Navigating the world of travel planning can be a challenge even with the abundance of online resources available. One key decision to make is whether to engage a Travel Agent or handle the planning yourself. Travel Agents can be invaluable resources for anything from weekend getaways to major vacations. They can often get you deals and perks you do not have access to and, contrary to popular belief, they do not cost you a thing! But there are some travel reservations you really should handle yourself. See below to learn when to use, and not to use, a Travel Agent.
Note: We may earn a small commission from the affiliate links in this post.
Use a Travel Agent When:
Travel Agents often have access to special pricing and perks that you can’t find online! Here are a few specific times you definitely should use an agent.
You Are Unfamiliar With Your Destination
Travel Agents are extremely beneficial when you’re traveling to a destination you know little about. Their knowledge of various destinations, local customs, and hidden gems can greatly enhance your experience.
What if you are going somewhere the agent has never been? How could they possibly be an expert? I am fortunate to have traveled quite a bit, but I wouldn’t dare call myself an expert on any place because I spent 2 weeks there. Yes, it helps to have been there, but training is actually more important.
A good Travel Agent is continuously learning. This means they participate in non-stop training and are often able to specialize in specific places, regions, and companies. To earn these credentials, they take extensive training courses for each one and are tested on the subject matter.
I currently hold Destination Specialist Credentials for Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. I have also completed training on the US Virgin Islands, and Jamaica. As a Certified Ocean Cruising Specialist, I have completed trainings with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages. As a Certified River Cruising Specialist, I have completed training with Ama Waterways and Avalon Waterways. But I’m not finished, I continuously add to my credentials.
You Want a Travel Package, All-Inclusive Resort, or Cruise
Travel Agents often have access to exclusive packages, promotions, and discounts that may not be readily available to the general public. Utilizing a Travel Agent can help you secure the best deals and maximize your budget. As a Certified All-Inclusive Resorts Specialist, I have completed training on several destinations and properties and am ready to make your journey a reality.
My agency is part of a larger host agency and is a member of the Travel Leaders Network. As such, I often have access to special pricing and discounts. For instance, I was recently able to save several clients 15% on Viator tours and 10% off hotel reservations that they otherwise would not have been able to save.
But even better, I can often connect cruise clients with “group” space to either save them money or get them a special perk. It may only be a complimentary bottle of Champagne (or sparkling water) or a $25 onboard credit, but that is better than they will get booking direct. Sometimes the savings are quite significant and no matter what, the price will never be more than you could book online.
You Have A Group of People Traveling
Coordinating group trips can be complex, requiring careful management of reservations, accommodations, and activities for multiple people. Travel Agents have the experience and resources to organize smooth group travel, saving you time and ensuring everyone’s needs are met. Also, depending upon the group size, there are often perks or special pricing that a Travel Agent can access for you.
I have completed intensive training to become a Certified Group Travel Specialist through my host agency, as well as several cruise lines and touring companies. Plus, I have experience personally organizing and leading groups on trips!
Your Itinerary & Needs are Complex
Travel Agents are invaluable when your trip involves intricate itineraries, such as multiple destinations, complex transportation logistics, or numerous activities. Their expertise in coordinating such details ensures a seamless travel experience.
For travelers with specific needs or preferences, such as dietary restrictions, medical accommodations, or unique interests like scuba diving or luxury experiences, a Travel Agent can tailor the trip to meet those requirements.
You Are Just Plain Busy!
If you have a busy schedule and limited time to plan, a Travel Agent can alleviate the stress by efficiently organizing your trip, handling bookings, and suggesting suitable options based on your preferences.
Book Things Yourself When:
Some things truly are best done yourself. Here are a few.
Booking Flights
This is the one thing you should always do yourself and do it directly with the airline. Contrary to popular belief, Travel Agents are actually pushed to the back of the line when flights are cancelled. The airlines want to speak with you directly. But they will not speak to you directly if your flight was booked by an agent. I know, it’s crazy! But for this reason, it is best to book your flights yourself, directly with the airline.
Don’t mistake an online flight consolidator as booking direct. They are actually just online Travel Agents and are in the same boat I am in when flights need to be rebooked. Plus, their customer service is typically abysmal! When I say to book direct, I mean to book at United.com, AmericanAirlines.com, or Southest.com etc.
If I am booking your trip, I will happily look at flights and make a recommendation on which ones might best meet your needs if requested. But you should almost always book your flights yourself. Notice I said almost always! The one exception is when you book a flight as part of a cruise. In these cases, the cruise line will service your flight changes and they generally will provide free transfers, plus guarantee they will get you to your ship if your flight is delayed. But otherwise, I strongly recommend that you book it yourself and directly with the airline.
You Are Booking With Points
If you have been reading Deidra’s travel hacking posts, then you are well on your way to free flights, hotels, and cruises! If so, then these should be booked directly by you. That said, if you need any other hotels, day tours, etc., then give me a call!
Short Spur of the Moment Getaways
Don’t lose all spontaneity! If you are reading this on a Wednesday and decide you want to run away for the weekend, you may or may not need the services of a Travel Agent. If you do, then great. But if you know the place you are going, where you want to stay, and what you want to do, then you may not need a Travel Agent. Trips like these are typically a low investment and are easily booked online. So don’t feel like you are missing a great bargain or opportunity if you do it yourself in this case. If you want the assistance of an agent, then stop reading for a bit and call one right now! You aren’t giving them much time to work with!
You Are Going to Book It Yourself Anyway
How do I say this nicely? Don’t ask your Travel Agent to research and plan a trip so that you can take her work and book it yourself. Why? Because Travel Agents are only paid if they book their travel. If you book it yourself after they did all the work, then you just asked them to work for free. And no matter how much one loves their job, nobody can afford to work for free.
Travel Agent services do not cost you any money. A Travel Agent earns their revenue through commissions from the travel suppliers they work with. When you approach a Travel Agent to book your trip, they leverage their expertise and industry connections to find the best deals and packages for you. Once you decide on a booking and travel, the Travel Agent receives a commission from the supplier for bringing them the business.
This commission is built into the price you pay for the travel arrangements. That does not translate into higher prices. The price is the same or lower than online booking engines. It is just a matter of who the travel supplier pays the commission to. They either pay it to an online booking engine, or they pay it to the travel professional you have created a personal relationship with.
Let Me Be Your Travel Agent
I am ready to book your cruise, create your rail trip across Europe, send you on safari, or any number of amazing vacations. Please check out my website, send me your info to receive my weekly email, and/or send me information about the next trip you want to plan. I would love to be your partner in planning an unforgettable journey.
Contact me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
