10 Myths About
Travel Agents
1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are
the Same
Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different
area that they specialize in. So, depending on what type of trip you are
looking to take one travel agent will suit you better than another. That’s why
it is important when planning a trip to find a travel agent that specializes in
where you want to go.
2. Myth:
No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore
Fact: Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline
tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45
percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.*
3. Myth: Travel Agents are Trying to Cheat Me
if They Don’t Quote Me the Cheapest Price
Fact: Travel agents know the ins and outs of different
itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that
cheaper itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches. For example, longer waits at the airport and
odd travel times. A travel agent will be
looking to get you the best value for you money spent which should include the
most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. – Unless you have told
them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect
value to be a factor included in the trip they plan.
4. Myth:
It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent
Fact: The fee a
travel agent charges really depends upon the agent. While some of the more
luxury agencies have higher fees, the average fee is quite marginal. Some
travel agents will even drop the fee or offer a discount once you have
finalized your trip with them. Plus, you can always ask an agent upfront what
their fees are and decide for yourself if it’s worth it. Also, it is important
to remember that a lot of online booking sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia,
charge a booking fee as well.
5. Myth:
I Can Easily Book the Same Trip on My Own Without Using A Travel Agent.
Fact: Although
travel agents have access to all of the same outlets you would use when looking
to book travel, they also have access to exclusive pricing and package deals
that are most times not available to the public. Your travel agent also has
more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels claiming to be
booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are on hold for
travel agents reservations. So when everyone else is telling you “No” your
travel agent can help turn that to a “Yes.”
6. Myth: Travel Agents Don’t Have Information
as Updated as the Internet
Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from
the same sources as online booking sites such as Orbitz and Travelocity. They
also receive daily emails and faxes with new specials from resorts and hotels
that may not be published on the internet. Travel agents can also call a place
directly to see if they can work out other kinds of special deals for you,
something an online site can’t do.
7. Myth: Travel Agents Are a Waste of Time
Fact: Although you can find much of the same information
that the travel agent provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a
lot of valuable time doing so. A travel
agent can actually save you from hours of painful research and price comparison
shopping. They have up-to-date prices,
hotel conditions, and interesting new activities. Their prior knowledge and
experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning.
8. Myth: Travel Agents Have Lost Their Clout
Fact: Travel agents book hotels, cruises, and activities
every day. The companies that provide these services know that and want their
business and will work to keep that business coming back. So while a place
might be telling you “Sorry we are booked,” for your one time trip, they are
more likely to make an exception for the travel agent to insure that the agent
sends them more business in the future.
9. Myth:
Good Travel Agents are Hard to Find
Fact: While there
are some below par travel agents out there, sources such as Tripology are great
outlets to go to find reliable specialized travel agents that will match your
needs.
10. Myth:
Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel
Fact: Travel
agents can arrange car service, personalized tours and activities, in addition
to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also excellent sources
of information concerning good restaurants, good sites to see, and tips on what
to pack.
*Source: American
Society of Travel Agents
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