According to Kristen Hamlin, in an article on USAToday.com, "... it would seem that travel agents might go the way of the dinosaurs. The American Society of Travel Agents, though, reports travel agents sell 85 percent of all cruises and 70 percent of all packages and tours, as of 2008. Agents are still in demand, and offer plenty of benefits when you are booking your vacation."
In the RealSimple.com Weekend Getaway guide, a reprint of the Learnvest.com article "When (and Why) to Use a Travel Agent" advised of the situations that never require the assistance of a travel agent, or do they? The writer suggested you don't need a travel agent if you find a great deal on a "Deal Site." On the contrary, travel agents have relationships with industry only travel suppliers. We research the best deal when buying a television, why not make sure that popular "Deal Site" is really offering you the lowest price/best deal available.
Why you should use a travel agent:
- Save time and money
- Your time is precious. How long would it take you to research the best deal on flights, hotels, activities, and transfers to your favorite ski resort? Now add the time to plan for the rentals, the lift tickets, and reservations to that popular restaurant where you wanted to dine, when you were last at the resort. Let your agent do the work.
- Convenience
- You have an idea on where you want to go, when you want to go. You want to stay at your favorite hotel, and you want to rent a car from your preferred agengy. Now you have to sit down and make all the calls, visit all the websites, and keep track of the details. Let your agent do the work.
- You are traveling with a group
- Trying to coordinate departures and arrivals for a group of people can be a trying task. Now throw in schedule changes and adding your friend that has decided to join the group at the last minute. Let your agent do the work.
- To get travel recommendations
- Travel agents are offered great deals on travel to familiarize them with a region or resort. They also have opportunities to become "specialists" in a region or resort, allowing you to have a one stop shop for answering questions like "How long is ski season?" and "Are there activities within walking distance from the resort?" Let your agent do the work.
- It's all about the perks
- Travel agents often have access to perks that you might not get on your own, such as a vehicle or room upgrade, a fee waiver, or a resource at your destination that can plan a special event on location. The travel page on USAToday.com posted an article with a quote that sums it up: "But it's not what you pay walking in the door, it's what you pay when you leave." Let your agent do the work
- You are traveling internationally
- If you are traveling internationally for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. When am I required to have a Visa? Is it safe to travel alone, should I join a tour group. Also, you need information such as, if I get hurt or lost how do I ensure my safety. Let your agent do the work.
The competition is out there. We see it when we are planning a weekend getaway online and when we look for flights and rental cars to plan a visit to see family on the other side of the country. Long gone are the days of adding fees and surcharges for the time a travel agent spends on planning your trip. The average travel agent is running a home-based business and has very little overhead. They are being paid commissions on bookings from hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. They are happy to be your concierge, your friend, and your agent. Your travel agent is willing to help you plan a weekend getaway to Las Vegas and an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica for your anniversary.
Are you ready to take the stress out of planning for your next vacation?
Tiffany Nowden
Owner, Nowden Premium Travel
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