Unless people are willing to spend a lot of time reading and researching, we usually recommend they use a Disney World-focused agent to help plan trips.
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The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.
Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.
Travel Agents Can Save You TimeBooking 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.
It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them.
Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.
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.
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.
Don't tip your travel agent.“An adviser's job is to create memorable trips for you and they get compensated for their service, so they don't expect more money on top of that,” she said.
Prices vary according to time of year.The cheapest tickets will typically be in late January or early Fall, and the most expensive will be during the Christmas holidays. Other times of year will vary: expect higher prices near holidays and weekends and lower during slower periods.
Transfer of reservations (or voyage fares) which are not paid in full may be requested within 30 days of the initial booking. Any requested transfer subject to Disney's approval is Disney's sole discretion. Reservations which are paid in full are not eligible for a transfer request.
Prices vary according to time of year.The cheapest tickets will typically be in late January or early Fall, and the most expensive will be during the Christmas holidays. Other times of year will vary: expect higher prices near holidays and weekends and lower during slower periods.
As of 2023, there are over 400,000 people employed in the Travel Agencies industry in the US. The industry is forecast to grow by 7.1% throughout 2023, clearly demonstrating that demand for travel agents remains strong.
Disney pays up to a 10% commission to travel agents, depending on the package booked for the customer. Disney cruises yield a higher commission. If you're working independently, you'll receive the full commission amount — so if your client booked a $5,000 vacation pretax, you'd receive $500 in commission.
The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5%International: 10-22%
It is completely reasonable to ask Travel Agents to price match. That is part of their job to find you the best deal available. As long as you are upfront with them and ask from the start that should be fine.
Booking a flight through a travel agency can be more expensive because the agency needs to make money for their services. They may charge an additional fee or markup on top of the cost of the ticket, which is why it's often cheaper to book directly online.
Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.