Here are a few tips:
- Look for the right certification. If the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) (www.asta.org), that's a promising sign. ...
- If at all possible, stay local. There's no substitute for the personal touch. ...
- Interview the agent. ...
- Find out how they react under pressure.
Word of mouth is still a good way to find out about a travel agent. Personal recommendations from friends and family are a good source. But you can also look at what other people think about them online. Get a pretty clear idea, and in particular see what previous customers say, see if they are satisfied.
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Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
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- You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
- You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
- You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
- They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.
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Pros of hiring a travel agent Hassle-free booking: A travel agent books everything for you, so you don't have to worry about the details.
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National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!
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The main difference between travel consultants and agents is that travel consultants plan trips, while travel agents book them. Travel agents may be better skilled at locating the best prices for flights and hotels.
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Travel agents don't cost more than self-organizing a trip. They save you time and money with their expertise, and can even help you get free amenities. Travel agents offer payment plans that allow you to pay for your trip gradually and avoid financial strain.
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However, using a travel agent still has some unique benefits. Travel agents can find you exclusive fares, offer specialist expertise, and help you plan and coordinate your trip. Even today, many people seek them out for a more personalized travel experience.
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While you could spend hours scouring the internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent's hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip.
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When you book directly on an airline's website you have more leverage when it comes to delays, booking changes, and cancellations. If you call the airline after having booked through an OTA, there's a chance you'll be directed back to the OTA when service can be subpar and confusing.
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Travel agents, including Fora Advisors, are paid in commissions. A commission is a percentage of the cost of a travel experience (such as a hotel stay). Some agents also charge planning fees for additional services (more on that below).
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Travel agents can be helpful in making and changing reservations, French says, but sometimes they can end up being an unnecessary middleman. “If you need to change your hotel reservation, often it's easier to just call the hotel yourself, rather than wait for the travel agent to do it,” she acknowledges.
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People still choose a travel agent to help them book their travel experience, whether it is for business or pleasure. A travel agent helps travelers navigate any issues that may arise. They can even help save travelers money because they know what kinds of discounts and packages are out there.
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But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.
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Whether you're booking a weekend getaway in a U.S. city or planning an around-the-world extravaganza that includes an African safari, Antarctica cruise and a stay in an igloo hotel, consider using a travel agent. An agent can help get you on the right trip, at the right time for the right price.
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With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.
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Expedia is an online travel agency that might come up in your search to find deals on all types of travel, including flights, hotels and rental cars.
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