One of the Most Common Misconceptions About Travel Agents.......

It seems that one of the most common misconceptions about travel agents is that it costs "extra" to use one. People seem to think they will save money by booking their vacation directly or by booking online. That simply is not the case, and, in fact, the opposite is often true.

The truth is that commissions are built into the price of virtually every travel product (with the exception of airline tickets, but that's another story).  It's the way the travel industry prices.  You pay this built-in commission even when you book directly (and they love it when you do!).  Booking directly is not a better deal for you; it's more profitable for them.

In addition,  many travelers do not realize that when they book online with a big travel company, they have chosen a  travel agent  - and it's a faceless computer that really couldn't care less.  By using one of the online travel agencies (OTA's), the traveler is basically paying for a level of service they are not receiving. 

Do the OTA's ask questions up front to make sure they understand the client's vision and to find the best fit for each and every customer? Do they shop around to make sure they find the best value and pricing?  Do they monitor industry specials and advise travelers of those that might apply to their trip? Do they develop relationships with resorts and suppliers to ensure their customers are treated well?  Do they act as a pre-trip concierge - suggesting additional activities or excursions that might be of interest and offer to pre-arrange them? Do they provide destination information and detailed trip itineraries?  Are they available to take customer calls during a trip to assist with a problem? Will they act as the customer's advocate before, during, and after travel?  Do they truly care about your travel experience, your satisfaction, and your business?

No, of course not, but travel agents do.

It's not at all unusual for an agent to find a better rate on a vacation package that a traveler has been quoted from an online source. (And if they can't find a better rate, they can often price-match and provide a higher level of service.)   Recently, two of my fellow agents cited incidents in which they were able to find a better deal for their clients saving them hundreds of dollars (and, in one case, obtaining a valuable "freebie" through our consortium).  Yes, she had to go looking for additional amenities that might be available to her client, but that's what travel agents do. 

So, go ahead - look around online to get some ideas of destinations, prices, etc. but when it comes time to book your trip, do yourself a favor and call a travel agent.

Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.