Do You Use Travel Agents?

[SanFranciscan]

In an age of online booking and other do-it-yourself travel planning, travel agencies are going out of business left and right. Do you go through travel agents for your vacations or business travel? Their defense is that they provide more for their clients than their clients can get on their own. Those who advise against booking through a travel agent say that because the travel agent works on commission they have too much incentive to make the bill as large as possible. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[mrsklamc]

I only have used them for our cruise because they could get onboard credits I couldn't have gotten booking myself.

 

[firemanswife197]

I used a travel agent for our trip. She's AMAZING and I just <3 her to death! She's been able to answer any question, give me hints and tips, and also, honestly, she got me way better pricing than I was able to do on my own. (And believe me I tried!)

 

[DisneyCaliCouple]

We used a Travel agent when we did our "big trip" of going to Disney World from California. We didn't want to stress out about flights, rooms or prices, and did not want to use online to book a high costing trip. It worked out great because we went through AAA and they work with Disney Destinations, so it was pretty much the same as booking ourselves through Disney Destinations, but without the stress.
From what I understand, AAA travel agents do not work on commission, whether this is true I'm not sure.
We personally had a great experiece booking with AAA and the agent we worked with was very helpful. We would definatly use them again for a big trip.

However for short trips, such as going to Vegas or anywhere within California, we find everything ourselves online.

 

[daisy2jae]

I have booked both ways. The trip we're taking in September I went through AAA. She was able to get me the same package I could get through Disney for $360 less. That's a large amount of money to waste for our budget so I went with AAA.

 

[bettymae1121]

I'm a travel agent, and encourage everyone to use them!

Seriously, I do corporate travel, which is a different world than leisure. That said, for most leisure agents, while they or their agency do earn commision on the products they sell, at the end of the day they KNOW most of their clients are looking online and if they don't quote the best deal, they won't get any business at all. Most agents I know would rather get some commision on a lower package price than zero commision on a higher package price. Not all agents/agencies are equal, just like with any other business you have good ones and bad ones. But once you find a good one, their worth their weight in gold!

 

[JCMHutch]

For me it depends on the trip - when doing Disney, I find the better deals because I tend to be a little obsessive about WDW trips (and plan them out in advance and change reservations based on packages, use rewards points, gift cards, etc.)

When we do a cruise, we always use our local Liberty Travel office. They have always gotten us great prices on cruises and airfare from either Boston or Manchester. I'd always had good luck with Garber Travel too. I know a lot of people use AAA and swear by them.

 

[Sinderelly]

We booked our November 2010 cruise with Dreams Unlimited. Vaery happy with them and will be transferring our 2011 ressie to them.

 

[nashville_minnie]

I have never used a TA - just can't be bothered. I have always seen it as a hassle to have to deal with a third party.

 

[SueEllen]

A good travel agent can be worth their weight in gold to you in trip planning and assistance. It doesn't cost any extra to use one, so why not get expert help for your vacation?
To each their own, but going with someone who specializes in the area you wish to travel can be a huge help. They can help you get the vacation that is appropriate for your family, and help you to make good choices. Establishing a good relationship with your travel agent/travel planner is a good thing and helps to ensure that you have a flawless and hassle free vacation.

Sue Ellen

*disclaimer--I am a travel agent*

 

[heatherleigh]

Never. I think it's going to become a thing of the past along w/ traveler's checks.

 

[diamondpixienc]

Yes, through AAA.

 

[lauramae76]

I use AAA & depends on the trip. For trips to disney I do. Also, they are booking a room for me for Las Vegas. We pay our fees each years so why not. Also, I just don't want to deal with it.

 

[AmongMadPeople]

I like how the other travel agents put it

I think people's pre-conceptions of what it is like to use a travel agent don't mirror the truth. When people give us a try, they are often pleasantly surprised!

And let's think critically about what it takes to be a small business owner...why would I price myself out of business by not working to find my customers great discounts?

In my experience, if you find a TA who isn't worth their weight in gold, it's because they don't know what it takes to own and run a business.

Finally, before I get off my soapbox, travel agents don't just offer travel services, they offer customer service, and that will never go out of style.

 

[krcit]

I like how the other travel agents put it

I think people's pre-conceptions of what it is like to use a travel agent don't mirror the truth. When people give us a try, they are often pleasantly surprised!

And let's think critically about what it takes to be a small business owner...why would I price myself out of business by not working to find my customers great discounts?

In my experience, if you find a TA who isn't worth their weight in gold, it's because they don't know what it takes to own and run a business.

Finally, before I get off my soapbox, travel agents don't just offer travel services, they offer customer service, and that will never go out of style.

one of my best friends has her own travel business and she is so knowledgeable. She is busier than ever.

 

[pearlieq]

I only have used them for our cruise because they could get onboard credits I couldn't have gotten booking myself.

Me too. I had one good experience and two less than impressive experiences.

I would never use one for a domestic US or "easy" overseas trip (heavily traveled cities like London, Paris, etc.) I have the time and inclination to research and book for myself.

I don't like the idea of ceding control of my reservations to a third party or having to wait to get in touch with someone when I have a question.

I certainly don't want to be on the hook for cancellation fees. I got charged $50 (undisclosed before I made reservations, by the way) for cancelling a cruise reservation with a TA. She had literally made two phone calls on my behalf. Not bad pay for less than a 1/2 hour of work.

I've yet to have anyone give me a compelling reason to use one, except for cruise credit and really off-the-wall destinations.

 

[txwdwmom]

I always use a travel agent - she has consistenly saved me money.

 

[Evi]

I've always been able to get a better deal then what I've been quoted through a travel agent and after a nightmare with our travel agent in paris I have to say never again I'd rather do it myself there is enough information outthere and I have the time.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I've only used one once and found out I spent 30% more that I needed to in order to secure a room.

Now that I am more travel-savy, I don't have the need for a travel agent, I'm sorry to say. I would love to have one, though, for their knowledge alone just for the suggestions of where to go to next.

 

[Carl Fredricksen]

I have never used a TA - just can't be bothered. I have always seen it as a hassle to have to deal with a third party.

Never used one. I tried a couple when I started planning our WDW trip this year, but they came back with the same price I had already gotten on my own, so I just dealt direct with the vendors. Then after the fact, I was able to save even more by keeping myself up to date, so I don't have much use for them either. Maybe I'm just a control freak...