Travel Agent Myths: Why Using One is a Good Idea

 

 Travel Agent Myths: Why Using One is a Good Idea

 

Most travelers these days have preconceived notions of travel agents and think they can book travel better themselves, or worse – that we’re no longer needed at all. Here are some myths about travel agents, and why you need us more than ever. 

 

Myth #1: Travel Agents charge more to book trips. This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Most travelers don't understand how travel agents get paid, so they tend to avoid using their services. If a travel agent books a cruise for you, the agent is paid a commission; it is a percentage of the price of the cruise you are already paying but by the cruise line. You pay exactly the same for the cruise (and maybe more) if you book on your own. It works the same way with hotel rooms. You are using a travel agent for their expertise in your travel planning. Agents have the knowledge of where to stay, when to go, and how to get there. The only time an agent may charge their clients a fee would be if the agent has to spend many hours conducting specialized research and/or creating an itinerary for you. In these cases, you’re paying the travel agent to save you time, which can be a pretty valuable service in and of itself. 

 

Myth #2: Travel Agents make money whether you book with us or not. Travel Agents are usually independent small businesses and the vast majority of travel agents work on commission only. That means agents get paid only when you book travel with us AND go on the trip. For example, if you book a cruise for November 2019, the agent doesn’t get paid until you, the client, travels. Also, if an agent spends ten hours working with you to create a “perfect vacation itinerary” and you decide to go book it on your own, the agent makes no money for those ten hours of work. Travel agents want to make your vacation stress free and seamless, which allows you the traveler, to create a lifetime of memories. 

 

Myth #3: Travel Agents don’t book single nights or short trips. Actually, they do and it is a great way for a travel agent to get to know you as a traveler. An agent can book hotel rooms relatively quickly and as the traveler/travel agent relationship grows, it will allow the booking process to go even quicker. If you need a single night hotel room for work or short weekend getaways as a couple or with friends, you can come to your agent because (a) you know you’ll get the best rate available, and (b) you are helping the agent build a business by allowing them to earn a commission on the booking. Looking for a 7-night cruise on a budget? Travel agents can help you with that, too! No trip is too small or big.  

 

Myth #4: You’re ready to book, it’s late and you feel like you're bothering your Travel Agent. Gone are the days of travel agents sitting behind desks in an office. In today’s world of cell phones, laptops, and tablets a lot of travel agents work away from an office, which means an agent is never out of touch. Travel agents have made bookings at midnight in their living rooms and at all hours from their hotel rooms while on vacation. Some people won’t call or email their travel agent because they have found a hot deal and think if they don’t book it on the spot, they’ll lose it. First, not only can an agent get the deal, but we can tell you if the deal you are seeing is legitimate and/or if there are hidden costs. An agent can and will take your call or email regardless of the day or time to get your trip booked. The agent understands, that you may have to book something yourself, but at least try to reach out to an agent before you book that trip. 

 

Myth #5: You are an internet discount travel master. We get it. The internet has plenty of discounted booking sites. The booking sites the agents use have the same rates being offered by discount sites. The difference is that the agent has an intimate knowledge of all the hidden costs, like taxes, additional fees, required deposits, pre-payment requirements, cancellation policies, etc. If a cancellation happens, those sites are not going to rebook you, if a new discount comes out, they surely aren’t going to call you and help you get the better deal. Travel agents are the first ones notified (numerous times per day) of upcoming fare sales and discounts. So, if you were using an agent and they knew you were interested in a specific trip, an agent can notify you about the sale before it starts. So by using an agent, you can book that trip as soon as the window opens to get the best deal available. There are some instances (usually when booking air travel) where you can find a lower price. Just remember – you get what you pay for. 

 

Myth #6: It doesn’t sting when friends/family book without our help. It’s no secret to most of their friends and family when they know a travel agent. With social media these days, a travel agent will see a fair amount of them posting photos from a cruise or vacation or hotel stay that they booked on their own instead of reaching out to an agent they know. Not going to lie; that stings. A Travel Agent knows you likely could have benefited from an agent’s experience and expertise. That agent will begin to think did they pay too much, or what support they will have if/when something goes wrong especially during the winter or storm seasons? Did they consider purchasing trip insurance? It also stings due to the opportunity of helping support that Travel Agent as a friend or family member’s small business at no additional cost. In the end, it is about peace of mind. A Travel Agent is someone who is there to look out for you and your money when you travel. Now that you understand what I do, how I do it, and what I can do for you as a travel agent, contact me at www.VacationsByChris.com to book your next adventure!