what you wanted.
So, how can you avoid these problems?
- Check for credentials: First of all, you should make sure that your travel agent has the proper credentials. The American Society of Travel Advisors, for example, requires its members to have a certain amount of experience and to pass a test.
- Do your research: Next, you should do some research on potential travel agents. Read online reviews and talk to people you know who have used the agent in the past.
- Get recommendations: You can also get recommendations from hotels, airlines, and other travel-related businesses.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to find a good travel agent who can help you plan the trip of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
So, are travel agents worth it? We think so! Travel agents save you time and money, and they can help you plan a complicated trip. Just remember to do your research before you choose an agent, and you should be good to go.
Have you used a travel agent before? What was your experience like? If you liked this article, browse our website for more great travel tips.
