Most people these days see travel agents as an anachronism, an unnecessary middleman in the process of planning a vacation or trip. Why, after all, would you pay someone a fee just to book your flights online for you? Of course anyone who has spent any time researching and booking flights online recently may just be tempted to pay a bit more to avoid it, as the sites, fees, restrictions, and widely variable prices can make for a less than pleasant experience. So of course they certainly would not mind paying less.
Travel agencies were at their height in the 1990s, with over 34,000 agencies in the US. Then the internet travel boom hit and devastated the industry with DIY trip planning for a much lower cost. The industry is now showing a bit of growth, although it is at only about half its peak levels. So why are people again turning to travel agents to plan their trips, and how do their prices compare to those to be found online?
Making travel plans online is an overwhelming hassle when compared to other online shopping experiences. There is no one site that can give you all of the fares, prices can swing wildly day to day, and even depending on which computer you are using, and you have to sort through endless conflicting user reviews. So until Amazon.com gets into the travel business, this will be the state of shopping for travel online. It is exactly these reasons that are turning people toward travel agents again. Why not have someone who books trips online all day plan your trip for you?
Travel agents can even often save you money, and at the very least some hassle. Agents are especially adept at savings on international travel plans. Beyond their expertise at booking online, many travel agents have actually stayed at the hotels they recommend and have relationships and connections in the locales the book for. They can often get you deals on local events, secure extra amenities, and bend the rules in your favor. Today’s travel agents are also tech savvy and can often offer round the clock communication in the case of flight delays or other issues. The best part is that you can still shop around without leaving your computer. Simply email the agent your travel needs and go about your day while you await a response. This sure beats spending hours searching online travel sites.
A travel agent’s knowledge can also be a benefit of going with an agency. Agents are knowledgeable of travel requirements such as visa applications, immunizations, and other issues such as travel insurance and places to avoid. Or course all of this information is probably available online, but not likely in a single place, and certainly not a phone call or email away.
So if you haven’t considered using a travel agent or are simply fed up with shopping online, give an agent a shot. Pick an agent who has been to the locale that you are travelling to and see what kind of price they can offer you. You might just be surprised at what you get.
Lydia B is a travel blogger who has a passion for visiting new places and meeting new people. She currently blogs about travel for http://londontravelhelp.com, a London travel blog.
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